how many extra wedding invitations to order

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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18-01-2025

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Meta Description: Don't get caught short! Learn how many extra wedding invitations to order to account for mistakes, loss, and unexpected guests. Our guide provides a simple formula and considerations for your unique situation. (158 characters)

Wedding planning is filled with decisions, big and small. One seemingly minor detail that can cause major stress if overlooked is ordering enough wedding invitations. Underestimating the quantity can lead to frantic last-minute reprints and potential embarrassment. This comprehensive guide will help you determine exactly how many extra wedding invitations you should order.

How Many Extra Invitations Do You Need?

The general rule of thumb is to order 10-15% extra wedding invitations. This buffer accounts for several possibilities:

• Addressing Errors: Mistakes happen! An extra set allows for reprinting if you misspell a name or address.
• Lost or Damaged Invitations: Invitations can get lost in the mail or damaged during handling.
• Unexpected Plus-Ones: Guests may bring an unexpected plus-one, and you'll want to be prepared.
• Last-Minute Additions: You might add guests to your list closer to the date.

Calculating the Number of Extras:

1. Determine your guest count: Start with the final number of guests you're inviting.
2. Calculate the percentage: Multiply your guest count by 0.10 (for 10%) or 0.15 (for 15%).
3. Round up: Always round up to the nearest whole number. You can't order a fraction of an invitation!

Example:

If you have 150 guests, 10% extra would be 15 invitations (150 x 0.10 = 15). 15% extra would be 23 invitations (150 x 0.15 = 22.5, rounded up to 23).

Factors to Consider When Ordering Extra Invitations

While the 10-15% rule is a good starting point, some factors might necessitate ordering even more:

• Complex Addressing: If you have a lot of guests with long or complicated addresses, you might increase your extra order to account for addressing errors.
• Mailing Distance: If you're mailing invitations long distances, the risk of loss increases. Consider adding a few more extras.
• Hand-Addressing: Hand-addressing invitations increases the chance of mistakes. Bump up your extra order accordingly.
• Unique Design: If your invitations have a unique design that requires specialized printing, ordering additional extras could minimize delays in case of reprints.

What to Do With Leftover Invitations?

Don't just throw away leftover wedding invitations! They can be repurposed in several creative ways:

• Save-the-Dates for future events: Use them as save-the-dates for anniversaries or other celebrations.
• Thank You Notes: Cut them down and use the cardstock for thank-you notes.
• Keepsakes: Frame a few as keepsakes to remember your special day.
• Craft Projects: Get creative and use them for other crafting projects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I order too many extra invitations?

A: It's better to have a few extras than to run short. Leftover invitations can be repurposed, as described above.

Q: What if I don't use all the extra invitations?

A: You can save them for future use or find creative ways to repurpose them.

Conclusion: Don't Underestimate the Importance of Extra Invitations

Ordering enough wedding invitations is crucial for a smooth and stress-free wedding planning process. By following the guidelines and considering the factors outlined in this guide, you'll ensure you have enough invitations to invite all your guests without the last-minute scramble. Remember to factor in that 10-15% buffer for those unexpected situations. This simple step can save you from a lot of unnecessary stress and ensure that everyone receives their invitation on time!