Essential Elements For Minimalist Wedding Invites

Planning a wedding is a complex task, and one of the most important aspects is deciding on the number of guests to invite. The number of invitations sent out can vary depending on factors such as budget, venue capacity, and the couple's vision for their big day. On average, weddings have around 167 guests, but this number can range from 50 for small, intimate gatherings to 300 or more for larger celebrations. When creating a guest list, it's crucial to consider the budget, venue capacity, plus-ones, and the couple's relationship with each guest. It's also important to manage expectations and be realistic about who can attend, especially when it comes to out-of-town guests or destination weddings.

You only need one invite per household

When it comes to wedding invites, it's easy to get carried away and want to invite everyone you know. However, if you're looking to keep things simple and intimate, or you're working with a tight budget, you can absolutely get away with sending just one invite per household. This means that if you have a married couple with children, for instance, you only need to send one invitation to invite the whole family.

This approach can significantly reduce the number of invites you need, which is especially helpful if you're ordering custom stationery. It's a common mistake for couples to order the same number of invites as they have guests, but in reality, you only need around 60-70% of the number of guests you're inviting. For example, if you're inviting 200 people, you'll likely only need about 125-135 invitations. This takes into account that most guests will likely be paired up or part of a family, so you won't need an individual invite for each person.

Ordering a few extra invitations is always a good idea, though, to account for last-minute additions or lost mail. It's also a nice touch to have a couple of extra invites on hand on the wedding day for photographs, especially if your invites have multiple components that can't be seen simultaneously. That way, you can capture the beauty of your stationery in its entirety!

While it's not necessary to send an individual invite to each person, it's worth noting that you should still consider their presence in your overall headcount. This is important for ensuring you have enough chairs, place settings, and favours for everyone. So, while you're keeping the invitations streamlined, don't forget to account for all your guests when planning the other details of your big day!

Order 5+ extra invites

When it comes to wedding invites, it's always a good idea to order a few extra. While it's not necessary to go overboard, adding 5-10 extra invites to your order can give you some wiggle room and help ensure that all your desired guests are included. Here are a few reasons why ordering 5+ extra invites is a smart move:

Last-Minute Additions

It's not uncommon for couples to have last-minute additions to their guest list. Maybe you forgot about a long-lost relative or your future mother-in-law insists on inviting a few more people. Having those extra invites on hand means you won't have to scramble at the last minute to accommodate these unexpected additions.

Postal Service Errors

Let's face it, the postal service doesn't always get it right. Invitations can get lost, destroyed, or delivered to the wrong address. By having extra invites, you can quickly send a replacement to ensure that your VIP guests receive their invitations without delay.

Photography and Keepsakes

On your wedding day, you'll want to have at least two extra invitations that haven't been through the postal service. This is for photography purposes, as you'll want to capture the beauty of your invitation suite, including any special stamps or envelope liners. Additionally, some guests may want to save a copy of the invitation as a keepsake or put it in a light box.

Cost-Effectiveness

Ordering a handful of extra invitations upfront is more cost-effective than reordering a small number after the fact. Printing minimums and paper/envelope minimums can result in paying a higher price tag for a smaller quantity. So, it's wiser to have a few extras initially rather than paying more for a last-minute reorder.

Peace of Mind

Weddings can be stressful enough without worrying about invitation shortages. Ordering 5+ extra invites gives you a buffer and provides peace of mind. You'll have the flexibility to make last-minute adjustments without the hassle and expense of placing a rush order.

Remember, it's always better to have a few extra invitations than to find yourself scrambling to accommodate unexpected guests or replace lost invites. So, when in doubt, round up and order those extra invites!

Send save-the-dates 6-8 months in advance

Sending out save-the-dates 6-8 months in advance of your wedding is a crucial step in the wedding planning process. While it may be tempting to send them out earlier, doing so can backfire as your guests may be too far removed from the date to keep it in mind. Sending save-the-dates within this timeframe is important for several reasons.

Firstly, it ensures that your guests have ample time to plan and make any necessary arrangements. This includes requesting time off work, making travel plans, and saving money for potential hotel costs or gifts. It also gives your guests the opportunity to organise childcare if needed. By providing this advance notice, you increase the likelihood of your loved ones being able to celebrate with you.

