Assembling Gold Pocket Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Pocket wedding invitations are a great alternative to traditional wedding invitations. They are a fold-out invitation design that contains a pocket to hold other items in your invitation suite, such as an RSVP card, gift information card, directions, and other details. When assembling your pocket wedding invitations, it is important to start with the wedding invitation, which you should place face up on the table. This is usually the largest card in the invitation suite. Then, you can add any additional cards, such as reception cards, enclosure cards, and RSVP cards, before placing the entire suite into an envelope.

Order of assembly

The order of assembly for gold pocket wedding invitations is as follows:

• Place the main invitation card at the bottom, with the printed side facing up. This is usually the largest card in the invitation suite.
• If you are using a sheet of vellum or tissue paper, place it on top of the invitation card. Traditionally, this was used to prevent smudging, but it is optional.
• Add the reception card, face-up, on top of the invitation card.
• Stack any remaining enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards, face-up, on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards of different sizes, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.
• Place the RSVP card under the flap of its envelope, with the card facing up and the addressed side of the envelope facing down.
• Place the envelope for the RSVP card, printed side down, on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left.
• If you are using a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, assemble it around the stacked invitation suite.
• If using an inner envelope, place the assembled invitation suite inside, with the guest names facing the open side of the envelope.
• Insert the inner envelope, if applicable, into the outer mailing envelope, ensuring the handwritten guest names are visible when opened.
• If using a single 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.

Remember to wash and dry your hands before assembling the invitations to avoid any smudges or dirt on the paper.

Using a belly band

To assemble your wedding invitations with a belly band, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Belly Band

Print your belly band design on the thinner paper. For a standard 5 x 7-inch invitation, the belly band should measure 11 x 2 inches. Cut out the individual bands using a paper cutter or an X-acto knife. Ensure your printer settings are set to "No Scaling / 100%" and the correct paper size is selected.

Step 2: Stack the Invitation Suite

Start by placing the invitation card at the bottom, print side up. If you are using a vellum liner, place it on top of the invitation card. Then, add the reception card, followed by any other enclosure cards such as direction or detail cards, map cards, or hotel accommodation cards.

If you have chosen a traditional mailed RSVP card, 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, printed side up.

Step 3: Apply the Belly Band

Lay the belly band over your neatly stacked invitation suite, centring any personalisation. Apply pressure with your thumbs to the top of the band and enclosures to hold everything in place. Wrap your index fingers around the back of the invite and flip the suite towards you so that all the information is face down.

Step 4: Secure the Belly Band

Carefully pull one end of the band over the back and crease it. Repeat with the other end. Pull both ends of the belly band tight, ensuring you don't bend the sides of your stationery. Adhere the ends together with glue dots or double-sided tape.

Step 5: Final Checks

Check that the belly band is centred and snug, holding all the cards neatly together without bending the edges. Your first invitation suite is now ready! Repeat the process for the rest of your invitations.

Using a vellum jacket and wax seal

Step 1: Prepare the Vellum Wrap

The first step is to purchase or create a vellum wrap for your invitations. You can find pre-made vellum wraps online or at craft stores. If you're feeling creative, you can also make your own by cutting a sheet of vellum paper to size. The vellum wrap should be large enough to enclose your invitation suite comfortably.

Step 2: Assemble the Invitation Suite

Place your main invitation card face-up on a flat surface. If you're including a tissue paper or vellum overlay, place it on top of the invitation card. Then, add your reception card and any other enclosure cards, such as maps or accommodation details, with the largest cards at the bottom. Finally, add the RSVP card and envelope, with the printed side visible.

Step 3: Secure with a Belly Band

Before wrapping the invitation suite in vellum, secure it with a belly band. You can use a paper belly band, ribbon, or twine. This will keep the contents of the invitation suite neatly together.

