DIY Wedding Invitations: Step-by-Step Guide to Save $500+ (2026)

May 23, 2026

How Much You Can Save with DIY Invitations

Professional wedding invitations cost $3-$15 per set. For 100 guests, that's $300-$1,500. DIY invitations can bring that down to $50-$200 total — including printing, envelopes, and postage. Here's exactly how.

What You Need to Get Started

Design tool: Canva (free), Adobe Express, or Microsoft Word with invitation templates
Paper: 110lb cardstock, matte or linen finish ($15-25 for 100 sheets)
Printer: A good inkjet or use a local print shop like FedEx/Office Depot
Envelopes: A7 size (5x7), matching or kraft ($12 for 100)
Cutting tools: Paper trimmer ($15) or use the print shop's cutter

Step-by-Step Design Process

Step 1: Choose your layout. Decide on a single-sided (5x7) or folded (A2) format. Single-sided is simpler and cheaper. Folded looks more formal but requires more paper and assembly time.

Step 2: Write the wording. Keep it clean and simple: "Together with their families, [Name] and [Name] invite you to celebrate their marriage on [Date] at [Time] at [Venue]."

Step 3: Design in Canva. Search "wedding invitation," pick a free template, customize fonts and colors. Stick to 2 fonts max — one serif for names, one sans-serif for details.

Step 4: Print a test copy. Always print one on regular paper first. Check alignment, spacing, and that nothing gets cut off at the edges.

Step 5: Print on cardstock. If using your home printer, feed one sheet at a time. If using a print shop, ask for "digital printing on 110lb cardstock, matte finish."

Step 6: Cut and assemble. Use a paper trimmer for clean edges. Insert into envelopes with the text facing the envelope flap.

Pro Tips to Make DIY Look Professional

Use wax seals or a custom sticker to close envelopes (adds $0.10 per invite)
Add a belly band ($0.05 each) instead of folding — looks polished and holds insert cards
Hand-address envelopes with a calligraphy pen for the personal touch
Include a wedding website URL instead of printing details on a separate card

Mailing: What to Expect

First-class stamps for standard 5x7 invitations (under 1 oz) are $0.68 each in 2026. Heavier invitations with multiple inserts may need additional postage. Take one complete assembled invitation to your post office and ask them to weigh it before buying all stamps.