20 Ways to Make Your Wedding Invitations Look Expensive

The first thing your guests will notice about your wedding is the wedding invitation. Without a doubt, it conveys the style statement of the special day. Therefore, it is important that your wedding invitation stands out and exudes a premium feel, creating an everlasting impression on your guests. Surprisingly, there are many inexpensive ways to make your wedding invitations look expensive. With careful planning, you can surely add a “wow” factor to your wedding invitation suite without burning a hole in your pocket. As a graphic designer with expert knowledge of wedding invitation designs and the printing process, I have provided my advanced insights to achieve exclusivity in your DIY wedding invitations in 20 unique ways.

This editorial contains suggestions and recommendations based on real-world experiences, extensive research, and the writer’s deep insights that are independent and unbiased. Since we are reader-supported, our articles could feature partner links. Should you make a purchase via a link, it may result in a referral benefit for us.

1. Use a distinct paper type instead of the ordinary

This is the most common way to add a premium touch to any wedding invitation. Without a doubt, paper is the main element of a wedding invitation. It not only provides aesthetic value but also the physical feel of holding it. It is worth noting that not all distinct paper types are expensive. There are a variety of paper types used for wedding invitations. Common paper types, along with their average price, are as below:

• Linen paper ($2–$5 per card)
• Embossed paper ($2–$6 per card)
• Handmade paper ($4–$8 per card)
• Cotton paper ($2–$6 per card)
• Vellum paper ($1.50–$4 per card)
• Pearlescent paper ($2.5–$5 per card)
• Deckle-edge paper ($3–$7 per card)

It is worth noting that the above prices are rough estimates, and prices can fall outside the range, as the cost of printing depends on various factors, including the paper quality, geographic location, quantity, and specific vendor.

The aforementioned paper types can complement any wedding theme. However, handmade, cotton, and deckled edge papers are particularly ideal for a vintage or rustic-themed wedding. Nevertheless, the choice of paper depends on your personal preferences and wedding budget.

Let’s see this with a live comparison between the two paper qualities:

Source: Songird and Sage

As can be seen from the above comparison, the wedding invitation on the right exhibits a greater depth and premium feel due to an embossed woven pattern with a light cream color. Furthermore, there is only a difference of $0.50 per card in the printing cost between these two papers. With a slight price increase, you can surely add a premium flair to your invitations. While the choice of paper depends solely on personal preference, deviating from the standard can certainly add a unique and distinctive touch.

Deckle-Edge Paper

Deckle-edge paper, though slightly more expensive, offers another way to infuse a luxurious feel into your wedding invitations. In fact, these invitations best complement rustic, outdoor, and vintage wedding themes. Furthermore, deckle-edge wedding invitations adorned with rich calligraphy exude an elegant vibe that makes any wedding invitation stand out. Indeed, these invitations are timeless and a favored choice for luxury weddings.

Photo by Wednificence.com

How to print deckle-edge paper?

You can print deckle-edge paper either at home or using a professional printing service. In fact, many online professional printing shops specialize in deckle-edge printing.

Furthermore, extra care must be taken if you plan to print on deckle-edge paper at home, as the rough edges can cause paper jams. I came across a very informative article on how to print deckle edge paper at home on the Indian Cotton Paper Co’s website titled Advice for printing on handmade deckle edge paper.

Where to get the deckle-edge paper?

You can buy this paper type from marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy. Generally, the price is typically around $0.30 per sheet, which slightly varies depending on the paper quality.

2. Go for DIY illustration design templates

The hand-sketched illustrations add an exclusive flair to wedding invitations. These illustrations can encompass various themes, such as floral designs, Victorian motifs, and depictions of any venue. These invites can be made cost-effective through a printable template and a budget-friendly printing service. You can find these unique designs specifically on some Etsy shops, typically priced in the range of $20–$30, which you can print either at home or using a professional print shop. Furthermore, you can also discover these designs on marketplaces like Zazzle. The best part about these designs is that they can be fully customized for colors to match your wedding theme or personal preference.

3. Consider DIY monogram design templates

Monogram wedding invitations featuring the bride’s and groom’s initials always offer a personalized touch, elevating an invitation’s appeal. Further, these invitations can be made budget-friendly by opting for a DIY option on websites like Zazzle and Etsy. Monogram designs span a spectrum ranging from minimalistic to intricate styles and from hand-sketched illustrations to digitally created graphics. Therefore, you have the option to choose from a diverse range of monogram designs to match your personal preference.

4. Consider thick border designs

Thick borders enhance the overall appearance of any wedding invitation. They provide a neat appearance with text placed in the center and surrounded by elegant graphics. There is a diverse range of thick-bordered invitations available online, including simple plain borders, intricately designed borders, patterned borders, and floral borders. Therefore, these invitations are suitable for various wedding themes, ranging from minimalist style to floral illustrations.

