If you are planning an eco-friendly or rustic themed wedding, a wood wedding invitation can help set the tone for your event in style. However, not all wood or wood veneer wedding invitations are created equally - both in terms of quality and environmental impact. Most of the timber sold in the United States comes from virgin forests, which destroys important wildlife habitat, or tree farm monocultures that also have negative impacts on the environment. However, a number of companies are providing beautiful high-quality wedding invitations printed or engraved on sustainably harvested wood - including mahogany, which is an endangered species.

Depending on your style and the size of your event, wood wedding invitations, save-the-dates and even place cards can be well within your budget. Here are some great options to consider:

Wood Veneer Wedding Suites

For brides on a budget, you can give guests the amazing experience of opening a real wood card at a fraction of the cost by selecting wood veneer. These thin pieces of wood are just slightly thicker than paper and cost the same to mail.

Image: Night Owl Papergoods

For added savings, use postcards instead of mailed envelopes. Wood postcards are equally cool and you save both the paper for the envelopes and the postage is less.

Image: Owl Theme Wood Save The Date

If you want something truly original, Unique Custom Products will print your own art or photograph on wood veneer for you. This allows you to create custom wood wedding invitations, reply cards and more.

Image: DIY Custom Design Wood Veneer Invitations

Engraved Wood Wedding Suites

If you have a little more money to spend, or are having a relatively small event, thicker wood wedding invitations will get guests talking! Choose from a range of wood options, from light Colorado beetle-kill pine to red cherry.

Image: Unique Custom Products

Add a matching wood veneer envelope to enhance the rustic feel of the design.

While all wood wedding invitations can be composted, you might want encourage your guests to hang on to your creation for a while. One easy way is to send a 3D wood save-the-date magnet - which can last for decades on the family fridge. If you love the look of cut-outs, you can also create unique wedding invitation designs that break the classic rectangle format, like this mountain invitations below.

With so many pre-made styles to choose from, and the ability to customize your design from start to finish, wood wedding invitations can be the perfect way to celebrate your eco-friendly event.

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