Though most brides spend between $5 to $10 dollars per invitation, costs can quickly rise, and it's easy for a girl on a budget to get frustrated. But don't forget, there are a lot of ways even the most budget-conscious bride can cut corners. Here are some of our favorites:

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Make sure to have your return address printed on the outer envelope, so you don't have to write it out yourself or have someone else do it. It will save you a lot of time.

Accessorize: So you fell in love with an invitation with sparkle. Or ribbon. Or a silver charm. Just because it's out of the budget doesn't mean it's out of the question. You'll be surprised when you see the charming trinkets, buttons and bows that your local craft store carries. Buy a hole-punch and thread your own organza ribbon into a pretty bow. Hot-glue on a silver star, or little gold heart. Add dried rose petals to the envelope, or seal the whole number with a wax impression or fanciful sticker. There are a million ways to add a little style for very little money.

Assembly: Your stationer will assemble those invitations -- for a fee. Instead, grab your best girlfriends (they are, after all, bridesmaids, right?), put some favorite tunes in the CD changer and jumpstart the assembly line. After folding, tying, stuffing, licking and stamping, treat yourself to a take-out dinner. Before you do, though, be sure to put those pretty papers away somewhere safe. Try to use self-adhesive stamps so you avoid all that licking, and get a sealer sponge or glue stick to seal the envelopes.

Calligraphy: Professional calligraphers will address your invitations -- for about $2 a piece. To cut costs, delegate addressing to a friend with fabulous handwriting, or do them yourself. Even if you're not a born calligrapher, art stores stock felt tip calligraphy pens that make it easier. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time (and extra paper) to practice. Computer calligraphy is also an economical choice at $.75 to $1.25 an envelope.

Create Your Own: Depending on your personal taste, making your own invitations may not necessarily be a budget-saver. Just remember, if you can't find what you're looking for or are set on creating a one-of-a-kind invite, be sure to start by finding the envelopes first. There's no sense in printing up 100 of the most beautiful, individual invites imaginable only to have nothing worthy to send them off in.

Direction Cards: Creating your own travel/direction card is not only a great way to cut your costs -- it's also a fun way to show off your originality and ingenuity. If it's a map you need, find it at the Auto Club, or online at Internet travel sites. Once reduced and customized, add an accommodation tip, parking instructions or a personal note, and you'll be sure that guests will get to that church on time.

Extra Envelopes: Yes, it's true; you should always order 25 extra envelopes. That way, if you (or someone else) makes an error while addressing, you don't have to rush a small order to your door. Building in a little "wiggle room" will save you time, aggravation AND money.

BUDGET TIPS

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Remember that all those extras, like envelope liners and enclosure cards, not only cost more, but make the invitation heavier and require more postage. So consider using a standard size invitation, and go easy on the trimmings to save money.

Ink Colors: To keep your budget in the black, stick with non-metallic inks. Most invitation companies charge a standard fee for black, gray and colored inks. Inks with hints of silver, gold and bronze require a bit more of the green stuff.

Printing Options: Engraving and letterpress are the most expensive printing options. If your budget is a little short, be sure to explore your other printing methods.

Thermography is a great choice: raised lettering gives the illusion of engraving. Flat printing, offset printing, laser printing, and lithography are even more economical, although in each of these cases, lettering is not raised above the paper.

Round Up: Wedding invitations usually come in quantities of 25, so always round up to the next highest number when placing your order. It's always better to end up with a few extras lying around then realizing you'll have to place a small order for any forgotten guests. Besides, we're willing to bet you'll find a home for those extra invites in your wedding album.

Simplicity: Say your sophistication level is higher than your budget. Remember, less is more when it comes to cents and sensibility, so skip the engraved doves, hearts and flowers, and show off your refined style with a clean border or beveled edge. Select the heaviest, most luxurious cardstock you can afford, and finish off your look with a simple typeface in black or gray ink.

Standard Sizes: If your invitations are extra long, extra wide, extra thick, extra heavy, or extra small -- make sure you have the post office determine the proper postage. While non-standard sized envelopes usually cost just 11¢ more to mail, getting the postage wrong means invitations might be returned to the sender.

On Time: It's so simple. Planning ahead means saving a bundle. With enough extra time, you can steer clear of rush charges, faxed proofs, overnight deliveries and panicky pleas. Give yourself plenty of time; order your invitations a minimum of four months in advance. Follow our advice and build in an extra four weeks into your invitation schedule. What you don't save in pennies, you will have saved in sanity.