Traditional styled
Traditional wedding invitations, sometimes called formal wedding invitations, typically are one-sided white or ecru colored card stock, with black print on the front, and carry a very specifically worded invitation. While many couples still opt for these classic invitations, today’s choices are much broader. Ink colors abound in every shade of the rainbow, and inner envelopes can include matching foil linings. Cover designs include embossed brides and grooms, flowers, birds, churches, wedding bells, entwined rings, and a host of other romantic symbols. Invitations can be created with a photograph of you and your husband-to-be, or another image that is special to the two of you. To further personalize your invitations, you can choose from a wide variety of sayings and verses for the cover, or write one yourself. Traditional paper colors are available alongside more modern options, from light violet to deep red and even black. You will also find that there are many options for the type of paper on which your invitations will be printed. Parchment, translucent paper, vellum, blended fibers, even recycled papers are available through most major companies. Borders and accessories like ribbons are available in just about every color. You can even choose how the edges of your invitation will look —crisp and clean, scalloped, or softly torn.

Internet ordered invitations
Thanks to the Internet, busy brides-to-be can also enjoy the convenience of choosing wedding invitations online. You can browse through catalogs and compare selections at any time that fits into your schedule. Many invitation companies will happily provide free samples of their products so that you can make a decision in the comfort of your home.

Shop around
While party and stationery stores are great places to see a wide variety of invitations, they're certainly not the only place to buy them. Places you might not have thought of: Kinkos, Staples and other office supply stores, Costco and other discount or warehouse stores, mail-order catalogs and the Internet. Many of these places offer the same exact invitations for much less. You will want to order samples so that you can see the quality of the paper and printing before you buy.

Different Printing Techniques
An engraved wedding invitation is a beautiful thing – and an expensive one. But there are alternatives. Thermography will give you the same raised look and feel for much less money. And for a more casual wedding, laser printing (the same kind used for magazines, postcards, etc.) is perfectly appropriate.

The Little Extras
Intricate invitations with jackets, bows, multiple layers of paper and other embellishments are very popular these days. But those little extra details can really add up. Not only will you pay for their cost, but there might be hidden assembly fees (or extra work for you), as well as additional postage costs. Instead go for the classic look of a simple invitation printed on a high-quality paper. And avoid lined envelopes. Although they are a traditional element of wedding invitations, it's a detail that few will notice. Save money by skipping this step.

A Package Deal
Sure it's fun to personalize, but if you're working on a tight budget, look for company that offers discount packages. Buying your invitations as a unit may be cheaper than choosing your invitation, response card, envelopes and other extras separately. Additionally some stationers may offer discounts for ordering your wedding invitations, thank you cards, and informal stationery at the same time.

One Envelope
Traditionally, wedding invitations were sent in two envelopes so that they would remain pristine in spite of their journey. But since mail delivery has made much progress since the days of messengers and horses, you can save money by using only one envelope. Make sure to get your invites hand cancelled by the post office, which will minimize extra wear and tear.

Standard Size Invitations
Some people mistakenly think that as long as their invites weigh less than one ounce, they can use a regular first class stamp. Not only is this not true, but most invitations weigh more than an ounce. According to the US Post Office website, you'll incur an additional $0.13 surcharge on one oz. or less envelopes if any one of the following apply:

It is a square letter
It contains very rigid items such as wood or metal
It has clasps, string, buttons, or similar closure devices
It has an address parallel to the shorter dimension of the letter
It contains items such as pens that cause the surface to be uneven
The length divided by height is less than 1.3 or more than 2.5. This length-to-height ratio is what causes problems with most wedding invitations. Fortunately, the Post Office has a handy calculator on their website. $0.13 may not sound like much, but it adds up.

No Reception Card
If your reception is at the same location as the wedding, no need for a separate reception card. Instead write "reception to follow" or "dinner and dancing to follow." Even if the locations differ, you can write "Reception to Follow, Jamestown Country Club" on the invitation, and then include a simple photocopied insert with a map and reception details.

Proofread
A no-brainer, perhaps, but you'd be surprised how many people find errors on their wedding invitations and have to re-order with extra rush charges. Get a couple of trusted friends or colleagues to look over the invitation for extra insurance. Make sure you've got all the details of names, date, time, location, and RSVP correct!

Postcard RSVP
Rather than a folded card and envelope, use a postcard for your RSVP. Not only will you save on weight for your invitation postage, but you'll save $0.15 in postage for each RSVP.