Because we're having a giant wedding, everything was getting super expensive, and we figured the one place we should save is the invitation that most people throw out anyway. BUT I fell in love with laser cut cards which normally run upwards of $11/card - not including any printing or inserts or anything!
But that when I found this Etsy store (https://www.etsy.com/shop/WishmadeCards) - based in China, but had cards I thought were definitely too good to be true! I ordered samples, they came so fast AND they were GORGEOUS.
We keep getting compliments left & right for how gorgeous the invitations are!
But I'm having an Indian wedding so I needed a Ganesh on it, and I really wanted gold & silver writing. So she let me send my design which she was going to print on purple card stock. This proved difficult because of the colors I chose - but the shop owner, Mandy, worked with me to keep all my flourish while still having the beautiful purple. It elongated the process slightly, which was a little frustrating since she's on China time and I would stay up but then not hear from her for a day or 2 in between - BUT honestly it was still SO MUCH quicker than any American printer quoted us in time.
PLUS we upgraded to fancy purple envelopes with gold foiling of a Ganesh and return address, which just add a super elegant flair. (i wanted to post pics but don't see how to.)
A similar package in the States would definitely have been at least 3X the cost, probably more like 5X!
One thing - the upgraded envelopes don't have any form of stickiness on them so we had to get double-sided tape and putting the cards together was a little difficult since the gate doesn't open - but still totally worth it!
