Planning Your Wedding: How Many Invites To Send?

Planning a wedding involves a lot of decision-making, and one of the most exciting steps is sending out invitations. It's essential to send out invitations at the right time to ensure your guests have enough time to plan and attend your special day. So, how many invitations should you send out, and when is the best time to do so?

Count by the number of households, not individual guests

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's easy to assume that you need to send one invitation per guest. However, this often leads to couples ordering far too many invitations. A much more efficient way to calculate how many invitations you need is to count by the number of households receiving the invites, rather than the number of guests.

For example, if you have 200 guests, you certainly don't need 200 invitations. You'll likely only need half that number, as one invitation can cover multiple guests from the same household. This method ensures that you don't end up with a surplus of unused invitations.

It's important to note that guests over the age of 18 should receive their own invitation, even if they live in the same household as their parents or guardians. This also applies to elderly grandparents living with their adult children. In this case, the adult children and their families would receive one invitation, while the grandparent would receive a separate one. However, unmarried couples living together would receive only one invitation.

Once you've counted the number of households, it's a good idea to order 10 to 20 extra invitations. While this may seem unnecessary, these extras can be extremely useful. For instance, they can be given to your photographer to capture as part of your wedding story, or kept as a tangible memento of your special day. Additionally, having extras means you're prepared for any last-minute additions to the guest list or invitations that get lost in the mail.

Order 10-20 extra invitations

When it comes to wedding planning, it's essential to consider how many invitations to send out. While it may seem like a straightforward task, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have enough invitations without wasting resources.

Firstly, it's crucial to count by the number of households, not individual guests. This is a common mistake, but it can lead to ordering twice as many invitations as needed. For example, if you invite 200 guests, you may only need around 100 invitations. It's also important to consider that guests over the age of 18 receive their own invitation, even if they live with their parents or adult children. Unmarried couples living together, on the other hand, will receive one invitation.

Once you've determined the number of households, it's a good idea to order at least 10 extra invitations, or even 20 if your budget allows. These extras come in handy for various reasons. Firstly, they can be useful if any invitations are returned by the post office, get lost in the mail, or if you need to add additional guests. Secondly, you may want to keep a few as keepsakes or pass them along to your photographer to capture as part of your wedding story. Lastly, having a few extra copies ensures you're prepared for any last-minute emergencies or changes to the guest list.

While it may seem unnecessary to order more than you need, it's important to consider the potential costs of re-ordering. Printing small quantities of stationery can be more expensive, and reprints at a later date can be costly. Therefore, it's better to order slightly more than you think you need to avoid any last-minute stresses.

In summary, when deciding on the number of wedding invitations to send out, count by households, add 10-20 extras, and don't worry about having a few left over—they can serve as precious mementos of your special day.

Keep a few for keepsakes

Wedding invitations are one of the few tangible mementos from your special day that you can cherish for years to come. They are a part of your love story and deserve to be celebrated and preserved. Here are some reasons why you should keep a few for keepsakes:

A Cherished Memento

Wedding invitations hold sentimental value and serve as a reminder of your special day. They are a beautiful keepsake to look back on, just like your wedding photos, dress, and vows. You may want to hold onto these invitations as a reminder of the joy and love shared on your wedding day.

A Record of Your Guest List

Your wedding invitations will also come in handy as a record of your guest list. This can be useful for sending thank-you notes, keeping track of gifts received, or even planning future events. It's a quick way to recall who attended your wedding and can be helpful when planning reunions or other celebrations.

A Guide for Your Guests

Your wedding invitations contain important information for your guests, such as the date, time, and location of your wedding, as well as any dress code or theme details. Guests may refer to these invitations multiple times, especially if they need to plan their travel or accommodation. Keeping a copy ensures that you have all the necessary details in one place.

A Sentimental Gift

Consider giving a copy of your wedding invitation as a gift to your parents, in-laws, or even your bridal party. It can be a thoughtful way to thank them for their support and involvement in your special day. They may appreciate having their own keepsake to cherish, especially if they played a significant role in your wedding journey.

