Guide To Seal And Send Wedding Invitations

Seal and send wedding invitations are a unique, stylish, and convenient option for your big day. This all-in-one invitation includes the wedding invitation, reception wording, and a detachable RSVP postcard. They are a great way to save money on your wedding stationery without compromising on quality and design. With a variety of themes and styles available, from classic and rustic to floral and photo seal and sends, you can find the perfect invitation to match your wedding theme. Seal and send invitations are easy to assemble and mail, requiring just a few simple steps to fold and secure with clear seals before sending them out to your guests.

Folding instructions: Lay the invite flat, then fold from the bottom to the top, before folding the remaining flap downward

When addressing seal and send wedding invitations, it's important to follow the correct folding instructions to ensure they are mailed securely. Here is a detailed guide for the folding process:

Folding instructions:

Lay the invite flat, with the wording side facing up and the address side down. Don't forget to add a postcard-rate stamp to the response postcard before you begin folding. Now, follow these steps:

Fold from the Bottom to the Top:

Start with the response postcard at the bottom and fold it upward. The response postcard's return address will be upside down, facing you. Be gentle with this fold, as the response card is perforated for detachment and mailing back by your guests.

Fold the Response Section Inward:

Continue folding the response section upward so that the return address folds inward towards the wording. The section facing you will now be blank, with no wording.

Fold the Remaining Flap Downward:

Finally, fold the remaining flap at the top downward so that the invitation's return address is now facing you. This last fold secures the invitation in a compact format, ready for sealing.

Securing with Seals:

To secure the invitation, use a clear seal to close the final flap. Position the seal's perforated line along the bottom edge of the top flap to facilitate easy opening by your guests. Additionally, apply a clear seal to each side of the invitation, ensuring the perforated line runs along the fold. These side seals are crucial for two reasons: they ensure the invitation can be smoothly processed by postal equipment, and they secure any additional enclosures, such as map or accommodation cards.

Seal with clear stickers: Use three stickers to seal the invite, with one on each side and one on the flap

Seal and send wedding invitations are a unique, stylish, and convenient option for your wedding. They are an all-in-one invitation, response card, and reception card, and they don't require envelopes, making them an affordable choice.

To secure your seal and send wedding invitations, you will need three clear stickers per invitation. Here is a step-by-step guide to sealing your invitations with clear stickers:

Step 1: Fold the Invitation

Follow the steps to fold your seal and send invitation. First, lay the invitation flat with the wording side up. Then, fold the response postcard upward, followed by the response section, and finally, the remaining flap downward.

Step 2: Secure the Flap

Once your invitation is folded, secure the flap closed with a clear seal. Place the seal's perforated line along the bottom edge of the top flap for easy opening.

Step 3: Seal the Sides

Place a clear seal on each side of the invitation, with the perforated line running along the fold. This step ensures that any additional enclosures, such as map cards or accommodation cards, are securely held inside.

Step 4: Seal the Flap

Finally, use the third clear sticker to seal the flap of the invitation. This will ensure that your invitation stays securely closed during mailing.

By following these steps and using three clear stickers, your seal and send wedding invitations will be securely closed and ready to be mailed to your guests.

Addressing: Write the guest's address horizontally, so it doesn't end up upside down

When addressing seal and send wedding invitations, it's important to ensure that the guest's address is written horizontally so that it doesn't end up upside down in comparison to the invitation's return address. Here are some detailed steps to help you with the addressing process:

Start by laying the invitation flat in front of you, with the wording side facing up and the address side down. Don't forget to add a postcard-rate stamp to the response postcard before you begin folding.

Next, you'll want to fold the invitation from bottom to top. Begin with the response postcard at the bottom and fold it upward. The response postcard's return address will now be upside down and facing you. Be gentle with this fold, as you won't want to fold and unfold this piece more than once or twice since it's perforated for guests to tear off and send back.

Continue folding the response section upward so that the response card's return address folds inward toward your wording. At this point, the section of the invitation facing you will have no wording.

Now, fold the remaining flap at the top downward so that the invitation's return address is facing you. Secure the flap closed with a clear seal, placing the seal's perforated line along the bottom edge of the top flap for easy opening.

After that, place a clear seal around each side of the invitation. You'll use three clear seals per invitation to ensure it can be easily fed through postal service equipment. Place the seals with the perforated line running along the fold.

Finally, flip the invitation over horizontally (left to right) to reveal the blank portion where you will write the guest's address. Writing the address horizontally ensures that it aligns properly with the invitation's return address and doesn't end up upside down.

You can find additional tips and tricks for addressing seal and send wedding invitations on various websites and blogs dedicated to wedding planning and etiquette.

Return address: Put this on the envelope flap, with no name and only two lines

When addressing seal-and-send wedding invitations, it's important to remember that the return address tells guests where gifts and responses should be mailed. If you're unable to attend a wedding, for example, you should send your gift to the address on the back flap of the invitation envelope.

Formally, the return address should be handwritten, but it is now acceptable for this to be printed, or for you to use a mailing label or a return address stamp. The return address goes on the back flap of the invitation envelope and the front side of the response envelopes.

If you are using double envelopes (inner and outer) for your invitations, the return address only needs to go on the back flap of the outermost envelope. There is no need for a return address on the inner envelope.

Traditionally, no names are included on a formal return address, only the physical address, which is usually that of the hosts (traditionally the bride's parents). However, it is acceptable to include names if you wish. If you want to keep it traditional, stick to the format below:

12 Park Lane

Mobile, Alabama 36695

Postage: Weigh your invites at the post office to ensure you have the correct postage

When it comes to sending out your wedding invitations, it's important to ensure you have the correct postage to avoid any issues with delivery. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you with this process:

Weigh Your Invitations:

Postage costs for wedding invitations can vary depending on weight, size, and shape. Most wedding invitations are heavier than average letters due to thicker cardstock, multiple inserts, or embellishments like ribbons or wax seals. It is recommended to weigh your fully assembled invitation at the post office to determine the exact postage required. This is especially important if you have added any extra elements to your invitations, such as pockets, vellum wraps, or additional cards. By weighing your invitations, you can be certain whether you need a 50-cent, 55-cent, or 70-cent stamp for each invitation.

Consider the RSVP Postcard:

If you are including RSVP postcards with your invitations, don't forget to purchase a set of 55-cent stamps for these as well. It is considered polite to provide your guests with a stamped RSVP card, so they don't have to worry about postage when responding.

Hand-Canceling:

Due to the thickness or unusual shape of your invitations, you may need to request hand-canceling at the post office. Hand-canceling involves "canceling" or postmarking your envelopes with a hand stamp instead of using sorting machines. This process helps protect your invitations from tears or ink smudges that may occur during machine processing. While some post offices may charge a small fee (typically 21 cents) for this service, others may offer it for free.

Troubleshooting:

• If you are told that hand-canceling is not available, ask to speak to a manager or try visiting a different branch at a less busy time.
• In case your invitations are deemed too thick and the post office suggests mailing them as packages, try requesting hand-canceling instead. This option may save you from paying a higher package rate.
• If the post office refuses to process your invitations due to bulges or ribbons under the flap, you may need to hand-cancel them yourself or visit another branch.

Timing:

Lastly, give yourself ample time for mailing your wedding invitations. Hand-canceling can slow down the mailing process, and chronic mail delays may also impact delivery. It is recommended to allow at least two weeks of leeway to address any potential issues.

Remember to approach the process with patience and friendliness, especially given the challenges faced by postal services these days. With proper planning and postage, you can ensure your invitations reach your guests safely and on time.

Frequently asked questions