If you’re knee-deep in wedding planning, one of the most common questions couples ask is: How many wedding invitations do we actually need? It seems simple — until you realize it’s not a 1-to-1 match with your guest list. This guide is here to help New Zealand couples in 2025 figure out how many invites to order (without overspending or under-ordering).
1. Guest Count - Invitation Count
Here’s the secret: you don’t need one invitation per guest. Most invitations are sent per household, couple, or family. So if you're inviting 120 people, you might only need 65–75 physical invitations.
TIP: Go through your guest list and group by household before you count.
2. Always Order Extras
Mistakes happen. Plans change.
We always recommend ordering 10–15% extra invitations. Why?
- You’ll want keepsakes for photography or memory boxes.
- Reorders are expensive and may not match your original print run exactly.
- Lost in the mail? Better to have backups on hand.
3. Create a Guest List Spreadsheet
Use a simple spreadsheet (or a wedding planning app) to organize:
- Full names
- Addresses
- Whether they’re getting a digital or physical invite
- RSVP status
- Meal preference (if needed)
Pro tip: This spreadsheet also becomes your thank-you card tracker later.
4. Send a Digital Copy of the Invite — Before the Physical One Arrives
In 2025, many couples are embracing a hybrid approach:
Send a PDF or image version of your physical invite digitally, so your guests have the info early — and still get the printed invite as a keepsake.
Why this works:
- Guests get the essential details immediately (especially important for travel, accommodation, RSVP deadlines).
- The physical version can still arrive beautifully and serve as a special memory.
- It’s thoughtful, efficient, and elegant.
TIP: This is especially useful for international guests or friends who may misplace paper.
Final Thought
You don’t need to feel overwhelmed by numbers. With a bit of planning and the right stationer by your side (that’s us!), ordering your invitations can be simple, joyful, and stress-free.