Wondering why invitation companies suggest ordering 200 invites for 150 guests? You’re not alone. Most couples end up buying far more invitations than they actually need. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how many wedding invitations to order, how to calculate the right number, and how to avoid overspending.
The Simple Truth About Wedding Invitations
You do not need one invitation per guest. Invitations are sent per household or couple, plus a small buffer. Once you understand this rule, everything becomes much easier.
Quick answer: One wedding invitation per household or couple is standard. Most weddings with 100 guests need about 60–70 invitations. Always order 10–15 extras to cover mistakes or last-minute additions.
The Rule Most Couples Miss
Wedding invitations are addressed per household, not per person. That means:
- A married couple gets one invitation
- A family with kids gets one invitation
- A couple living together gets one invitation
- Single guests get one invitation each
This is why your invitation count almost never matches your total guest count.
How Many Wedding Invitations Do You Need Per Guest?
You do not need one invitation per guest. Invitations are sent per household, couple, or family. Single guests receive one invitation each.
PRO TIP: Not sure what to write on your invitations? Check out our wedding invitation wording guide for modern and traditional options.
How to Calculate How Many Wedding Invitations You Need
Use this step-by-step method to get the right number.
Step 1: Count Households, Not Guests
Wedding Invitation Calculator
Enter your guest numbers to see how many invitations you actually need:
Go through your guest list and group people by household. This is the easiest way to determine actual wedding invitation quantities.
Example:
- 50 married or cohabiting couples = 50 invitations
- 10 families with children = 10 invitations
- 20 single guests = 20 invitations
Total invitations needed so far: 80
Step 2: Add a Small Buffer
Always order extra invitations. Mistakes happen. Addresses change. A few last-minute additions are almost guaranteed. Once you’ve made your list, add up household wedding invitations to determine the number of invitations to order.
The safe buffer:
- Add 10 to 15 extra invitations for weddings under 150 guests
- Add 15 to 25 extra invitations for larger weddings
In our example, ordering 90 to 95 invitations would be perfect.
Where couples usually save money: Many invitation designers sell in set quantities (like 25 or 50), so rounding up to the next set is often cheaper than reordering later. If you are ordering online, look for shops that offer flexible quantities or free extras. For instance, Minted offers free addressing on your envelopes, which can save money on printing later (and a hassle).
(This is especially helpful when ordering from handmade or custom invitation shops, where reprints can take weeks.)
Quick Invitation Math Cheat Sheet
If you want a shortcut, use this guideline:
- 100 guests usually need about 60 to 70 invitations
- 150 guests usually need about 85 to 95 invitations
- 200 guests usually need about 110 to 125 invitations
This varies based on how many couples and families you have, but it is a reliable starting point.
Common Invitation Ordering Mistakes
Ordering One Invitation Per Guest
This is the biggest and most expensive mistake. Invitation companies do not always explain this clearly, and couples end up overspending by hundreds of dollars.
Not Ordering Extras
If you order the exact number you need, you will regret it. Even professional calligraphers make mistakes, and reordering later is almost always more expensive.
Forgetting About Keepsakes
Many couples like to save an invitation for:
- A wedding album
- A memory box
- Framing after the wedding
Add one or two extras just for this.
What About Save the Dates?
Save the dates follow the same household rule as invitations.
You do not need one per guest. You need one per household, plus a few extras.
If you are sending digital save the dates, you can skip this entirely and focus your budget on your formal invitations.
If you are trying to stay on budget, digital save the dates are one of the easiest places to cut costs. Many couples send digital save the dates and then invest more in printed invitations they truly love.
What If I Am Doing Digital RSVPs?
Digital RSVPs do not change how many invitations you need.
You are still mailing one invitation per household. The RSVP method only affects inserts, not the number of invitations.
Do I Need Extra Invitations for Vendors or Keepsakes?
Most vendors do not need a full invitation suite.
However, you may want extras for:
- Your photographer
- Your wedding planner
- Flat lay photos
This is another reason that small buffer matters.
If you care about detail photos, your photographer will appreciate having a clean, unused invitation suite for flat lay shots. Ordering a few extra invitations also lets you frame one or save it as a keepsake after the wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Invitation Quantities
Is it rude to send one wedding invitation to a couple?
No. Sending one invitation per couple or household is standard etiquette and expected.
Should each adult get their own wedding invitation?
No. Adults in the same household receive one shared invitation.
How many extra wedding invitations should I order?
Order 10 to 15 extra invitations for small to medium weddings and up to 25 extra for larger guest lists.
The Bottom Line
You almost always need fewer wedding invitations than you think.
Count households, not guests. Add a reasonable buffer. Save your money for something that actually matters.
If you are between quantities, always round up slightly. Peace of mind is worth far more than reordering later.
Still feeling unsure? Share your questions in the comment box below. And remember, you’re doing a great job: this is one of the most common wedding planning questions for a reason.
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
