The Art Of Banding Wedding Invitation Suites

A wedding invitation suite is made up of all the paper goods sent along with the wedding invitation. There are four main pieces to an invitation suite: the invitation itself, a response card, a small enclosure, and a large enclosure. The invitation includes the couple's names, wedding date, time, and ceremony location. The response card allows guests to confirm their attendance and their meal choices, if applicable. The small enclosure is often used as a reception card, detailing the reception address and start time, while the large enclosure provides additional information such as accommodation details, transportation information, or pre- or post-wedding activities.

Once all the pieces are gathered, they can be bound together with a belly band, a silk ribbon, or a vellum jacket and wax seal.

Belly band customisation

Belly bands are a great way to add a decorative touch to your wedding invitations, and they can be customised in many different ways. Here are some ideas for belly band customisation:

Materials

Belly bands can be made from a variety of materials, including paper, cardstock, vellum, and even soap labels. If you're looking for something eco-friendly, consider using recycled paper or hemp. You can also add a soft touch or matte lamination for a premium finish.

Design

The design of your belly band can be as simple or intricate as you like. You can choose to have a monogram, a pattern, or a custom illustration. If you want to add a touch of glamour, consider using gold or silver foiling. You can also incorporate a wax seal to hold the band together.

Size and Shape

Belly bands can be customised to fit any size or shape of invitation. If you have a unique invitation shape, such as a circle or square, you can create a belly band that will fit perfectly. You can also choose the width of the band, with options ranging from narrow strips to wide wraps.

Colour

The colour of your belly band can be matched to your wedding colour palette or the design of your invitation. You can choose from a variety of colours, including white, ivory, blush, navy, and black. If you want something more subtle, a translucent band can be a great option.

Text and Typography

You can add text to your belly band, such as your names, the wedding date, or a meaningful message. Choose a font that reflects the style of your wedding, whether it's script, modern, or minimalist. You can also include a QR code that guests can scan to visit your wedding website.

Assembly

When assembling your belly band, you can simply wrap it around your invitation suite and secure it with glue dots or clear stickers. If you want to add a more decorative touch, consider using a ribbon or twine to tie the band together.

How to apply a belly band

Belly bands are a great way to add a pop of colour to your wedding invitations and keep them neatly bound together. They are usually made of paper and can be customised with monograms, dates, names, or any other design you can imagine. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply a belly band to your wedding invitation suite:

Step 1: Prepare the Belly Band

First, you need to print and cut your belly band to size. For a standard 5 x 7-inch invitation, the band should measure 11 x 2 inches. Use a thinner paper, such as a 60-70# text weight paper, which is roughly 90-100 gsm. This type of paper is often used for printing resumes and envelopes. You can usually find it online or at your local office supply store.

Step 2: Assemble the Invitation Suite

Before applying the belly band, assemble your invitation suite. Place the invitation at the bottom, followed by any additional cards in descending order of size. If you have a response card and envelope, place it at the top with the flap facing right.

Step 3: Position the Belly Band

Lay the belly band over your neatly stacked invitation suite, centring any personalisation, such as a monogram or your wedding date. Ensure the band is straight and positioned in the middle of the suite, allowing for equal overlap on the front and back.

Step 4: Secure the Belly Band

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 and lift it up gently. If everything stays in place, flip the suite over so that it is face down, with the belly band at the bottom.

Step 5: Wrap and Crease

Carefully pull one end of the belly band over the back of the invitation suite and crease it. Repeat with the other end. Pull both ends of the band tight, ensuring a snug fit without bending the sides of the stationery.

Step 6: Adhere the Band

Adhere the ends of the belly band together with glue or the included glue dots. And there you have it! Your first invitation suite is ready to be placed in its envelope and mailed to your guests. Repeat these steps for the rest of your invitations, and you'll be all set!

Invitation wrapper options

Belly bands, silk ribbons, vellum wraps, wax seals, and paper or fabric wraps are all options for bundling your wedding invitation suite together. Belly bands are narrow strips of paper that can be personalised with colours, names, wedding dates, or meaningful messages. Silk ribbons can be used in a similar way to belly bands, but their delicacy may allow for more movement of the invitation suite's pieces. Vellum wraps are thin sheets of vellum that can be placed between each invite for protection or used to wrap the suite together with a wax seal. Wax seals can also be used to hold together invitation suites that have been bundled with belly bands or vellum inner envelopes.

Using a vellum jacket and wax seal

Preparing the Vellum Jacket:

Your vellum jackets will arrive flat, ready for assembly. Start by folding the left side of the jacket along the pre-scored line. This will make it easier to slide your assembled invitation suite into the jacket.

Inserting the Invitation Suite:

Slide your invitation suite into the folded area of the vellum jacket and pinch it with your left hand to hold it in place. Ensure that the invitation suite is centred within the jacket.

Folding the Vellum Jacket:

After your invitation suite is centred, fold the right side of the vellum jacket along the other pre-scored line. You should now have a neat jacket with your invitation suite securely inside.

Applying the Wax Seal:

Once both folds are made and the jacket slightly overlaps on the front of your invitation, it's time to add the wax seal. Expose the adhesive on the back of the wax seal and place it on the front of the jacket to hold the flaps closed. You can choose a wax seal design that complements your wedding theme and colours.

By following these steps, you will create a sophisticated and elegant presentation for your wedding invitation suite, leaving a lasting impression on your guests.

Tying your silk ribbon

The first step in tying your silk ribbon is deciding how you want to wrap your invitation suite. You can choose to wrap it once around the centre or both ways like a parcel. If you want a simple and chic style, you can opt for a single wrap with a knot. This is a timeless, neutral, and classic option. If you're looking for a more romantic and sweet feel, you might prefer a big fluffy bow. You can also wrap the ribbon multiple times around the suite for a unique look.

Once you've decided on the wrapping style, it's important to measure the ribbon accurately. For a single wrap around the middle, measure the width of your invitation suite, double that number, and then add three inches if you're tying a knot or five inches if you prefer a bow. If you're wrapping it like a parcel, measure both dimensions of the suite, add them together, double that number, and then add three inches for a knot or five for a bow. Alternatively, you can use a piece of string to tie around the suite first, measure that length, and then multiply it by the number of invitations you need.

When it comes to the type of ribbon, silk ribbons come in a variety of widths, colours, and styles. You can choose a wide silk ribbon for a traditional look or go for a skinnier ribbon for a vintage feel. Frayed ribbons can also add a unique touch to your invitations. The length of the ribbon should be slightly greater than double the width of the envelope.

To create a truly unique and personalised invitation, you can combine the silk ribbon with a wax seal. This combination blends formal and informal elements, resulting in an invitation that is both creative and timelessly elegant.

Remember to calculate the total amount of ribbon needed based on the number of invitations you plan to send out. It's always a good idea to include some extra material for last-minute additions or mistakes.

Frequently asked questions