Secondly, sending save-the-dates helps you avoid guest double-booking. Particularly for weddings taking place during popular vacation times or holiday weekends, giving your guests a heads-up allows them to hold the date and not accidentally commit to other plans. This is also important if your wedding is taking place at a far-flung location, as guests will need additional time to plan their travel.

Additionally, sending save-the-dates allows you to give your guests a sneak peek into your wedding plans. While you may not have finalised all the details yet, you can include key information such as the date, location (city and state), and even a link to your wedding website. This gives your guests a chance to get excited and gives you an opportunity to build anticipation for your big day.

Finally, sending save-the-dates helps you nail down your guest list. It is important to only send them to guests you definitely want to attend, as it serves as an unofficial invitation. Sending save-the-dates will also prompt you to collect guest addresses, which is an essential step in the invitation process.

In conclusion, sending save-the-dates 6-8 months in advance is a key step in wedding planning. It ensures your guests have enough time to plan, helps avoid double-booking, provides a sneak peek into your wedding, and assists in finalising your guest list. So, while it may be tempting to send them out earlier, sticking to this timeframe will ultimately make your life easier and increase the chances of your loved ones being able to join you on your special day.

Expect 75-85% of invitees to attend

When it comes to wedding invites, there are many factors that determine the average wedding size. One of the most significant factors is the percentage of invited guests who attend.

As a rule of thumb, you can expect around 75-85% of those invited to attend the wedding. This means that if you invite 200 people, you can anticipate around 150-170 guests to be present on your big day. It is important to consider that this percentage can vary depending on the location, date, and time of your wedding. For instance, local guests typically have a higher attendance rate of around 85%, while out-of-town guests may have a lower attendance rate of about 55%.

To ensure a majority of your guests attend, it is recommended to send out ""save the dates" six to eight months in advance. This gives guests ample time to prepare for the wedding, especially if they need to travel. Additionally, consider the size of your wedding when creating your guest list. Smaller, intimate weddings tend to have higher attendance rates, while larger weddings may see a slight decrease in the percentage of guests who attend.

When creating your guest list, it is essential to be realistic and keep your expectations in check. Ask yourself important questions such as how many people you truly want at the wedding, how many meals you can afford, and whether out-of-town guests have the means to travel. It is also crucial to keep your venue in mind, as the space will impact the number of guests you can invite.

While it is challenging to predict the exact number of guests who will attend your wedding, using the 75-85% rule can help you estimate and plan accordingly. This estimate will assist you in making informed decisions about catering, seating arrangements, and other logistics to ensure your special day runs smoothly.

Send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out your wedding invites at the right time is crucial. You want to give your guests enough time to plan their attendance, especially if they are travelling from out of town, but you also don't want to send them too early, otherwise, your wedding might slip your guests' minds as the day draws closer.

The general consensus is that wedding invitations should be sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This is considered the "sweet spot" as it gives guests ample time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary. It also means you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to finalise your headcount, invite any guests on your B-list, and complete your seating chart before the week of the wedding. Sending invites in this timeframe also reduces the likelihood of guests' plans changing between the RSVP date and the wedding day, giving you a more accurate guest count for your vendors.

If you are inviting a large number of international guests, or if your wedding is a destination wedding, it is advisable to add a few weeks to this timeline. Aim to send your invites around 9-10 weeks or even 12 weeks before the wedding date to account for extended shipping times and to give your international guests more time to prepare their travel arrangements.

To ensure your guests have all the information they need to plan their attendance, it is recommended to send out Save the Dates 4-6 months before the wedding. This gives them enough notice to block off the date, plan any necessary travel, and make accommodations. Sending Save the Dates is especially important if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or will be held at a far-off destination. In these cases, sending Save the Dates 6-12 months in advance is highly advisable.

When it comes to requesting RSVPs, the ideal deadline is about one month before the wedding. This provides a brief window for guests to receive the invitation and make their decision while also giving your vendors enough advance notice to order and prepare supplies.

Frequently asked questions