How Many Wedding Invitations Do You Actually Need? A Guide to Keeping It Simple
Wedding planning comes with a million little decisions, but let’s talk about one that always seems to trip people up: how many invitations to order. It sounds straightforward—just count your guests, right? But then suddenly you’re doing advanced calculus on a napkin, trying to remember if your cousin still lives with his girlfriend and if your aunt is bringing her new husband or her best friend of twenty years (who, let’s be real, might as well be her husband).
So, let’s break it down simply. Here’s how to figure out how many wedding invitations you actually need—without the headache.
The Golden Rule: One Per Household, Not Per Person
The biggest mistake couples make is assuming they need one invitation per guest. But unless everyone on your list is aggressively single, that’s just not the case. You only need one invitation per household. So, if you’re inviting 150 people, you’re not ordering 150 invitations. You’re probably ordering something closer to 85–100, depending on how many couples and families are on your list.
The Buffer: Because Mistakes Happen
Order extra. Always.
Here’s why:
You’ll mess up an address or two. (It happens.)
You’ll decide last-minute to invite your cool new coworkers.
Your mom will suddenly remember three people who must be there.
Keepsakes. You’ll want at least one for yourself.
A good rule of thumb? Add 10–15% extra to your final count. If you need 90 invitations, order at least 100. If you’re planning a larger wedding, round up a bit more. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
The Calligraphy Factor: If You’re Hiring a Pro
If you’re having your envelopes professionally addressed, order a few extra blank ones in case of mistakes. (Trust me, even the best calligraphers aren’t perfect.) Ask your stationer how many extras they recommend, but 10–15% should be safe.
The Reality Check: Digital RSVPs Change the Game
If you’re opting for a wedding website with online RSVPs, you might be able to get away with fewer invitations. Some couples send formal invites only to family and older guests while using digital invites for friends. Not for everyone, but something to consider if you’re budget-conscious.
The Final Number
Here’s the short version:
Count households, not individuals.
Add a 10–15% buffer.
Order extra envelopes if you’re doing calligraphy.
Consider digital invites if it makes sense for your crowd.
And remember—when in doubt, round up. The last thing you want is to realise you need just five more invitations and have to place a whole new order.
Now go forth, order your invites, and enjoy at least one easy decision in the wedding planning process.
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