Creative Ways To Stuff Your Wedding Invites

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process for many couples, but it isn't rocket science. It's essential to start with the wedding invitation itself, which should be placed face up on the table as the largest card in the invitation suite. From there, you can add tissue paper or a vellum overlay, followed by the reception card and any other enclosure cards such as maps or accommodation details. The RSVP card and envelope should be placed on top, with the envelope face down and the card tucked under the flap, face up. Finally, you can seal your invitation suite with a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap before inserting it into the envelope.

Order of cards: place the largest card at the bottom, then the reception card, and finally, the RSVP card

When it comes to wedding invitations, the order in which you place the cards is important. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a neat and organised look:

Step 1: Start with the Largest Card

Place the wedding 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 the Reception Card

If you have a separate reception card, place it on top of the invitation card, also with the printed side facing up. The reception card typically includes information such as the time, location, and dress code for the wedding reception.

Step 3: Stack Other Enclosure Cards

If you have any other enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information, place them on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards of different sizes, start with the largest card and work your way down to the smallest.

Step 4: Place the RSVP Card

Finally, add the RSVP card to the suite. Place the RSVP envelope printed side down on top of the other cards, with the envelope flap on the left. Then, insert the reply card under the envelope flap, printed side up, so that it is visible when the recipient opens the envelope. Don't forget to pre-stamp the reply envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

By following these steps, you will have a neatly organised wedding invitation suite, with the largest card at the bottom and the RSVP card easily accessible at the top. This order ensures that your guests receive all the necessary information and can respond promptly to your invitation.

Face up: ensure the invitation is placed face up in the envelope

Wedding invitations are a fun but sometimes confusing process. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensuring your invitations are placed face up in the envelope.

Firstly, lay out all the necessary pieces in neat piles. This includes the invitation, any enclosure cards, and adornments like belly bands, vellum or tissue paper overlays, ribbons, and wax seals. The invitation itself should be placed face up, with the text readable to the recipient. This is the largest card in the suite, so it makes sense to build upon it.

If you are using tissue paper or vellum, place this on top of the invitation. Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent ink smudges, but this is no longer necessary with modern printing techniques. However, the tradition has continued, and it is your choice to include it or not.

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

Then, add any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps, hotel accommodation details, and travel information. These cards are also placed face up, with the largest card placed first, followed by the others in descending size order.

Finally, add the RSVP card and envelope. The envelope should be placed face down, with the flap opening to the right, and the RSVP card tucked under the flap, face up, so the printed side is visible.

Now, your invitation suite is ready to be inserted into the envelope. The invitation should be placed face up, with the text legible to the recipient as they open the envelope. This ensures that your guests can easily read the details of your invitation.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are assembled correctly and your guests will have all the information they need for your special day.

Addressing: confirm guests' names and addresses are spelled correctly

Confirming that guests' names and addresses are spelled correctly is a crucial step in the wedding invitation process. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure accuracy:

• Full Names: Always use the complete, formal names of your guests. For example, if your guest is "Uncle Steve," his formal invitation should be addressed to "Mr. Steven Nelson." Use guests' full middle names if you know them; if not, simply omit them. Avoid using initials or abbreviations for names.
• Titles: The use of titles such as "Mr.," "Mrs.," "Miss," and "Ms." is important and depends on the guest's age and marital status. For instance, use "Miss" for girls under 18 and "Mr." for boys over 16. For unmarried women over 18, use "Ms." or "Miss." For unmarried men over 18, use "Mr." If you're unsure about a guest's preferred title, it's best to omit it altogether.
• Address Format: When addressing the outer envelope, write the recipient's full name, including their personal title(s). This works for couples of all genders, regardless of whether they share a surname. For the inner envelope, you have more flexibility. You can use personal titles with last names or opt for a more casual approach with just first names.
• Married Couples: For heterosexual married couples with the same last name, use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's full name. For same-sex couples, either name can come first. If the couple has different last names, write their names on the same line with the woman's name first. If one spouse has a hyphenated last name, include both last names.
• Unmarried Couples: For unmarried couples living at the same address, address both people on one line. List the person you are closest with first.
• Single Individuals: For single women over 18, use "Ms." For younger women, use "Miss." For single men over 18, use "Mr." If a single individual has a plus-one, indicate this only on the inner envelope using "and guest" in lowercase.
• Families: When addressing a family with young children (under 18), reserve the outer envelope for the parents' names. List each child's name on the inner envelope. If you don't include children's names, it implies that they are not invited. For families with children over 18, each child should receive their own invitation unless they live at home with their parents.
• Distinguished Titles: If a guest has a distinguished title, such as "Doctor," "Judge," or "Lieutenant," use their title on the outer envelope. For couples with distinguished titles, list the guest with the higher-ranking title first, regardless of gender.
• Abbreviations: Avoid abbreviations for street names and state names. Write out "Alabama" instead of "AL."
• Proofreading: Double-check all the information, including names, addresses, and titles. Take your time to review the details before sending out the invitations.

