Ordering wedding invitations can be a daunting task. With so many design options, paper choices, and finishing touches like wax seals and ribbon to consider, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But one crucial decision that’s often overlooked is the quantity. Many couples underestimate how many wedding invitations they’ll actually need, leading to last-minute stress and potential disappointment.
It is always sensible to order a few more invites than what you need. So, how many extra wedding invitations should you order? I always say that a good rule of thumb is to order about 5-10 more than you think you’ll need, and below we discuss the reasons as to why.
Underestimating or Overestimating Your Guest List

Even with the most meticulous planning, guest lists can be fickle things. A distant relative who hasn’t been in touch for years might decide to surprise you with their presence, or you could realise you’ve forgotten someone important.
To avoid any last-minute panic and ensure that everyone you want to celebrate with can be included, it’s wise to have a few extra wedding invitations on hand. This small but thoughtful precaution can make a big difference in ensuring that your special day is as joyful and stress-free as possible.
Keepsakes



Your wedding invitations are more than just pieces of paper; they’re keepsakes that you and your guests can cherish for years to come. Having a few extra invitations on hand means that you can keep a few for yourself as a memento of your special day.
These can be kept in a frame and displayed in your home for you to remember your special day, or a memory box for you to refer back to and show future generations of your family.
Lost or Damaged Invitations

Sometimes, wedding invitations can get lost in the post or arrive damaged. Having a few extra wedding invitations on hand can help you replace any that are lost or damaged.
Keeping a few spare invites on hand can help mitigate the stress and inconvenience of having to resend invitations, ensuring that all guests receive the necessary information in a timely manner and can plan accordingly.
For Your Photographer



Many photographers love to capture flat lay images of wedding stationery. These photos are a beautiful addition to your wedding album, showcasing how your chosen colours and theme are reflected in your wedding invitations, menus, and other beautiful stationery pieces.
This not only creates lasting memories for you but also offers a valuable opportunity for your stationer to showcase their work in a real wedding setting. Its a win win.
Someone RSVPs They Can’t Make It, So You Can Invite Someone Else

It’s common for people to RSVP that they can’t attend your wedding. When this happens, it’s a good opportunity to review your guest list. Is there someone else you’d like to invite? If so, reach out to them and see if they’re available.
Having extra wedding invitations on hand can be helpful in these situations. You’ll be prepared to invite someone new without having to worry about ordering more invitations.
Don’t Forget Some Extra Envelopes!



Even the most careful person can make mistakes, especially when handwriting hundreds of envelopes. A misspelled name or incorrect address can be a hassle to fix, especially if you’ve already sealed the envelope.
To avoid any last-minute stress, consider ordering a few extra envelopes when you order your wedding invitations. That way, if you do make a mistake, you’ll have a backup envelope ready to go. It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of headache in the long run.
Final Thoughts

Remember, it’s always better to have a few extra wedding invitations than to come up short. By ordering more than you think you need, you’ll be ensuring that everyone you want to celebrate with can be there on your special day.
This can give you peace of mind knowing that you have backups in case of unexpected circumstances. My advice would be don’t hesitate to order a few more invitations than you initially planned. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in ensuring a memorable and stress-free celebration.
To view more of my wedding stationery work, including invitations, RSVPs, save the dates, seating plans, welcome signs and so much more, please take a look at my website links below, Instagram or Facebook pages, or my Pinterest page:
Contact Inkspiration by Gabrielle
If you’re interested in having wedding stationery, whether this be an invitation, a save the date, a seating plan, a timeline sign, an RSVP, or whatever you may need for your wedding day, please get in touch with me today.