Whether it is your wedding, anniversary celebration or some other special event, it is important to let your family and friends know about it... and let them know that you would like to see them there. Did you have any idea that the cost of printed invitations can range from $3 to $20 per card? And that is BEFORE postage! So, besides the time-consuming task of calling each person by phone, how else can you lower your cost and still invite everyone you want to?

There are several economical invitation suppliers, and while your choices might be fewer than with other more expensive suppliers, the price is also substantially less. If you choose to go with emailed invites, you will be giving up on some of the formality; however, it is becoming a more acceptable alternative and is a more affordable option. Online invite companies make it easy to guarantee receipt and RSVPs, and email invitations are also eco-friendly.

Shruthi Shankar frequently uses one such online company, Evite, for many of her social gatherings and parties and has been using it since 2004. "It is free for most designs. They have fancier designs you can pay extra for, and formats that allow you to add pictures and set spots for all the information. The app is easy to use as well." Evite also offers features such as RSVP tracking, event reminders, gift ideas and more, all for free. The premium designs allow you to personalize, provide ad-free notifications and are also deliverable via email. These designer style templates start at $14.99 for 15 guests, and you can invite as many as 750 guests for just under 10 cents each.

Another free online method to invite guests to a gathering is through Facebook Events. May Ronning Duffy has used this method for her more casual gatherings and parties. The only shortcoming is that you must be a member of Facebook, but not all your guests need to be your Facebook friends (although they do need an account); you can invite from your friends list, by Messenger or even by email or cellphone message. You have a choice of an online event or in-person (just provide the location); set your privacy level to public, private for just your Facebook friends or a group or private by invitation only. Facebook allows for discussion between those invited (you set the parameters); it also allows you to cancel if circumstances change, or even to delete the event altogether.

There are also inexpensive invitations if you really must have that hard copy invite to put in the mail. Check Walgreens Invitations and Announcements. Stock designs can be supplemented with your own photos and event details; these are sold in sets of 20 pieces (with envelopes) for as low as 99 cents each (depending on quantity and paper). This service is available at most stores for same day pickup or shipping to you.

Zazzle.com offers everything from wedding invitations to holiday cards. Choose from a variety of templates, then add your info and order. You can even design your own 5-by-7-inch invites complete with envelopes for well under $3 per card, then just have your choice shipped to you for you to address and mail. Vistaprint.com offers wedding invitations and more, including complete sets with RSVP cards and envelopes. Using their designer templates, you can add your own touches and information or even upload your own design, and before ordering you can print a sample to make sure you like the results. Vistaprint wedding invitations cost as little as $15.74 for 10 pieces. Simplytoimpress.com advertises affordable invitations and cards with prices starting under a dollar! Simply To Impress also offers matching RSVPs, thank-you cards and envelopes, with low-cost rush printing and overnight delivery service.

Finally, there are several DIY options for you to design and print your own custom invitations at home. Office supply stores like Staples, many big-box stores and online stationary suppliers offer card stock for printing at home. Depending on the supplier and on varying costs, which can start as low as 88 cents each, you can find flat or pre-folded card stock. Packages may include matching envelopes and other accessories (RSVP cards, etc.). You will also find choices of completely blank white card stock, colored backgrounds and decorative borders just waiting for your text.