The Perfect Way To Arrange Wedding Invites In Envelopes

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process for many couples, but it's not too difficult. Here's a step-by-step guide to arranging wedding invitations in an envelope:

First, create an assembly line by clearing a table and laying out all the necessary pieces in neat piles. This includes the invitation itself, any enclosure cards, additional envelopes, and adornments like belly bands, vellum or tissue paper overlays, ribbons, and wax seals.

Then, start with the invitation card, which is usually the largest card in the suite, and place it face up on the table.

Next, add a tissue paper or vellum overlay if you want to include one. Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent ink smudges, but it's not necessary with modern printing techniques.

After that, place the reception card, if applicable, face-up on top of the invitation.

Continue by adding any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps, hotel accommodations, and travel information, also face-up. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.

Don't forget to include the RSVP card. Place the reply envelope face-down on top of the enclosure cards, and insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face-up. Pre-address and stamp the reply envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Finally, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope. If using two envelopes (an inner and outer envelope), place the invitation suite into the inner envelope first, ensuring the printed side of the invitation is visible when the envelope flap is opened. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope, with the guests' names visible when opened. If using a single envelope, simply insert the invitation suite directly into the outer envelope.

Order of cards in the envelope

The order of cards in the envelope is an important consideration when arranging your wedding invitations. Here is a detailed and direct guide on how to arrange the cards inside your wedding invitation envelope:

• Invitation Card: Start with the invitation card, which is typically the largest card in the suite. Place it face up on the table, as this will be the base for the rest of the cards.
• Vellum or Tissue Paper Liner (Optional): Traditionally, a thin sheet of vellum or tissue paper was used to protect the ink from smudging. If you choose to include this, place the vellum or tissue paper on top of the invitation card.
• Reception Card: If you have a separate reception card, place it face up on top of the invitation card (or the tissue/vellum liner, if used). This card includes the time and location of the wedding reception and other important details like the dress code.
• Enclosure Cards: Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps, hotel accommodations, travel information, or other additional information, face up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, arrange them in size order from largest to smallest.
• Response Card and Envelope: The response card and its envelope are essential for guests to send their RSVPs. Place the response envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. Then, insert the response card under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible. Pre-address and stamp the response envelope to make it easier for your guests to reply.
• Belly Band, Ribbon, or Vellum Wrap (Optional): If you want to add a decorative touch, such as a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, assemble it around the stacked cards at this point.
• Inner Envelope (Optional): If you are using inner and outer envelopes, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope. The left edge of the invitation should go in first for a single card, and the folded edge for a folded invitation. Ensure that when the inner envelope flap is opened, the printed side of the invitation is visible.
• Outer Envelope: Finally, insert the inner envelope (if used) or the fully assembled invitation suite into the outer envelope. Again, the left edge of the invitation should go in first for a single card, and the folded edge for a folded invitation. The text on the invitation should be face up so that guests can immediately read it when they open the envelope.

Remember to proofread all the cards and confirm the spelling of your guests' names before placing them in the envelopes. This process may seem daunting, but with a little organisation and an assembly line, you'll have your wedding invitations ready in no time!

How to use a belly band

Belly bands are a great way to add a special touch to your wedding invitations. They are slim, paper bands that fit around your invitations, holding all the pieces of your set together. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use belly bands for your wedding invitations:

Choosing the Right Paper

Select a thinner paper that can easily wrap around your invitations. A text weight paper of 60-70# (roughly 90-100 gsm) works well and can usually be found online or at your local office supply store. If you want to print your belly bands at home, consider the ink heaviness and quantity. Designs with a full-colour background will consume a lot of ink, so printing at a local print shop might be more cost-effective for large quantities.

Sizing the Belly Band

For a standard 5 x 7-inch invitation, the belly band should measure 11 x 2 inches. If you are creating custom-sized invitations, double the width of your card and add an extra inch for overlap. Ensure your printer settings are accurate to get the correct size.

Assembly

Once you have printed and cut out your belly bands, you are ready to assemble your invitations. Place your cards, from largest to smallest, with the invitation at the bottom. Centre the belly band on top and secure it with a clear sticker or glue. You want a snug fit so that it holds the cards neatly, but not too tight that it bends the invitation.

