How Much Should You Budget for Wedding Stationery? (And How to Get the Best Value)

There’s a moment, somewhere between choosing your venue and sending your save-the-dates, when couples realise: wedding stationery is the first glimpse of the day itself. It’s the first thing guests touch, the first time your story becomes tangible.

According to Ofelia Botella, “Stationery is not an afterthought - it’s the opening scene. Budgeting for it should feel like planning for beauty and meaning, not just materials.”

So, how do you budget well, without overspending or compromising on art?

Average Wedding Stationery Budgets

The right figure depends on your vision, guest count, and whether you’re commissioning bespoke art. Here’s a realistic breakdown for 2025:

Type	Range (GBP)	What It Includes
Semi-custom suite	£400–£800	Adapted designs, colour customisation
Custom illustrated suite	£800–£2,000	Original artwork, multi-piece suite
Luxury fine-art suite	£2,000–£5,000+	Hand-painted, letterpress or layered textures
Designed in a Day (Ofelia Botella)	£1,000–£2,500	Bespoke suite created in one collaborative day

Most couples spend around 3–5% of their total wedding budget on stationery.

But what makes one suite cost more than another isn’t just size - it’s artistry. Hand-painted motifs, illustrated venues, or monograms crafted by a studio artist all add depth and personal significance.

What to Prioritise

1. The Invitation Suite
   This is your anchor — the piece that sets tone, palette, and aesthetic direction.

2. Artwork & Illustration
   A single custom painting (like a venue sketch or crest) can elevate everything that follows.

3. Paper Quality
   Even minimal designs feel elevated when printed on textured, cotton stock.

4. Continuity
   Reuse artwork across menus, signage, and thank-you cards for cohesion and value.

“We literally look at our stationery every single day and squeal at how personal and unique it is,” shares Lauren M., a 2024 bride. “It was the most worthwhile part of our budget.”

How to Get the Best Value

• Choose a condensed format — Ofelia Botella’s Designed in a Day service provides full bespoke design without long turnaround costs.

• Go digital-first — Receive print-ready artwork and handle printing locally.

• Opt for smaller suites — One illustrated piece can define your entire look.

• Bundle services — Many studios offer savings if you include menus, signage, or digital invitations in one commission.

• Ask for guidance early — Designers can help you prioritise pieces for the best visual and emotional return on investment.

When to Start Budgeting

Ideally, begin planning your stationery 6–9 months before your wedding. Booking early ensures your preferred artist’s availability, and gives you flexibility with printing and shipping timelines.

According to Ofelia Botella, “Good design needs space to breathe. The earlier you plan, the more your stationery will feel effortless - calm, composed, and complete.”

FAQs

1. How much of my wedding budget should go to stationery?
Around 3–5%, depending on the level of customisation and printing method.

2. What’s the average cost of bespoke wedding invitations?
Between £1,000–£2,500, depending on complexity.

3. How can I make stationery feel luxurious on a smaller budget?
Focus on composition, typography, and one custom art element.

4. Is it cheaper to print locally?
Yes — digital delivery lets you work with regional printers and save on shipping.

5. Should I budget separately for day-of stationery?
Yes. Menus, place cards, and signage are often printed closer to the wedding date.

6. Can I reuse artwork across different stationery items?
Absolutely — it’s one of the best ways to maximise your investment.

7. What if my budget changes mid-planning?
Your designer can help scale your suite to maintain cohesion while adjusting scope.

8. Does Ofelia Botella offer packages?
Yes — Designed in a Day offers an all-inclusive, streamlined process.

9. What’s the most cost-effective paper choice?
High-quality textured digital papers give a luxury feel at a lower cost than handmade stock.

10. Can I start with digital invitations and add printed later?
Yes — your designs can evolve with your timeline and budget.