Ordering wedding invitations may seem simple on the surface—until you sit down with your guest list and realize it’s more complicated than you thought. You're inviting 120 guests, so you need 120 invitations... right?

Not exactly.

As a luxury wedding stationer in San Luis Obispo, California, I guide couples through this question all the time. And it’s one of the most common (and most misunderstood) parts of the invitation process. From households to keepsakes to mailing extras, there are a few important factors that go into determining how many wedding invitations you actually need to order—and it’s rarely a one-to-one match with your total guest count.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the exact questions I ask my clients, the formula I recommend, and a few mistakes to avoid—so you can feel confident, prepared, and well-informed as you begin the invitation process.

First: You’re Not Mailing One Per Guest

This is the biggest misconception couples have when they start planning: you’re not sending one invitation per person, but rather per household or couple. For example:

A married couple = 1 invitation
A family of five = 1 invitation
A single guest = 1 invitation

So if you’re inviting 150 guests, that typically translates to somewhere around 85 to 100 invitations. If you’re working with a stationer (like me), we can go over your guest list together and determine the exact number of households.

Build in Extras—Always

This is where many couples go wrong: they order the exact number they think they need, and then they find themselves short when something changes. Here’s why I always recommend ordering extra invitations—usually 10% to 15% more than your final count:

1. Keepsakes

You'll want to reserve at least a few full suites as keepsakes—and not just for yourself. Your photographer will likely want one or two complete, unmailed sets to photograph on the wedding day, especially for styled flat lays.

At Announcements by Adrienne, every custom invitation client receives a thoughtfully curated keepsake box that includes two beautifully assembled full suites. My brides often use these suites for their flat lay photos, and then display the beautiful box in their home after the wedding. These aren’t just extra pieces; they’re heirloom-quality mementos, presented with the same care and attention to detail that defines your entire suite.

Even beyond the keepsake box, it’s still wise to order additional extras, especially if you want to gift a suite to parents or store a pristine copy in your wedding album.

2. Calligraphy & Mailing Errors

If you’re using hand calligraphy or guest addressing, there may be mistakes or last-minute edits. Having extra envelopes and a few spare invitations gives you flexibility without needing a reprint.

3. Last-Minute Guests

Yes, it happens. Your mom remembers someone important. You reconnect with an old friend. Or a declined RSVP suddenly turns into a yes. Having extra invitations on hand avoids the stress and cost of an emergency reprint.

The Formula I Recommend

To calculate how many wedding invitations to order, here’s the formula I use with my San Luis Obispo wedding clients:

Count each household, not each guest
Add 10–15 extra invitations
Add 10–15 extra envelopes (especially if doing hand calligraphy)
Add any specific requests—like an extra suite for your photographer, planner, or wedding content creator

Let’s look at an example.

You’re inviting 150 guests.
Roughly, that equals about 90 households
15 extra suites (about 10%)
= 105 invitations total

Ordering 105 invitations may sound like a lot if you're only inviting 150 people, but trust me—your future self will thank you. Reprints, especially for custom romantic wedding invitations, can be time-consuming, costly, and often come with minimums from specialty printers.

What About Invitation Suites With Multiple Pieces?

If you’re doing a full suite—including a details card, RSVP card, envelope liner, wax seal, and outer envelope—the same formula applies. You don’t need to add extra pieces to each component individually. You simply add extra full suites. When you work with me, I’ll build this buffer into your proposal automatically, so it’s clear how many are being ordered and how many are reserved for extras.

Why Minimum Order Quantities Matter

Here’s something else most couples don’t know: specialty printers (especially for processes like letterpress or foil stamping) often have minimum order quantities. These typically start at 25 prints, even if you only need 10. This means ordering a few extras usually doesn’t increase your cost significantly—unless you're well above the minimum.

As a custom stationer, I factor those minimums into your estimate so there are no surprises. And if you're already at or above the threshold, there’s no reason not to build in those safety extras.

Mailing Mistakes to Avoid

A few practical reminders to protect your invitation investment:

Order early – Production timelines vary, especially for custom printing methods like letterpress. Starting early ensures you have enough time to order more if needed.
Use a spreadsheet – Keep a clean, organized list of guests and households, so you don’t accidentally double count or miss anyone.
Don’t forget international guests – If you have guests living abroad, make sure to confirm their current address and account for longer shipping times.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Cut It Too Close

When it comes to invitations, precision matters—but so does margin. Your wedding invitations are more than paper—they’re the first expression of your celebration, your style, and your story. If you’re investing in something custom and romantic, it’s worth doing thoughtfully.

At Announcements by Adrienne, I guide each of my clients through the logistics of their order, ensuring we account for every detail—so you can focus on the fun part: dreaming up a suite that feels inspired, elevated, and unmistakably yours.

If you're planning a San Luis Obispo, California wedding or a destination celebration anywhere in the world, I’d be honored to help you create invitations that are as meaningful as your wedding day.

Ready to begin?

Let’s create something unforgettable—together. Hop on my schedule today!

xoxo
Adrienne

How many wedding invitations do i really need to order?