Belly Bands: Enhancing Wedding Invites With Style And Function

Wedding invitations are a chance to make a good first impression and get guests excited for the big day. But what happens when you have multiple cards and inserts that you want to keep together in a neat and organised way? This is where belly bands come in. Belly bands are slim, narrow strips of paper or card that wrap around the middle of your invitation, holding all the pieces of your set together. They are a great way to add a pop of colour or a touch of glamour to your invitations, and can be customised with monograms, dates, names, or other designs.

Cost and budget

Belly bands are an optional addition to wedding invitations. They are narrow strips of paper that wrap around the middle of your invitation suite, keeping them neatly assembled. They are available in a variety of colours, patterns, and designs, and can be customized with monograms, dates, names, or other details. They are often used to add a pop of colour or a formal touch to the invitation suite.

When considering the cost and budget for belly bands, it's important to weigh the benefits against the potential additional expenses. Belly bands can range in price depending on the material, design, and quantity ordered. Some sources offer belly bands starting at $19.99, while others offer them in quantities of 5 with a minimum order of 25. It's important to compare prices and find options that fit within your budget.

One cost-saving alternative to consider is using a ribbon, twine, or lace to tie around the invitation suite instead of a belly band. This can be a more affordable option while still providing a similar effect of keeping the suite together.

Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that belly bands may increase postage costs, especially if they make the envelope thicker or require additional postage due to weight. This can add up quickly, especially when sending out a large number of invitations.

Ultimately, the decision to include belly bands comes down to personal preference and budget constraints. If you prioritize the presentation and aesthetics of your invitations, belly bands can be a worthwhile investment. However, if you are aiming to keep costs down, it may be more prudent to allocate your budget to other aspects of your wedding.

Design and customisation

Belly bands are a great way to add a touch of elegance and customisation to your wedding invitations. They are slim paper bands that wrap around the middle of your invitation, holding all the pieces of your set together. This ensures that when your guests open the envelope, the invitation doesn't fall apart, and everything stays neat and organised.

When it comes to design and customisation, there are endless possibilities to make your belly bands unique and reflective of your wedding theme. Here are some ideas to consider:

Materials and Paper Type

Belly bands are typically made from thinner paper, such as text weight or resume paper. However, you can also opt for more luxurious materials such as vellum, a translucent paper that adds a delicate touch. Some couples even choose to use ribbon, lace, or twine for their belly bands, which can be a beautiful option for a rustic or bohemian-themed wedding.

Colours and Designs

The colour of your belly band can be customised to match your wedding colours or add a pop of contrast. You can choose a solid colour, a glittery finish, or a patterned design. Some popular options include floral designs, wreaths, or monograms. If you're feeling creative, you can even design your belly bands to include your guests' names, adding a personalised touch.

Printing Techniques

To make your belly bands truly stand out, consider experimenting with different printing techniques. Luxurious options such as foil-pressed or gloss-pressed designs can add a touch of dimension and shine. You can also opt for a pearlescent gloss finish, which reflects subdued rainbow hues and creates a unique look.

Assembly and Embellishments

When assembling your belly bands, you can simply adhere the ends together using glue or double-sided tape. For a more defined crease, a bone folder can be used. To add a special touch, consider embellishing your belly bands with a wax seal, either custom-made or store-bought. You can also use stickers or calligraphed tags to close the belly bands, adding a decorative element.

Remember, belly bands are a great opportunity to showcase your creativity and attention to detail. Whether you choose to match them to your wedding theme or use them as a way to introduce a pop of colour, they are sure to impress your guests and make your invitations feel like a special gift.

Materials and assembly

Belly bands are a great way to add a special touch to your wedding invitations. They are slim, narrow strips of paper that wrap around the middle of your invitation, holding all the pieces of your set together. To assemble your belly bands, you will need the following materials:

• Belly band paper: Look for a thinner paper that can easily wrap around your invitations. A 60-70# text weight (roughly 90-100 gsm) works well. You can usually find this type of paper online or at your local office supply store. If you want to get creative, you can also use transparent vellum, laser-cut paper, or shimmery metallic paper.
• Printer: Consider whether you want to print your belly bands at home or at a print shop, especially if your design has a full-colour background, as it will consume a lot of ink.
• Glue stick or double-sided tape: This will be used to adhere the ends of the belly band together.
• Bone folder (optional): This tool can help you create a more defined crease when folding your belly band.
• Paper cutter or X-acto knife: You will need this to cut out the individual bands from the printed paper.
• Stickers (optional): Some belly bands come with clear adhesive stickers to seal the band around your invitation. You can also use wax seals or pre-made stickers.

