Attaching Inserts To Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitation inserts are a great way to include extra information for your guests without crowding the main invitation with logistics. This could include accommodation details, travel information, dress codes, and more. When it comes to assembling your invitations, the general rule is to place the invitation card at the bottom, followed by any enclosure cards, and finally, the RSVP card and envelope on top. The whole suite is then inserted into the envelope, usually with the left edge going in first. To add a special touch, you can also use belly bands, ribbons, or vellum wraps to secure your invitation suite.

RSVP cards and envelopes

When it comes to assembling your wedding invitations, the RSVP card and envelope are key components. Here's a detailed guide on how to include them:

Stacking the RSVP Card and Envelope:

• Start with the main invitation card, which is typically the largest card in the suite, and place it face up.
• If you have a reception card, place it face up on top of the main invitation card.
• Add any other enclosure cards (e.g., direction or detail card, map card, or hotel accommodations card) face up on top of the reception card.
• Place the RSVP envelope, printed side down, on top of the stack of enclosure cards, with the envelope flap on the left.
• Insert the RSVP card under the flap of the RSVP envelope, face up, so the printed side is visible.

Addressing and Stamping the RSVP Envelope:

• The RSVP envelope should be pre-printed with the mailing address (usually your address or that of your wedding planner).
• Don't forget to pre-stamp the RSVP envelope. This saves your guests the hassle of searching for postage and ensures a quicker response.

Assembling the Invitation Suite:

• If using a folded invitation, place all enclosures within the folded invitation, rather than on top.
• If using a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, assemble it around the stacked invitation suite now.
• If using a single outer envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope with the left edge or folded edge going in first. The invitation should be face up so that when the envelope flap is opened, the text is visible.
• If using both inner and outer envelopes, insert the fully assembled suite into the inner envelope first, following the same orientation as above. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope so that the guests' names on the inner envelope are visible when opened.

Final Steps:

• Seal the envelope(s) using an envelope moistener or a wax seal.
• Add return address labels or use a custom rubber stamp to apply your return address.
• Before mailing, take a fully assembled invitation suite to the post office to determine the exact postage required, especially if you have added embellishments that affect the weight.

Reception cards

If your wedding ceremony and reception are held at the same venue, you can skip the reception card. Your main invitation should include the ceremony location and the text "reception to follow".

However, if your reception is at a different location from your ceremony, you will need a reception card. This card should include the time and location of your reception, as well as directions or parking information for the venue, if needed.

If you are providing a shuttle service for guests, you can include a note on the reception card to inform guests that a shuttle will be available and that they shouldn't plan to drive to the venue.

Enclosure cards

• Start with the invitation: Place the wedding invitation face up on the table.
• Layer on a tissue paper or vellum overlay (optional): Traditionally, a sheet of tissue paper was used to keep the ink from smudging. If you want to include this, place the tissue on top of the wedding invitation. Vellum overlays are also a popular choice and would generally sit on top of your invitation card.
• Add the reception card: If applicable, place the reception card face-up on top of the invitation (or tissue paper, if included). This card should include the time, location, and requested dress code of the wedding reception.
• Include other enclosure cards: Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information cards, face up on top of the reception card. If there is more than one enclosure card, start with the largest and work your way to the smallest.
• Don't forget the RSVP card: Place the reply envelope face-down on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. Insert the reply card under the reply envelope flap, face-up, so that the printed side is visible. Pre-address and pre-stamp the reply envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.
• Add a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap (optional): If you want to add a finishing touch to your suite, such as a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, assemble this now.
• Recipient addressing: Address the envelopes to your guests. Traditionally, calligraphy was used for this, but you can also print the names and addresses directly on the envelopes for a more modern and efficient approach.
• Insert the whole suite into the envelope: Insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope with the left edge first for a single-card invitation or folded edge first for a folded invitation. The invitation should be placed so that the text is print-side up and legible as the recipient takes it out of the envelope.
• Seal the envelope: Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of your outer envelopes, being careful to not use too much to avoid soggy, puckered envelopes. Place a heavy book on top of the stack to ensure they are securely sealed.
• Add the return address: Apply address labels or use a rubber stamp to add your return address to the envelopes.
• Mail your invitations: Before mailing, bring a fully assembled invitation to the post office to weigh it and determine the exact postage required. It is also recommended to hand-cancel the invitations at the post office instead of dropping them in a mailbox to reduce the risk of damage during mailing.

