Not sure how many extra wedding invitations to order? While you want to ensure you have enough to cover all your guests, you also want to avoid over-ordering and wasting resources.
Read on to learn how to accurately calculate your invitation needs and prepare for unexpected situations.
Key Takeaways
Count households, not individual guests, to determine the number of invitations needed.
Order extra invitations (10-15% more) to cover keepsakes, unforeseen guests, and potential mailing issues.
Consider special invitations for specific guests and VIPs for a personal touch, and use tools like Daisy Chat for easy guest management.
Calculate the Number of Invitations Needed
Count households
Counting the number of households rather than individual guests will give you an accurate estimate of the invitations needed. This technique prevents over-ordering and aligns with traditional etiquette. For instance, if you’re inviting a family of four, you only need one invitation for the entire household rather than four separate ones.
Addressing the outer envelope to the parents and including the children’s names on the inner envelope is a long-standing tradition that ensures everyone in the household is acknowledged. This method not only saves you money but also adds a touch of formality and respect to your wedding stationery.
Include immediate family and your bridal party
Don’t forget to incorporate immediate family members in the invitation count. Not only does this ensure they receive a proper invitation, but it also serves as a cherished keepsake. Your mom might appreciate having her own copy, just as much as you would. Remember, the bridal party is integral to your wedding, and they too, should, be included in your invitation count.
While reviewing your guest list, include these significant individuals. It’s part of the meticulous wedding planning process, ensuring everyone who plays a significant role in your special day is formally invited. Next, we’ll consider the ‘known extras’ you might want to factor in.
Known Extras
Keepsakes
Similar to your wedding dress or vows, invitations serve as tangible keepsakes, offering more value than just a piece of paper. When wondering how many wedding invitations to order for keepsakes, it’s advisable to have at least 2-3 extra copies.
Many couples save these extra invitations for scrapbooks or photo albums, preserving them as beautiful reminders of their special day. Having a few spares ensures you have these precious mementos for the future, and a wedding photographer can capture them in stunning detail.
Companies and Celebrities
For a fun and quirky element, consider sending wedding invitations to companies and celebrities. While it’s not guaranteed that you’ll receive free stuff, some companies and celebrities are known for their generosity and might send unique gifts, heartfelt congratulations, or personalized messages in response to your wedding invitations.
Think about inviting:
Food and beverage brands
Clothing and apparel companies
Tech giants
Local businesses
Although there’s no guarantee of receiving anything, adding a personalized message can sometimes lead to delightful surprises. Check out this guide for addresses to companies that have sent gifts to other couples!
Plan for Unknown Extras
Unexpected guests
Unexpected guests are a common reason for needing extra invitations. Last-minute additions, such as plus-ones or newly reconnected friends who weren’t initially on your guest list, can pop up as the wedding date approaches.
Having extra invitations allows you to accommodate these last-minute RSVPs without stress. Changes in the guest list are inevitable, and having a few additional invitations ensures you’re prepared for any surprises.
Lost or damaged invitations
Invitations can get lost in the mail, especially during high postal traffic times like holidays. Mailing invitations too early during peak seasons increases the risk of them getting lost or delayed.
Additionally, invitations can be damaged during the mailing process, so having extra invitations on hand to replace any lost or damaged ones is crucial. This prevents any disruptions in your wedding planning process and ensures everyone receives their invitation on time.
Extra Envelopes
Remember to order extra envelopes alongside your wedding invitations. Mistakes happen during addressing, whether you’re using a calligrapher or doing it yourself.
Ordering extra envelopes ensures you have replacements for any errors made during the addressing process. It’s also important to note that mail sorting machines might not recognize return addresses on the back of envelopes, which can complicate the return of undeliverable invitations. Having extra envelopes on hand can help mitigate these issues.
Simple Formula for Ordering Extra Invitations
When planning a special event, you might wonder “How many invitations” should you order? The general rule of thumb is to order 10-15% more invitations than the number of guests, or alternatively, 10-20 extra invitations beyond the number of households. This helps cover any unexpected needs or errors.
Avoid over-ordering
While having some extra invitations is essential, avoid over-ordering. Ordering an excess number of wedding invitations can lead to higher costs and result in unwanted surplus and wasted materials.
Advance planning and adherence to this general rule can help you evade such issues and control your stationery budget.
Using Tools Like Daisy Chat
Tools such as Daisy Chat can greatly simplify the wedding planning process. Daisy Chat helps manage your guest list, reducing the need for constant manual updates on wedding details. By simply uploading your guest list, Daisy Chat can manage guest inquiries, RSVPs, and day-of details, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your wedding.
Daisy Chat’s chatbot offers the following features:
Answers guest questions 24/7
Provides tailored interactions and automated responses that fit your wedding’s style
Customizable personality to engage and inform your guests throughout the planning process.
By following these expert tips and advice, you can avoid common pitfalls, save money, and ensure that everyone on your guest list feels special and appreciated. Happy planning!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wedding invitations should I order?
You should order wedding invitations based on households, not individual guests, and include immediate family and bridal party members. It's also a good idea to order 10-20% extra to cover unknown extras.
Why should I count households instead of individual guests?
Counting households instead of individual guests helps you avoid over-ordering invitations and shows proper etiquette by addressing families as a single unit.
How many extra invitations should I order?
You should order about 10-15 extra invitations to account for unexpected guests or mishaps. This will ensure you have enough for any last-minute changes.
What are known extras for wedding invitations?
Some known extras for wedding invitations are keepsakes, framing and decor, and sending invitations to companies and celebrities for potential unique responses. These can add a special touch to your wedding invitations.
Комментарии