Extra Wedding Invites: How Many To Order?

Planning a wedding is stressful, and ordering wedding invitations is no exception. It's important to order the right amount to avoid wasting money or having to pay for costly reprints. The general rule of thumb is to order about 10 more invitations than you think you need, but there are several factors to consider. Firstly, count the number of households, not individual guests, on your guest list. Then, add a few extra invitations for keepsakes, your photographer, and any unknown guests you may later decide to invite. Finally, don't forget to order extra envelopes, especially if you plan to address them by hand or with a calligrapher, as mistakes are likely to happen.

How many extra invitations should I order for keepsakes?

When it comes to ordering wedding invitations, it's important to get the right amount. Ordering too many can be a waste of money, but too few can lead to costly reprints. It's recommended that you order at least 10 extra invitations, but you may want to consider ordering 20 extras to be safe. Here are some reasons why you might need those extra invitations:

Keepsakes

Wedding invitations are tangible reminders of your special day that you'll want to hold on to for years to come. It's a good idea to keep 2-3 copies for yourself, and you may also want to give one to your photographer to include in their shots of the wedding. Your parents might also want their own keepsake invitations, and don't forget about other family members like grandparents!

Unexpected Guest List Additions

It's not uncommon to realise later on that you forgot to include someone on your guest list, or perhaps you make a new friend that you want to invite. Ordering extra invitations gives you the flexibility to accommodate these unexpected additions without having to worry about reprints.

Lost or Returned Invitations

Invitations may get lost in the mail or be returned to you by the post office due to incorrect addresses. Having extra invitations allows you to quickly send out replacements without causing delays in your wedding planning.

B-List Guests

If you're managing a B-list of guests, it's a good idea to order extra invitations. This way, you can send out invitations to your B-list guests at a later date if you receive declines from your initial guest list.

Envelope Addressing

If you're hiring a calligrapher or plan to address the envelopes yourself, ordering extra envelopes is a wise decision. This will ensure you have enough envelopes in case of mistakes or addressing errors.

In summary, ordering extra wedding invitations gives you peace of mind and flexibility during the planning process. It's better to have a few spares than to be caught off guard and incur additional costs for reprints. So, go ahead and order those extra invitations, knowing that they will be useful for keepsakes, unexpected guest list additions, lost invitations, B-list guests, and envelope addressing.

How many extra envelopes should I order?

When ordering wedding invitations, it's important to get the right amount. If you order too many, you're wasting money. But if you order too few, you may have to pay for a costly reprint. It's also recommended that you order extra envelopes in case of addressing mistakes.

As a general rule, you should order about 10 more invitations than you think you need. However, it's important to first ensure you have the right number of invitations for your guest list by counting each household as one invitation. Then, add in any "known" extra invitations, such as one for your photographer and a couple for you and your parents as keepsakes. Finally, plan for any unknown extras that may come up, such as forgotten guests or new friends you make before the wedding.

When it comes to envelopes, if you're working with a calligrapher or plan to address them yourself, it's a good idea to order extra. This will ensure that you have enough matching envelopes in case of any mistakes. The standard recommendation is to order 10% extra envelopes, but some sources suggest ordering 20% extra to be safe.

Ordering the right amount of extras will help you avoid the cost of reprints. It's easier and cheaper to order a few extra invitations upfront than to have to reorder later. So, when in doubt, it's better to round up and order a few extra invitations and envelopes.

How many invitations do I need per household?

When it comes to wedding invitations, the number of invites you need is not the same as the number of guests. You only need one invitation per household. That means that a married couple with three children (5 guests), only needs one invitation to invite the whole family. If there are adult children living in the household, they should receive their own invitation. Single roommates living together should also each receive their own invitation.

If the couple is in a serious relationship, you'll need to decide what constitutes a serious relationship and whether to send one invitation or two. If they live together, send one invitation. If they live separately, send two invitations.

