Twine-Tying' Your Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guid

Wedding invitations with twine are a great way to add a rustic touch to your special day. Whether you're having an outdoor wedding or a country celebration, twine-wrapped invitations are a beautiful and unique way to set the mood and theme of your wedding. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps to assemble elegant, rustic twine-embellished wedding invitations. From choosing the right materials to tying the perfect knot, we'll make sure your invitations are a memorable part of your wedding journey.

Choosing the right type of twine

When it comes to choosing the right twine for your wedding invitations, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a twine that complements the overall aesthetic of your wedding. If you're going for a rustic or country theme, natural hemp twine or jute twine in earthy tones can be a perfect choice. For a more elegant or formal affair, consider options like gold twine or lace wrapped twine. The colour and texture of the twine should enhance the look and feel of your invitations.

Another important consideration is the thickness of the twine. You'll want to choose a twine that is strong enough to securely hold your invitation ensemble together without being too bulky or overwhelming. Fine tri-colour flax cord, for example, offers a delicate appearance while still providing sufficient strength. If you plan to tie intricate knots or bows, ensure the twine is pliable and easy to work with.

The length of twine required will also depend on how you intend to assemble your invitations. If you're wrapping the twine around a stack of cards, you'll need a longer length, approximately 40 inches (3.25 feet) as suggested by one source. For a simple knot or bow on a single card, a shorter length of around 1 metre should suffice. It's always a good idea to have extra twine on hand to account for any mistakes or variations in your design.

When selecting your twine, don't underestimate the importance of quality. High-quality twine will be less likely to fray or unravel, ensuring your invitations maintain their elegant appearance. Read reviews and look for options described as "excellent quality" or "sturdy yet delicate." This is especially important if you're ordering online and unable to feel the twine beforehand.

Lastly, consider the cost and availability of the twine. Compare prices from different suppliers, and keep an eye out for bulk deals if you require a large quantity. Websites like Etsy offer a wide variety of twine options, allowing you to find unique colours, materials, and styles to match your wedding theme. By taking the time to choose the right type of twine, you can add a special touch to your wedding invitations that reflects your personal style and attention to detail.

How to tie the twine

Tying the twine is a crucial step in assembling wedding invitations with twine. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to tie the twine for a secure and elegant finish:

• Cut the Twine: Start by cutting the desired amount of twine. For a standard-sized invitation, cut approximately 40 inches (3 1/4 feet) of twine. This length will give you enough to work with and ensure a snug fit around your invitation ensemble.
• Centre the Twine: Place your invitation ensemble face up in front of you. Take the cut twine and centre it over the invitation, ensuring there is an equal amount of twine on each side.
• Wrap and Secure: Carefully wrap the twine tightly around the middle of the invitation. Bring the twine to the back of the invitation, crossing it and twisting it 90 degrees. Then, bring the twine back to the front, positioning it parallel to the longer side of the invitation.
• Tie a Square Knot: With the twine now at the front of the invitation, tie a secure square knot in the centre. Avoid tying a standard knot or bow, as these may not hold the twine tightly in place.
• Adjust and Trim: Once the knot is tied, adjust the placement of the knot to ensure it is centred and neat. Use scissors to carefully trim any excess twine, leaving a small amount for a delicate finish.
• Optional: Add a Tag: For a rustic touch, consider adding a small tag with your initials or names. Intertwine the tag with the twine before wrapping it around your invitation. This adds a personalised detail that your guests will appreciate.

Remember, when working with twine, it is essential to keep the wrapping and knotting process neat and tidy. Practice on a separate piece of paper or card if needed to perfect your technique before assembling your final invitations.

Using twine with other decorations

Vellum Wrap and Twine:

Use a semi-transparent vellum wrap, such as Frozen Limba, to add a subtle wood grain effect. Line up your invitation card with the vellum and cut the vellum to the same height as your invitation. Fold both sides of the vellum over the invitation so that they overlap in the middle. Then, tie twine around the wrap to secure it. The invitation design will peek through the vellum wrap, creating a beautiful rustic look.

