Now that you know what timeframes work best for your wedding, it is time to determine how many invitation suites you should be requesting from your custom wedding stationer!

Even if you do not have a complete guest list yet, you can use the formula above to get a base quantity. I always request at least a starting quantity from my SJM brides, so that I can provide them with an accurate as possible custom price proposal. We are able to readjust your final quantity before we send your invitations to print, and will adjust your custom pricing up or down at that point to reflect the change!

You might be raising an eyebrow at the 15-20 extras of each piece portion of this formula, but trust me – it is so worth it!! You will need at least two full sets of your invitation suite for your wedding photographer to capture your gorgeous custom details on your wedding day. Why two sets? That is because I love including designs on both the front and back sides of your invitation suite pieces, and it is important to photograph all of those details since we will be putting so much character and unique personality into each element of your designs! (PS – if you’re an SJM Couple, I’ll provide you with a complementary extra two sets that I’ll mail to your photographer for you!)

images by SC Stockshop

As mentioned above, you might also be revising your total quantity as you come closer to finalizing your guest list! Having at least 5-10 extra invitation suites will allow you to have some wiggle room for guests you add to your list after we have sent your designs to print. Always make sure to let your stationer know of any quantity increases or decreases as early as possible though, because often times it can be higher than an increase of 10 invitation suites and we will want to make any quantity adjustments before printing!

Finally, you will also want to have at least 5 invitation suites to save as keepsakes! One for your parents, one for your sweetie’s parents, a couple for yourself (possibly one to frame and one for a wedding album or scrapbook), and potentially some for any grandparents or loved ones who would like a set for themselves. These pieces will become heirlooms that you will want to show your grandbabies one day!

If you are interested in beginning your custom wedding stationery design process with me, I would love to hear more about you, your sweetie, and your wedding! Please complete the Custom Design Questionnaire on this page, and I will be in touch shortly after reviewing your responses. I can’t wait to get to know you two better soon, and create beautiful heirloom wedding stationery for y’all to cherish for years to come!