Assembling Double Envelope Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process, but assembling them can be a confusing and time-consuming task. Double envelope wedding invitations are a formal and traditional style, but they can be tricky to put together. The process involves gathering your supplies, stacking the enclosures, stuffing the envelope, and sealing it. It is important to proofread your invitations, confirm the spelling of guests' names, and place the enclosures in the correct order. You should also calculate the right amount of postage and send out your invitations early. Assembling wedding invitations can be turned into a fun date night activity with your partner, and it is helpful to create an assembly line to speed up the process.

Order of placement: largest card at the bottom

When assembling your wedding invitations, it's important to start with the wedding invitation itself, which is usually the largest card in the suite. Place this card face up on a table.

If you have chosen to include a sheet of tissue paper or a vellum overlay, place this on top of the wedding invitation.

Next, add your reception card, placing it face-up on top of the invitation (or tissue paper, if included).

Now, add any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information cards. Place these face up on top of the reception card, starting with the largest card and working your way down to the smallest.

If you are using a traditional, mailed RSVP card, place the RSVP envelope face-down on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. Then, insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible.

Finally, if you are using a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, assemble this around your invitation suite.

Tissue paper or vellum overlay

Tissue paper and vellum are thin, delicate, slightly translucent papers that are placed over an invitation card and sometimes between each card in a wedding invitation suite.

History and Purpose

The use of tissue paper in wedding invitations dates back hundreds of years to when invitations were handwritten. Tissue paper was placed over the invitation wording to blot excess ink and prevent smudging. Today, most inks won't smudge, but the tradition has continued, and tissue paper or vellum is often included as a formal presentation and for aesthetic purposes.

Tissue Paper or Vellum?

Vellum is a contemporary alternative to tissue paper, offering more translucency and a more modern look. It is also available in a variety of colours and sizes, and can be printed with custom text and designs, whereas tissue paper cannot. However, if your main concern is ink smudging, tissue paper is recommended over vellum as it absorbs ink better.

How to Assemble Wedding Invitations with Tissue Paper or Vellum

If you choose to include tissue paper or vellum in your wedding invitations, here is a suggested assembly process:

• Place the tissue paper or vellum on top of the invitation card, covering the printed text.
• If you have any other inserts, such as a reception card, map, or accommodation details, place them face-up on top of the tissue paper or vellum.
• If using two envelopes (an inner and outer envelope), insert the invitation suite into the inner envelope, with the left edge going in 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.
• Insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope, ensuring the guests' names on the inner envelope are visible when opened.
• Seal the outer envelope and your invitation is ready to be mailed!

Reception card

A reception card is a traditional enclosure card that is included in a standard wedding invitation suite. It is used to inform guests about the details of the wedding reception, such as the location, time, and other relevant information.

• Prepare your materials: Ensure you have the correct number of invitations, envelopes, stamps, and any other materials you plan to include, such as tissue paper or envelope sealers.
• Gather and assemble your invitation materials: Fold your invitations if necessary. The order of insertions may vary depending on the type of invitation. For flat or single-fold cards, place the reception card and other insertions on top. For multiple-fold cards, place the insertions inside the first fold.
• Determine the order of insertions: Typically, additional insert cards, such as direction cards, reception cards, and reply cards, are placed in size order from largest to smallest, with the largest card placed directly on top of the invitation card.
• Place the complete invitation ensemble inside the inner envelope: Insert your invitation, response card, and enclosures, with the printed side facing up, into the inner mailing envelope. The inner envelope is traditionally left unsealed and placed so that the flap opens away from you.
• Place the inner envelope inside the outer envelope: Flip the loaded inner envelope so that the guest's name is facing outward. Slide it into the outer mailing envelope, with the address side facing out.
• Seal and complete: Seal the outer envelope and your invitation is ready to be mailed! This process ensures a professional and logical presentation of your invitation suite.

You can also include graphic elements like icons, vectors, or illustrations to make your reception cards more creative and reflective of your wedding theme.

Enclosure cards

Types of Enclosure Cards:

• Reception Card: This card provides details about the wedding reception, such as the time, location, and nature of the event. If the reception is at the same venue as the ceremony, you may include a note like "Reception following the ceremony" on the invitation or reception card.
• Direction or Map Card: Include a direction card with clear and legible instructions to help your guests navigate to the wedding venue. Consider adding a custom weekend map for a more personalised touch.
• Accommodations Card: If you have guests travelling from out of town, provide a list of hotel options along with transportation details to and from the hotels. You may also include a deadline for making hotel reservations.
• Details Card: This card can include additional information such as parking details, proper attire, wedding website details, or any other relevant information for your guests.

Assembling the Enclosure Cards:

• Order of Insertion: Place the enclosure cards on top of the invitation card, with the printed side facing up. The order should be based on card size, from largest to smallest.
• Inner Envelope: Place the complete invitation ensemble, including the enclosure cards, into the inner envelope with the printed side facing up. The inner envelope is traditionally left unsealed and is placed inside the outer envelope with the guest's name facing outward.
• Outer Envelope: Insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope, ensuring the guest's name and address are visible on the outer envelope. Seal the outer envelope and you're done!

Remember, the assembly process can be adjusted to suit your specific needs and preferences. Feel free to deviate from the traditional methods if you wish to create a unique and personalised invitation suite.

RSVP card

The RSVP card is a crucial component of your wedding invitation suite, allowing guests to confirm their attendance and providing additional details for your planning. Here's a comprehensive guide to assembling and utilising the RSVP card effectively:

Assembling the RSVP Card:

• Place the RSVP card within the invitation suite, ensuring it is the correct size and orientation. The card should be positioned with the printed side facing up.
• If you have chosen a traditional mailed RSVP card, include an envelope for the response. Place this envelope on top of the other enclosure cards, with the printed side facing down and the flap on the left. Pre-print the envelope with the mailing address and pre-stamp it to facilitate a swift response from your guests.
• Insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, ensuring the printed side is visible.

Designing the RSVP Card:

• Ensure the card indicates a clear request for guests to fill out and return the card, using terms like "RSVP," "Reply," "Kindly respond," or "Please reply."
• Include a guest line where invitees can write their names. The traditional format includes an "M" followed by a line for the guest's name, indicating the first letter of their title (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms.). Alternatively, you can use a more straightforward approach, such as "Name(s)_______________."
• Optionally, you can include a line indicating the number of invited guests to provide clarity, especially if you're hosting an adults-only wedding.
• Set a deadline for responses, typically 2-3 weeks before the wedding date. This allows time for follow-ups and finalising details with your caterer and seating chart.
• The most important line is the accepts/regrets line, where guests confirm their attendance. Feel free to have fun with the wording, such as "_____ accepts with pleasure" or "_____ regrets but sends love."
• If desired, include a line for guests to specify their meal choices, especially if you're offering multiple entrée options.
• You can also add an optional section for additional requests or playful inquiries, such as song requests, marriage advice, or honeymoon suggestions.

Timing and Mailing:

• Send your wedding invitations with RSVP cards enclosed 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. For destination weddings, allow more time by mailing the invitations at least 3 months in advance.
• If responses are pending 2 weeks before the wedding, gently remind guests to submit their RSVPs.
• Pre-address and pre-stamp the RSVP envelopes to make it convenient for guests to respond promptly.

By following these instructions, you'll have a functional and attractive RSVP card that complements your wedding invitation suite and assists in your wedding planning endeavours.

Frequently asked questions