Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Sealed Or Opened?

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of wedding planning, offering guests a glimpse into the style and theme of the big day while also conveying essential information. While modern invitations may vary in formality, certain etiquette rules remain constant. The invitation suite typically includes the main invitation card, reception card, enclosure cards, and an RSVP card with a pre-stamped envelope. It is recommended to assemble invitations a week in advance and stuff them using an assembly line approach. The invitation itself should be placed face up, with the text facing the envelope flap when inserted. While some couples opt for digital invitations, traditional paper invitations remain popular, often involving an inner and outer envelope.

Wedding invitations are assembled in size order, with the largest card on the bottom

Wedding invitations are a fun part of the wedding planning process, but assembling them can be a little confusing. Wedding invitations are usually assembled in size order, with the largest card on the bottom. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect wedding invitation suite:

Step 1: Start with the Main Invitation Card

Place the invitation card at the bottom, with the printed side facing up. This is usually the largest card in the suite, so it makes sense to build the rest of the suite on top of it.

Step 2: Add Vellum or Tissue Paper (Optional)

If your invitations include a thin sheet of vellum or tissue paper, it's your choice whether to include it or not. Traditionally, this was used to prevent the ink from smearing during mailing, but most inks today won't smudge. If you want to include it, place the sheet of vellum or tissue paper on top of the invitation card.

Step 3: Stack the Reception Card

If you have a reception card, place it face-up on top of the invitation card (or the tissue paper, if you included it). This card includes important information such as the time, location, and dress code for the wedding reception.

Step 4: Include Other Enclosure Cards

Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information cards, face-up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest card and work your way down to the smallest.

Step 5: 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 RSVP card under the envelope flap, face-up, so that the printed side is visible. Don't forget to pre-stamp the reply envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Optional Step: Add Finishing Touches

If you want to add a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap to your invitation suite, now is the time to do so. These finishing touches add a nice final touch to your invitations.

Step 6: Insert the Suite into the Envelope

If you're using two envelopes (an inner and outer envelope), insert the assembled suite into the inner envelope first, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation, or the folded edge for a folded invitation. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope.

If you're using just one envelope, insert the fully assembled suite into the envelope, with the left edge or folded edge going in first, depending on your invitation style. Again, ensure that the printed side of the invitation is visible when the envelope is opened.

Step 7: Seal and Address the Envelope

Use an envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of the outer envelopes, being careful not to use too much liquid. Place a heavy book on top of the stack of envelopes to ensure they are securely sealed. Finally, add your return address labels or stamps.

Step 8: Mail Your Invitations

Before mailing your invitations, bring a fully assembled set to the post office to weigh and ensure you have the correct postage. It's also a good idea to hand-cancel your invitations at the post office to reduce the risk of damage during mailing.

Assembling your wedding invitations can be a fun and exciting process. By following these steps, you'll be able to create beautiful and informative invitations for your guests, setting the tone for your special day.

You can include a thin sheet of vellum to prevent ink smudges

Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process. Couples can choose to make their invitations look however they want, and there are many ways to assemble them.

One way to elevate your wedding invitations is to include a thin sheet of vellum. Vellum is a contemporary alternative to tissue paper, which is more commonly used. It is a thin, delicate, and slightly translucent paper that is placed over an invitation card. It has a soft, cloudy appearance and usually comes in white or cream, although vellum is offered in a variety of colours. It can also be printed with custom text and designs, which tissue paper cannot.

Vellum is a great option if you are worried about your invitations smudging during the mailing process. While most inks used today will not smudge, the tradition of including tissue paper or vellum has continued. If you are using ink jet printing, embellishments, or multiple cards in your invitation, it is recommended to use vellum inserts for protection.

To assemble your invitations with vellum, first place your invitation card face-up. Then, place the vellum on top of the invitation card. Next, add your reception card, followed by any other enclosure cards. Finally, add your RSVP card and envelope.

If you are using two envelopes, insert your assembled invitation into the inner envelope first, followed by the outer envelope. If you are using one envelope, simply insert the assembled invitation into the outer envelope.

The reception card goes on top of the wedding invite

Wedding invitations are traditionally assembled in size order, with each card placed face up and the largest card on the bottom. The reception card is placed face up on top of the wedding invite.

If you are using a reception card, it should go on top of the wedding invite. This is because wedding invitations are usually assembled in size order, with each card placed face up and the largest card on the bottom. The reception card is smaller than the wedding invite and so it goes on top.

