Assembling Wedding Invitations: Rsvp Insertion Guide

Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process, but assembling them can be a little tricky. This is especially true when it comes to including an RSVP card and ensuring that all the necessary information is conveyed. The good news is that even with multiple cards and enclosures, the process of assembling wedding invitations and stuffing the envelopes is usually more straightforward than you might think. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Place the RSVP envelope and card inside the main envelope

Now that you've gathered all the necessary pieces for your wedding invitation suite, it's time to assemble them! Here are some detailed steps to help you place the RSVP envelope and card inside the main envelope:

• Start with the Basics: Before you begin, clear a workspace and lay out all the components neatly. This includes the invitation card, RSVP card and envelope, and any other enclosure cards. Having everything organised will make the assembly process more efficient.
• Order Matters: When placing the RSVP envelope and card inside the main envelope, order is crucial. The RSVP envelope should be placed face down on top of any other enclosure cards, with the flap facing left. This ensures that when guests open the envelope, they see the printed side of the invitation first.
• Insert the RSVP Card: With the RSVP envelope in place, it's time to insert the RSVP card. Tuck the RSVP card under the flap of the RSVP envelope, ensuring the printed side faces up. This way, your guests can easily read and fill out the card.
• Secure the RSVP Envelope: To prevent the RSVP envelope from sliding around inside the main envelope, you can use a small piece of double-sided tape or a glue dot to secure it in place. Place the adhesive on the back of the RSVP envelope, near the top, and gently press it onto the inner flap of the main envelope.
• Final Checks: Before sealing the main envelope, take a moment to review your work. Ensure that the RSVP card is visible and easily accessible, and all components are neatly stacked and aligned. Give the envelope a gentle shake to ensure nothing shifts or falls out.
• Seal and Send: Once you're satisfied with the placement, it's time to seal the deal! Moisten the flap of the main envelope and secure it closed. You can use a bottled envelope moistener or a damp sponge for a more precise application. Place a weight, such as a heavy book, on top of the sealed envelopes to ensure they stay securely closed.

Remember, it's essential to pre-address and stamp the RSVP envelope to make it convenient for your guests to respond. By following these steps, you'll have elegant and functional wedding invitations ready to be mailed out!

Face the invitation upwards

When assembling your wedding invitation, it's important to start with the wedding invitation card, which should be placed face-up on a clean table. This is usually the largest card in the suite, so it makes sense to build upon it.

If you have chosen to include a tissue paper or vellum overlay, place it on top of the invitation card. Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent smudging, but this is less common nowadays due to improved ink quality. If you opt for an overlay, choose between tissue paper or vellum, as using both is not recommended.

Next, add the reception card, which outlines the time and location of the wedding reception, as well as any dress code information. Place this card face-up on top of the invitation card or tissue paper, if included.

Now, add any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information cards. These cards should also be placed 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.

Finally, add the RSVP card and envelope. Place the RSVP envelope face-down on top of the enclosure cards, and insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face-up, so that the printed side is visible. Don't forget to pre-address and stamp the reply envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

If you are using a folded-style invitation, place all enclosures within the folded invitation, rather than on top.

Include a tissue paper or vellum overlay

The use of tissue paper or vellum in wedding invitations dates back hundreds of years to when invitations were handwritten. They were used to prevent smudging and smearing of ink. While most inks used today won't smudge, the tradition has continued. Here are some tips on including tissue paper or vellum in your wedding invitations:

Choosing Between Tissue Paper and Vellum

If you want some sort of overlay, consider whether you prefer the look of vellum or tissue paper. Vellum offers more translucency and a more contemporary look. It is offered in a variety of colours and sizes and can be easily cut to custom sizes. Vellum can also 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.

Placement of Tissue Paper or Vellum

Place the tissue paper or vellum on top of the invitation card. If necessary, you can also place it between each card for added protection. The order of your invitation suite should be as follows:

• Invitation card
• Tissue paper or vellum
• Reception card
• Other enclosure cards (direction card, map card, hotel accommodations card)
• RSVP card and envelope

Benefits of Using Tissue Paper or Vellum

In addition to tradition and aesthetics, using tissue paper or vellum can also serve a practical purpose. If you have multiple cards, embellishments, or pocket invitations, they can rub against each other and cause smudging or scratching. An insert provides a layer of protection and can help keep your invitations looking neat and tidy.

Add a reception card

If your wedding reception is in a different location to the ceremony, it's a good idea to include a reception card. This card should include the address and details of the second location. If your reception is in the same place as the ceremony, you may not need a reception card.

Place the reception card face up on top of the wedding invite. If you have a folded card, place the reception card inside the fold.

Reception cards are a great way to give your guests important information about the reception, such as the time and location. You can also include the names of the wedding hosts, and a request for attendance.

If you are inviting only certain guests to the ceremony, you can use the reception card to invite everyone to the reception. This is often done for small, private weddings with a larger reception.

Don't forget to add the RSVP card

The RSVP card is where your guests will indicate their names, whether they are attending, how many guests are attending, and any dietary requirements. It's important to include an RSVP card so that you can get an accurate headcount for your wedding. This will help you with planning, including how much food you need and how many place cards you need to prepare.

Place the RSVP envelope face-down on top of the enclosure cards. Insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, face-up, so that the printed side is visible. If your invitation is a folded-style invitation, place all enclosures within the folded invitation. Make sure that your RSVP envelope is pre-addressed and stamped to make it easier for your guests to respond and for you to get their responses.

If you're using two envelopes (an inner envelope and an outer envelope), insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope. When the envelope flap is opened, you should see the printed side of the invitation. Insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope so that the handwritten guests' names on the inner envelope are visible when opened.

If you're using just one envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope (left edge first for a single-card invitation; folded edge first for a folded invitation). When the envelope flap is opened, the printed side of the invitation should be visible.

Frequently asked questions