Final Steps

Place the entire bundle inside the envelope. The outer envelope can include calligraphy of the addressee's name, while inner envelopes are left unsealed so guests can easily complete their RSVP and seal.

Belly bands are a charming way to organise your wedding invitations and add a pop of colour or a personalised touch. They are a simple yet effective way to elevate your wedding stationery.

How to apply a vellum jacket and wax seal

Adding a vellum jacket and wax seal to your wedding invitations is a great way to make a statement and create a unique invitation suite. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to elegantly assemble your invitations using these embellishments:

Firstly, your vellum jackets will arrive flat, so it is recommended to fold the left side of the jacket along the pre-scored line to make it easier to slide your assembled invitation suite into. Next, slide your invitation suite into the folded area of the jacket and pinch it with your left hand to keep it in place. Once your suite is centred within the vellum jacket, you can fold the right side along the other pre-scored line.

Now that your invitation is enclosed in the vellum jacket, you can secure it closed with your wax seal. Most wax seals come with an adhesive backing, so all you need to do is expose the adhesive and place it on the front of your invitation to hold the flaps of the vellum jacket closed. You can choose any design for your wax seal, such as initials, florals, or something special to the couple.

And that's it! Your wedding invitations are now secured with a vellum jacket and wax seal, creating a beautiful and elegant look for your special day. Your guests will surely be impressed by these carefully crafted and unique invitations.

How to tie a silk ribbon

To add a silk ribbon to your wedding invitations, you'll need to first assemble the invitation suite, which includes the invitation card, any enclosure cards, and the RSVP card and envelope. Place the invitation card at the bottom, followed by the enclosure cards in sizing order from largest to smallest, with all cards facing up. Then, insert the RSVP card under the flap of the envelope, ensuring that it is also facing up.

Now that your invitation suite is ready, here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie a silk ribbon:

• Cut a piece of silk ribbon. The length will depend on the size and orientation of your invitation. For portrait-oriented invitations, use a 13-inch ribbon for a ribbon band, a 22-inch ribbon for a simple knot, and a 30-inch ribbon for a bow. For landscape-oriented invitations, use a 16-inch ribbon for a band, a 31-inch ribbon for a knot, and a 39-inch ribbon for a bow.
• Place the invitation suite at the centre of the ribbon, with the cards facing down.
• Fold the ribbon around the invitation suite, creating a band. For a simple knot, tie the ribbon around the suite with a single knot. If you prefer a bow, create two loops and tie them together.
• Adjust the ribbon and invitation suite as needed. Ensure that the ribbon is flat and untwisted, and gently tug on the loops to even out the sides.

Your wedding invitations with silk ribbons are now ready to be placed into their envelopes!

How to assemble double envelopes

Double envelopes are more formal and traditional and are commonly used for black-tie or traditional weddings. They consist of an inner and an outer envelope. The outer envelope is used for mailing and should list the household name and address on the front. The inner envelope is used to hold the invitation suite and list the name of each guest. It also acts as an additional layer of protection during mailing.

• Prepare all the pieces of your invitation suite, including the invitation card, response card, reception card, enclosure cards, and any other additional information.
• Stack your invitation suite in the correct order, starting with the invitation card on the bottom, print side up.
• If you are using a reception card, place it face up on top of the invitation card.
• Add any enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards, map cards, or hotel accommodation cards, placing them face up on top of the reception card.
• Include a RSVP card and envelope. Place the envelope for the RSVP 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.
• If you are using a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, assemble it around your invitation suite now.
• Insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope, with the left edge first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge first for a folded invitation. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened.
• Place the inner envelope inside the outer envelope, making sure the guests' names are visible when they open it up.
• Seal the outer envelope using an envelope moistener, being careful not to use too much liquid.
• Add postage stamps to the outer envelope, ensuring you have sufficient postage for any embellishments that may affect the weight.

Your double envelopes are now assembled and ready to be mailed out to your guests!

Frequently asked questions