Sealing Invites: Combining Announcements With Wedding Flair

There are many ways to seal a wedding invitation envelope, from the traditional method of licking the envelope to using a glue stick, liquid adhesive, or a wax seal. Some people also use a bottled envelope moistener, a glue gun, or a self-adhesive strip on the envelope. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own wax seal with a metal stamp and coloured wax.

Wax seals: a traditional, decorative method to secure envelopes

Wax seals have been used for centuries, dating back to ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Mesopotamians. They are an important part of envelope history and were used as a method of securing and authenticating documents. Today, they are primarily used for decorative purposes, adding a touch of elegance and tradition to invitations, letters, and packaging.

The use of wax seals can be traced back to the world's first civilisations, where they were made with clay that was impressed with engraved cylinders or rings. The use of wax seals themselves, however, did not become popular until the Middle Ages. During this period, wax seals were used exclusively by monarchs, bishops, and royal courts to issue official decrees and authenticate documents. Over time, the use of wax seals became more democratised, spreading from aristocrats to monasteries, guilds, and eventually ordinary freemen by the 13th century.

The wax used for sealing was typically made of beeswax and resin, with formulas varying over time. In the Middle Ages, sealing wax was often made of beeswax and "Venice turpentine", a greenish-yellow resinous extract of the European Larch tree. Later, from the 16th century onwards, it was compounded from various proportions of shellac, turpentine, resin, chalk or plaster, and colouring matter, but not necessarily beeswax. By the 19th century, a wide range of synthetic colours became available, including gold, blue, black, white, yellow, and green.

To create a wax seal, one must start by melting the wax. Traditional wax was designed to preserve confidentiality and would dry hard, breaking if tampered with. More flexible waxes have been formulated to survive mailing and can be used for sealing envelopes. The melted wax is then allowed to drip into a puddle and stirred to remove any air bubbles. A seal stamp or signet ring is then pressed into the warm wax and held for a few seconds until the wax cools and hardens. Finally, the seal is gently removed, leaving an impression in the wax.

Wax seals add a unique and elegant touch to wedding invitations, making them stand out and leaving a lasting impression on the recipient. They can also serve as a form of security, ensuring that the contents of the envelope remain intact and tamper-free. With a variety of colours and designs available, wax seals offer endless possibilities for customisation.

Self-adhesive wax seals: pre-made, customisable, and less time-consuming

Self-adhesive wax seals are a quick and efficient way to seal your wedding invitations. They are customisable, yet less time-consuming than traditional wax seals. You can buy them pre-made, or make them yourself.

Pre-made Self-Adhesive Wax Seals

Pre-made self-adhesive wax seals are available from a range of online retailers, including Etsy, Amazon, Stamptitude, and Artisaire. They are available in a variety of colours, designs, and quantities. Prices range from $0.12 per seal to $45.00 for 25 seals.

Custom Self-Adhesive Wax Seals

You can also create your own self-adhesive wax seals. To do this, you will need the following materials:

• A glue gun
• Glue gun sealing wax in your chosen style and colour
• A silicone glue gun pad
• A stamp cooling ice pack
• Double-sided adhesive

To make your own seals, simply create your seal design on the silicone pad using the glue gun and wax. Allow the seal to cool, then peel it off the pad and apply double-sided adhesive to the back.

Self-adhesive wax seals are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding invitations without the fuss of traditional wax seals.

Glue: use a glue stick or bottled envelope moistener

Using glue to seal your wedding invitations is a great way to save time and money. Here are some tips for using glue sticks or bottled envelope moisteners to attach sealing invitations to regular wedding announcements:

Glue Stick:

A glue stick is an easy and inexpensive way to seal your wedding invitations. You can find them at any craft or stationery store for less than $1. When using a glue stick, be sure to get one that dries clear so you can see where you are applying the glue. This will help you avoid accidentally gluing the wrong part of the envelope. Apply the glue stick to the flap of the envelope, and then press it firmly onto the envelope to seal it.

Bottled Envelope Moistener:

Another option for sealing your wedding invitations is to use a bottled envelope moistener. This method gives a more elegant finish than a glue stick and is still relatively inexpensive. Simply use the bottled moistener to wet the gummed edge of your envelopes, being careful not to use too much to avoid soggy, puckered envelopes. After sealing all the envelopes, place a heavy book on top of them to ensure they are securely sealed.

Tips for Using Glue:

• If you're using a glue stick, opt for one that dries clear to avoid any mess-ups.
• Be careful not to use too much glue, as it can cause the envelopes to become soggy and puckered.
• If you're sealing a large number of invitations, consider using a glue stick or bottled moistener instead of licking the envelopes.
• For a more personalized touch, consider adding a wax seal or a sticker on top of the glued flap for added security and decoration.

Sealing your wedding invitations with glue is a simple and cost-effective method. By following these tips, you can ensure your invitations are securely sealed and ready to be mailed out to your guests.

Lick: the traditional, but less hygienic, method

Licking the envelope to seal your wedding invitations is the traditional method, but it is less hygienic than other methods. If you choose to use this method, simply moisten the adhesive strip on the envelope flap with your tongue and close the envelope.

However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, not everyone is comfortable with the idea of licking envelopes, especially if you have a large number of invitations to send out. It can be time-consuming and tedious. Additionally, some people may find the taste of the adhesive unpleasant or nauseating.

If you decide to use the traditional licking method, it is recommended to have a glass of water nearby to wet your tongue between envelopes. This will not only make the task more bearable but also help prevent a dry mouth.

It is worth noting that the quality of adhesive on envelopes can vary, and sometimes it may not be strong enough to hold the seal, especially if the envelope flap is overloaded with decorations or thick inserts. In such cases, you may need to apply extra adhesive or use additional sealing methods, such as stickers or wax seals, to ensure the envelope stays closed.

While the traditional licking method may be the simplest and most cost-effective option, it is not the only way to seal your wedding invitations. There are alternative methods available that can be more hygienic and convenient, especially if you have a large number of invitations to send. These alternative methods include using glue sticks, adhesive wax seals, or envelopes with self-adhesive strips.

Stickers: a quick, easy, and affordable option

Stickers are a quick, easy, and affordable option for sealing your wedding invitations. They are a versatile accessory that can be used for several purposes. You can find stickers in various shapes, sizes, colours, and designs to suit your wedding theme.

Stickers can be purchased from various online retailers and craft stores. Some popular options include Etsy, VistaPrint, Basic Invite, and Minted. These retailers offer a wide range of customisation options, allowing you to choose from different colours, fonts, and designs to create a unique look for your wedding.

When using stickers to seal your wedding invitations, simply place the sticker on the flap of the envelope to secure it closed. This will add a personalised touch to your invitations and ensure that they arrive safely to your guests.

In addition to sealing envelopes, stickers can also be used as wedding favour labels, pocket invitation seals, and RSVP card seals. With so many options available, stickers are a convenient and affordable way to add a special touch to your wedding invitations.

Frequently asked questions