How Many Wedding Invitations Should You Order? A Guide for Couples
Deciding how many wedding invitations to order can be challenging, but following a few simple guidelines can help ensure you have the right amount without overspending. Ordering too few can lead to delays and unexpected costs, while ordering too many might stretch your budget unnecessarily. Here’s a guide on how many wedding invitations to order as a rule of thumb, with tips for keeping track of your guest list and covering all your bases.
Rule of Thumb for How many wedding invitations to order
A general rule is to order one invitation per household instead of one per guest. Since many guests attend as couples or families, this usually means you’ll need fewer invitations than your total guest count. Here’s how to apply this principle:
- Calculate Your Guest List by Household
Review your guest list and organize guests by household. For instance, a couple or family will receive one invitation. If you have 100 guests, you may only need around 60-70 invitations, depending on household sizes. - Send Separate Invitations for Adult Children in the Household
For families with adult children (particularly those over 18), it’s customary to send separate invitations to each adult child who still lives at home. This is especially true for those in their 20s or 30s, as it recognizes them as individual guests and helps avoid RSVP confusion. - Order Extra Invitations
It’s wise to order 10-15% extra invitations to cover:- Unexpected Guests: You may add last-minute guests or plus-ones.
- Keepsakes: Extras for you, family members, or keepsake albums.
- Addressing Errors or Loss in Mail: Mistakes happen, and occasionally, invitations get lost in the mail. Having extras means you’re prepared to re-send if needed, avoiding any disruption.
Track Sent Invitations and Responses
It’s crucial to keep a detailed list of who’s receiving each invitation and to monitor RSVPs. Using a spreadsheet or guest management tool helps you:
- Track Who’s Been Sent Invitations: Log each household, noting when the invitation was sent.
- Monitor Responses: As RSVPs come in, mark responses on your list to ensure every guest is accounted for. This step is essential for identifying anyone who may need a follow-up or a replacement invitation if mail issues occur.
Other Considerations When Ordering Invitations
Several additional factors may impact the number of invitations you’ll need:
- Separate Invitations for Ceremony and Reception-Only Guests
If some guests are invited to only the ceremony or reception, make adjustments accordingly. - Single Guests with Plus-Ones
For single guests with a plus-one, send one invitation, but personalize the RSVP to allow for an additional guest. - Matching Save the Dates to Invitations
Many couples order similar quantities of Save the Dates and invitations. If you’re sending both, ensure anyone who receives a Save the Date also receives an invitation.
Tips for Staying Organized
- Use a Guest List Spreadsheet
Keep track of household names, plus-ones, and addresses in a spreadsheet. This also helps with addressing and tracking RSVPs. - Review with a Trusted Friend or Family Member
Before placing your final order, review your list with someone else to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Final Thoughts
Ordering the right number of wedding invitations is simple with these rules of thumb. By following the rule of one per household, including extra invitations for re-sends and keepsakes, and tracking your guest list, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and ensure each guest is covered. This thoughtful approach will make the invitation process smoother and give you peace of mind as you prepare for your big day.
