The Art Of Wedding Invitation Assembly

Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process, but assembling them can be a confusing and time-consuming task. It's important to know how to stuff your wedding invitations correctly to ensure they look neat and presentable and include all the necessary information for your guests. The process involves ordering and stacking the various components of the invitation suite, such as the invitation card, reception card, RSVP card, and enclosure cards, before placing them into envelopes and sealing them. This guide will take you through the steps to ensure your wedding invitations are assembled and stuffed correctly and efficiently.

Order of cards: place the invitation at the bottom, followed by reception card, RSVP envelope, RSVP response card, map, and accommodation card

When it comes to wedding invitations, the order in which the various cards are placed matters. Here is a detailed guide on the order of cards and how to stuff your wedding invitations:

Order of Cards:

• Invitation: Start with the invitation card, which is typically the largest card in the packet. Place it face up on the table, as this will be the bottom layer of your invitation packet.
• Reception Card: Place the reception card on top of the invitation card, also with the wording facing up. This card outlines important details such as the time and location of the wedding reception and the requested dress code.
• RSVP Envelope: Position the RSVP envelope vertically on top of the reception card, with the flap opening out to the right.
• RSVP Response Card: Place the RSVP response card onto the response envelope with the wording upright and visible. Tuck the response card under the envelope flap without inserting it completely into the envelope.
• Map: Centre the map card on top of the RSVP card, ensuring the wording faces up.
• Accommodation Card: Finally, place the accommodation card or any remaining enclosure cards on top to complete your stack.

Stuffing the Envelopes:

Once you have assembled your invitation packet, it's time to stuff them into the envelopes:

• Start with the envelope laying flat in front of you, with the flap open and the interior facing up.
• Turn the envelope 90 degrees clockwise, so the opening is on the right.
• Slide the invitation packet into the envelope from right to left. Ensure that the top edge of the invitation and subsequent inserts align with the left edge of the envelope.
• The invitation packet should be facing printed side up, so when guests open the envelope, they can easily read the details.
• Check that you can still see a portion of the invitation wording before sealing the envelope.
• Moisten the envelope flap and press it down firmly to seal it shut.

Stacking: stack cards face-up, with the largest at the bottom

When it comes to stacking your wedding invitation suite, it's important to remember that the invitation card is the star of the show and should be placed at the bottom of the stack, face up. This is because the wedding invitation is usually the largest card, and all other pieces are built upon it.

Start by placing the invitation card face up on a table. If you're using a sheet of tissue paper or vellum overlay, place it on top of the invitation card. This was traditionally used to prevent ink smudges but has become more of a stylistic choice.

Next, add the reception card, which includes the time and location of the wedding reception, face up on top of the invitation card.

Then, stack any remaining enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards, map cards, or hotel accommodation cards, face up on top of the reception card. If there is more than one enclosure card and they are different sizes, start with the largest card and work your way down to the smallest.

Finally, add the RSVP card and envelope to the suite. Place the RSVP envelope printed side down on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. Insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible. Remember to pre-stamp the reply envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Inner envelope: place the invitation suite inside the inner envelope, with the text facing the opening

When it comes to wedding invitations, the inner envelope is an optional but elegant choice. If you decide to include one, here is a step-by-step guide to placing your invitation suite inside the inner envelope, with the text facing the opening:

• Start with the invitation card: Place the invitation card at the bottom of your ensemble, with the text facing up. This is usually the largest card, providing crucial information like the wedding date and location.
• Add any extra enclosures: Place any additional cards, such as reception cards, maps, or accommodation details, directly on top of the invitation.
• Include the response card: Place the response card on top of the extra enclosures. Tuck it under the flap of its stamped and addressed envelope, ensuring the text is visible.
• Insert into the inner envelope: Place the entire invitation and enclosure ensemble into the inner envelope. Ensure that all the wording is facing up and towards the opening of the envelope so that it is immediately visible when opened.
• Final placement: When the inner envelope is inside the outer envelope, the guest's names on the inner envelope should face the back of the outer envelope. This ensures that the guest's names are seen first when the envelope is opened.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your wedding invitation suite is properly and attractively arranged within the inner envelope, creating a positive first impression for your guests.

Outer envelope: insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope, with the guests' names visible first

Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process, but assembling them can be a little tricky. Here is a detailed guide to stuffing your wedding invitations, specifically focusing on the outer envelope and how to ensure your guests' names are visible first when they open the envelope.

Outer Envelope: Inserting the Inner Envelope

The outer envelope is the standard mailing envelope that contains your guests' addresses. This is the final package that will be sealed and sent out. When inserting the inner envelope into the outer envelope, there are a few key steps to follow:

Guest Names Visibility:

Write your guests' names on the inner envelope, which will be placed inside the outer envelope. Ensure that the guests' names are visible first when the recipient opens the outer envelope. This means that the inner envelope should be inserted with the guests' names facing the back of the outer envelope.

Insertion Order:

When placing the inner envelope inside the outer envelope, it is important to consider the insertion order. The inner envelope should be inserted with the left edge first if it contains a single card invitation. If your invitation is folded, insert the folded edge first into the outer envelope.

Direction of Text:

Check that the text on the invitation is facing the correct way. When your guests open the outer envelope, they should be able to immediately read the text on the invitation. Ensure the text is print-side up, so when the flap is opened, the text is visible.

Sealing the Envelope:

After inserting the inner envelope, it's time to seal the outer envelope. Use an envelope moistener, a damp sponge, or saliva to activate the glue on the flap. Be careful not to over-wet the adhesive; use just enough to seal the envelope. Press down firmly or place the envelope under a heavy book to ensure a secure seal.

Return Address:

Don't forget to add your return address to the outer envelope. You can use address labels, rubber stamps, or even calligraphy for a more elegant touch. This step ensures that any undelivered invitations can find their way back to you.

Weighing and Postage:

Before sending out your invitations, take a fully assembled invitation (including all enclosures and the inner envelope) to your local post office. Have them weigh it to determine the exact postage required. Embellishments like wax seals and ribbons will affect the weight and postage rate, so it's important to get an accurate measurement.

Hand-Canceling:

Instead of dropping your invitations into a mailbox, consider taking them to the post office to be hand-canceled. This means the post office will manually sort and handle your invitations, reducing the risk of damage during the mailing process.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are stuffed and sealed correctly, with the guests' names visible first when they open the outer envelope. Now, your invitations are ready to be sent out, and your guests will be excited to receive them!

Sealing: use a bottled moistener or a damp sponge to seal the envelope

Sealing your wedding invitations is the final step in the process of assembling and stuffing your wedding invitations. It is important to seal the envelope securely so that your invitation suite stays intact and your guests receive all the information they need.

There are a few different ways to seal your wedding invitation envelopes. One way is to use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the adhesive edge of the envelope. Be careful not to use too much moisture, as you don't want the envelopes to become soggy and puckered. After moistening the envelope flap, press down firmly to seal it shut. You can also place a heavy book on top of the stack of sealed envelopes to ensure they are securely sealed.

Another option is to use a damp sponge to dampen the envelope flap. Again, be careful not to use too much moisture, as you only need enough to activate the glue. You can also use saliva to wet the adhesive, but this is not recommended as it can be unsanitary.

If your envelopes have trouble staying closed, you can try using double-sided tape or a glue stick along the flap to ensure a secure seal.

It is recommended that you add your wax seal after you have sealed the envelope shut if you are including one in your invitation suite. This will ensure that the wax seal does not become damaged during the mailing process.

Once your envelopes are sealed, you can add any return address labels, stamps, or other postage requirements. Then, your invitations are ready to be mailed out to your guests!

Frequently asked questions