The reception card includes the time and location of the reception. It is also where you can include the time if the wedding reception is not immediately following the ceremony. If you are having a separate reception card, it is placed on top of the wedding invitation. This is the traditional way to assemble a wedding invitation suite.

If you are not using a separate reception card, the reception information can be printed on the wedding invitation itself. This is usually done if there is room on the invitation and the ceremony and reception are held in the same location. You can simply print "and afterward at the reception" or "reception immediately following."

The wedding invitation suite is then inserted into the envelope with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation. The text should be print-side up so that when the flap is opened, guests can immediately read the invite.

Enclosure cards, such as a map or hotel accommodations card, are placed face up

Enclosure cards are an essential part of your wedding invitation suite, providing guests with additional details about your big day. These cards are typically included when the reception is held at a different venue than the ceremony, ensuring your guests have all the information they need.

The enclosure cards are placed face up within your invitation suite, with the largest card on the bottom and each subsequent card stacked on top in size order. This means that when your guests open their invitation, they will first see the main invitation card, followed by any enclosure cards, such as a map or hotel accommodations card.

• Size and Placement: Enclosure cards are usually smaller than the main invitation card and placed face up on top of it. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.
• Map and Accommodations: Enclosure cards are a great way to provide guests with a map or directions to the reception venue, especially if it's in a different location than the ceremony. You can also include hotel accommodation details, travel information, or a ferry or train schedule for destination weddings.
• Other Details: In addition to logistical information, enclosure cards can include dress code guidelines, parking instructions, COVID protocols, or any other "need-to-know" information for your guests.
• RSVP Information: While some couples include a separate RSVP card, you can also add RSVP details to your enclosure card, such as the deadline, a link to your wedding website, or a QR code for easy access.
• Design and Formatting: Enclosure cards should complement the design of your main invitation. You can add a personal touch with cheeky wording, beautiful illustrations, or unexpected design elements.
• Banding or Wrapping: To ensure your enclosure cards don't get lost or left behind, consider using a belly band, vellum wrap, ribbon, or paper clip to keep all the pieces of your invitation suite together.

Remember, the key to successful enclosure cards is to provide essential information that enhances your guests' experience. By including these cards in your wedding invitations, you can ensure that your guests have all the details they need to celebrate your special day.

The RSVP card goes under the envelope flap, face up

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of sharing the details of your big day with your guests. When it comes to assembling your invitations, there is a specific order to follow to ensure that everything is included and presented neatly.

The RSVP card, also known as a response card, is an important piece of your wedding invitation suite. It allows guests to confirm their attendance and provide additional information, such as their meal preference. The RSVP card should be placed under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible to the recipient. This ensures that guests can easily locate and fill out the card.

Step 1: Start with the Main Invitation Card

The wedding invitation card should be placed at the bottom, print side up. This is usually the largest card in the suite, providing a base for the other pieces.

Step 2: Add Tissue Paper or Vellum Overlay (Optional)

If your invitation suite includes a sheet of tissue paper or vellum, you can choose to include it. Traditionally, this was used to prevent ink smudges, but it has become an optional decorative element. Place the tissue paper or vellum on top of the invitation card.

Step 3: Add the Reception Card

If you have a separate reception card, place it face up on top of the invitation card (or tissue/vellum, if included). This card includes the time and location of the wedding reception and other important details.

Step 4: Include 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 of different sizes, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.

Step 5: Add the RSVP Card and Envelope

Now, it's time to include the RSVP card and its envelope. Place the RSVP envelope face down on top of the stack of enclosure cards. Then, insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, face up. This ensures that the printed side of the card is visible, making it easy for guests to read and fill out. Don't forget to pre-address and stamp the RSVP envelope to make it convenient for your guests.

Step 6: Finalize and Seal

Once you have assembled all the pieces, it's time to insert the invitation suite into the envelope. If using an inner envelope and an outer envelope, place the assembled suite into the inner envelope first, ensuring the text faces outward. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope. If using a single envelope, simply place the assembled suite into the outer envelope. The invitation should be face up, with the text facing the envelope flap, so guests can read it as they open the envelope.

Remember to give yourself enough time to assemble and stuff your wedding invitations, especially if you plan to include extras like wax seals or belly bands. It's also a good idea to create an assembly line and clear off a clean table to make the process more efficient and enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions