Wedding Invite Enclosures: Tied Together Or Separate?

Wedding invitation suites can be a lot to wrap your head around, especially when it comes to enclosures. The good news is that there are no hard and fast rules about how to assemble your invitations, and you can choose whether or not to include an inner envelope. If you do opt for an inner envelope, you can use a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap to hold everything together. If you're not using an inner envelope, you can still use these methods or try an envelope liner or a wax seal to keep your enclosures in place.

The order of enclosures matters

When assembling your wedding invitation suite, the order of enclosures matters. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your invitations are properly assembled and presented:

Step 1: Start with the Main Invitation Card

The first step is to place the main invitation card at the bottom, with the printed side facing up. This is typically the largest card in the suite, and all other pieces will be arranged on top of it.

Step 2: Add Vellum or Tissue Paper (Optional)

If you have chosen to include a thin sheet of vellum or tissue paper, place it on top of the invitation card. Traditionally, this was used to prevent ink smudges, but it adds a elegant touch to your invitation suite.

Step 3: Stack the Reception Card

If you are including a reception card, place it face-up on top of the invitation card (or the tissue paper, if you've included it). This card provides details such as the time, location, and any dress code for the wedding reception.

Step 4: Include Other Enclosure Cards

Add any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps, hotel accommodation cards, or travel information, on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest and work your way to the smallest. Enclosure cards can also include wedding websites, registries, or any other relevant information for your guests.

Step 5: Add the RSVP Card and Envelope

Place the reply envelope face-down on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. Insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, ensuring the printed side is visible. Don't forget to pre-address and stamp the reply envelope to make it convenient for your guests to respond.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

If you've chosen to add a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap to your invitation suite, now is the time to assemble it. These elements add a stylish touch and help keep your enclosures neatly together.

Step 7: Addressing and Insertion

Once your suite is assembled, it's time to address the envelopes. Traditionally, calligraphy was used for addressing, but printing names and addresses directly on the envelopes is becoming more common. Insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope with the left edge going in first for a single card or the folded edge for a folded invitation. Ensure the text is print-side up so that guests can immediately read the invitation when they open the envelope.

Tissue paper/vellum can be included

Wedding invitation suites can be a fun DIY project, but assembling them can be tricky. Here's a detailed guide on including tissue paper or vellum in your wedding invitation enclosures.

The Purpose of Tissue Paper and Vellum

Tissue paper and vellum are thin, delicate sheets of paper used as invitation inserts. Tissue paper is a traditional choice, often in white or cream, with a soft and cloudy appearance. Vellum, on the other hand, is a more contemporary option that offers a wider range of colours and sizes. It has a more translucent and modern look. Both options provide a formal and elegant touch to your invitations.

The use of tissue paper dates back to when invitations were handwritten, and it was used to prevent smudging and blots. While modern printing methods have reduced the risk of smudging, the tradition of using tissue or vellum remains. They add a nice, organised, and formal presentation to your invitations. Additionally, they serve a practical purpose by protecting your invitations from scratches, smudges, or damage during mailing, especially if you have multiple cards or embellishments.

Assembling the Invitation Suite

When assembling your wedding invitation suite, here's how to include tissue paper or vellum:

• Start with the invitation card: Place the invitation card at the bottom, face up, with the printed side visible. This is usually the largest card in the suite.
• Add the tissue paper or vellum: Place the tissue paper or vellum on top of the invitation card. If you're using vellum, it can also be used as a belly band or wrap to secure the entire suite together.
• Include the reception card: If you have a separate reception card, place it face up on top of the tissue paper or vellum.
• Add other enclosure cards: Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps, hotel accommodation cards, or travel information, face up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, arrange them from largest to smallest.
• Include the RSVP card and envelope: Place the RSVP envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. Insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible. Remember to pre-address and stamp the RSVP envelope.
• Finalise the suite: If you have additional embellishments like belly bands, ribbons, or wax seals, add them now. You can also include a pre-addressed and stamped outer envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Tissue Paper vs. Vellum

When deciding between tissue paper and vellum, consider the following:

• Smudge prevention: If your main concern is ink smudging, tissue paper is more effective than vellum. Vellum's harder, almost plastic-like texture may worsen smudging.
• Protection from damage: Vellum is ideal for protecting embellishments like ribbons, rhinestones, or raised prints. It helps keep your invitations intact during mailing.
• Customisation: Vellum can be printed with custom text and designs, whereas tissue paper cannot.
• Colour and size options: Vellum offers a wider range of colours and sizes, making it easier to find a match for your wedding theme.

