How much to pay a friend to design my save the dates

Does she design things for a living and is otherwise giving you her services for free? In that case, I would pay her probably half of her normal fees. If she just offered because she's crafty and wanted to help, I'd probably just take her out for a drink or dinner to thank her.

Also, you might want to fix the subject line of your thread. It says you're planning on charging HER, not the other way around, haha

A true friend!!! She will appreciate your respect for her craft. Someone I know does this on the side and her fee is $50/hour. I do not know what a career designer charges per hour.

This subject line is confusing. But - my guess is she won't want you to pay her. If not - get her a gift card to her favorite restaurant. Or pay for a spa day for the two of you together. Obviously plan or do something she would appreciate.

Possible unpopular opinion... Discuss with her! Say you'd like to compensate her for her help and ask what she charges. if you throw out a random offer she might feel lowballed or offended. If you're not super close with her and don't want to have the money conversation then I'd say it's probably not a good idea to have her help. If she gives you a higher amount than you're comfortable paying just say you know how much work and talent it takes but you underestimated the cost and won't be able to pay her fairly.

Get a contract -- even if she is gifting you her services.

Why don't you ask her?

Ask her and pay her the normal fee.

Thanks everyone! You've all been a great help. And sorry about my confusing subject header. I changed it to 'how much should I pay her' haha.

My friend designed several signs and our rehearsal dinner invites for us (see my Avatar? That's her!). She did it as our wedding gift and did not give us an additional gift. It was an amazing gift, but I took her out to dinner as a thank you as well.

I paid my initiation maker, $100 for 45 STDS. This included all envelope addresses, we just had to put on the postage.

My graphic designer roommate/friend actually designed our Save the Dates, and she designed our invites too. She insisted that I didn't have to pay her...but I plan on getting her a nice gift as a thank you.

There is a lot of variety in pricing when it comes to graphic design fees. If she has agreed to design them for free, be specific about what all she can do for free. If you are needing any add-ons, like extra inserts, or other items -- ask her to price those out for you. Also - be sure to get pricing for the printing before the design is finalized. Sometimes the design can impact the cost of printing. It is best to provide a sample to your printer to get an accurate estimate.

Is your friend a professional artist or graffic designer? Maybe see if you can dig up some of her past pricing for similar jobs. Or try to think of a personal thank you that would suit her.

I did the artwork for a friend's wedding schedules, but just as a favour/someway I could help. She offered to pay, but I felt weird about it and declined payment. So as a thank you she brought me my favourite tea from the city she lives in (where I used to live) and tea mug and aome macarons. It was so nice to be able to do something for her and to have her apreciate it and take a little time to think of something personal. That was the best payment.