Wedding Invitations: How Many Usually Rsvp?

Planning a wedding can be a stressful process, and deciding on the number of invitations to send out is a tricky part of it. While it may seem logical to send out invites to all expected guests, it's important to remember that not everyone will attend. On average, 75-85% of wedding guests attend, with a higher percentage of local guests and a lower percentage of out-of-town guests. This means that if you invite 100 guests, only about 80 might attend. It's also essential to consider the type of wedding, as intimate weddings tend to have higher attendance rates than larger ones. To avoid the hassle and expense of last-minute changes, it's recommended to order about 10-20% extra invitations to account for lost invites, addressing mistakes, and last-minute guest list additions.

How to calculate the number of invites you need

It's essential to calculate the number of wedding invitations needed to avoid the costly mistake of having to reorder additional prints. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you determine how many wedding invitations to order:

Consider the Guest List Size:

Count by the number of households, not individual guests. This is a common mistake, but each household only needs one invitation. For example, if a college student is living with their parents, they are considered part of the same household and will only require one invitation. On the other hand, unmarried couples living together will each receive their own invitation.

Account for Guests Over 18:

Guests who are 18 years or older should receive their own invitation, even if they live in the same household. For instance, an elderly grandparent living with their adult child would receive their own invitation, while the adult child and their family would receive a separate one.

Order Extra Invitations:

It is recommended to order at least 10-20 extra invitations to account for any last-minute additions to the guest list, lost invitations, or other unforeseen circumstances. While ordering the exact amount may save money initially, reprinting a small number of invitations later can be more costly.

Keep Some for Keepsakes:

You may want to keep a few extra invitations as mementos of your special day. These invitations are a tangible reminder of your wedding and can be cherished for years to come.

Provide Copies for Photography:

Give your photographer at least one or two copies of the invitation to capture in their photos. The invitation is an important part of your wedding story and deserves to be included in your wedding album.

Prepare for Emergencies:

It is wise to have a few extra copies on hand in case of unexpected situations. Invitations may get lost in the mail, or you may need to accommodate last-minute additions to the guest list.

Order Extra Envelopes:

If you are addressing your own envelopes or hiring a calligrapher, order at least 20% more envelopes than the number of invitations. This will allow for any mistakes or last-minute changes to the guest list.

By following these steps, you can ensure you have an adequate number of wedding invitations and avoid the stress of last-minute shortages or the expense of reordering.

How to save money when ordering invites

Planning a wedding can be costly, and invitations can add up quickly. Here are some tips to save money when ordering invites:

Choose Digital Invites

Opt for online wedding invitations to save money on printing and postage. Digital invites are convenient, eco-friendly, and often include built-in RSVP tracking, making planning easier. Paperless Post, for example, offers a range of beautifully crafted online invitations.

Simplify the Design

Decorative elements like wax seals, belly bands, and envelope liners can increase the weight of the invitation, leading to higher shipping costs. Instead, opt for lightweight embellishments like foil pressing or calligraphy. Choose a simple yet elegant envelope as guests are likely to discard it. Also, consider the paper type; cardstock or cotton blends are cheaper alternatives to cotton or linen.

Limit Enclosures

Avoid including multiple cards in your envelope. RSVP cards, reception details, and driving instructions can be replaced with digital alternatives. Provide an email address or a link to your wedding website, where guests can respond and find additional information. This reduces printing and postage costs.

Bulk Order and Proofread

Ordering extra invitations in your first order can save money in the long run. Most stationers don't sell individual spares, so ordering a few extra invites upfront is more cost-effective than placing a second order for additional invites. Additionally, proofread your invitations carefully to avoid costly reprinting due to errors.

Shop Around and Compare

Research high-end stationery stores and websites to find styles you like, then look for similar designs at lower price points. Websites like The American Wedding offer discount packages that include enclosures like response cards and envelopes. Compare printing styles as well; digital printing is usually cheaper than engraving or letterpress.

DIY

Creating your own invitations is a cost-effective option if you're crafty. You can find tutorials online and buy specialized cardstock and envelopes from craft stores or online retailers. However, be mindful of the time and resources needed for a DIY project, as costs can add up.

By implementing these strategies, you can save money on your wedding invitations without compromising on style and quality.

How to address your wedding invitations

Wedding invitations can be a tricky task, especially when it comes to addressing them. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to address your wedding invitations:

The Basics

When addressing your wedding invitations, it is important to use the complete, formal names of your guests. For example, if you are inviting your "Uncle Steve", the formal way to address him would be "Mr. Steven Nelson". Use your guest's full middle name when you know it, and if you don't, simply omit it. Avoid using initials or abbreviations for titles, streets, avenues, roads, states, etc.

Invitations with One Envelope

If you are using only one envelope for your invitations, here is how you should address them:

• Married Couple: Traditionally, the outer envelope of a wedding invitation addressed to a married couple would be written as "Mr. and Mrs. [Husband's Full Name]". However, this format has been criticised for being sexist and antiquated. A more modern approach would be to include both names, either on the same line or separate lines, e.g., "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren" or "Mr. Thomas Warren/Mrs. Michelle Warren". For same-sex couples, either name can go first.
• Unmarried Couple Living Together: For unmarried couples living together, list both individuals' names on the outer envelope, with the person you are closest to, or alphabetically, coming first. An example would be "Mr. Stanley Kim/Ms. Amanda Rhee".
• Single Individual: For single persons, use the appropriate prefix ("Mr.", "Ms.", or "Mx.") followed by their full name, e.g., "Mr. James Montgomery". If the guest is under 18, the titles are optional.
• Family with Children: When inviting a family with children, you have the option to be specific or general. If you want to be general, simply address the envelope to the whole family, e.g., "The Thompson Family". If you want to be specific, list the names of the family members, starting with the parents, followed by the children in order of age. For girls under 18, use "Miss", e.g., "Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson/Miss Jennifer Thompson/Miss Lily Thompson".