5. Consider rounded edges

Rounded edges create a perception of premium quality. If your wedding invitation features a simple and minimalistic design, you can opt for round edges to elevate the overall aesthetics and add a distinct value to your wedding invitation suite. Rounded edges work best for enhanced elegance, visual appeal, and a modern feel. Print shops, such as Zazzle and Prints of Love, offer the option for rounded edge printing. Let’s see this with a live comparison:

Source: Guava

As you can see in the comparison above, the invitation with rounded edges on the right possesses an enhanced visual appeal. Additionally, rounded edges offer a comforting feel when holding the invite.

6. Use an inexpensive vellum overlay

If you want a more casual style while still preserving the elegance of your wedding invitations, consider incorporating vellum overlays to give your invitations an expensive look. Without a doubt, vellum overlays offer a cost-effective and unique way to enhance your invitations, thus giving them an expensive appearance. For the background, you can use graphics, illustrations, or your own photo. While a photo background is best for adding an informal touch to any invitation, illustrations are better suited for a formal invitation. Some online template shops on marketplaces like Etsy offer printable designs for vellum overlays, along with a variety of background images. Furthermore, you can also add your own graphics for the background. Generally, you can get these templates for around $15–$20.

Source: CeciliaSebastianCo

7. Enhance the interiors with envelope liners

Envelope liners are a great way to add elegance to your wedding invitations. Don’t assume that nobody notices a wedding envelope’s interior. An envelope liner creates a premium impression when your guests open a wedding envelope to take a look inside. Many online template shops on Etsy Marketplace offer printable envelope liners that can be printed at home or at a professional print shop. Also, you can choose from a diverse array of envelope liner designs, such as watercolor florals, vintage art, monograms, and watercolor landscapes. Further, if you are planning a destination wedding, these envelope liners can be especially useful in enhancing your destination theme through elegant illustrations or vibrant watercolor paintings related to your chosen wedding destination.

Envelope liners not only provide aesthetic value but also convey the theme of your wedding. If you don’t have time or resources to buy and print envelope liners, you can always buy wedding envelopes with pre-fixed liners that best match your wedding theme and personal preferences. These envelopes are readily available on Amazon and Etsy. However, the design choices for pre-fixed liner envelopes might be somewhat limited. Below are some of the best printable envelope liners available on Etsy. These liners are typically priced in the range of $10–$18. Furthermore, you can have them printed at home or at a professional print shop.

Source: SilverSixPress

8. Use a wax seal for envelopes

Wax seals are a great way to provide an impressive luxury appearance for your wedding envelopes, making a wedding invitation suite look premium and classy from the outside. You can use a specific color for the wax seal to match your wedding theme color. If you don’t have a specific color theme, like in the case of a rustic-themed wedding, you can always use gold wax, which is a standard wax seal color.

You have the option to buy custom-made wax seals or use a wax seal sample kit. Custom wax seals are available on marketplaces like Etsy, with the typical price in the range of $1–$2 per seal. Wax kits are also readily available on marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon, typically priced in the range of $10–$60 depending on the type of kit. On Etsy, the stamp is customized with a logo of your choice from a variety of options presented by the seller. Additionally, some sellers also give you the option to send your own logo for customization.

Source: MrWoodAcry.

9. Use personalized colored envelopes

It’s common human psychology to think that anything personalized is expensive. The envelope is an important part of your wedding invitation suite because it is the first thing your guests will notice. Basic personalized colored envelopes are budget-friendly, and you can pick the color that matches your wedding theme. Other premium envelope types include embossed envelopes, velvet envelopes, and handmade envelopes. Handmade envelopes are especially suitable for a rustic wedding. In general, basic wedding envelopes cost around $0.20–$1.00 per envelope, though prices can vary and go much higher based on the quality of the envelope. While there are various envelope sizes used for a wedding invitation suite, the two most common sizes are as below:

• A7 Euro Flap
• A7 Square Flap

10. Use a logo embosser or stamp for envelopes

If you prefer to keep your invitations minimal, you can still embellish envelopes with an embosser. It creates a raised impression of your wedding logo on the outer flap of the wedding envelope. Alternatively, you can also use a stamp for your wedding envelopes, which are available in various color options on Etsy and Amazon marketplaces. While embossers typically cost around $30–$50, stamps are generally priced in the range of $10–$30. Also, you can choose your wedding logo from a variety of options offered by the seller or send your own design for customization. Additionally, embossers and stamps are time-efficient because you need to imprint the envelope once, and you are all set.

Source: DelightfulStamps

11. Use invitation ribbons

Invitation ribbons are another way to elevate the elegance of your wedding invitations. You can tie them around your wedding invitations for a graceful appearance. In addition, invitation ribbons can also enhance your wedding theme through a specific color; for instance, using a dusty blue ribbon for a dusty blue-themed wedding. Wedding ribbons are available in different widths, typically 1/2 inch, 1 inch, 1.5 inch, and 2 inch. The choice of a specific ribbon width depends on the invitation style. While wider ribbons are typically suited for a luxury style, narrower ribbons are more suitable for a minimal, rustic, or vintage theme. Though ribbon prices can significantly vary depending on the quality and the width, they typically cost in the range of $4–$10 for a 5-yard ribbon. You can easily buy them on online marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy at a comparatively lower price.

