The Significance Of Numbering Wedding Invites

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, from choosing a venue to deciding on a colour palette. One of the first tasks on the wedding checklist is creating a guest list, which can be a tricky process. Couples need to consider their budget, the size of the venue, and input from family and friends. It's important to order the right number of wedding invitations, taking into account that some guests may be couples or families and that a few extra invitations are needed in case of mailing issues or last-minute guest additions. The invitations should be sent out with plenty of time for guests to RSVP and make travel arrangements, especially for destination weddings.

Number of invitations: Order by household, not guest

When it comes to wedding invitations, it is important to count by the number of households rather than the number of guests. This is a common mistake among couples, but it is not necessary to order one wedding invitation for every guest. For example, if you invite a total of 200 guests to your wedding, you may only need 100 invitations.

Guests who are over the age of 18 receive their own invitation. For instance, a college student living at home with their parents will receive their own invitation. Another example is an elderly grandparent living with their adult child. The grandparent would receive their own invitation, and the adult child together with their family will get an invitation. This does not apply to unmarried couples living together, who will always receive a single invitation.

It is recommended to order 10-20 extra invitations to avoid the costly process of reprints at a later date. These extras can be useful if invitations are returned by the post office, if you add additional wedding guests, or if some get lost in the mail.

Extras: Keep spares for keepsakes, photographers, and emergencies

It is recommended that you order 10-20 extra wedding invitations to keep for spares. These extras will be useful if any invitations are returned to you by the post office, if you add additional wedding guests, or if some get lost in the mail. Here are some reasons why you should keep spares:

Keepsakes

Wedding invitations are one of the few tangible keepsakes from your wedding day, just like your wedding dress, your vows, and your garter. They are a part of your love story that you will want to celebrate forever. It is recommended to keep at least 2-3 copies for yourself, and your mom might want her own keepsake too!

Photographers

Give at least one invitation to your photographer to capture at your wedding. Your wedding invitations truly complete your love story, so be sure to add it to your shot list. Invitations are the first impression everyone will have of your big day, and it makes your wedding official.

Emergencies

Invitations may get lost in the mail, or your mom might add more people to the guest list. You’ll thank yourself later if you come prepared for unexpected emergencies!

Budget: Guest numbers affect costs for catering, invites, and rentals

Budgeting for a wedding is a challenging task, and guest numbers play a pivotal role in this process. The number of guests you invite will directly impact the costs of catering, invitations, and rentals, so it's important to plan carefully to avoid overspending or compromising your vision.

Catering is often one of the biggest expenses at a wedding, and the cost per head can quickly add up. When planning your catering budget, consider the type of food you want to serve. A plated dinner with multiple entrée options will likely be more expensive than a buffet, where guests can choose their preferred dishes. Appetizers, desserts, and drinks are also important to factor in, as these can significantly increase the overall catering bill. As a rule of thumb, it's better to order slightly more food than you think you'll need to ensure your guests are satisfied.

The number of invitations you need is directly proportional to the number of guests. While this may seem obvious, it's important to consider the cost of invitations, especially if you're opting for custom designs or luxurious materials. Additionally, some couples choose to include additional inserts with their invitations, such as RSVP cards, which can increase the overall cost.

Finally, guest numbers will also affect the rentals you need for your wedding. This includes items such as tables, chairs, linens, and place settings. The cost of renting these items can vary depending on the quality and quantity you require. It's important to have a clear idea of the number of guests to ensure you have enough rentals without incurring unnecessary expenses.

To manage your budget effectively, it's recommended to create a detailed spreadsheet that outlines the costs associated with each guest. This will help you make informed decisions about where to allocate your funds and identify areas where you can save money. By carefully considering the impact of guest numbers on catering, invitations, and rentals, you can plan a wedding that aligns with your financial means and ensures a memorable celebration for you and your guests.

Venue capacity: Space constraints dictate guest list size

When it comes to wedding planning, one of the first tasks to complete is creating your guest list. This is because the number of people you invite will impact almost every subsequent planning detail. One of the most important considerations is venue capacity.

Most venues have headcount minimums and maximums. This means that they require a certain number of guests to host your event, but that number cannot exceed their limits for safety or noise reasons. So, before you start planning how many people to invite to your wedding, you need to consider the capacity of your chosen venue.

If you have your heart set on a small, intimate venue, it might not be able to accommodate a large number of people. In this case, you'll need to accept that not everyone will be invited. On the other hand, if you want to invite a lot of people, you'll need to choose a venue that can hold everyone comfortably.

It's also important to keep your budget in mind when deciding on venue capacity and guest list size. The larger the guest list, the more money you'll need to spend on items like catering, invitations, and event rentals. So, if you want to keep costs down, you may need to opt for a smaller venue and a more limited guest list.

Another thing to consider is that not everyone you invite will be able to attend. According to experts, roughly 20% of invited guests will respond "no" to a wedding invitation. So, if your venue capacity is 150 people, you could invite 100 guests, expecting that only around 80 will attend. However, this method is not foolproof, and you should be prepared to accommodate everyone on your guest list if they all accept your invitation.

In summary, when planning your wedding, it's crucial to consider venue capacity and how it will impact your guest list. By choosing an appropriate venue and creating a thoughtful guest list, you can ensure that your big day is both safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Plus-ones: Account for partners, married guests, and long-term relationships

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider when thinking about plus-ones. Firstly, it's important to establish a set of criteria that will determine who gets a plus-one and who doesn't. This will help you stay organised and ensure that you don't exceed your budget or venue capacity.

• Married guests: It is generally considered good etiquette to invite both parties in a married couple, even if you are closer to one person than the other.
• Long-term relationships: If a guest is in a long-term relationship (typically considered a year or more), it is respectful to offer them a plus-one, even if you have never met their partner.
• Engaged couples: If a guest is engaged, it is appropriate to offer them a plus-one, as this acknowledges their commitment to their partner.
• Wedding party: It is customary to offer the wedding party, such as bridesmaids and groomsmen, a plus-one as a token of appreciation for their time and support.
• Close family members: Family plus-ones can be considered on a case-by-case basis. If a family member will know plenty of people at the wedding, they may not need a plus-one. However, if they are less familiar with the guest list, offering them a plus-one can make them feel more comfortable.

When deciding on plus-ones, consistency is key. If you offer a plus-one to one person in a certain category (e.g., the wedding party), it is polite to extend the same offer to everyone in that category. This avoids any potential favouritism or hurt feelings.

When addressing wedding invitations, there are a few ways to indicate whether a guest has a plus-one:

• Outer envelope with plus-one's name: Write the names of the invited guest and their plus-one on the outer envelope, e.g., "Mrs Valerie Smith and Mrs Hannah Woods".
• Outer envelope without plus-one's name: If you don't know the plus-one's name, write only the invited guest's name on the outer envelope, e.g., "Mrs Valerie Smith".
• Inner envelope: Write the invited guest's name and "and guest" on the inner envelope, e.g., "Mrs Valerie Smith & Guest".
• RSVP card: Indicate that the guest is invited to bring a plus-one, e.g., "You are invited to bring one guest" or "You are invited to bring a plus-one".

Remember, it is not necessary to offer every guest a plus-one. If budget and space are limited, focus on offering plus-ones to those in long-term relationships, married couples, and the wedding party.

Frequently asked questions