Crafting Wedding Invites: Assembly Guide For Beginners

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process for many couples, but it's not rocket science. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect wedding invitation suite.

First, proofread your wedding invitations. You don't want to send out invites with spelling errors or incorrect dates and times. Check that the wedding date, time, venue, and names of family members are all correct.

Next, confirm the spelling of your guests' names. It's poor etiquette to send an invitation with a guest's name spelled incorrectly. Check both the outer and inner envelope, if you have one, to ensure the names and addresses are accurate.

Now, it's time to place the invitation suite in the right order. Typically, each card would go face up in size order, from biggest to smallest, starting with the invitation card. Then, if you have one, add a separate reception card. On top of this, place the response card, tucking it under the flap of the response envelope, face up. Next, include any enclosure cards, such as a map card or direction card.

If you're using a belly band, vellum jacket, or wax seal, now is the time to add this to your suite. Belly bands can be customised with your names, the wedding date, or a meaningful message. Vellum jackets add a luxurious touch, and wax seals provide a sophisticated finish.

Finally, insert the invitation suite into the envelope. The invitation should be placed face up so that the text is legible when removed by the recipient. Traditionally, the invitation was oriented so that a right-handed person would be presented with it facing up, but this is no longer a hard-and-fast rule.

Order of assembly

The order of assembly for wedding invitations is as follows:

Firstly, you will need to proofread your wedding invitations and confirm the spelling of your guests' names. Then, you can begin to assemble the invitations.

• Place the invitation card face-up. This is usually the largest card.
• Layer on a tissue paper or vellum overlay, if applicable.
• Add the reception card, face-up, on top of the invitation.
• Include any other enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information cards, face-up, on top of the reception card.
• Place the RSVP card under the flap of the RSVP envelope, ensuring the printed side is visible. Place the envelope with the flap on the right side, printed side up, on top of the enclosure cards.
• If using a belly band, wrap this around the stacked suite and secure with glue dots or tape.
• Place the assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope (if using double envelopes) with the text facing up. If not, place directly into the outer envelope.
• Seal the envelope and add any stamps, return address, or additional decorations, such as a wax seal.

Some sources suggest placing the RSVP envelope and card on top of the enclosure cards, while others suggest placing them before the enclosure cards. This may be a matter of personal preference or depend on the specific design of the invitation suite.

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. They include 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. 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.

Envelope Liners

Envelope liners are installed inside the inner envelope. They require a simple assembly process:

• Stuff the envelope liner into the inner envelope.
• Before peeling off the glossy paper protectant, slide the liner into place (about a quarter of an inch from the top).
• Once in place, peel off the backing of the adhesive.
• Press firmly to stick the envelope liner to the envelope and fold the flap over to crease the liner.
• Open the envelope flap only, leaving the liner folded.
• Run a glue stick along the top two edges of the liner.
• Fold the envelope flap down to adhere the liner to the envelope.

Addressing Envelopes

Whether you use calligraphy for your wedding envelopes or have them printed by your vendor, it's important to check that guests' names and mailing addresses are accurate. If you're unsure about the spelling of a name, check with a family member who is most familiar with the guest. Leave yourself enough time in case there are errors and you need to send your envelopes back.

Inserting Invitation Suites

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.

If you are using two envelopes (an inner and 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 are using just one envelope (an outer envelope), insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope. When the envelope flap is opened, the printed side of the invitation should be visible.

RSVP cards

The RSVP card is an essential part of your wedding invitation suite. Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you assemble your RSVP cards:

Preparing the RSVP Card and Envelope

Before you begin, decide whether you prefer a traditional mailed RSVP card or an online reply option. If you opt for mailed replies, prepare your RSVP envelopes and cards. The envelope for the RSVP should be printed with the mailing address, and the reply card should also be included. Face the printed side of the card up, so your guests can easily read the details.

Placing the RSVP Card and Envelope in the Suite

Place the RSVP envelope printed side down on top of your other enclosure cards. Then, insert the reply card under the envelope flap, ensuring the printed side is visible. If your invitation is a folded style, place the enclosures within the folds, not on top.

Pre-addressing and Pre-stamping the RSVP Envelope

To make it easier for your guests to respond, pre-address and pre-stamp the RSVP envelope. This extra step will save your guests the trouble of searching for postage and increase the chances of receiving timely responses.

Inner Envelope or Outer Envelope?