• If your main wedding invitation is a folded card, place all enclosures within the folded invitation rather than on top.
• If you have a wedding website, include the URL and password info on one of the enclosure cards. You can also include a QR code that guests can scan to access the website easily.
• If you are not using an inner envelope, the same stacking order applies. Place the direction or accommodations card first, followed by the RSVP card with its envelope.
• When using a belly band, stack your invitation suite with the invitation on the bottom and all cards facing up. Center the belly band over the stack and secure it with a clear sticker or invisible tape.
• For a more luxurious touch, consider adding a vellum jacket and wax seal or silk ribbon to your invitation suite.

Remember, the assembly process can be time-consuming, especially if you are adding extras like wax seals or belly bands. It is recommended to assemble your invitations at least a week before you plan to mail them.

Belly bands, ribbons and vellum wraps

Belly bands, ribbons, and vellum wraps are a great way to add a luxurious and elegant touch to your wedding invitations. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use them to attach inserts to your wedding invitations:

Belly Bands

Belly bands are a popular choice for holding together the different pieces of your invitation suite. They are usually made of paper, vellum, or ribbon and wrap around the middle of the suite. Here's how to apply a belly band:

• Lay the belly band over your neatly stacked invitation suite, centering any personalisation.
• Apply pressure with your thumbs to the top of the band and enclosures to hold everything in place.
• Wrap your index fingers around the back of the invitation. You should be able to pick up the entire suite without anything moving.
• Flip the suite towards you so that all the information is face down, and carefully pull one end of the band over the back. Crease it, then repeat with the other end.
• Pull both ends of the belly band tight, without bending the sides of your stationery.
• Adhere the ends together with glue dots or stickers.

Ribbons

Using a ribbon to tie your invitation suite together is a charming and romantic option. Silk or chiffon ribbons are often used, and here's how to tie them:

• Cut your chosen ribbon to the appropriate length for your invitations (22" for portrait orientation or 31" for landscape).
• Place your invitation suite in the middle of the ribbon.
• Fold both ends of the ribbon across the front of the suite and tuck the left end under the right end.
• Pull both ends tight and place your right middle finger in the middle of the twist to prevent it from coming loose.
• While continuing to apply pressure to the twist, use your left hand to fold the bottom piece upward, so it is parallel to the other end.
• Fold the left end over the right and tuck it through the hole in the middle, as if you're tying a shoe.
• Continue applying pressure to the twist while pulling the two ends tight.

Vellum Wraps

Vellum wraps, also known as vellum jackets, are made of lightweight, translucent vellum paper. They encase your entire invitation suite, providing a gorgeous finishing touch. Here's how to assemble them:

• Fold the left side of the vellum jacket along the pre-scored line to make it easier to slide your assembled suite into.
• Slide your invitation suite into the folded area and pinch it with your left hand.
• Once centred, fold the right side of the vellum along the other pre-scored line.
• Place a wax seal to hold the flaps closed. Expose the adhesive on the back of the wax seal before placing it on the vellum.

Finish any of these looks with wax seals, ribbon, or both for a truly sophisticated wedding invitation suite.

Envelope liners

When choosing envelope liners, it's important to select a style that complements your wedding's overall aesthetic. You can choose from a variety of options, including floral, watercolour, vintage, and solid-colour designs. Some companies even offer customisation options, allowing you to match your invitation design perfectly. For example, Paper Tie Affair offers customisation options and will send you a proof of your design within 1-2 business days.

If you're looking for a more sustainable option, Paper Culture offers wedding envelope liners made from 100% recycled paper. They also plant a tree for every envelope liner order placed.

Etsy is another great option for finding unique envelope liners, with many sellers offering a wide range of designs and materials, such as velvet and suede. You can also find envelope liner templates on Etsy if you prefer the DIY route.

When ordering envelope liners, it's recommended to allow enough time for proofing, printing, and shipping. Lined envelopes can take up to 2 weeks to produce and assemble, so plan accordingly to ensure your invitations arrive on time.

Frequently asked questions