How many actual invitations do I need?

Wedding Planning Tips

SHARE

This is a frequent question that is asked by many people not just brides. If you are inviting 200 guests you more than likely do not need 200 invitations. The actual amount of invitations is probably closer to 100 or 120. However, everyone’s guest list is different. Getting your invitation count right can save you money which is super important.

Here are some tips when it comes to figuring out your real invitation count:

You cannot just add up your guests and divide them in half, that does not always work. You need to how many households – at your cousin’s home, his/her spouse and their 4 kids that equals 6 people but only 1 invitation.

Household Composition: As mentioned, you can’t simply divide your guest count in half to determine the number of invitations needed. Instead, consider the number of households on your guest list. For instance, if your cousin’s household consists of their spouse and four children, they would only require one invitation for the entire family.

Special Guests: Remember to include invitations for important individuals such as your grandparents, parents, siblings, and members of the bridal party. These individuals will likely cherish having a physical copy of your wedding invitation as a keepsake.

Make sure you add an invitation for your grandparents, your parents, siblings, bridal party and for yourself. Those are the people that will appreciate having a copy of your wedding invitation and will be very excited to receive it!

Extra Invitations: It’s wise to order a few extra invitations beyond your calculated count to accommodate last-minute additions to the guest list or to provide invitations to vendors such as photographers, DJs, and wedding coordinators.

An extra 10 invitations is always a good idea for last minute additions and for your photographer, dj, etc.

Rounding Up: Since many invitation manufacturers sell in multiples of 25, it’s practical to round up your invitation count to the nearest 25 to ensure you have enough invitations without ordering more than necessary.

Once you have done all of that, rounded up to the closest 25 – that is your real invitation count!

Please be advised, if you are addressing your envelopes yourself, you may want to order an additional 25 envelopes in the same color, etc of your order. While you may not need extra invitations, it’s a good idea to order additional envelopes in the same style and color as your invitation suite. This allows for any mistakes or mishaps that may occur during the addressing process, ensuring that you have a sufficient supply of envelopes to match your invitations.

Here are some additional wedding invitation planning tips to help you navigate the process smoothly:

  1. Start Early: Begin the invitation planning process as early as possible to allow ample time for design, printing, addressing, and mailing. Aim to send out your invitations at least 6-8 weeks before your wedding date to give guests enough time to RSVP.
  2. Create a Cohesive Suite: Design your invitations to complement the overall theme, style, and colors of your wedding. Consider coordinating elements such as fonts, motifs, and paper stock to create a cohesive invitation suite that sets the tone for your event.
  3. Proofread Thoroughly: Before finalizing your invitation design, carefully proofread all text for spelling, grammar, and accuracy. It’s also a good idea to have a second set of eyes review the proofs to catch any errors or inconsistencies.
  4. Include Essential Information: Make sure your wedding invitations include all necessary details, such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception, as well as RSVP instructions and any additional event information (e.g., dress code, accommodations, transportation).
  5. Consider RSVP Options: Decide how you’d like guests to RSVP—whether it’s through traditional response cards, online RSVPs, or a combination of both. Provide clear instructions for how guests should RSVP and include a deadline for responses.
  6. Order Extras: It’s always a good idea to order extra invitations and envelopes in case of mistakes or last-minute additions to the guest list. Having a few extra sets on hand can save you from having to rush reorders later on.
  7. Choose Postage Carefully: Verify the weight and size of your invitations to determine the correct postage rates. Consider adding extra postage for heavier or oversized envelopes, and take postage costs into account when budgeting for your invitations.
  8. Address Envelopes Correctly: Take care when addressing your invitation envelopes, using proper etiquette and ensuring accuracy. Double-check spelling and addresses, and consider hiring a calligrapher or using a printing service for a polished look.
  9. Keep Track of Responses: Develop a system for tracking RSVPs as they come in, whether it’s through a spreadsheet, online RSVP platform, or traditional response cards. This will help you keep organized and ensure you have an accurate guest count for seating arrangements and catering.
  10. Mail Invitations Promptly: Once your invitations are ready, mail them out in a timely manner to give guests plenty of time to respond. Consider mailing international invitations even earlier to account for longer delivery times.