A Creative Project

If you're feeling crafty, you can turn your wedding invitations into creative projects or displays. From framing your invitation to creating decoupage plates or Christmas ornaments, there are many ways to transform your invitations into decorative pieces for your home. These handmade creations will not only preserve your invitations but also add a personal touch to your living space.

Pass a couple along to your photographer

When it comes to wedding planning, there are a lot of things to consider, and one of the most common questions couples have is how many wedding invitations they need to send out. While it may seem like a simple question, there are a few factors to keep in mind to ensure you have enough invitations without having too many leftovers.

One important tip is to count by the number of households, not individual guests. Many couples make the mistake of ordering one invitation for every guest, which can result in having way too many extras. For example, if you have a total of 200 guests, you may only need around 100 invitations. Keep in mind that guests over the age of 18 should receive their own invitation, even if they live with their parents or adult children. Unmarried couples living together will always receive one invitation.

Now, let's talk about passing along a couple of invitations to your wedding photographer. Here are some reasons why you should consider doing this:

• Complete Your Love Story: Your wedding invitations are a part of your love story, and they deserve to be captured and included in your wedding album. They are the first impression everyone will have of your big day, officially marking the start of your celebration. Whether you spent a lot or a little on your invitations, they represent where you are in life and what makes you and your partner unique as a couple.
• Capture the Details: Your wedding photographer will want to capture all the little details that make your wedding unique, and the invitation suite is an important part of that. They can style and photograph the invitations as a flat lay or use them as a background for detail shots. Having a copy of the invitation will ensure that these details are not missed and will add a personal touch to your wedding photos.
• Practical Information: If your photographer is travelling from far or is unfamiliar with the wedding venue and surrounding area, having a copy of the invitation, along with any additional information cards, can be helpful. It will give them practical information about the location, date, and time of the wedding, as well as any other relevant details included in the invitation suite.
• Pristine Condition: If you want your photographer to capture the invitations in pristine condition, it's best to pass them along directly rather than sending them through the mail. This way, you can ensure that they arrive in perfect condition and are ready for their close-up.
• Save the Date: If you have leftover save-the-date cards, consider giving one to your photographer along with your first payment. This will give them an idea of your colour scheme and overall aesthetic, helping them understand your style and what to expect on the wedding day.

Remember, it's always a good idea to have a few extra invitations on hand. In addition to passing some along to your photographer, you may want to keep a few as keepsakes and have a few spares in case of last-minute guest additions or lost invitations.

Have a few extra copies for emergencies

When it comes to sending out wedding invitations, it's always a good idea to have a few extra copies on hand for emergencies. Here are some tips to help you prepare for any unexpected situations:

Allow for Lost Mail

It's not uncommon for invitations to get lost in the mail. By having a few extra copies, you can quickly send out replacements if needed. This will ensure that your guests receive their invitations in a timely manner and don't miss out on any important details or deadlines.

Guest List Changes

Sometimes, your parents or in-laws may want to add more people to the guest list at the last minute. Having extra invitations allows you to accommodate these requests without having to reorder. It's also useful if you decide to expand your guest list or include additional guests you may have initially overlooked.

Keep for Memories and Sentimental Value

Your wedding invitations are a tangible part of your love story and can become cherished keepsakes. You may want to hold on to a few extra copies for yourself, your family, or even your photographer. These invitations can be used as part of your wedding decor, displayed at the entrance or reception area, or included in your wedding album to add a special touch.

Plan for Last-Minute Guests

It's always a good idea to prepare for unexpected guests or plus-ones. Having extra invitations allows you to accommodate these additions without stress. This way, you can ensure that everyone feels included and welcomed at your celebration.

Avoid the Hassle of Reordering

Reordering invitations can be costly and time-consuming. By having a few extra copies, you can avoid the hassle of meeting minimum order quantities or paying higher prices for small reprint quantities. It's a simple way to save money and reduce last-minute planning stress.

Remember, it's better to have a few extra invitations than to be caught off guard. These extra copies will give you peace of mind and help you navigate any unexpected situations that may arise during your wedding planning journey.

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