Step 4: Wrap in Vellum

Take your vellum wrap and carefully wrap it around the invitation suite, ensuring that it covers the entire suite. You may need to fold the vellum to get the right size. If the vellum has an adhesive strip, remove the backing and secure it in place. Otherwise, you can use a sticker or a drop of glue to keep it closed.

Step 5: Add the Wax Seal

Now for the finishing touch – the wax seal! Choose a wax seal design that reflects your wedding theme or personality. You can find adhesive wax seals that are easy to apply, or you can melt your own wax and use a custom stamp. Place the wax seal in the centre of the vellum wrap, pressing down gently to secure it in place.

Step 6: Insert into Envelope

Your gold pocket invitation is now ready to be placed into its envelope. Slide the wrapped invitation suite into the envelope, taking care not to smudge or damage the vellum. Seal the envelope and add any additional embellishments, such as envelope liners or return address labels.

Your elegant gold pocket wedding invitations with vellum jackets and wax seals are now ready to be sent out to your guests! This assembly process will surely impress your guests and set the tone for your special day.

Tying with silk ribbon

Choosing the Right Ribbon

Select a ribbon that complements the colour scheme and style of your wedding. Silk ribbons come in a variety of colours, from classic white to blush pink to elegant black. You can also choose between a wide or skinny ribbon, depending on your preference. A wider ribbon is traditional and perfect for a fluffy bow, while a skinnier ribbon can be used for a more subtle look or a simple knot.

Measuring the Ribbon

To ensure you have enough ribbon for each invitation, you'll need to measure and cut the ribbon accordingly. If you want to wrap the ribbon once around the centre of the invitation, measure the width of your invitation suite, double that measurement, and then add three inches for a knot or five for a bow. For a more secure hold, you can wrap the ribbon both ways like a parcel. In this case, measure both dimensions of the invitation, add them together, double that sum, and then add three inches for a knot or five for a bow.

Alternatively, you can use a piece of string to first tie around the invitation, and then use that length as a template for your ribbon. Don't forget to allow for some extra ribbon for last-minute invitations or mistakes.

Tying the Ribbon

Now it's time for the fun part—tying the ribbon! Depending on your style and preference, you can choose to tie a simple knot, a classic bow, or even a combination of both. For a simple and chic look, a single knot in the centre of the invitation is timeless and elegant. If you want to add a bit of flair, go for a bow. Just be sure to balance the two loops and avoid letting the tails get too long.

You can also get creative by wrapping the ribbon multiple times around the invitation and adding a small tag with your monogram or wedding website address. This is a unique way to incorporate the ribbon into the design and keep all the pieces of your stationery together.

Adding a Wax Seal

For a truly unique and personalised touch, combine the silk ribbon with a custom wax seal. This adds texture and depth to your invitation suite. The length of the ribbon should be slightly greater than double the width of the envelope for this elegant look.

Tying silk ribbon around your gold pocket wedding invitations is a wonderful way to add a special touch. Whether you choose a simple knot, a fluffy bow, or a custom wax seal, your guests will surely feel the love and attention to detail that went into each invitation.

Using double envelopes

Double envelopes are a great way to add a formal touch to your wedding invitations. They are also practical, with the outer envelope protecting the inner envelope from scuffs, dirt, and debris during mailing. The inner envelope is left ungummed and unsealed, holding all the invitation details, including response items and direction cards.

When using double envelopes, the outer envelope is formally addressed, with the names and address of the guests. The inner envelope is more informal, including only the names of the invited guests, including any children and plus ones. For example, "Daren and Priscilla Bradshaw" or "Daren Bradshaw and Guest".

To assemble your invitations with double envelopes, place the invitation, response items, and any other cards inside the inner envelope, close it, and then place it into the outer envelope, ensuring the informal address on the inner envelope is visible.

If you are using envelope liners, these would go inside the outer envelope. Slide the liner into place, using the adhesive strip, and press firmly to secure it.

Double envelopes are a great choice for a black-tie or traditional wedding, adding a formal and elegant touch to your invitations.

Frequently asked questions