Remember, it's essential to confirm the accuracy of your guests' names and addresses to ensure they feel welcomed and valued on your special day.

Postage: calculate the right amount of postage by taking a fully stuffed envelope to the post office

Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process, but they can also be a little scary. You want to make sure that your beautiful invitations arrive in your guests' mailboxes without any issues.

One of the most important things to consider when sending out wedding invitations is the postage. Postage for wedding invitations can be more complicated than simply slapping a stamp on an envelope. Here are some tips to help you calculate the right amount of postage:

• Consider the weight of your invitations: Basic wedding invitation suites (including the mailing envelope, a flat single-layer invitation, an RSVP card, and an RSVP envelope) can usually be mailed with a regular First-Class Stamp. However, if your invitations include multiple enclosure cards, pocket-folds, or embellishments like ribbons or wax seals, they may weigh more than one ounce, and you will need additional postage.
• Take a fully stuffed envelope to the post office: It is recommended that you take a fully assembled and stuffed invitation suite to your local post office to have them weigh it. They can also test your invitation through a thickness template to ensure you have the correct postage.
• Consider the shape of your invitations: Square wedding invitations are considered irregular by USPS and will require additional postage.
• Thickness matters: If your wedding invitation includes embellishments such as ribbons, twine, or wax seals, it may be thicker than 1/4" and require additional postage.
• Hand-canceling: If you are using vintage stamps or have bulkier envelopes, you may want to request that your envelopes be hand-canceled. This means that instead of running the envelopes through a machine, a USPS employee will use a rubber stamp to individually hand-stamp each envelope with the cancellation markings. Hand-canceling can add to the aesthetics of your invitations and protect them from damage. However, it will likely cost extra per envelope.
• Use online postage calculators: While not always accurate, online postage calculators can give you a general idea of the postage required for your wedding invitations.
• Buy stamps from the USPS: The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers stamps in various themes, colors, and denominations. They also provide a stamp catalog for the current calendar year so you can plan ahead.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your wedding invitations have the correct postage and arrive safely in your guests' mailboxes.

Belly bands: to keep the cards together, wrap a belly band around the suite and secure with tape

Belly bands are a great way to keep your wedding invitation suite together. They add a touch of elegance and ensure that all the pieces of your invitation set are neatly assembled. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use belly bands to stuff your wedding invitations:

Step 1: Prepare the Belly Bands

Before you begin, ensure you have the right size of belly bands. For standard 5" x 7" invitations, the belly band should measure 11" x 2". If you have a different card size, simply double the width of your card and add an extra inch for overlap. Print your chosen design on thinner paper, such as a 60-70# text weight paper, which is easy to wrap around your invitations. Cut out the individual belly bands using a paper cutter or an X-acto knife.

Step 2: Stack Your Invitation Suite

Start by placing the invitation card at the bottom, face-up. This is usually the largest card. Then, layer any additional cards such as reception cards, enclosure cards, and RSVP cards on top, with the largest cards at the bottom. If you have an RSVP card and envelope, place the card inside the envelope with the printed side visible.

Step 3: Apply the Belly Band

Now, take your belly band and centre it over your stacked invitation suite. Place a small piece of tape, such as double-sided tape, on one end of the belly band. Flip the entire suite over so that it is face down, with the belly band at the bottom. Fold the non-taped end of the belly band around the suite first, and then wrap the taped end around and secure it to the other end.

Step 4: Finalize and Mail

Once your belly band is securely wrapped around your invitation suite, carefully slide the entire bundle into your envelope. The invitation should be face-up inside the envelope so that your guests can immediately see the text when they open the flap. Address the envelope, add postage, and your invitations are ready to be mailed!

Belly bands add a special touch to your wedding invitations and make them feel like a little present for your guests to unwrap. With these simple steps, you can easily stuff your wedding invitations and create a beautiful and organised suite.

Frequently asked questions