How Many Extra Wedding Invitations to Order (Simple Formula)
- Gisella Tan
- Jan 5
- 4 min read
Not sure how many wedding invitations to order? You want enough to cover all your guests, plus a few extras for keepsakes and surprises, but you also don't want to over-order and waste money on invitations that end up in a drawer.
Read on for the exact formula, plus tips for save the dates and avoiding common ordering mistakes.
Key Takeaways
Count households, not individual guests, to determine how many wedding invitations to order.
Add 10 to 15% extra invitations to cover keepsakes, unforeseen guests, and potential mailing issues.
The same household rule applies to save the dates, though you can order fewer extras.
Order extra envelopes too, as addressing mistakes happen.
Simple Formula for Ordering Wedding Invitations
Here's the math:
Number of households on your guest list
+ 2 to 3 for immediate family / keepsakes
+ 10 to 15% buffer for extras
= Total invitations to order
For example: If you have 100 households, add 2 to 3 for keepsakes (103), then add 10 to 15% (10 to 15 more). Order approximately 115 invitations.
This formula gives you enough cushion for last-minute guests, mailing mishaps, and a few keepsakes without significantly over-ordering.
How Many Wedding Invitations to Order
Count Households, Not Individual Guests
This is the most common mistake couples make: counting guests instead of households. If you're inviting a family of four, you only need one invitation for the entire household, not four separate ones.
Traditional etiquette addresses the outer envelope to the parents and includes children's names on the inner envelope. This approach saves money and adds a touch of formality to your wedding stationery.
Include Immediate Family and Bridal Party
Don't forget to include your immediate family members and bridal party in the invitation count. Your mom will probably want her own copy, and it makes a meaningful keepsake. The bridal party should be formally invited too, even if they already know every detail of the day.
How Many Extra Save the Dates to Order
Save the dates follow the same household rule as invitations: count households, not individual guests.
However, you can get away with a smaller buffer for save the dates, around 5 to 10% extra instead of 10 to 15%. Here's why:
Fewer keepsakes needed. Most couples only save 1 to 2 save the dates for their own memory book, rather than the 2 to 3 invitations they might keep.
Guest list is usually more settled by invitation time. Save the dates go out 6 to 8 months early when your list might still be in flux. By invitation time, you'll have a clearer picture.
Less pressure for perfection. If a save the date gets lost in the mail, you can follow up verbally or digitally. The formal invitation is the official record.
That said, if you're ordering from a vendor with minimum quantities, rounding up a bit won't hurt.
Why You Might Need Extra Wedding Invitations
Keepsakes
Your wedding invitation is a tangible keepsake of your special day. Plan to keep 2 to 3 extra copies for scrapbooks, photo albums, or framing. Many couples also give one to parents or grandparents who want their own memento.
Unexpected Guests
Guest lists shift. Last-minute plus-ones, newly reconnected friends, or family members you forgot to add can pop up as the wedding date approaches. Having extra invitations means you can accommodate these additions without scrambling to reorder.
Using tools like Daisy Chat to manage guest questions and updates can also reduce last-minute reprints or inserts. When guests can text for details, you don't need to mail as many correction cards.
Lost or Damaged Invitations
Invitations can get lost in the mail, especially during high postal traffic times like holidays. They can also be damaged in transit: bent corners, water damage, or torn envelopes happen. Having extras on hand means you can quickly resend without holding up your RSVP timeline.
Companies and Celebrities (Just for Fun)
For a fun and quirky element, some couples send wedding invitations to companies and celebrities. While there's no guarantee you'll receive anything, some are known for sending unique gifts, congratulations cards, or personalized messages in response.
Think about inviting:
Food and beverage brands you love
Clothing and apparel companies
Tech giants
Local businesses you support
Don't Forget Extra Envelopes
This one catches people off guard: order extra envelopes alongside your invitations. Mistakes happen during addressing, whether you're using a calligrapher or doing it yourself. One wrong letter, one smudge, and you need a fresh envelope.
Most stationers recommend ordering 10 to 15 extra inner and outer envelopes. It's also worth knowing that mail sorting machines sometimes don't recognize return addresses on the back of envelopes, which can complicate returns. Extra envelopes give you a safety net.
Managing Your Guest List with Daisy Chat
Guest list management tools like Daisy Chat can simplify the entire process. By uploading your guest list, Daisy Chat can handle guest inquiries, RSVPs, and day-of details, reducing the back-and-forth that often leads to last-minute invitation needs.
Key features:
Answers guest questions 24/7, so you don't need to send additional information cards
Provides tailored interactions and automated responses that fit your wedding's style
Customizable personality to engage and inform your guests throughout the planning process
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wedding invitations should I order?
Order based on households, not individual guests. Add 2 to 3 for immediate family/keepsakes, plus 10 to 15% extra to cover unknown extras. For 100 households, order approximately 115 invitations.
Why should I count households instead of individual guests?
Counting households prevents over-ordering and follows traditional etiquette. A family of four receives one invitation addressed to the household, not four separate invitations.
How many extra invitations should I order?
Order 10 to 15% extra to account for unexpected guests, mailing mishaps, and keepsakes. For most weddings, this means 10 to 20 additional invitations beyond your household count.
How many extra save the dates should I order?
Save the dates follow the same household rule, but you can order a smaller buffer (around 5 to 10% extra). Fewer keepsakes are typically needed, and the guest list is usually more settled by the time formal invitations go out.
What are known extras for wedding invitations?
Known extras include keepsakes for yourself and family members, invitations for your bridal party, and (for fun) invitations to companies and celebrities who sometimes send gifts or congratulations in response.
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