Assembling Wedding Invites: Inner Envelope Essentials

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process for many couples, but it isn't rocket science. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble wedding invitations with inner envelopes. First, create an assembly line and lay out all the necessary pieces in neat piles, including the invitation, enclosure cards, and adornments. Next, start with the invitation, which should be placed face up on the table. Then, add the tissue paper or vellum overlay, reception card, and any other enclosure cards. After that, place the reply envelope and reply card, making sure the reply envelope is pre-addressed and stamped. Finally, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope, ensuring that the printed side of the invitation is visible when the envelope flap is opened. Repeat this process for each invitation, and you're well on your way to a beautiful wedding!

Order of assembly

Assembling wedding invitations can be a confusing process for many couples, but it's not too difficult. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble your wedding invitations with inner envelopes:

• Start with the invitation card: Place the invitation card at the bottom, with the printed side facing up. This is usually the largest card in the suite.
• Add vellum or tissue paper (optional): If you have chosen to include a thin sheet of vellum or tissue paper, place it on top of the invitation card. Traditionally, this was used to prevent ink smudges, but it is now more of a stylistic choice.
• Stack the reception card: If you have a separate reception card, place it face-up on top of the invitation card (or tissue/ vellum, if included).
• Add other enclosure cards: Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, accommodation details, 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 and work your way down to the smallest.
• Include 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 RSVP card under the envelope flap, face-up, so that the printed side is visible. Pre-address and stamp the envelope for your guests' convenience.
• Assemble the suite: Now, assemble all the pieces together. If you are using a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, use it to secure the stack of cards together.
• Insert into the inner envelope: Place the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened. The inner envelope is usually left unsealed and is placed inside the outer envelope for mailing.
• Addressing and sealing: Write the guests' names and mailing address on the outer envelope. When inserting the inner envelope into the outer envelope, ensure that the guests' names on the inner envelope are visible when opened. Seal the outer envelope using an envelope moistener, or a damp sponge, being careful not to use too much moisture.

Using an inner envelope

• Prepare the Inner Envelope: Start by gathering your inner envelopes, which should not have adhesive on the flaps. If you're including envelope liners, insert them into the inner envelopes. Slide the liner about a quarter of an inch from the top, with the adhesive side up. Once in place, remove the protective backing and press the liner firmly to stick it to the envelope. Crease the liner along with the envelope flap.
• Assemble the Invitation Suite: Begin assembling the invitation suite by placing the invitation card at the bottom, face up. If you're using a tissue paper or vellum overlay, place it on top of the invitation card. Then, add the reception card, followed by any other enclosure cards such as maps, accommodation details, or travel information. Place the RSVP card under the flap of the reply envelope, ensuring the printed side is visible.
• Insert into the Inner Envelope: Once your invitation suite is assembled, insert it into the inner envelope. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened. Ensure that the invitation suite is placed with the left edge or folded edge first, depending on the style of your invitation.
• Prepare the Outer Envelope: Address the outer envelopes with the guests' names and mailing addresses. If you're using calligraphy or printed addresses, double-check the spelling and accuracy of the information. The outer envelope should also include your return address on the flap.
• Insert the Inner Envelope into the Outer Envelope: Place the inner envelope inside the outer envelope, ensuring the guests' names on the inner envelope are visible when opened. Again, insert the inner envelope with the left edge or folded edge first.
• Seal the Outer Envelope: Use an envelope moistener, a damp sponge, or saliva to activate the glue on the outer envelope flap. Be careful not to over-wet the adhesive. Press down firmly to seal the envelope, or use double-sided tape or a glue stick if needed. Alternatively, place a heavy book on top of the stack of sealed envelopes to ensure they stay closed.
• Add Final Touches: If you're using wax seals, stamps, or other embellishments, add them to the outer envelope now. You can also include a return address label or rubber stamp on the envelope for a more polished look.
• Weigh and Postage: Wedding invitations with multiple enclosures and embellishments can be heavier than a standard letter, so it's essential to weigh them before mailing. Take a fully assembled and stuffed invitation to your local post office to determine the correct postage required. Purchase the necessary postage and send out your invitations!