Ultimately, the choice between tissue paper and vellum depends on the style and tone of your wedding. Tissue paper is more traditional and formal, while vellum offers a more modern and contemporary look.

Reception card placement

The reception card is an important part of your wedding invitation suite, especially if your ceremony and reception are at different venues or if you want to provide guests with start and end times for events at the reception. It's also a good opportunity to let your guests know what to expect, such as the type of food and drink that will be served.

Here's a step-by-step guide to assembling your wedding invitations, including the placement of the reception card:

• Start with the main invitation card: Place the invitation card at the bottom, print side up.
• Add vellum liners (optional): If you have chosen to include a thin sheet of vellum to prevent smudging, place it on top of the invitation card.
• Stack the reception card: Place the reception card face up on top of the invitation card (or vellum, if you're using it).
• Include other enclosure cards: Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations card, or travel information, face up on top of the reception card. If there is more than one enclosure card, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.
• Add the RSVP card and envelope: Place the RSVP envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. Insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible.
• Optional: Add a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap: If you want to add a finishing touch, such as a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, do so now.
• Insert into the envelope: Insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge first for a folded invitation. The text should be print-side up so that guests can immediately see it when they open the envelope.

Additional Tips:

• If your invitation is a folded-style invitation, place all enclosures within the folded invitation rather than on top.
• If you are using an inner envelope and an outer envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope first, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge first for a folded invitation. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope so that the guests' names are visible when they open it up.
• If you are using just the outer envelope, make sure the printed side of the invitation is facing the envelope flap so that guests can see the text as soon as they open the envelope.
• If you are including a tissue paper overlay, place it on top of the invitation card.
• If your reception is at a different location than the ceremony, it is helpful to include a separate reception card.
• The standard heading for a reception card is "Reception," but alternatives such as "Celebrate" or "Dinner and Dancing" are also popular.
• Include the full name and address of your reception venue on the card. You may also include transportation arrangements and dress code information.
• If your reception starts immediately after the ceremony, you can use the phrase "following the ceremony" on the reception card.

RSVP card and envelope

When it comes to wedding invites, there are a few different approaches you can take to ensure your RSVP cards and envelopes are presented neatly and are easy for your guests to use.

Firstly, it's important to note that RSVP cards and envelopes come in a variety of sizes. The two most popular sizes are A1 (3 x 5) and A2 (4 x 5). A1 cards are the smallest size that can be mailed in the US, so you'll need to include an envelope with these. A2 cards can be mailed without an envelope, as postcards, which saves a little money on postage.

Now, onto the placement of the RSVP card and envelope within your wedding invitation suite. The general rule is to place the invitation card at the bottom, followed by any tissue paper or vellum, then the reception card, and any other enclosure cards such as maps or accommodation details.

The RSVP card and envelope should be placed on top of these enclosure cards. The RSVP envelope should be placed face down, with the flap on the left, and the RSVP card should be inserted under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible. If your invitation is a folded-style invitation, place the RSVP card and envelope within the fold, rather than on top.

It's a good idea to pre-address and stamp the RSVP envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond. This simple step can make a big difference in ensuring you receive your RSVP cards back promptly.

Finally, if you're using belly bands, ribbons, or vellum wraps to hold your invitation suite together, you'll want to assemble this last, after you've placed the RSVP card and envelope.

Weighing the invitation

Wedding invitations are a major undertaking, and it's important to get them right. The weight of your invitation suite is a key consideration, as postage costs will vary depending on how heavy your envelopes are. It's a good idea to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to be weighed so you can ensure you have the correct postage.

The general rule for assembling wedding invitations is to start with the largest card at the bottom, and then stack the other cards on top in size order. The invitation itself should be placed face up on the table, with all other pieces built upon it.

If you're using a tissue paper or vellum overlay, place this on top of the invitation. This is a traditional element, originally used to prevent ink smudges, but it has become less necessary with modern inks. However, it can still serve a purpose as the postal service's sorting equipment may cause smudging.

Next, place the reception card face-up on top of the invitation or tissue paper. This card outlines the time and location of the wedding reception and includes important information such as the dress code.

Then, add any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations card, and travel information. If there is more than one enclosure card, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.

Finally, place the reply envelope face-down on top of the enclosure cards, and insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face-up, so that the printed side is visible. The reply envelope should be pre-addressed and stamped to make it easier for your guests to respond.

If you're using an inner envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into this, with the left edge or folded edge first, depending on the style of your invitation. The inner envelope should be unsealed but closed, with the guest's name facing out. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope, so that the guest's name is visible when they open it.

If you're not using an inner envelope, simply insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the outer envelope, following the same guidelines for which edge goes in first.

Frequently asked questions