Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process for many couples. It's important to proofread your wedding invitations and confirm the spelling of your guests' names. The order in which the pieces of the wedding invitation suite are placed is also important. Typically, each card is placed face up, in size order, from biggest to smallest, starting with the invitation card.
If you're using two envelopes (an inner and an outer envelope), the inner envelope is inserted into the outer envelope so that the guests' names are visible when they open it up. If you're using a single envelope, the invitation suite is placed inside with the text facing up.
You'll also need to calculate the right amount of postage, as wedding invitation suites with multiple enclosure cards are heavier and may require more than a standard stamp.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Order of assembly | Invitation, large enclosure, response envelope, response card, small enclosure |
| Invitation placement | Face up |
| Large enclosure placement | Face up |
| Response envelope placement | Face up, flap on the right side |
| Response card placement | Face up, under flap of response envelope |
| Small enclosure placement | Face up |
| Binding | Belly band |
| Belly band application | Lay over invitation suite, apply pressure with thumbs, wrap index fingers around back, flip, crease, pull tight, adhere with glue dots |
| Vellum jacket and wax seal application | Fold left side, slide in invitation suite, fold right side, place wax seal |
| Ribbon application | Cut, place invitation suite in middle, fold ends across, tuck left under right, pull tight, fold bottom piece upward, fold left over right, tuck through hole |
| Inner envelope placement | Insert invitation suite, insert into outer envelope |
| Outer envelope placement | Insert invitation suite |
What You'll Learn
Order of cards
The order of cards in a wedding invitation suite is important to get right. Here is a step-by-step guide to assembling your invitation suite:
- Start with the invitation card, which should be placed face up. This is usually the largest card in the suite.
- If you are using a tissue paper overlay or a vellum overlay, place this on top of the invitation card. Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent ink smudges, but it is now more of a stylistic choice.
- Place the reception card (if applicable) face-up on top of the invitation card. This card includes information such as the time, location, and dress code of the wedding reception.
- Add 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 and they are different sizes, start with the largest card first.
- Place the response envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left side. Insert the response card under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible. The response card is meant to be sent back by the invitee, confirming their attendance.
- If you are using an inner envelope (uncommon nowadays), insert the assembled invitation suite into it, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation, or the folded edge for a folded invitation. The inner envelope is meant to protect the invitation suite and indicate who is invited. When the outer envelope is opened, the inner envelope should be visible, with the guests' names facing out.
- Place the assembled invitation suite into the outer envelope, again with the left edge or folded edge going in first. The text on the invitation card should be facing up, so that it is the first thing the recipient sees when opening the envelope.
You may also want to add some finishing touches to your invitation suite, such as a belly band, ribbon, or wax seal. These can be used to hold the suite together and add a personalised touch.
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Enclosures
Small enclosures are typically used for reception details, but they can also be used for providing information about wishing wells, registries, parking information, proper attire, or wedding websites. If your reception is at a different venue than your ceremony, it is recommended to include this information on a small enclosure card. The header can say "Reception" or "Join Us", followed by the venue name, address, and start time. You can also mention whether the event is "adults only" and what will be served, such as "cocktails, dinner, and dancing".
Large enclosures are usually used for accommodations and travel information, especially if you have out-of-town guests or if you have blocked off rooms at a hotel. They can also be used to provide directions or additional information. If you have a lot of information to share, it is a good idea to include your wedding website on the large enclosure card so that guests can easily access all the details.
Remember that the enclosures should be printed in the same style and on coordinating papers as the rest of your invitation suite.
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Inner envelopes
The inner envelope is used to hold the invitation suite and list the name of each guest to eliminate any confusion about who is actually invited. 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.
The inner envelope is not gummed as it will not be sent through the mail. It is best to leave this unsealed but closed. The inner envelope is then placed into the outer envelope, which has an adhesive strip for sealing.
The inner envelope is more informal than the outer envelope, and you can leave out one or two elements of the formal name format. For example, you can use first names only or go with your gut and use personal titles and last names together.
The inner envelope typically addresses invitees in a more informal way and includes the names of every person invited to the wedding, such as the kids' names or additional family members. The outer envelope is usually addressed only to the heads of the household.
If you are inviting a family with young children, the outer envelope is reserved for the names of the parents or guardians. You should list each child by name on the inner envelope. If you don't include each child's name, you are implying that children are not invited.
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Sealing
If you have chosen to add a belly band, a ribbon, or a vellum wrap to your suite, you will want to assemble this before sealing. Belly bands are narrow strips of paper that wrap around your suite and are secured with a clear sticker. Ribbons can be tied in a variety of ways, such as a wraparound band, knot, or bow. Vellum wraps are folded and scored to fit around your suite and can be secured with a wax seal.
Once you have added any desired embellishments, it is time to seal the envelope. Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of your outer envelopes, taking care not to use too much to avoid soggy, puckered envelopes. Place a heavy book on top of the stack of envelopes to ensure they are securely sealed.
If you are using wax seals, add them after securing your envelope. You can also use stickers or stamps to seal your envelopes. Address your envelopes by hand or print the names and addresses directly onto the envelopes.
Finally, weigh your assembled invitation suite at the post office to determine the correct postage. Hand-cancelling your invitations will reduce the risk of damage during mailing.
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Postage
When it comes to the postage for your wedding invitation suites, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the cost of postage will depend on the weight, shape, and size of your mail. If you're using thicker cardstock, including three-dimensional details like wax seals, or opting for non-rectangular envelopes, you'll likely need to pay more for postage. It's a good idea to take a fully assembled invitation suite to the post office to get an accurate weight and recommendation for postage.
In the United States, a standard Forever Stamp will cover the cost of first-class postage for an envelope weighing up to one ounce. However, if your invitation suite is heavier or includes additional embellishments, you'll need to add extra postage. Each additional ounce typically costs $0.28 on top of the standard rate. If your envelope is considered "non-machinable" due to variations in thickness, you may need to pay an additional $0.46. Square envelopes also usually incur an additional charge of $0.46.
To avoid any issues, it's recommended to get your invitation suites weighed at multiple post offices and ensure you have the correct amount of postage. You can also consider hand-canceling your envelopes, which involves manually stamping each envelope with cancellation markings. This service may cost extra, but it can add a classic touch to your invitations and protect them from potential damage caused by automated processing.
Another option to consider is using vintage stamps, which can enhance the overall aesthetic of your invitation suite, especially if you're going for an Old-World or romantic look. Vintage stamps often have lower values, so you'll need to use more of them, and they can be more expensive to purchase. They also require more time to apply and for postal workers to process.
Don't forget to include postage on your RSVP card envelopes as well. It's considered proper etiquette to provide stamped and addressed RSVP envelopes for your guests' convenience and to ensure a faster response time.
Overall, the cost of postage for your wedding invitation suites will depend on the specific details of your invitations and the weight of the assembled suite. By taking the time to weigh your invitations and calculate the correct postage, you can ensure your invitations reach your guests without any issues.
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Frequently asked questions
The invitation card should be placed face up, followed by the reception card, enclosure cards, and finally, the RSVP card with the envelope. The assembled suite is then inserted into the inner envelope before being placed in the outer envelope.
Inner envelopes were traditionally used to protect the invitation suite during transit. They are not necessary but can add a formal and ornate touch to the invitation suite.
Use an envelope moistener, a damp sponge, or saliva to activate the glue on the envelope flap. Press down firmly or place the envelope under a heavy book to ensure it stays sealed.
For a formal look, consider using calligraphy. Alternatively, printing the names and addresses directly on the envelopes is a more efficient and polished option. Remember to include guests' names on both the inner and outer envelopes if using a double envelope style.
