Extra Wedding Invitation Envelopes: How Many To Order?

Planning a wedding involves many decisions, from choosing a venue to selecting a dress. One important aspect is ordering wedding invitations, and couples often wonder how many they need. The number of invitations required depends on the guest list, and it's crucial to avoid ordering too few or too many. To ensure you have enough, it's recommended to count by the number of households rather than individual guests. You should also consider adding a few extra invitations for unforeseen circumstances, such as lost invitations or last-minute guest list additions. These extras can save you from the costly and stressful situation of needing to reorder. Additionally, if you're hiring a calligrapher or addressing the envelopes yourself, it's wise to order about 10-20% extra envelopes to account for any mistakes.

Order 10-20% more envelopes to account for addressing errors

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's essential to plan ahead and order extra envelopes to account for addressing errors. This is especially important if you're hiring a calligrapher or plan to address the envelopes yourself. By ordering extra envelopes, you can ensure you have enough invitations for your wedding and avoid the hassle of re-ordering.

The general rule of thumb is to order 10-20% more envelopes than the number of invitations. For example, if you're ordering 100 invitations and plan to have a calligrapher address them, it's advisable to order 20 extra envelopes. This allows for mistakes, last-minute changes, and any other unforeseen circumstances.

Ordering extra envelopes upfront is a cost-effective decision. Printing small quantities of stationery can be much more expensive than adding a few extras to the original order. By ordering in bulk, you can take advantage of lower prices per piece and avoid the need for costly reprints later on.

Additionally, having extra envelopes provides flexibility. It allows you to invite additional guests, accommodate divided families, or send invitations to those who may have been missed on the initial list. It's always better to have more than enough envelopes rather than facing the inconvenience and stress of running out.

When calculating the number of extra envelopes needed, consider factors such as the size of your guest list, the possibility of mistakes, and any unique circumstances. By following this advice, you can ensure that your wedding planning goes smoothly and that you have the necessary invitations to celebrate your special day with your loved ones.

Plan for the unknown: add 10 extra invites for unexpected guests

Planning a wedding is a complex task, and ordering wedding invitations is a tricky part of the process. While you don't want to be left with too many leftover invitations, it's crucial to ensure you have enough, with a few spares. Here are some tips to help you plan for the unknown and unexpected guests:

Finalise the Guest List:

Firstly, finalise your guest list and count the number of households on the list. Remember, not every single guest needs an individual invitation. For families residing in the same house, one invitation is sufficient. However, if an adult child is living outside the household, they should receive their own invitation.

Calculate the Initial Order Quantity:

After determining the number of households, it's recommended to add at least 10 extra invitations to your total. You may even consider adding 20 extras to be on the safer side. These additional invitations will come in handy if you need to add last-minute guests or if some invitations get lost in the mail.

Plan for the Unknown:

Now, for the unexpected guests and last-minute additions, it's a good idea to order about 10 extra wedding invitations. This buffer will allow you to accommodate any forgotten guests, new friends, or unexpected plus-ones without the need for costly reprints.

Keep Some for Keepsakes:

Your wedding invitations are tangible mementos of your special day. You may want to keep a few as keepsakes, perhaps getting one framed or including it in your wedding book. It's a good idea to keep 2-3 copies for yourself and maybe a couple more for your parents or other family members.

Photographer and Other Professionals:

Don't forget to set aside 1-2 invitations for your photographer to capture in their shots. These invitations complete your love story and are a beautiful addition to your wedding album. You may also want to provide an invitation to other professionals involved in your wedding, such as your wedding planner or videographer.

Order Extra Envelopes:

If you're working with a calligrapher or addressing the envelopes yourself, order at least 20% extra envelopes to account for any mistakes or last-minute additions. This ensures you have enough matching envelopes and avoids the hassle of running out.

Remember, it's always better to order a few extra invitations upfront than to deal with the cost and stress of reprints later. Happy planning!

