Guide To Placing Ribbon-Tied Wedding Invites In Envelopes

There are many steps to creating the perfect wedding invitation, and adding a ribbon is a great way to add a touch of elegance and creativity to your design. The process of assembling wedding invitations can be less complicated than you think, and there are several ways to tie a ribbon around your invitation. For a simple and chic style, you can tie a knot around the envelope. For a classic, elegant look, you can tie a bow. You can also combine a silk ribbon with a wax seal for a unique, personalised touch.

How to tie a ribbon around a wedding invitation

Tying a ribbon around a wedding invitation is a great way to add a touch of elegance and creativity to your special day. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie a ribbon around a wedding invitation:

Prepare the Invitation Suite:

Before adding the ribbon, you will need to assemble your invitation suite. This includes the invitation card, any enclosure cards, and the RSVP card with its envelope. Place them in the correct order, with the invitation card on the bottom and all cards facing up.

Cut the Ribbon:

Use fabric shears or scissors to cut your ribbon to the desired length. The length will depend on the orientation of your invitation and the type of knot you want to tie. For portrait-oriented invitations, cut the ribbon to 22 inches in length. For landscape-oriented invitations, cut it to 31 inches. This length is suitable for a simple ribbon knot.

Place the Ribbon:

Place your cut ribbon on the table, matte side up. Position your invitation suite in the centre of the ribbon. Make sure that the ribbon is centred and covers the invitation suite evenly.

Tie the Knot:

Now, it's time to tie the knot! Take the left end of the ribbon and cross it over and under the right end. Place your finger in the centre of the knot to hold it in place. Then, fold the right-hand side into a loop about an inch high. Bring the two lengths of the ribbon together, going right over left. Go back around and under to create a loose knot. Pull the knot snug to secure it in place.

Adjust and Finalise:

Ensure that the ribbon is tied securely and adjust the invitation suite as needed. You can cut the ribbon ends straight for a clean look or at a sharp angle for an elegant finish. If desired, you can also dovetail both ends for a polished appearance.

Double Envelopes:

If you are using double envelopes (an inner and an outer envelope), place the beautifully tied invitation inside the inner envelope, which is then inserted into the outer envelope. This provides an extra layer of protection for your invitation during mailing.

Adding a ribbon to your wedding invitation is a simple way to enhance its visual appeal. You can further customise your invitations by using different types of knots, such as a bow, or combining the ribbon with a wax seal for a truly unique touch.

How to assemble a wedding invitation suite

Wedding invitations are a chance to showcase your signature style while keeping tradition in mind. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble a wedding invitation suite:

Step 1: Prepare the Materials

Before assembling, ensure you have all the necessary pieces for your invitation suite. This includes the invitation card, tissue paper or vellum overlay, reception card, enclosure cards, RSVP card and envelope, and any adornments like belly bands, ribbons, or wax seals.

Step 2: Create an Assembly Line

Clear a table and lay out all the pieces in neat piles. This will streamline the assembly process. You can start by assembling piles of invitations first and then stuffing them into the envelopes, or you can stuff each invitation as you assemble it, depending on what works best for you.

Step 3: Start with the Invitation Card

Place the invitation card, face up, on the table. This is usually the largest card in the suite, so it serves as the base for the rest of the pieces.

Step 4: Add Tissue Paper or Vellum Overlay

If your invitation includes a sheet of tissue paper or vellum, it's your choice whether to include it. Traditionally, this was used to prevent ink smudges, but it has become more of a stylistic choice. If you decide to use it, place the tissue paper or vellum on top of the invitation card.

Step 5: Add the Reception Card

Place the reception card, face up, on top of the invitation card (or tissue paper/vellum, if used). This card includes the time, location, and other important details of the wedding reception.

Step 6: 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 of different sizes, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.

Step 7: Don't Forget the RSVP Card

Place the RSVP envelope, printed side down, on top of the stack of enclosure cards. 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.

Step 8: Assemble the Invitation Suite

If you are using a single envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope with the left edge going in first for a single card or the folded edge first for a folded invitation. The text on the invitation should face the envelope flap so that guests can immediately see it when they open the envelope.

If you are using both an inner and outer envelope, insert the invitation suite into the inner envelope first, following the same orientation as mentioned above. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope, ensuring that the guests' names on the inner envelope are visible when opened.

Step 9: Add Adornments (Optional)

If you want to add a belly band, ribbon, or wax seal, this is the time to do so. Belly bands and ribbons can be used to securely wrap your invitation suite together. Wax seals add a formal and elegant touch to your invitations.

Step 10: Seal and Address the Envelope

Seal the envelope using a bottled envelope moistener or a wax seal. Be careful not to use too much moisture to avoid soggy envelopes. Add the return address label or stamp to the envelope.

