When planning a wedding, stationery is one of those areas where costs can sometimes be difficult to understand. You might see an invitation priced at £2 and wonder why a bespoke stationery suite costs considerably more.
The answer is that bespoke wedding stationery involves much more than the finished piece of paper.
From the initial design concept to sourcing materials, printing, proofing and the finishing touches, there is a lot of work behind every piece. So, let's break down what actually goes into the cost of bespoke wedding stationery.
1. The design process
Every bespoke stationery project starts somewhere and that is usually with a conversation.
Understanding your wedding, the venue, your colour palette and the overall look you're hoping to achieve is an important part of the process.
From there, designs are developed to reflect your brief. This might involve creating a bespoke monogram, selecting typography, developing a layout or incorporating elements that complement your wedding theme.
Unlike ready-made templates, bespoke designs are created specifically for you.
At FM Digital Design, design time is charged separately at £40 per hour. This ensures the time spent developing your stationery is accounted for, rather than being hidden within the cost of individual printed items.
2. Materials and printing
Not all stationery is created equally and the materials you choose can make a significant difference to the overall cost.
There are several factors to consider:
Paper weight: Heavier cardstock often creates a more substantial, premium finish.
Paper texture: Textured, linen-effect and speciality papers can cost more than standard smooth cardstock.
Printing: The print method, colour requirements and number of printed sides all influence the cost.
For example, a double-sided invitation will generally cost more to produce than a single-sided design, simply because it requires additional printing.
The same applies to signage. The size, material and finish all contribute to the final price.
3. The finishing touches
Sometimes, it is the smallest details that make the biggest difference.
Envelope liners, wax seals, ribbon details and carefully assembled invitation suites can transform a simple invitation into something much more considered.
However, these details also involve additional materials and production time.
A wax seal might seem like a small addition, but when multiplied across 50 or 100 invitations, the material and time involved quickly add up.
The same applies to assembling invitation suites, tying ribbon, inserting liners and preparing each envelope for delivery.
These are the details that help create a cohesive and considered finished product.
4. Production and labour
Once your designs have been approved, the production process begins.
This includes preparing files for print, printing, trimming, assembling, quality checking and packaging your stationery.
Depending on the complexity of the order, this can involve several hours of hands-on work.
At FM Digital Design, production labour is charged separately from the individual item cost. This means you're paying for the actual time involved in producing your order, rather than an estimated amount hidden within the unit price.
I believe this is a much more transparent way of pricing bespoke stationery.
5. Proofing and personal service
Bespoke stationery isn't simply a case of placing an order and receiving a finished product.
There is communication throughout the process, from the initial enquiry and design discussions to reviewing proofs and making amendments.
You'll have the opportunity to review your designs, request changes and ensure everything is correct before production begins.
Names, dates, venues and other important details are checked carefully because, when it comes to wedding stationery, getting the details right matters.
That personal service and attention to detail are also part of what you're investing in.
So, what are you actually paying for?
When you commission bespoke wedding stationery, you're investing in several things:
A design created specifically for your wedding.
Carefully selected materials and print finishes.
The time required to produce and assemble your order.
Attention to detail and quality checking.
A personal service from the initial enquiry through to delivery.
Two invitations might look similar at first glance, but the design process, materials and production behind them can be very different.
My approach to transparent stationery pricing
At FM Digital Design, I want couples to understand exactly what they're paying for.
That's why I separate design costs, production labour and material costs wherever appropriate. It allows you to make informed decisions about your stationery budget and decide where you'd like to invest a little more.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding stationery. Some couples want a simple, understated invitation suite, while others want to incorporate additional finishes and details throughout their wedding day.
Both are equally valid.
The important thing is finding an approach that reflects your wedding and works within your budget.
Because bespoke stationery should feel special, but understanding the cost shouldn't feel complicated.
FM Digital Design | Elegance in every detail.
