Assembling Folded Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Assembling wedding invitations can be a confusing process for many couples, but it isn't rocket science. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create a classy invitation suite for your wedding.

Step 1: Get the main invitation card

The invitation card should be placed at the bottom, with the printed side facing up.

Step 2: Add vellum liners (optional)

If your invitations include a thin sheet of vellum, it's your choice whether to place it on top of the invitation card or not. Traditionally, this was used to prevent ink smudges.

Step 3: Stack the reception card

If you have a separate reception card, place it face-up on top of the invitation card.

Step 4: Stack other enclosure cards

Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information cards, face-up on top of the reception card. If there is more than one enclosure card, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.

Step 5: Add the RSVP card and envelope

Place the RSVP envelope face-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-address and stamp the reply envelope.

Step 6: Finishing touches

If you're using a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, assemble it now.

Step 7: Recipient addressing

Write the recipients' names and addresses on the outer envelopes. Traditionally, this was done using calligraphy, but you can also print the information directly on the envelopes.

Step 8: Insert the suite into the envelope

Insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope with the left edge going in first for a single card or the folded edge for a folded invitation. The text on the invitation card should be facing up so that it is legible when the recipient opens the envelope.

Step 9: Seal the envelope

Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of the envelope, being careful to not use too much to avoid sogginess. Place a heavy book on top of the stack of sealed envelopes to ensure they are securely sealed.

Step 10: Return address

Add address labels to the envelopes or use a rubber stamp address label.

Step 11: Mail

Before mailing, take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to weigh it and determine the correct amount of postage required. Ask the post office to hand-cancel the invitations instead of dropping them in a mailbox to reduce the risk of damage during mailing.

Order of assembly

The order of assembly for wedding invitations is important to get right, and the process is made easier by creating an assembly line. Here is the correct order to assemble your wedding invitations:

• Start with the invitation: Place the invitation card at the bottom, with the printed side facing up. This is usually the largest card in the suite.
• Add a tissue paper or vellum overlay: If you are using a thin sheet of vellum or tissue paper, place this on top of the invitation card. Traditionally, this was to prevent smudging, but it is now optional.
• Stack the reception card: If you are using a separate reception card, place this face up on top of the invitation.
• Stack other enclosure cards: Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps, hotel details, or travel information, face up on top of the reception card. If there is more than one, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.
• Add the RSVP card and envelope: Place the RSVP envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. Insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face up, so the printed side is visible.
• Finishing touches: If you are using a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, add this now.
• Insert into the envelope: If you are using a single envelope, insert the assembled invitation suite into the envelope with the folded edge first for a folded invitation. The text should be print-side up, so the guest can immediately read the invite.
• Seal the envelope: Use an envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge, taking care not to use too much. Place a heavy book on the envelopes to ensure they are securely sealed.
• Add the return address: Apply address labels, a rubber stamp, or a skinny wrap to the envelope.
• Mail: Take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to check the correct postage, and hand-cancel the envelopes so they are handled with care.

Envelopes

Single Envelopes

The single envelope style is commonly used and is only available for classic wedding invitations and vellum wedding invitations. It consists of one invitation envelope and one response card envelope. The names of all invited guests should be placed on the front along with the mailing address. Your return address should be placed on the envelope flap.

Double Envelopes

Double envelopes are more formal and traditional. This style includes an inner and outer envelope for mailing each invitation suite. The outer envelope is meant 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, eliminating any confusion about who is actually invited. The inner envelope is not gummed as it will not be sent through the mail. It also acts as an additional layer of protection during mailing and allows your guests to have a clean, unmarked envelope for holding their invitation suite.

Addressing Envelopes

Traditionally, calligraphy was used to address envelopes. If you are hiring a calligrapher, be sure to get your envelopes to them at least two to three weeks before you need them. For an efficient and polished look, you could skip the calligraphy and save time by printing the names and addresses directly on the envelopes.

Inserting Invitation Suites into Envelopes

The invitation suite should be inserted, fully assembled, into the envelope with the left edge first for a single-card invitation or folded edge first for a folded invitation. Ensure that the text is print-side up, so when the flap is opened, guests can immediately see the text.

