5 Cheapest Ways to Send Wedding Invitations in 2026

Weddings are expensive. Between the venue, the dress, the flowers, and the food, costs add up fast. So when it comes to wedding invitations, it makes sense to look for ways to save, especially when you'd rather put that money toward things your guests will actually experience.

The good news? You don't have to sacrifice style to cut costs on invitations. Whether you go fully digital or find a budget-friendly print option, there are plenty of ways to get beautiful invitations out the door without breaking the bank.

Here's the breakdown of the cheapest ways to send wedding invitations, with real cost comparisons, sample wording, and tips for choosing the right option for your wedding.

Wedding Invitation Cost Comparison

Before we dive into the details, here's a quick comparison of your options:

Method	Cost	Best For	Tradeoffs
Text message	$0 to $59 total	Casual, modern, eco-friendly weddings	Less formal; some older guests may prefer paper
Email	$0 to $50 total	Design flexibility, eco-conscious couples	Can land in spam; lower open rates than text
Postcards	$0.40 to $1 each	Budget-friendly physical option	Limited space; can get damaged in mail
DIY printables	$10 to $50 + printing	Creative couples who want control	Requires time and some design skills
Social media	Free	Very casual, close-knit groups	Hard to track RSVPs; not everyone uses social

Now let's look at each option in detail.

1. Text Message Wedding Invitations

In 2026, practically everyone has a smartphone. Text messages have a 98% open rate (far higher than email), and most people respond within minutes. For couples who want their invitations seen (and answered) quickly, text is hard to beat.

With a platform like Daisy Chat, you can send personalized text invitations to your entire guest list at once. What makes it especially useful is that it also handles guest questions automatically, so when people text back asking "What's the dress code?" or "Can I bring my kids?", they get an instant answer without you lifting a finger. You can also send RSVP reminders and broadcast updates (like weather changes or schedule tweaks) to everyone at once.

Pros:

• Extremely affordable, no printing or postage costs

• Eco-friendly (no paper waste)

• Instant delivery with high open rates

• Easy RSVP tracking and follow-ups

• Guests can ask questions and get immediate answers

Cons:

• Less formal than paper invitations

• Some older guests may prefer a traditional invite

Cost: Daisy Chat’s lifetime plans with unlimited texts start at $50.

2. Email Wedding Invitations

Email is a solid middle ground between fully digital and traditional paper invites. You can create beautifully designed invitations with more visual flexibility than text, and you'll still save significantly on printing and postage.

Platforms like Paperless Post and Evite offer free templates or affordable premium designs you can customize with your wedding details. Once you've finalized your design, import your guest list and send.

Pros:

• Cost-effective (significantly cheaper than paper)

• More design flexibility than text

• Environmentally friendly

Cons:

• Can land in spam folders

• Lower open rates than text messages

• Doesn't support easy back-and-forth communication

Cost: Typically $30 to $50 for premium templates/platforms. Many free options available.

3. Postcard Wedding Invitations

If you want something physical but can't justify the cost of traditional invitations with envelopes, postcards are a great compromise. They're significantly cheaper to print and mail, and there's something charming about receiving a tangible piece of mail.

You can design postcards using Canva or Vistaprint, or find pre-designed templates online. To keep costs down, opt for a simpler design and print on quality cardstock rather than specialty paper.

Pros:

• More affordable than traditional invitations

• Physical keepsake for guests

• Stands out from typical mail

Cons:

• Limited space for information

• Less formal than traditional invitations

• Can get damaged in the mail

Cost: Typically $0.40 to $1.00 per postcard (including printing and postage).

4. DIY Printable Wedding Invitations

For couples who want creative control, printable invitation templates are a fantastic budget option. You can find thousands of designs on Etsy and Creative Market, customize them with your wedding details, and print them at home or at a local print shop.

This approach works best if you (or someone you know) is comfortable with basic design software and has access to a decent printer. The upfront cost is low, but printing costs can add up depending on paper quality and quantity.

Pros:

• Complete control over the design

• Wide variety of styles and templates available

• Can save money on design fees

Cons:

• Requires time and some design skills

• Printing and paper costs can add up

• May not look as polished as professional printing

Cost: $10 to $50 for a digital template, plus paper and printing costs.

5. Social Media Wedding Invitations

For very casual weddings or close-knit groups, social media can work as a free invitation method. You can create a Facebook event, post a designed image on Instagram, or even make a short video announcement.

