Crafting Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Assembling your wedding invitations is a fun and exciting part of the wedding planning process. It can be a little confusing, but it's not rocket science. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect invitation suite:

1. Proofread your wedding invitations

Before you start assembling, it's important to proofread your invitations for any errors or mistakes. Check the spelling, dates, times, venue details, and the names of your family members. It's also a good idea to have someone else read through them as a second pair of eyes.

2. Confirm the spelling of your guests' names

Check that the names and addresses on the envelopes are correct. It's important to get the spelling and addressing right, as it's considered poor etiquette to send an invitation with incorrect information.

3. Place the cards in the right order

The general rule is to assemble the cards in size order, with the largest card at the bottom. Start with the invitation card, followed by any reception cards, response cards, and enclosure cards such as maps or accommodation details. If you have multiple enclosure cards of different sizes, place the largest one first and work your way down.

4. 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. Pre-address and stamp the RSVP envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

5. Add tissue paper or vellum (optional)

Traditionally, tissue paper or vellum was used to prevent ink from smearing. Nowadays, this is less common, but you can include it if you prefer the look. If using, place it on top of the invitation card.

6. Secure with a belly band, ribbon, or wax seal (optional)

If you want to add a finishing touch to your invitation suite, consider using a belly band, ribbon, or wax seal to hold the cards together. Follow the instructions provided by your stationer for the best results.

7. Insert the suite into the envelope

Make sure the invitation is facing up so that your guests can read it immediately upon opening the envelope. The text should be legible as the flap is opened.

8. Seal the envelope

Use a bottled envelope moistener or a wax seal to seal the outer envelopes. Place a heavy book on top of the sealed envelopes to ensure they are securely closed.

9. Add the return address

Don't forget to add your return address labels or stamps to the envelopes.

10. Calculate postage and send

Take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to weigh and confirm the correct postage. Send out your invitations 4-6 weeks before your wedding, giving your guests plenty of time to respond.

Order of assembly

The order of assembly for wedding invitations is as follows:

• Place the invitation card at the bottom, print side up.
• If desired, add a thin sheet of vellum or tissue paper on top of the invitation card.
• Stack the reception card on top of the invitation card, face up.
• Stack any remaining enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards, face up on top of the reception card.
• Place the RSVP envelope on top of the enclosure cards, printed side down, with the envelope flap on the left. Insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, face up.
• If using a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, assemble it now.
• Insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation, and the folded edge first for a folded invitation. The text should be print-side up so that when the flap is opened, guests can immediately read the invite.

Envelopes

Wedding invitation assembly can be confusing for many couples, but it's not rocket science. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble your wedding invitations, focusing on the envelopes:

Step 1: Prepare the envelopes

Before you start stuffing your envelopes, you should prepare them. If you have chosen to include a tissue paper or vellum overlay, place it on top of your invitation card. Then, if you are using an inner envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into it, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation, or the folded edge for a folded invitation. The printed side should be facing up so that when the envelope is opened, the guest can immediately read the invite. If you are using just an outer envelope, you can skip this step and proceed to the next one.

Step 2: Insert the invitation suite into the outer envelope

Insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the outer envelope, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation, or the folded edge for a folded invitation. The printed side should be facing up so that when the envelope is opened, the guest can immediately read the invite.

Step 3: Seal the envelope

Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of your outer envelopes. Be careful not to use too much, as you don't want the envelopes to become soggy and puckered. Place a heavy book or two on top of the stack of envelopes to ensure they are securely sealed.

Step 4: Add the return address

Make sure your envelopes have address labels. You can opt for a SkinnyWrap™ or a rubber stamp address label.

Step 5: Mail your invitations

Before you mail your wedding invitations, bring a fully assembled set to the post office and ask them to weigh it so you know exactly how much postage you need. Be sure to also ask about international postage rates, if applicable. Once all your envelopes are stamped with sufficient postage, bring them to the post office to be hand-cancelled instead of dropping them in a mailbox. Hand-cancelling alerts the post office to manually sort the envelopes instead of running them through machines, reducing the risk of your invites being damaged in the mail.

Adornments

The first step to adding adornments is to lay out all the pieces you will be including. This will help you visualise how the final product will look and give you a chance to play around with different combinations. Some common adornments include belly bands, vellum or tissue paper overlays, ribbons, and wax seals.

Belly bands are a great way to keep your invitation suite together. They are usually made of paper or ribbon and can be personalised with your names, the wedding date, or a meaningful message. If you're going for a rustic or romantic look, a silk ribbon might be a good choice. For a Western-themed wedding, try string, or opt for a tassel for a glamorous affair.

Vellum or tissue paper overlays are another popular choice. Traditionally, these were used to protect the ink from smudging, but they can also add a layer of texture and interest to your invitations. If you want to include an overlay, choose between vellum or tissue paper—using both might be too much.

Wax seals are a classic way to add a touch of elegance to your invitations. They come in a variety of colours and can be customised with your initials or a symbol that reflects your wedding theme. If you're using wax seals, be sure to give them enough time to dry before stuffing your envelopes.

When adding adornments, it's important to consider the overall look you're going for. If you want something simple and elegant, a monochromatic colour scheme with a pop of colour in the font or a simple ribbon might be best. If you're going for a more glamorous look, gold foil or acrylic invitations are sure to make a statement.

Remember, the assembly process can be time-consuming, especially if you're adding adornments. Plan to assemble your invitations at least a week before you want to mail them, and consider making it a fun date night activity with your partner!

Mailing

Weighing and Postage

Before you seal your envelopes, bring a fully assembled invitation suite to the post office. Ask them to weigh it so you know how much postage you'll need. Be sure to also ask about international postage rates if you're inviting guests from overseas.

Sealing and Sending

Once you've applied the correct postage, bring your invitations to the post office to be hand-cancelled. This means the post office will manually sort the envelopes instead of running them through machines, reducing the risk of your invites being damaged in the mail.

Timing

It's recommended to send out your wedding invitations four to six weeks before your celebration. By this time, guests will have already received a save-the-date card and should have access to your wedding website, which should include travel and accommodation details.

Numbering

A handy tip is to number your invitations on the back. This way, if a guest forgets to write their name on the response card, you'll still know who it's from.

Timing

The timing of assembling your wedding invitations is important to ensure that you don't run into any last-minute stresses. Here is a suggested timeline:

• Proofreading: Before you begin assembling your invitations, it is crucial to proofread them carefully. Check for any spelling errors, incorrect dates or times, and ensure that the venue, parents' names, and other details are accurate. It is a good idea to have a fresh pair of eyes, such as your significant other or a member of your wedding party, review the invitations as well.
• Confirm guest names: If you are using calligraphy or printed envelopes, verify that your guests' names and addresses are spelled correctly. Leave some buffer time in case there are errors and you need to make corrections.
• Assembly: Plan to assemble your wedding invitations at least a week before you intend to mail them. This process can be more time-consuming than expected, especially if you are adding extras like wax seals or belly bands.
• Stuffing: Stuff your wedding invitations once they are all assembled. Create an assembly line to streamline the process. Allow ample time for this step, especially if you are adding envelope liners, wax seals, return addresses, or vintage stamps.
• Mailing: Bring a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the correct amount of postage required. Send out your invitations 4-6 weeks ahead of your wedding celebration. It is recommended to list an earlier date for the RSVP to account for potential delays in responses.

Frequently asked questions