Step 11: Weigh and Mail the Invitations

Before mailing, bring a fully assembled invitation suite to the post office to determine the exact postage required. Ask for hand-canceling at the post office to ensure your invitations are handled with care.

How to add a belly band to a wedding invitation

A belly band is a great way to add a luxurious finishing touch to your wedding invitation suite. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to add a belly band to your invitations:

• Start by gathering all the pieces of your invitation suite, including the invitation card, any enclosure cards, and the response card and envelope.
• Assemble your invitation suite by placing each piece on top of the other, starting with the invitation card at the bottom, followed by any enclosure cards, and finally, the response card and envelope on top.
• With your invitation suite neatly stacked, it's time to add the belly band. Lay the belly band over your stack, centring any personalisation or design on the band.
• Apply pressure with your thumbs to the top of the band and enclosures to hold everything in place.
• Wrap your index fingers around the back of the invitation suite and flip it over so that all the information is facing down.
• Carefully pull one end of the belly band over the back and crease it. Then, repeat this step with the other end of the band.
• Pull both ends of the belly band tight, ensuring you don't bend the sides of your invitation suite.
• Adhere the two ends of the belly band together using glue dots or clear stickers.
• Once the belly band is secure, your invitation suite is ready to be placed into its envelope.

By following these steps, you will create a beautifully presented invitation suite that is sure to impress your guests. The belly band adds a touch of elegance and is a perfect way to keep all the pieces of your invitation suite together.

How to use a wax seal on a wedding invitation

Using a wax seal on your wedding invitations is a great way to add a decorative touch and a sense of regality to your special day. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a wax seal:

• Close your envelope with glue, tape, or the attached adhesive. Although wax seals will hold the envelope shut to a degree, it is recommended to have an extra layer of security.
• Select your sealing wax. You can use traditional wax sticks with wicks, a wax furnace, or a glue gun with round wax sticks. The glue gun method is the most beginner-friendly option.
• Melt your wax. If using a glue gun, insert the wax stick and heat on a low setting. For traditional wax sticks, light the wick and allow the melting wax to drip onto the envelope. If using a wax furnace, melt small wax beads over a flame and pour the liquid wax onto the envelope.
• Drizzle a dollop of wax, about the size of a quarter, onto the envelope flap seam.
• Quickly and firmly press your chosen stamp into the wax. Release the stamp after a few seconds. You can use a custom stamp or select from various designs, such as monograms, floral motifs, or animal silhouettes.
• To ensure a clean release, keep your metal stamp cool by placing it on an ice pack between uses and wiping off excess condensation with a dry paper towel.
• Allow the wax to dry completely before handling or mailing the invitations.
• If you're concerned about the wax seals getting damaged in the mail, consider using outer envelopes for protection or opt for hand-sorting at the post office, which may incur additional charges.

You can also purchase self-adhesive wax seals, which are ready-made and can be easily stuck onto your envelopes without the need for melting wax.

How to insert a wedding invitation into an envelope

Wedding invitations are a piece of cake, right? Well, not always. If you're going the extra mile with a ribbon, it can be a little more complicated. But don't worry, we've got you covered with this step-by-step guide on how to insert a wedding invitation into an envelope, complete with a ribbon finish.

Step 1: Prepare the Invitation Suite

First, gather all the pieces of your invitation suite. This includes the invitation card, any tissue paper or vellum overlay, reception card, enclosure cards, and the RSVP card with its envelope. Place them all face up, with the invitation card at the bottom, followed by the tissue/vellum, reception card, and enclosure cards. The RSVP card goes under the RSVP envelope flap, also face up.

Step 2: Stack and Secure

Now, it's time to stack everything neatly. Place the RSVP envelope on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the right side and the printed side down. If you have a folded invitation, place all enclosures within the fold. To secure your stack, you can use a belly band, vellum wrap, or ribbon. For a belly band, place it over your stack, centering any personalisation. Apply pressure with your thumbs to hold everything in place, then use your index fingers to flip the suite over without disturbing the stack.

Step 3: Tie the Ribbon

If you're using a ribbon, cut it to the appropriate length. For portrait-oriented invitations, cut 22 inches, and for landscape, cut 31 inches. Place the ribbon matte-side up, then put your invitation suite in the middle. Take the left end of the ribbon and fold it under the right, then pop your finger in the centre to hold the knot. Now, form a loop with the right-hand side and pull both ends tight.

Step 4: Insert into Envelope

And now for the envelope! If you're using a single envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite with the folded edge first for a folded invite, or the left edge first for a single card. The text should be print-side up so that when the flap is opened, the invite is visible. If you're using inner and outer envelopes, place the invitation suite into the inner envelope first, following the same guidelines. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope, ensuring any handwritten names are visible when opened.

Step 5: Seal and Send

Finally, seal your envelope with a wax seal or simply moisten the adhesive edge. And there you have it—your wedding invitation is ready to be sent!

Frequently asked questions