The Value of Custom Wedding Invitations

So, there are definitely questions that brides don't ask, but I'm almost 100% sure they are thinking. This is one of them:

Why are custom wedding invitations so expensive??

Instead of directly asking this question, they indirectly inquire about it in a couple of different ways.

"I had no clue what to expect when pricing invitations and man, was I surprised..." (I'm paraphrasing. No one calls me "man.")

or

"I didn't realize how much I would have to budget for invitations..."

I get it. I really do. Invitations are made of paper and it just doesn't seem like they should be over $1.00/invite, right?

As much as I could try to convince you that you should care more about your invitations, because this is the first impression your guests will have of your wedding, I'm not going to. Instead, I just want to explain in the best way I know how why custom wedding invitations cost what they do.

First, let's take a look at some basic, run-of-the-mill-cards that you can find at your local Hallmark store.

Just lovely, huh?

Now, how much will you pay for these? They might be 99 cents (you know I frequently hit up the 99 cent card rack), but probably not. I'd say you'll pay about $3.00-$5.00 per card, based on my experience at Hallmark (which is extensive, let me tell you).

And none of us think twice about buying one of these cards, right? Someone's having a birthday, a wedding, a graduation. They need a card. You buy one.

But they're at least $3.00 (I can't remember the last time I saw one for less). 

And they're mass produced.

And they're not personalized. 

Now let's take a look back at Tonia's invitation that were blogged about earlier this week. 

This is a standard pocket fold wedding invitation. I'd say that 90% of my brides come to me wanting these. They are beautiful, and they hold everything right there in the pocket so nicely. 

Now, pocket folds are not the only invitations I do. As you can see here, here, here, or here, I do plenty of other invitations. But for the sake of this example, let's check out all of the different parts that go into making a pocket fold invitation. 

1. Supplies

1 pocket envelope (this is the pocket that everything folds into)

invitation

invitation backing

2 inserts (cards that have direction/accommodations/reception info on them)

RSVP card

RSVP backing

RSVP envelope

Outer envelope

*This is just an example - some brides only have one insert, or don't back their RSVP cards, etc. You can do whatever your little heart desires.

2. Design

Your invitation is custom designed especially for you. It is unique to your taste. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. I design it with your tastes in mind.

3. Printing

This includes printing of the invitation, the inserts, the RSVP card, and the envelopes.

4. Assembly

This includes mounting all of the pieces together. Picture me doing this while watching The Bachelor or an old episode of Friends. It's pretty much how it goes down.

5. Stuffing

This includes putting the inserts into the pocket. The only thing left out is the RSVP envelope, which is later stamped and stuffed behind the RSVP by the bride.

Let me get to the point. 

When you come to Vivian Elle Invitations for your wedding invitations, you're most likely going to pay somewhere between $4.50-$12.00/invitation suite. This depends on the kinds of papers you pick out and how simple/elaborate your invitation is. 

But here's the thing. 

1. Custom wedding invitations are unique. They are a reflection of your personality. They give your guests a first look at what's to come at your wedding. They are not mass produced and they don't have a standard greeting like the cards you would find at Hallmark. 

2. There is value in your experience with Vivian Elle Invitations. I do everything for you. During an extremely busy time in your life, you get to have at least one burden lifted off of you completely. 

But I'm going to let my brides speak for me. Here are some quotes from emails they've sent to me. 

I am so thankful to have found you to work with. Honestly since 2012 hit I have been stressed and frazzled about every part of the wedding except your part. You have done such a great job of making me feel at ease and comfortable. I feel better knowing you are handling such a large portion of the day. I can't say thank you enough. 

-Carrie

I am so impressed!!!! You make being a bride so much fun :) 

-Jaime

Jennifer, thank you so much for all of your hard work and dedication. You did a fantastic job personalizing our invitations to make them unique and special. We received so many compliments on them as our guests got them in the mail and we couldn’t be more pleased! These have definitely added a wonderful touch to our special day and it was a great pleasure working with you. I have already recommended you to my friends!! Thanks again! 

-Kristie

Thanks so much, Jennifer. You've truly been a blessing to work with!
-Jessica

I just want you to know how much I enjoyed working with you! You were so much fun to work with and I enjoyed every moment. From designing the invitations, to the seating chart, I  couldn't ask for anyone better to work with. You knew what you doing and I felt so comfortable knowing that I had you to help me with one of the most important aspects of the wedding. It would have been much more difficult without you! Everything turned out beautiful and I haven't stop getting compliments on everything you made.

-Abby

I can't thank you enough for everything you've done so far and how easy you've been to work with.
-Rachel

I know I’m biased, but your invitations are the best I’ve ever seen.

-Jennifer’s mom

(For more testimonials - none written by people related to Jennifer - check out Vivian Elle's page on The Knot.)