WHAT YOU ACTUALLY NEED (FROM A DESIGNER'S PERSPECTIVE)



Let’s be honest -- there’s a lot of confusion out there when it comes to how many wedding invitations you actually need to order. As a graphic designer with over 20 years of experience (and a heart that beats fast for gorgeous paper stock), I’ve seen the confusion, the over-ordering, the panicked re-orders... and I’m here to help you avoid all of it. Wedding invitations are an incredibly meaningful part of your celebration -- they’re the very first glimpse your guests will have into your day. The colour palette, the typography, the vibe, the weight of the envelope in their hands -- it all tells a story. And with printing costs and postage fees steadily climbing, it’s important to be thoughtful and strategic about your invitation order. Here’s the breakdown I share with all my clients -- honest, realistic, and rooted in practicality and sentiment.


1 Invitation Per Household

This is the golden rule. Not one per guest. Not one per couple. One per household. So if you’re inviting a family of four? That’s one invitation. A couple living together? One. A small exception: if you have two single roommates living under the same roof -- yes, they should each receive their own invitation. Because your wedding invite isn’t just an information drop -- it’s a personal gesture, and everyone deserves to feel individually seen and welcomed.


2–3 Invitations for Keepsakes

You might think: “I don’t need to keep one… I have the digital file!” But trust me, when the whirlwind is over and the day has passed, you’ll want a physical reminder of your invitation suite. These pieces hold so much more than information. They carry the feeling of your day -- the theme, the tone, the love that poured into the planning. So set aside two or three copies for yourself. One for a memory box, one for framing, and maybe one for your parents or future generations to hold in their hands.


1–2 Invitations for Your Photographer

As a wedding photographer, I LOVE shooting the little details -- and your invitation suite is one of the most beautiful storytelling tools we’ll have for flat lays. Having a full set ready to go means your photographer can create elegant, editorial images that capture your design in all its glory. If you’re working within a tight budget and can’t spare extras, that’s okay -- simply let your photographer know which keepsake invites they’re allowed to work with. A heads-up ensures they’ll treat the suite gently (flat lays and floral water don’t always mix!).


5–10 Extra Invitations

Think of these as your invitation “safety net.” Guest lists change. Last-minute additions happen. And yes -- mail does occasionally vanish into a black hole. Having 5–10 extra invitations on hand gives you the peace of mind you didn’t know you needed. No one wants to place a rush reprint order (those fees can sting), and trust me -- it's better to be a bit over-prepared than scrambling later on.


Order 20% Extra Envelopes

Envelopes are the unsung heroes of your suite and also, the most likely to need a redo.

Whether it’s a smudge in your hand-addressed calligraphy, a typo in the guest name, or an envelope that splits during assembly (it happens!), having about 20% more than your total number of invites is a smart buffer. For example: if you’re sending out 100 invitations, order 120 envelopes. You’ll thank yourself.


Your invitation suite is more than paper -- it’s an heirloom. A first impression. A tangible piece of your love story. With smart planning and a bit of insider wisdom, you can honour your budget and create something timeless and beautiful. And please -- if you’ve invested in a custom design, give that work of art the moment it deserves. Keep a copy. Frame one. Send a few spares. Your future self (and your photographer!) will thank you.