Order more envelopes if you're hiring a calligrapher

Wedding planning can be a stressful process, and ordering wedding invitations is no exception. It's important to get the numbers right to avoid the hassle and cost of reprints. Here are some instructive tips focused on ordering extra envelopes when hiring a calligrapher.

Firstly, it's crucial to understand that the number of invitations required is not the same as the number of guests. One invitation is typically sent per household, with some exceptions. For instance, if a child is living outside the household, such as a post-grad student in an apartment, they should receive their own invitation. The same applies to single roommates living together and guests in a serious relationship.

When ordering wedding invitations, it is recommended to include extras for unforeseen circumstances. This includes ordering extra envelopes, especially if you're hiring a calligrapher or plan to address them yourself. Mistakes and smudges are inevitable, and you don't want to run out of envelopes for your big day. As a general rule, it's advisable to order at least 10-20% more envelopes than your total number of invitations. For example, if you're ordering 100 invitations and plan to use a calligrapher, consider ordering 20 extra envelopes. This buffer will provide peace of mind and ensure you have enough envelopes for your invitations.

Additionally, consider keeping a few invitations as keepsakes, both for yourself and your parents. You may also want to give one or two copies to your photographer to capture beautiful shots of your wedding suite. These extras are often overlooked but can add to the magic of your special day.

Ordering extra envelopes when hiring a calligrapher is a wise decision. It allows for addressing mistakes and ensures you have enough for your guest list. Remember, it's always better to have a few extra than to be caught off guard by unexpected errors or last-minute additions to your guest list.

Consider postage costs when budgeting for invites

When budgeting for wedding invites, it's important to consider the cost of postage. In 2024, the postage rate for a First-Class stamp is $0.66, which is typically sufficient for a basic wedding invitation suite. However, if your invitation weighs more than one ounce, is considered an irregular shape, or is more than 1/4" thick, you will need additional postage.

To avoid unexpected costs, it's recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and measured. They can advise you on the exact postage required, so you can budget accordingly. This is especially important if your invitation includes any embellishments like ribbons, twine, or wax seals, as these can increase the weight and thickness of your invitation.

Additionally, if you're planning to include an RSVP card and envelope, don't forget to budget for the return postage. It is proper etiquette to include a stamp on the return RSVP envelope for your guests' convenience. Offering an online RSVP option or using a postcard format for RSVPs can help reduce these costs.

When budgeting, it's a good idea to allocate 4%-6% of your total wedding budget for stationery, including invitations, save-the-dates, and postage. You may also need to factor in day-of pieces like programs, menus, and escort cards, which can add an additional 1-3% to your stationery costs. By considering all these factors, you can ensure you have an accurate budget for your wedding invitations and avoid any last-minute surprises.

Order extras to avoid costly reprints

It is highly recommended to order extra wedding invitation envelopes to avoid the costly reprinting of invitations. While it may seem like a good idea to save money by ordering fewer invitations, this can lead to unnecessary stress and expenses down the line.

Firstly, it is important to understand that the number of invitations required is not the same as the number of guests. One invitation is typically sent per household, with exceptions for single guests, unmarried couples living together, and guests over the age of 18 living with their parents. Counting by the number of guests is a common mistake that can result in twice the number of needed invitations being ordered.

Once you have determined the number of households on your guest list, it is advisable to add at least 10 extra invitations to your order. These extras will come in handy if you need to invite additional guests, if some invitations get lost in the mail, or if you want to keep some as mementos. Ordering a small number of extra invitations upfront is significantly more cost-effective than reprinting a few extras at a later date.

In addition to extra invitations, it is also a good idea to order extra envelopes. If you plan to address the envelopes yourself or hire a calligrapher, ordering 10-20% extra envelopes can account for any mistakes made during addressing. This ensures that you have enough envelopes and avoids the inconvenience of having to reorder.

Ordering extras is a simple yet effective way to avoid the costly reprinting of wedding invitations. By planning ahead and ordering a few extra invitations and envelopes, you can save money, reduce stress, and ensure a smooth wedding planning process.

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