Traditionally, wedding invitations used both an inner and an outer envelope. The inner envelope was left unsealed and placed within the outer envelope, with the guests' names visible when opened. However, modern trends lean towards simplicity and sustainability, so using only an outer envelope is now common.

Assembling the Full Suite

After adding the RSVP card and envelope, continue stacking your suite according to the standard order: direction or accommodations card, reception card, and finally, the main invitation card. Face all cards upwards and place them in size order, with the largest card at the bottom.

Final Steps

Once your suite is assembled, slide it into the envelope. For a single-card invitation, insert the left edge first; for a folded invitation, insert the folded edge. Ensure that when the envelope flap is opened, the text on the invitation is visible. Seal the envelope, add any return address labels or stamps, and your invitation is ready to mail!

Tissue paper

Step 1: Prepare the Tissue Paper

Before you begin, ensure you have the correct size and colour of tissue paper for your invitations. Standard sizes are usually just enough to cover the wording on the invite. White or cream colours are traditional, but vellum, a contemporary alternative, comes in a variety of colours and can be printed with custom designs.

Step 2: Place the Main Invitation Card

Start assembling your invitation suite by placing the main invitation card, face up, on your work surface. This is typically the largest card in the suite.

Step 3: Add the Tissue Paper

Place the tissue paper on top of the main invitation card. This adds a formal and elegant touch to your invitation suite. The tissue paper can also serve a practical purpose by protecting the ink from smudging or rubbing off during mailing.

Step 4: Stack the Remaining Cards

Now, you can start adding the remaining cards of your invitation suite. Place the reception card, face up, on top of the tissue paper. Follow this with any other enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards, map cards, or hotel accommodation cards. If there are multiple enclosure cards, stack them in descending order of size, with the largest card at the bottom.

Step 5: Include the RSVP Card and Envelope

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

Step 6: Finalize and Insert into Envelope

Once your invitation suite is assembled, you can insert it into the envelope. If using an inner envelope, place the assembled suite into the inner envelope first, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation, or the folded edge for a folded invitation. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope. If using only an outer envelope, follow the same steps for insertion. Ensure that the text on the main invitation card is facing up, so your guests can see it immediately when they open the envelope.

Additional Tips:

• If you want to add a modern twist, consider using vellum instead of tissue paper. Vellum offers more translucency and a contemporary look.
• If you're concerned about ink smudging, tissue paper is a better option than vellum for ink absorption.
• Assemble your invitations at least a week before you plan to mail them, especially if you're adding extras like wax seals or belly bands.
• Calculate the correct amount of postage by taking a fully assembled and stuffed envelope to the post office to be weighed.

Extras: wax seals, belly bands, ribbons

Adding a few extra details to your wedding invitations can be a great way to add a touch of luxury and elegance to your special day. Here are some tips and tricks for incorporating wax seals, belly bands, and ribbons into your wedding invitation suite:

Wax Seals

Wax seals are a beautiful way to secure your wedding invitations and add a touch of old-world charm. If you're using wax seals, it's important to apply them after you've sealed your envelopes. This will ensure that the seal adheres properly and doesn't come loose during transit. You can also use wax seals to secure vellum jackets or envelope liners. Simply expose the adhesive on the back of the wax seal and place it where you want it to go.

Belly Bands

Belly bands are a great way to keep all the pieces of your invitation suite together. They are typically narrow strips of paper or cardstock that wrap around your invitation suite and are secured with a small piece of adhesive. To assemble your invitations with a belly band, start by stacking your invitation and enclosure cards with the invitation at the bottom and the printed side up. Then, place the belly band over the stack, centering any personalisation. Use your thumbs to hold the band and enclosures in place, and carefully flip the entire suite over. Fold the ends of the belly band around the back and secure them with adhesive. Finally, slip your wrapped invitation suite into the envelope with the top card facing up.

Ribbons

Using ribbons to tie your wedding invitations is a charming and romantic touch. When choosing a ribbon, opt for a delicate material like silk charmeuse. Cut your ribbon to the appropriate length—22 inches for portrait-oriented invitations or 31 inches for landscape-oriented invitations. Place your ribbon on the table in front of you, matte side up, and then place your invitation suite in the middle. Fold both ends of the ribbon across the front of the invitation suite, tucking the left end under the right. Pull both ends tight and secure the tie by folding the bottom piece upward and then tucking the left end through the middle, similar to tying a shoe. Finally, place your assembled invitation suite inside an inner envelope, and then place that inside the outer envelope for added protection during mailing.

Frequently asked questions