This approach works best when your entire guest list is active on the same platform. Just be prepared to follow up individually with guests who don't use social media.

Pros:

• Completely free

• Interactive and engaging

• Can reach a wide audience quickly

Cons:

• Not suitable for formal weddings

• Not everyone uses social media

• Difficult to track RSVPs reliably

Cost: Free

Cheapest Invitations by Wedding Style

The right invitation method depends on your wedding vibe. Here's how to match your invitations to your event:

Formal wedding

Even on a budget, you can keep things elegant. DIY printables with high-quality cardstock can look just as polished as expensive letterpress. For digital options, Paperless Post offers sophisticated designs that feel formal despite being email-based. Pair digital save-the-dates with a printed invitation to split the difference.

Casual or backyard wedding

Text invitations shine here. They match the relaxed vibe, and guests can easily ask follow-up questions. Postcards also work well for casual weddings; they feel personal without being stuffy.

Destination wedding

Go digital and save your money for what matters. Email or text invitations let you share travel logistics, accommodation links, and itinerary updates easily. Text is especially useful here because guests will have questions about flights, hotels, and activities, and they can get answers immediately.

Micro wedding or elopement

With a small guest list, you have flexibility. Personal texts or phone calls feel intimate and appropriate. If you want something physical, even a handwritten note is feasible when you're only inviting 20 people.

Digital Wedding Invitation Etiquette

Digital invitations are widely accepted in 2026, but there are a few etiquette guidelines worth keeping in mind:

When digital is perfectly fine

For casual weddings, destination weddings, younger guest lists, and eco-conscious couples, digital invitations are completely appropriate. Most guests under 50 won't think twice about receiving a text or email invite; in fact, many actually prefer it.

When paper might be expected

Very formal weddings (black-tie, religious ceremonies at traditional venues) may call for printed invitations. If your family or community has strong expectations around tradition, a physical invite might be worth the investment, even if you use digital for save-the-dates and follow-ups.

How to handle older guests

If most of your list is digital-savvy but you have a few older relatives who might prefer paper, consider a hybrid approach: send digital invitations to most guests, and mail printed versions to grandparents or anyone you know would appreciate it. A quick phone call to confirm they received the invite (and answer questions) goes a long way too.

Sample Invitation Wording

Not sure what to say? Here are templates you can adapt for each format:

Text wedding invitation template

"Hey [Name]! 💍 [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] are getting married on [Date] at [Venue/City], and we'd love for you to be there! RSVP by [Deadline] at [Link] or just reply to this text. Can't wait to celebrate with you!"

Email wedding invitation template

Subject: You're Invited: [Partner 1] & [Partner 2]'s Wedding

Together with their families, [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] invite you to celebrate their wedding on [Date] at [Time].

[Venue Name]

[Address]

Please RSVP by [Deadline] at [Link].

We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Postcard wording wedding template

[Partner 1] & [Partner 2]

are tying the knot!

[Date] • [Time]

[Venue], [City]

RSVP by [Date] at [Website]

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the cheapest way to send wedding invitations?

Social media is technically free, but text message invitations offer the best balance of cost and effectiveness. With platforms like Daisy Chat, you can send unlimited texts for a one-time fee of $50, which is far less than printing and mailing traditional invitations.

Is it OK to send wedding invitations by text?

Yes, especially for casual, modern, or destination weddings. Text invitations are widely accepted in 2026 and offer practical benefits like instant delivery, easy RSVP tracking, and the ability to answer guest questions in real time. For very formal weddings, you might opt for a hybrid approach.

How can I send wedding invitations without mail?

Text messages, email, and social media are all mail-free options. Text tends to be the most effective because it has the highest open rate and allows for easy back-and-forth communication with guests.

Are digital wedding invitations tacky?

Not anymore. Digital invitations are increasingly the norm, especially among younger couples and for casual or eco-conscious weddings. The key is matching your invitation style to your wedding style. A well-designed digital invite can feel just as intentional as a printed one.

Next Steps

There you have it: 5 of the cheapest ways to send wedding invitations without compromising on style. Whether you go fully digital with text messages or get crafty with DIY printables, the most important thing is choosing an option that fits your budget and your wedding.

Want to see what text message invitations look like in action? Try Daisy Chat today—send invitations, track RSVPs, and let guests text their questions to your wedding number.