Assembling Wedding Invites: Tissue Paper, A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitations are a fun part of the wedding planning process, but assembling them can be confusing for many couples. Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent ink from smudging or smearing. Today, it is more of a stylistic preference. If you want to include tissue paper in your wedding invitations, place it on top of the invitation card. Then, add the reception card, followed by any other enclosure cards. Finally, add the RSVP card and envelope to the suite. Once your invitation suite is complete, you can seal it with a belly band, ribbon, or wax seal.

Tissue paper placement

If you choose to include tissue paper, it should be placed between each layer of your invitation suite. Start by placing the tissue paper on top of the invitation card, which is typically the largest card in the suite. If you're using vellum, place the tissue paper on top of the vellum sheet. Then, follow the standard order for assembling the rest of your invitation suite, placing each card face-up in size order, from biggest to smallest.

• Invitation card (print side up)
• Tissue paper (optional)
• Reception card (face-up)
• Remaining enclosure cards (face-up), such as direction or map cards
• RSVP card with RSVP envelope (printed side-up, tucked under the envelope flap)
• Belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap (optional)
• Insert the fully assembled suite into the envelope with the text print-side up.

Invitation layering

Start with the invitation: Place the wedding invitation face up on the table. This is usually the largest card in the suite, so it serves as the base for the rest of the pieces.

Layer on tissue paper or vellum: Traditionally, a sheet of tissue paper was used to prevent ink smudges. While most modern inks don't smudge, you can choose to include tissue paper or vellum for aesthetic purposes. If you decide to use it, place it on top of the wedding invitation.

Add the reception card: If you have a separate reception card, place it face-up on top of the invitation (or tissue paper). This card includes the time, location, and other important details of the wedding reception.

Stack other enclosure cards: Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps, hotel accommodations, or travel information cards, face up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, arrange them in descending order of size, with the largest card at the bottom.

Include the RSVP card and envelope: Place the reply envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards. Insert the RSVP card under the reply envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible. Pre-address and stamp the reply envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Finish with a belly band or ribbon: If you want to hold all the pieces together, you can use a belly band or ribbon. Center the belly band over the stacked suite and secure it with a clear sticker or a piece of invisible tape. Alternatively, you can tie the ribbon around the suite in a knot or bow.

By following these steps, you will create a beautifully layered wedding invitation that is sure to impress your guests.

Belly band binding

Belly bands are a great way to add a touch of elegance to your wedding invitations and keep all the pieces of your invitation set together. They are slim, paper bands that fit snugly around your invitations. You can purchase belly bands or make them yourself. If you choose to make them yourself, here are some steps you can follow:

Choosing the Right Paper:

Select a thinner paper that can easily wrap around your wedding 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 want to add some sparkle to your invitations, consider using specialty paper like glitter paper.

Determining the Correct Size:

For a standard 5 x 7-inch invitation, your belly band should measure 11 x 2 inches. If you have a different card size, simply double the width of your card and add an extra inch for overlap.

Printing and Trimming:

When printing your belly bands, ensure your printer settings are set to No Scaling / 100% and that you have selected the correct paper size. Most templates will be 8.5 x 11 inches, allowing multiple bands per page. After printing, cut out the individual bands using a paper cutter or an X-acto knife.

Assembling the Belly Bands:

First, fold one flap of the belly band around the invitation, using a bone folder if needed to create a defined crease. Apply glue or double-sided tape to the end, then fold the other flap on top so the two ends overlap. Press and hold for a few seconds until the glue dries. Stack your cards, starting with the largest, and place them face down with the belly band at the bottom. If your band has a design, ensure it is centred. Finally, tuck in the RSVP envelope (if applicable) and centre the belly band on top.

Envelope insertion

Firstly, ensure that all your envelopes, both inner and outer, are addressed and stamped correctly. This prevents any unsightly indentations on your wedding invitations caused by writing on the envelopes after insertion. The outer envelope should include the guests' names and address, while the inner envelope, if used, should have the guests' names printed on it.

If you are using an inner envelope, insert the wedding invitation into it with the front of the invitation facing the open flap. The printed side of the invitation should be facing up. If you are using tissue paper, place it between each layer.

Next, place the reception card face-up on top of the invitation. If your invitation is folded, place the enclosures within the folds rather than on top.

Then, add any remaining enclosure cards, such as map cards or hotel accommodation cards, face-up on top of the reception card. If there are separate directions for the ceremony and reception, ensure the ceremony directions are on top.

After that, place the reply envelope on top of the enclosure cards, with the reply card tucked under the envelope flap, face-up, so that the printed side is visible. The reply envelope should be placed face-down, with the flap on the left. Remember to pre-address and stamp the reply envelope.

Finally, if using an inner envelope, slip the unsealed inner envelope into the outer envelope, ensuring the guests' names on the inner envelope are visible when opened. If you are not using an inner envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite directly into the outer envelope. The left edge of the invitation should be inserted first for a single-card invitation, while the folded edge should go first for a folded invitation. The text on the invitation should be print-side up, allowing guests to immediately read the invite upon opening.

With these steps, you'll have your wedding invitations ready to be sent out in no time!

Sealing and sending

Now that your wedding invitations are assembled, it's time to seal the envelopes and send them off to your guests. Here are the steps to complete this process:

• Recipient Addressing: Write the guests' names and addresses on the envelopes. Traditionally, calligraphy was used for addressing, but you can also print the information directly on the envelopes for a more modern and efficient approach.
• Insert the Invitation Suite: Place the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope with the left edge first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge first for a folded invitation. Ensure that the text is print-side up, so when the flap is opened, guests can immediately read the invitation.
• Seal the Envelope: Use a bottled envelope moistener or a wax seal to seal the outer envelopes. Be careful not to use too much moistener, as it may cause the envelopes to become soggy and puckered. Place a heavy book on top of the sealed envelopes to ensure they are securely closed.
• Return Address: Add address labels, rubber stamps, or SkinnyWrap™ to the envelopes. This step ensures that any invitations sent back to you will reach the correct address.
• Calculate Postage: Take a fully assembled invitation, including all enclosures and embellishments, to your local post office to have it weighed. This will help you determine the exact postage required. Don't forget to ask about international postage rates if you're inviting guests from other countries.
• Hand-Cancelling: Instead of dropping your invitations into a mailbox, bring them to the post office to be hand-cancelled. This process ensures that the post office will manually sort the envelopes instead of running them through machines, reducing the risk of damage during mailing.
• Mailing: With your invitations properly weighed, stamped, and hand-cancelled, it's finally time to mail them. Your guests will be delighted to receive your beautiful invitations and will look forward to celebrating your special day with you.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are sealed and sent correctly, contributing to the overall elegance and excitement of your upcoming nuptials.

Frequently asked questions