Photo by Wednificence.com

12. Go for vellum wraps

You can also use vellum wraps in place of envelopes to enhance your wedding invitations for a more refined appearance. These vellum jackets are readily available on Etsy and Amazon marketplaces, typically priced in the range of $0.20–$1.00 per sheet, and these are generally sold in packs of 50, 100, 120, and so on. Alternatively, you can also buy vellum paper and get it printed with elegant illustrations and floral designs, depending on your wedding invitation style and personal preferences. There are some Etsy shops that offer printable vellum designs featuring elegant floral watercolor art and hand-sketched illustrations that you can print on vellum paper at home or at a professional print shop. Additionally, you can either use a wax seal or a ribbon to close the vellum wrap.

Source: SilverSixPress

13. Adorn with dried flowers

The dried flowers can be used to further enhance your wedding invitations. They provide an elegant appearance and add a classy vibe to any wedding invitation. You can secure them to an envelope or a wedding invitation using a thread, affix them with a wax seal on a vellum jacket, or place them inside the wedding envelope. You can buy these on Etsy or at any local shop of your choice. While the price can vary depending on the type and quality of the flowers, they are generally priced around $7–$12 for 18–20 pieces.

Photo by Wednificence.com

14. Adorn with a wooden heart

You can also decorate your wedding invitation suite with a wooden wedding heart readily available at a budget-friendly price on marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy. These can be as affordable as 100 pieces for $11. You can buy threads and secure a wooden heart to the wedding invitation card or details card using a thread. For a personalized touch, you can write the names or initials of the bride and groom and include any special wording on the wooden heart.

Photo by Wednificence.com

15. Use belly bands

Another way to make your wedding invitations look expensive is by using belly bands. Belly bands provide a stylish finishing touch to your wedding invitation suite. An elegant belly band with rich fonts can elevate the overall appearance of a wedding envelope. Belly bands are available in both paper and vellum options; you can easily find them on Etsy Marketplace or online DIY wedding stationery shops like Cards and Pockets, typically priced in the range of $0.42–$2 per band.

Photo by Wednificence.com

16. Pick rich calligraphy, signature, or modern serif fonts

Calligraphy fonts, signature fonts, and modern serif fonts can significantly enhance the overall appearance of your wedding invitations, giving them an expensive and elegant appearance. Fonts are the main element of any wedding invitation, and premium fonts can definitely elevate the overall appearance. If you are opting for printable templates, choose the ones with these fonts. Alternatively, if you are designing your own wedding invitation cards, you can buy these fonts on marketplaces like Creative Market, Creative Fabrica, and Etsy.

Photo by Wednificence.com

17. Go for DIY laser-cut invitations (if you have a Cricut machine)

Many people have a Cricut machine at home that they use for personal or business projects. If you or anyone in your friends or family has one, you can use it to create laser-cut invitations. There are some Etsy shops that offer ready-to-print SVGs specifically for laser-cut wedding invitations. You can use them to create your DIY laser-cut wedding envelopes, such as gatefold invitations, tri-fold invitations, or four-fold invitations. If you don’t know how to make these with Cricut, you can always find video tutorials about creating them on YouTube.

Source: FunPaperWood

18. Go for acrylic wedding invitations

Acrylic wedding invitations offer a unique, transparent appearance and a wide variety of designs in terms of typography, colors, graphics, and shapes. These wedding invitations can complement almost any wedding theme with an appropriate jacket choice. Gold-foil typography on an acrylic background further enhances the luxurious appeal of a wedding invitation. Generally, these wedding invitations are cost-effective for large-volume orders. Prices may significantly vary based on whether you order just the invitation or an entire wedding invitation suite.

Source: invitationBaylino

A few higher-end options

18. Foil printing

Foil print adds a royal and luxurious touch to any wedding invitation. There are various options when it comes to foil printing:

• Gold foil
• Silver foil
• Rose gold foil
• Copper foil
• Blue foil

Beautiful foiled patterns and illustrations, along with rich typography, are the standard for luxurious weddings. It is definitely worth the price because it makes your wedding invitations look premium. The average cost of foil printing ranges from $3–$5 per card.

20. Letterpress printing

Letterpress printing involves the wedding invitation’s wording marked either as an impression into the paper (debossed text) or as a raised surface (embossed text). This type of printing offers a unique aesthetic appeal. There are many professional print shops that offer this service. As a rough estimate, letterpress printing can cost in the range of $200–$300 for a small quantity. It can be a bit expensive; however, it is worth the price.

You might want to read my other article on How to DIY Your Wedding Invitations – 3 Best Ways.

Written by Kash C. The writer is a graphic designer with expert knowledge of wedding stationery and printing process.