Greenery and Twine:

Combine twine with greenery, such as a leaf, flower, or herb, for a sophisticated touch. After preparing your invitation card, lay a string centred on top. Wrap the string around the invitation, crossing it in the front centre. Hold the string in place, slide wax paper behind it, and place your chosen greenery on top of the string. Use a wax seal to secure the string and greenery in place, adding a unique and elegant detail.

Tags and Twine:

For a straightforward and easy assembly, combine twine with customised tags featuring your initials, names, or guest names. You can intertwine the twine with the tags and wrap it around your invitation suite. This approach adds a delicate touch and a personalised element to your rustic-themed invitations.

Lavender and Twine:

Create a rustic feeling invitation by pairing twine with a lavender printed border. Measure a length of twine, approximately 75 cm long (about five times the width of the invitation). Fold the twine to create three sections of roughly equal length. Find the middle and feed it to the back of the invitation, sliding it down so the twine sits in the centre. Feed the loose ends towards the centre and tie a double knot. With the remaining twine, create a neat bow to your liking and cut off any excess.

These ideas showcase how twine can be used creatively with other decorations to craft elegant and rustic wedding invitations.

Assembling the invitation suite

The first step in assembling your wedding invitations is to gather all the materials. For a rustic-themed wedding, you can use heavyweight cream-coloured card stock, bold European flap envelopes, and silk-screened Japanese pearlised paper, all wrapped up with natural hemp twine. You will also need additional tools like a paper trimmer, scissors, and a printer.

Once you have all the materials, start by customising your invitation template with your preferred wording, fonts, and colours. Remember to include all the necessary information such as dates, times, and locations. After finalising the design, print the cards and envelopes using your home printer.

Now, it's time to cut the decorative layers. From one 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper, cut two 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 inch decorative layers. A paper trimmer with built-in measurements will help you achieve straight and accurate cuts.

Arrange the cards in your invitation ensemble. Typically, the order is as follows: start with the largest card on the bottom, with the invitation card at the bottom, followed by the reception card, and then any other enclosure cards such as direction or detail cards. If you have a response card and envelope, place them at the very top.

Finally, it's time to add the twine. Cut approximately 40 inches (3 1/4 feet) of twine. Centre the twine over the invitation, ensuring equal lengths on each side. Wrap the twine tightly around the middle and bring it to the back. Cross the twine and twist it 90 degrees so that it is parallel to the longer side of the invitation. Bring it back to the front and secure it with a square knot in the centre.

You can further embellish your invitations with dried leaves, flowers, or herbs. Flatten and dry your chosen flora beforehand so that the invitation suite sits nicely inside the envelope. You can use a small amount of glue or tape to hold the flower in place or opt for a wax seal.

Finalising the envelope

Step 1: Insert the Invitation Suite

First, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope. For a single-card invitation, insert the left edge first. If you have a folded invitation, insert the folded edge first. Ensure that the text is print-side up, so your guests can immediately see the text when they open the envelope.

Step 2: Seal the Envelope

Use an envelope moistener to wet the adhesive edge of the envelope. Be careful not to use too much moisture, as you don't want the envelope to become soggy and puckered. After sealing all the envelopes, place a heavy book on top to ensure they are securely sealed.

Step 3: Add a Wax Seal (Optional)

If you want to add a decorative touch, consider using a wax seal. Apply the wax seal after securing the envelope. Choose a wax colour that matches your wedding colours, and select a seal design that reflects your wedding style and personality.

Step 4: Addressing and Return Address

Make sure your envelopes are properly addressed. You can use calligraphy for a formal and elegant look, or print the names and addresses directly on the envelopes for a more modern and efficient approach. Don't forget to include your return address on the envelope as well.

Step 5: Weigh and Post Your Invitations

Before posting your invitations, take a fully assembled set to the post office to get an accurate weight. This will ensure you apply the correct postage amount. It's also recommended to hand-cancel your invitations at the post office, which means they will be manually sorted instead of going through machines, reducing the risk of damage.

Now your wedding invitations are ready to be posted! These finalising steps will ensure your invitations arrive safely and make a great first impression on your guests.

Frequently asked questions