Planning a wedding involves countless decisions, from selecting the perfect venue to choosing your dream attire. However, one often overlooked but essential part of the wedding planning process is wedding stationery. Your invitations, save-the-dates, RSVP cards, and on-the-day stationery are the first impressions your guests receive — and they set the tone for your celebration.
At ShadiCards.com, we’re proud to help thousands of couples each year design elegant, high-quality wedding stationery tailored to their cultural and personal styles. But one of the most common questions we receive is: "How much should I budget for wedding stationery in the UK?"
In this guide, we’ll break down the average cost of wedding stationery in the UK for 2025, along with cost-saving tips and the factors that influence pricing — whether you're planning a Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, or multicultural wedding.
📊 What Is the Average Cost of Wedding Stationery in the UK (2025)?
According to leading UK wedding planning platforms, such as Hitched.co.uk and Bridebook.com, couples in 2025 typically spend between £300 and £2,000 on their complete wedding stationery suite.
The cost varies greatly depending on the style, complexity, quantity, and level of customization. Some couples spend less than £300 by opting for minimalist digital templates or smaller guest lists, while others invest upwards of £2,500 for bespoke designs, premium materials, and multiple printed items.
💼 What’s Included in Wedding Stationery?
Wedding stationery goes far beyond the main invitation card. A typical suite can include:
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Save the Date Cards
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Main Invitations
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RSVP Cards
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Information Inserts (e.g. maps, itineraries, QR codes for digital RSVPs)
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Envelope liners & seals
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Order of Service Booklets
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Menus
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Table Plans
- Welcome Boards
- Favour Boxes
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Place Cards
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Thank You Cards
📌 Average Costs of Wedding Stationery Items
Here’s a breakdown of average per-unit costs for popular wedding stationery components:
| Stationery Item | Average Cost (Per Unit) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Save-the-Date Cards | £1.50 – £3.00 | Sent 6–12 months before |
| Wedding Invitations | £1.50 – £7.00 | Main invite + inserts |
| RSVP Cards | £1.00 – £2.50 | Mailed or with QR code |
| Order of Service Booklets | £1.50 – £3.00 | For religious ceremonies |
| Menus | £1.50 – £3.50 | One per guest or per table |
| Thank-You Cards | £1.00 – £3.00 | Sent post-wedding |
💡 Pro Tip: Ordering bundled packages or wedding invitation suites can help reduce the overall cost per item.
🧾 Factors That Affect Wedding Stationery Costs
Not all wedding stationery is created equal. Here are the top factors that influence how much you’ll spend:
1. Printing Method
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Digital printing is the most affordable and common.
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Foil stamping, letterpress, and embossing add a luxurious touch — but cost more.
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Laser cutting, acrylic printing, and vellum overlays are trending in 2025 and ideal for premium stationery.
2. Design Type
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Off-the-shelf designs (template-based) are the most budget-friendly.
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Semi-custom designs allow couples to personalize colors and fonts.
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Bespoke invitations are fully custom and can range from £10 to £20+ per invite.
3. Materials Used
Premium papers like cotton rag, recycled handmade paper, vellum, or metallic finishes cost more than standard cardstocks.
4. Guest List Size
More guests = more invitations and on-the-day items. Bulk orders often reduce the cost per unit, but total cost increases with scale.
5. Extras and Embellishments
Elements like:
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Wax seals
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Ribbons
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Envelope liners
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Custom illustrations …can elevate your invitations — but add to the cost.
💳 Budget Tiers: What Can You Get for Your Budget?
🔹 Under £300
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Digital invites or DIY templates
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Basic paper options
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Small guest list (~50-75 people)
🔹 £500 – £1,000
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Professionally printed invitations with RSVP & detail cards
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Save-the-dates and thank-you cards
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Light customization and semi-custom templates
🔹 £1,000 – £2,500
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Bespoke stationery suite
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Premium paper & printing
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Matching day-of stationery (menus, signage, table plans)
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Custom artwork or venue illustrations
🔹 £2,500+
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Luxury boxed invitations
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Embossed, foil-pressed or laser-cut elements
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Acrylic or velvet finish
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Fully coordinated stationery across the wedding journey
🔍 Trends That Impact Cost in 2025
✅ QR Codes
More than 50% of UK couples in 2025 are now using QR codes on their invitations for:
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RSVP responses
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Wedding website links
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Maps and itineraries
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Gift registry access
QR codes reduce the need for multiple inserts, which can help streamline printing costs — while adding a modern tech-savvy feel.
✅ Eco-Friendly Invitations
Sustainable options like seed paper, recycled cotton, and plastic-free packaging are popular among environmentally-conscious couples. Though eco-options can sometimes be more expensive upfront, they align with green values and offer lasting impact.
✅ Multilingual & Cultural Designs
At ShadiCards.com, we specialize in designing bilingual and culturally appropriate invitations for Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Christian, and multicultural weddings, which can include:
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Arabic calligraphy
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Gurmukhi or Hindi script
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Traditional motifs like Om, Khanda, Crescent Moon, or Cross
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Specific formats for Nikah, Anand Karaj, Mandap, or Church ceremonies
These require a bit more customization but result in stationery that reflects both your heritage and personal style.
💡 Tips to Stay on Budget
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Order all your stationery from one supplier to get package discounts.
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Opt for digital RSVP via QR code instead of printed reply cards.
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Consider printing one per household rather than per guest.
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Finalize your guest list early to avoid rush printing charges.
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Use standard sizes to avoid custom die-cutting and postage costs.
✨ Why Choose ShadiCards.com for Your Wedding Stationery?
At ShadiCards.com, we provide a vast collection of wedding invitations and stationery options for every budget and tradition. Whether you’re hosting a lavish Sikh wedding, a minimalist Nikkah ceremony, or a vibrant Mehndi celebration, we offer:
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Affordable semi-custom designs
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Bespoke design service for luxurious, one-of-a-kind invitations
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Fast turnaround for last-minute orders
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Eco-friendly and digital hybrid invitations
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Expertise in multilingual and culturally sensitive designs
📌 Final Thoughts
Your wedding stationery isn’t just a piece of paper — it’s the first impression of your big day. Knowing the average cost of wedding stationery in the UK helps couples budget wisely and choose what works best for their needs and values.
Whether you want classic elegance, modern minimalism, or traditional cultural vibrancy — ShadiCards.com has the perfect solution.
Ready to design your perfect wedding stationery?
Explore our full range of invitations and accessories at ShadiCards.com or contact us for a free quote today!