Envelope Liners

Paperlust offers a large range of printed and specialty stock envelope liners. These require a bit of assembly but are well worth the impact they will create. First, insert the liner into the envelope until it hits the bottom. Then, hold the liner down on the inside where the flap folds over so that it doesn't move, and then fold the flap down. This is to crease the liner, so use your fingers and run them along the top edge of the envelope to give it a nice firm crease. Next, open the envelope flap only, leaving the liner folded. Then, take the glue stick provided and run it along the top two edges of the liner, making sure to give it a good coat all the way along. Finally, fold the envelope flap down to adhere the liner to the envelope.

Sealing Envelopes

Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of your outer envelopes; be careful not to use too much—you don’t want soggy, puckered envelopes. After you’ve sealed all the envelopes, place a heavy book or two on top of the stack to ensure all of them are securely sealed.

Return Address

Make sure your envelopes have address labels. If you opt for a skinny wrap or a rubber stamp address label, this is when you would apply it to each envelope.

Tissue paper

Step 1: Prepare the Main Invitation Card

Start by placing the invitation card face-up on a clean surface. The invitation card is typically the largest card in the suite, so it serves as the foundation for the rest of the assembly.

Step 2: Add the Tissue Paper

Place a sheet of tissue paper on top of the invitation card. This adds a delicate layer and creates a traditional look. The tissue paper also serves a functional purpose by protecting the ink from smudging, although modern printing techniques have made this less of a concern.

Step 3: Stack the Reception Card

If you have a reception card, place it face-up on top of the tissue paper. This card provides details about the wedding reception, including the time, location, and any relevant information such as the dress code.

Step 4: Include Other Enclosure Cards

Add any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information cards, on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, arrange them in descending order by size, with the largest card on the bottom.

Step 5: Add the RSVP Card and Envelope

Place the RSVP card and envelope on top of the stack, with the envelope flap facing up so that the printed side of the card is visible. Pre-address and pre-stamp the RSVP envelope to make it convenient for your guests to respond.

Step 6: Finalize the Assembly

At this point, you can add any finishing touches, such as a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, to hold the entire suite together. If you are using an inner envelope and an outer envelope, insert the assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope, ensuring that the printed side of the invitation is visible when the envelope is opened. Finally, place the inner envelope into the outer envelope, following the same orientation. Seal the outer envelope, and your elegant, tissue paper-lined wedding invitation is ready to be sent out!

RSVP cards

When assembling your wedding invitations, the RSVP card is an important element to include. Here is a detailed guide on how to include RSVP cards in your wedding invitations:

Firstly, if you have chosen a traditional mailed RSVP card, place the envelope for your RSVP printed side down on top of the other enclosure cards. Ensure that the envelope flap is on the left. The envelope should be pre-printed with the mailing address and pre-stamped to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Next, insert the RSVP card, also known as the reply card, under the envelope flap. The printed side of the RSVP card should be facing up so that it is visible when the recipient opens the envelope.

If your invitation is a folded-style invitation, place all enclosures, including the RSVP card, within the folded invitation rather than on top.

If you are using belly bands, paper wraps, ribbons, or other similar adornments, you will need to place the RSVP card and envelope within the band or wrap before sliding it into the envelope.

Finally, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope. The left edge of the invitation should go in first, followed by the folded edge. The invitation should be facing up so that the text is legible as the recipient removes it from the envelope.

Belly bands

• Start by gathering all the necessary pieces, including the invitation card, RSVP card, envelope, and the belly band. The invitation card is typically the largest piece and should be placed face up on the table.
• Place the RSVP card or response card under the flap of the envelope, not inside it. The envelope should be addressed to you and your partner, and postage should be applied.
• If you have any additional enclosure cards such as reception cards, direction cards, or accommodation cards, place them on top of the invitation card in descending order of size, with the largest card on top of the invitation.
• Stack your invitation suite neatly, with the invitation card at the bottom and all cards facing up.
• Place the belly band next to the stacked suite, face down on a flat surface. The belly band should have a pre-scored line, making it easy to fold.
• Carefully flip your stacked invitation suite over and centre it over the belly band. Adjust the position so that the belly band wraps around the middle of the suite.
• Secure the belly band by folding the flaps and using a small piece of invisible tape. You can also use the clear adhesive sticker that usually comes with the belly band.
• Finally, slip your wrapped invitation suite into the envelope with the top cards facing up. The text on the main invitation should be legible when the recipient opens the envelope.

Frequently asked questions