Remember, assembling wedding invitations with inner envelopes can be a bit more intricate, but it adds a touch of formality and tradition to your special day.

Sealing the envelope

Once you've assembled your invitation suite, it's time to place them in the inner envelope, if using. The inner envelope is traditionally left unsealed and placed inside the outer envelope with the guest's name facing out. If you're not using an inner envelope, simply insert the assembled invitation suite into the outer envelope.

Now it's time for sealing! Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of your outer envelopes, being careful not to use too much to avoid soggy, puckered envelopes. Seal all the envelopes and then place a heavy book on top of the stack to ensure they are securely sealed. If you're using wax seals, add them now.

Finally, don't forget to add address labels or stamps to your envelopes. You can skip the calligraphy and save time by printing the names and addresses directly on the envelopes. Remember to weigh your assembled invitations at the post office to ensure you have the correct postage.

Using a belly band

Belly bands are a stylish and practical way to assemble your wedding invitations. They are slim paper bands that hold all the pieces of your invitation set together, creating a neat little package for your guests to open. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to assemble your wedding invitations using belly bands:

Step 1: Choose the Right Paper for Your Belly Bands

Select a thinner paper that can easily wrap around your invitations. A 60-70# text weight (roughly 90-100 gsm) works well. You can usually find this type of paper online or at your local office supply store. If you're printing belly bands with a full-colour background, consider printing at a local print shop to save on ink costs.

Step 2: Determine the Size of Your Belly Bands

For standard 5 x 7-inch invitations, cut your belly band paper to 11 x 2 inches. If you're creating custom-sized bands, simply double the width of your invitation and add an extra inch for overlap.

Step 3: Design and Print Your Belly Bands

You can find editable belly band templates online, often available for purchase alongside your invitation set. Alternatively, you can design them yourself or use decorative paper from a craft store. When printing, ensure your printer settings are at "No Scaling / 100%" and the correct paper size is selected.

Step 4: Cut and Assemble the Belly Bands

Cut out the individual bands using a paper cutter or X-acto knife. Fold one flap of the belly band around your invitation, using a bone folder if needed. Apply glue to the end, then fold the other flap on top, creating an overlap. Press and hold for a few seconds until the glue dries.

Step 5: Stack Your Invitation Cards

Flip the belly band over so that it's face down. Stack your invitation cards from largest to smallest, with the main invitation on the bottom. If you have an RSVP card, tuck it into its envelope flap. Center the belly band on top of the stack.

Step 6: Secure the Belly Band

Pull both ends of the belly band tight, ensuring a snug fit without bending the edges of your invitation. Adhere the ends together using glue dots or double-sided tape. You can also use clear stickers, which some belly band sets include.

With these steps, you'll have beautifully assembled wedding invitations with belly bands, ready to be mailed to your guests!

Mailing and postage

Now that your wedding invitations are assembled, it's time to send them off to your guests. Here are some tips to ensure your invitations reach their intended recipients safely and on time:

• Timing: Send your wedding invitations four to six weeks before your wedding. This gives guests enough time to respond and allows you to get a reliable headcount.
• Proofreading: Before mailing, carefully proofread your invitations for any errors in spelling, dates, times, and locations. It's also a good idea to have a second pair of eyes review the invitations to catch any mistakes you might have missed.
• Guest Names and Addresses: Confirm the spelling of your guests' names and their addresses. Double-check that the names and addresses are correct on both the inner and outer envelopes.
• Postage Calculation: Wedding invitations with multiple enclosure cards are usually heavier than a standard letter. Take a fully assembled invitation, including all enclosures, to the post office to have it weighed. This will allow you to calculate the correct postage required for each invitation.
• Return Address: Ensure your envelopes have address labels or return address stamps. This is important in case any invitations are undeliverable or need to be returned to you.
• Hand-canceling: Instead of dropping your invitations in a mailbox, bring them to the post office and request hand-canceling. This means the post office will manually sort the envelopes instead of running them through machines, reducing the risk of damage.
• Tracking: If you're mailing a large number of invitations, consider using a tracked mailing service so you can track the delivery status and ensure they reach their destinations.
• International postage: If you have guests from other countries, don't forget to calculate international postage rates accordingly.

Frequently asked questions