When planning your wedding, there are so many details to consider—venue, flowers, seating charts—but one of the most common questions couples ask is: How many wedding invitations should we order? It might seem straightforward at first, but between guest lists, plus-ones, and keepsakes, it’s easy to miscalculate.

At Daydream Paper Studio, we believe ordering your wedding invitations should be stress-free and effortless. This guide will walk you through exactly how to determine the right number of invitations, why you should always order extras, and how to avoid last-minute panic.

Do You Need One Invitation Per Guest? Not Exactly!

A common mistake couples make is assuming they need an invitation for every person on their guest list—but that’s not the case! Many guests are couples or families who will receive a single invitation. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to calculate your invitation quantity:

Households & Couples – Send one invitation per household, whether it’s a couple, a family, or roommates.
Singles & Plus-Ones – If a guest gets a plus-one, they still only need one invitation.
Children – If children are invited, they are typically included on their parents’ invitation.

The Formula for Ordering the Right Amount

A simple way to estimate the number of invitations you’ll need:

Take your total guest count
Divide by 1.5 (This accounts for couples, families, and plus-ones sharing an invitation.)
Add at least 10-15% extra for mistakes, keepsakes, and last-minute additions.

Example:

150 guests = around 100 invitations

(150 ÷ 1.5 = 100)

Then, add extras for a safe cushion!

Why You Should Always Order Extra Invitations

Ordering exactly the number of invitations you think you need can lead to unnecessary stress. Here’s why having extras is a must:

Last-Minute Guest List Changes: Guest lists often change—parents may decide to invite an old family friend, or you might realize you forgot a cousin. Having extra invitations on hand prevents the hassle of rush printing.
Keepsakes & Photography: You’ll want to keep a few invitations as mementos for your wedding album, flat-lay photography, and framing. Plus, your stationer or photographer may request an extra set for styled photos.
Addressing & Calligraphy Mistakes: If you’re hiring a calligrapher or addressing invitations yourself, mistakes happen. Extra envelopes (and even extra invitations) ensure you have a buffer for any handwriting errors or smudges.
Lost or Returned Invitations: Occasionally, invitations get lost in the mail or returned due to incorrect addresses. Having spares means you can quickly resend without stress.

💡 Tip: We recommend ordering at least 10–15% more than your calculated number to cover these unexpected situations.

Other Invitations You Might Need

Beyond your main wedding invitations, consider whether you need additional stationery:

Invitations for Keepsakes & Framing: Want a framed invitation for your home or a scrapbook? Set aside 2–3 extra copies for personal keepsakes.
Invitations for Your Photographer & Wedding Details Photos: If you love those beautifully styled invitation suite photos, provide an extra set to your photographer.
B-List Invitations: If you have a secondary list of guests to invite if others decline, ordering extra invitations in advance will save you time and money later. (Not sure about a B-List? Check this post for more details)
Invitations for Parents & Grandparents: Many couples forget to order extra invitations for family members who want a keepsake. Parents and grandparents often appreciate having their own copy.

💡 Tip: If you’re sending invitations internationally, order a few additional copies in case of delivery delays or mailing issues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Invitations

1. Ordering Too Few Invitations

Relying on an exact count can lead to last-minute reorders, which are often expensive and time-consuming.
How to fix it: Always order at least 10–15% extra invitations.

2. Forgetting Extra Envelopes

If you’re having envelopes addressed by a calligrapher, they may need at least 10–15% extra envelopes in case of errors.
How to fix it: Order extra envelopes separately, especially if you’re using handwritten addressing.

3. Not Accounting for Different Printing Timelines

Certain printing methods, like letterpress or foil stamping, take longer than digital printing. If you realize you need more invitations late in the process, you may face delays.
How to fix it: Build in extra time for specialty printing methods, and order more than you think you’ll need upfront.

4. Forgetting to Include RSVP Details

Guests need to know how and when to RSVP, so don’t overlook this crucial detail.
How to fix it: Include a separate RSVP card or a wedding website URL on your invitation suite.

Final Breakdown: How Many Wedding Invitations to Order?

How many wedding invitations to order based on guest count: A chart showing guest numbers alongside the recommended number of invitations, helping couples calculate the right quantity for their wedding. — *💡 This chart provides a general guide, but always factor in your unique needs!*

Final Thoughts

Ordering your wedding invitations doesn’t have to be complicated—but a little planning goes a long way in avoiding last-minute stress. By calculating your invitations correctly, adding a buffer for unexpected changes, and considering keepsakes and extras, you’ll ensure a smooth and seamless process.

At Daydream Paper Studio, we’re here to make ordering your wedding invitations effortless and enjoyable. Whether you’re choosing a semi-custom suite or dreaming of a fully bespoke design, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Ready to get started? Browse our collections or reach out for a consultation—we’d love to help you create something beautiful!

Love what you’re reading? Get our free guide, Wedding Invitations, Simplified. Your thoughtfully designed roadmap to what you need, when to order, and how to make your stationery unforgettable.

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