How many wedding invitations should you order?
Have you just started planning your wedding? Are you in the process of hiring your stationer? This post is just for you…
We have prepared a short guide to save you time and money.
60% RULE
1. Order wedding invitations per couple.
As an estimate, you usually order one invitation per couple – making the order half of your guest list. Don’t make the costly mistake of no. of guests = no. of invites.
2. Count by Number of Households
Another way to get a good estimate is to count by household. For example, Your Aunt, her partner and children will get one invitation.
Etiquette states that one wedding invitation per household is perfectly acceptable.
Some suggest that an additional invitation is sent for children above 18 years of age.
3. 60% Rule
The best way to determine your invitation budget is to start out with 60% of your guest list as the invite order to count for the single invitees.
4. Spreadsheet for invitations
Excel – a free spreadsheet tool allows you to stay organised and makes the invitation process much easier.
Make a list of an entire household in each row.
Column 1 = name of the single invitee, name of person of the couple or family.
Column 2 = second name of the couple or family in the same row
Column 3 and so on = Rest of the family member names of the same row.
It is important to include yourself, your bridal party and both sets of parents to help you with the total guest list count and add keepsakes for the ones who will cherish the invitations the most.
Each row = No. of invitations
ORDER 10 - 20% EXTRA INVITATIONS
Some order at least 10 extra invitations or 20% for a safety cushion and other emergencies.
Some invitations get lost in the mail or are even returned due to wrong addresses.
Family members and the couple sometimes add extra last minute invitees that were left out because of the time that passes between the guest list and the actual wedding.
Wedding planning is stressful and ordering a few extra at a later date will be an expensive time consuming task. Save yourself from last minute emergencies and remember to order your extra invitations!
ORDER EXTRA ENVELOPES
Addressing is a daunting task for you or your calligrapher and 20% extra envelopes will cover the possibilities of mess ups.
If your stationer is addressing your envelopes or you’re using labels, you may not need the extra envelopes.
KEEPSAKES
One of the few tangible keepsakes are your wedding outfits and your wedding stationery. The wedding invitation can be kept for yours to come – being one of the few things that is unique to just you.
COPIES FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Give at least one invitation in ‘mint condition’ to your photographer to capture at your wedding. Your wedding invitations truly complete your love story and is the first impression your guests get of your big day and makes your wedding announcement official.
To sum up, your invitations order should be 50-60% of your Guest List + a Few Keepsakes + 1-2 for your Photographer + Extra 10%.