It's also a good idea to order some extra invitations. You'll want to keep a few as keepsakes, give one or two to your photographer, and have some spares in case of emergencies. It's recommended to order at least 5-10 extra invitations. This will give you some wiggle room in case you need to expand your guest list or if any invitations get lost in the mail.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you figure out the number of invitations you need:

• Create a spreadsheet and list each household you need to send an invite to in a separate row. Include couples, families, and singles (with or without a plus one). Don't forget to include yourself, your bridal party, and the parents of the couple.
• Count the number of rows in your spreadsheet. This will give you the number of invitations you need based on your current guest list.
• Add a cushion of at least 10% to 20% to cover any emergencies and last-minute additions to the guest list.
• Order your invitations, including the extra invites for keepsakes, photography, and emergencies.

By following these steps, you can ensure you have the right number of invitations per household and avoid the hassle and expense of last-minute reprints.

How many extra invitations should I order for my photographer?

When planning a wedding, it is common for couples to wonder how many wedding invitations they need. It is important to order the right amount of invitations to avoid the cost of reprints. While ordering too many invitations can be a waste of money, it is recommended to order at least 10 extra invitations to be prepared for any unexpected situations. Here are some tips to help you determine how many extra invitations to order for your photographer and other purposes:

Count by Number of Households

The first step is to consider the number of households on your guest list, rather than the total number of guests. Not every single guest needs an individual invitation. For example, if you invite a total of 200 guests, you will likely need only half that number of invitations. Count each household as one invitation, and remember that unmarried couples living together will receive one joint invitation.

Add "Known" Extra Invitations

In addition to the invitations for your guest list, there are a few "known" extra invitations you will want to include. It is recommended to give at least one invitation to your photographer to capture at your wedding. You may also want to keep 2-3 copies for yourself and your parents as keepsakes. These invitations are tangible reminders of your wedding day and can be cherished for years to come.

Plan for Unknown Extras

It is inevitable that you may forget someone on your guest list or decide to invite someone new. To accommodate for these unknown extras, it is suggested to order about 10 additional invitations. This will ensure that you have enough invitations and prevent the need for costly reprints later on.

Order Extra Envelopes

If you are working with a calligrapher or addressing the envelopes yourself, don't forget to order extra envelopes. Ordering 10-20% extra envelopes is generally recommended to account for any mistakes or mess-ups. This will ensure that you have enough matching envelopes for your invitations.

In summary, when ordering wedding invitations, it is crucial to consider the number of households, add "known" extra invitations for photographers and keepsakes, plan for unknown extras, and order extra envelopes. Following these tips will help ensure that you have enough invitations and avoid the hassle and expense of reprints.

How do I avoid the cost of re-prints?

To avoid the cost of re-prints, it's important to order the right amount of wedding invitations upfront. Here are some tips to help you do that:

Count by Households, Not Guests

One invitation per household is sufficient. Many guests are couples or families, so you don't need to order one invitation per guest. For example, a wedding with 120 guests may only require 60-70 invitations.

Add "Known" Extras

In addition to the invitations for your guest list, add a few extra invitations for specific purposes. For example, you may want to include one for your photographer to shoot at the wedding, a couple for you and your parents as keepsakes, and perhaps a few to frame or use as decor.

Plan for Unknown Extras

It's inevitable that you may think of additional guests to invite or encounter other unexpected situations. It's recommended to order about 10 extra wedding invitations to account for any unknown needs that may arise.

Order Extra Envelopes

If you're working with a calligrapher or plan to address the envelopes yourself, order extra envelopes to account for any mistakes. Ordering 10% extra envelopes is standard and should be sufficient.

Handwriting and Calligraphy

If you're handwriting or using calligraphy on any pieces, such as guest names on invitations or thank-you cards, consider ordering 10-20% extra to cover any mistakes.

By following these guidelines, you can avoid the cost of re-prints and ensure you have the right number of wedding invitations.

Frequently asked questions