Once you have gathered your materials, follow these steps to assemble your belly bands:

• Cut out the individual bands using your paper cutter or X-acto knife. Make sure to cut along the trim guides in the corners for the accurate size.
• Set your printer settings to No Scaling / 100% and select the correct paper size. For most templates, this will be an 8.5 x 11-inch template that fits multiple bands per page.
• Print your belly bands. If you are using a full-colour design, consider printing at a local print shop to save on ink costs.
• Fold one flap of the belly band around your invitation, using a bone folder if necessary to create a neat crease.
• Apply a small amount of glue to the end of the flap and fold the other flap on top so that the two ends overlap. Press and hold for a few seconds until the glue dries.
• Stack your cards from largest to smallest, with the invitation on the bottom. If you have an RSVP card with an envelope, tuck the RSVP card into the envelope flap.
• Place the stack of cards in the centre of the belly band and adjust as needed so that the band is snug but not too tight.
• If using stickers or wax seals, apply them to the belly band to secure it closed.
• Place the entire invitation suite into your envelope.

By following these steps, you will be able to create elegant and well-organised wedding invitations that your guests will be delighted to receive.

Size and weight

Belly bands are usually made of paper and are narrow strips of material that wrap around the middle of invitation suites. They are sized at 12.3125" x 2" and can wrap around a standard 5” x 7” invitation. They can also be 12 inches or 14 inches long and 1.5 inches wide to accommodate rectangular or square invitation designs.

Belly bands are lightweight and flexible, making them easy to wrap and fold. They are typically made from thinner paper, similar to the paper used for printing resumes and envelopes.

When using belly bands for wedding invitations, it is important to consider the weight and thickness of the band in relation to the invitation suite. A thick or bulky band can increase the weight of the invitation, which may require additional postage.

To secure the belly band, an adhesive sticker is usually included. This helps to seal the band around the invitation and corresponding envelopes, ensuring that all items are securely held together.

Overall, the size and weight of the belly band should be considered in relation to the invitation suite to ensure a snug fit and avoid additional postage costs.

Practicality and presentation

Belly bands are a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding invitations. They are slim, paper bands that wrap around the middle of your invitation, holding all the pieces together. This ensures that your invitation suite stays neat and organised, and your guests receive all the information in one neat package.

When it comes to practicality, belly bands are a simple and effective solution to a common problem. No longer will your guests receive a loose pile of papers that can get lost or fall apart. Belly bands keep everything together, from the invitation itself to RSVP and reception cards. They are also a great way to ensure your guests receive any additional information you want to include, such as directions or accommodation options.

Belly bands can be made from a variety of materials, including paper, vellum, and even ribbon or twine. They are typically printed on thinner paper, such as text weight or resume paper, which is easy to wrap around your invitations. You can also add a pop of colour or a personalised touch with your choice of material. For example, a glitter paper belly band will add a touch of sparkle, while a vellum band with a wax seal will give a more formal and elegant feel.

When it comes to presentation, belly bands offer a unique way to showcase your wedding style and theme. They can be customised with monograms, dates, names, or any other design element you desire. You can also use them to incorporate your wedding colours or add a special accent colour. Belly bands are a great way to elevate the look of your invitations, making them feel more like a special gift for your guests to open.

If you're considering belly bands for your wedding invitations, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, they may increase your postage costs, especially if they add bulk to your envelope. Secondly, while they can add a special touch, belly bands are ultimately disposable, so consider your budget and whether you want to spend money on something that will be thrown away. Lastly, if you're crafty, you can even DIY your belly bands to save money and add a personal touch.

Frequently asked questions