Invitations with Double Envelopes

If you are using both an outer and inner envelope for your invitations, the outer envelope is more formal and includes the guests' names and addresses, while the inner envelope is more informal and includes only the names of the invitees. Here is how you should address them:

• Married Couple: On the outer envelope, use the couple's titles and names, e.g., "Mr. and Mrs. Robert Belcher". On the inner envelope, you can drop the titles and use their first names, e.g., "Robert and Linda".
• Unmarried Couple Living Together: On the outer envelope, list both individuals' names on separate lines or the same line, with the person you are closest to, or alphabetically, coming first. An example would be "Ms. Alysson Schulz/Mr. Ricardo Gonzales". On the inner envelope, you can use their first names, e.g., "Alysson and Ricardo".
• Single Individual: On the outer envelope, use the appropriate prefix ("Mr.", "Ms.", or "Mx.") followed by their full name, e.g., "Mx. Courtney Andrews". On the inner envelope, you can use just their first name, e.g., "Courtney".
• Family with Children: On the outer envelope, you can address the invitation to the whole family or list the names of the family members, starting with the parents, followed by the children in order of age. For girls under 18, use "Miss", e.g., "The Simpson Family/Mr. and Mrs. Homer Simpson/Mr. Bart Simpson/Miss Lisa Simpson". On the inner envelope, list the first names of all invited family members, e.g., "Homer, Marge, Bart, Miss Lisa, and Miss Maggie".

How to handle last-minute guest list changes

It's important to be prepared for last-minute changes to your wedding guest list. Here are some tips on how to handle these changes with ease and grace:

Be Prepared

While you may not anticipate any last-minute changes, it's always a good idea to be prepared. Assign a wedding party member, close family member, or wedding planner as an emergency contact for guests. This person can field any last-minute changes or issues that may arise, so you don't have to deal with additional stress on your big day. Ensure that this contact's information is easily accessible to your guests, such as on your wedding website or in any final communication before the wedding.

Communicate with Guests

If a guest needs to cancel their attendance at the last minute, encourage them to communicate this to someone on your wedding planning team as soon as possible. It's also a good idea to have them update their RSVP on your wedding website, but only after personally communicating the change to avoid any confusion. As a couple, you may be busy finalising wedding plans, so having a designated point of contact can make the process smoother for everyone involved.

Handle No-Shows Gracefully

No-show guests can be frustrating, especially if you've already paid for their presence and made arrangements for their seating and catering. However, it's important to remember that their absence is likely due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. Illness, severe weather, family emergencies, and other unexpected events can all contribute to last-minute cancellations. Try not to let no-shows ruin your special day, and focus on celebrating with the guests who are able to attend.

Be Flexible with Last-Minute Invites

If you find yourself with extra space on your guest list, you may consider inviting additional guests at the last minute. While it's not advisable to expect people to accept last-minute invitations, offering a virtual attendance option can make it easier for guests to join in the celebration. Be transparent about the short notice, and consider including a live stream or hybrid wedding option so that guests who can't physically attend can still participate.

Stay Organised

Keep a close eye on your guest list and RSVPs, especially in the final weeks leading up to your wedding. Create a system that works for you, whether it's a simple Excel sheet or a more comprehensive tracking method. This will help you stay on top of any changes and quickly identify if a guest is missing on the day. Circulating a guest list with contact information among your wedding party and close family members can also be helpful for checking in with guests who may be running late or facing last-minute challenges.

Handling last-minute guest list changes can be challenging, but with a bit of flexibility, clear communication, and advance preparation, you can ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly and joyfully, even with unexpected changes.

How to ensure your invitations arrive safely

It's important to ensure that your wedding invitations arrive safely and on time. Here are some tips to make sure that happens:

Count by the Number of Households

Don't order one wedding invitation for every guest. Count by the number of households and send one invitation per household. For example, if a college student is living with their parents, they will receive their own invitation, while their parents will receive one together. Couples living together, however, will always receive a joint invitation.

Order Extra Invitations

It is recommended to order 10-20 extra invitations to have on hand. These can be useful if invitations are returned by the post office, get lost in the mail, or if you add additional guests. It is more expensive to order reprints at a later date, so it's better to have a few spares.

Keep Some for Yourself

Wedding invitations are tangible keepsakes that you can cherish for years to come. Keep at least 2-3 copies for yourself, and perhaps give one to your photographer to be included in your wedding photos.

Order Extra Envelopes

If you are hiring a calligrapher or addressing your envelopes by hand, order at least 20% extra envelopes in case of mistakes. You will also need extra envelopes if you are including RSVP cards with pre-addressed and stamped envelopes for your guests to send back.

Send Invitations Early

For a non-destination wedding, send your invitations out eight weeks before your wedding date to give your guests enough time to RSVP and make travel plans. For a destination wedding, send them out 12 weeks in advance.

Follow Up with Guests

If you haven't heard back from some of your guests, be sure to follow up with them promptly, especially those who are travelling from abroad. This will help you get a more accurate headcount for your venue and caterer.

Frequently asked questions