Binding Your Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitation assembly is a confusing process for many couples, but it doesn't have to be stressful. There are a few simple ways to bind your wedding invitations, from using a belly band to tying them with twine or ribbon. You can also seal your invitations with wax for an old-world feel. If you're looking to add a DIY wow factor to your wedding invites, try adding a creative edge with punches or stamps, or address your invitations with beautiful calligraphy.

Belly bands, ribbons, and vellum wraps

Belly bands are smaller than vellum jackets and are wrapped around the middle of the invitation suite. They can be made from paper card, vellum, or ribbon and are often paired with wax seals for a more elegant look. When choosing a belly band, ensure that it is the correct size for your invitations. Standard belly bands measure 1.5 x 12 inches and fit 5 x 7-inch cards.

Ribbons are another popular choice for binding wedding invitations. When using ribbon, decide whether you want to wrap it once around the centre or both ways like a parcel. You can also choose to tie it in a knot or a bow. To determine the length of ribbon needed, measure across the invitation suite and double it, then add three inches for a knot or five for a bow.

Vellum wraps, also known as vellum jackets, are larger than belly bands and encase the entire invitation suite. They are made from lightweight, translucent vellum paper and can be left blank or digitally printed. Like belly bands, they typically fit 5 x 7-inch invitations and require easy DIY assembly.

Order of cards in the invitation suite

The wedding invitation suite refers to the components of the wedding invitation that are placed in the envelope. The invitation is the most important piece, providing the names of the couple, the date, time and location of the wedding. This is usually the largest card in the suite and goes at the bottom of the stack, printed side up.

Next, you can add a sheet of tissue paper or vellum, which is placed on top of the invitation card. Vellum can also be used as a wrap to hold the suite together. Then, add the reception card, which includes the time and location of the reception, followed by any other enclosure cards such as maps, hotel accommodations and travel information. If there is more than one enclosure card, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.

After this, add the RSVP card and envelope. The envelope should be placed printed side down, with the flap on the right, and the card should be inserted under the flap, printed side up. Finally, secure the stack with a belly band, ribbon or wax seal.

Addressing envelopes

When addressing envelopes for wedding invitations, it's important to consider the formality of your wedding, the guests' preferred pronouns, titles, and honorifics, and whether you're using inner and outer envelopes. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you address envelopes for different scenarios:

Addressing a Single Person

Always use the person's preferred title. If unsure, it's safe to forgo a title. For invitations with a plus-one, mention both people by name if you have that information. If you're unsure about the plus-one's name, "and Guest" on the inner envelope is appropriate.

Example One: Without a Plus-One

On the outer envelope: Ms. Ali Johnson

On the inner envelope: Ms. Johnson

Example Two: With a Plus-One

On the outer envelope: Mx. Sam Li

On the inner envelope: Sam Li and Guest

Addressing a Family with Children

Even when children are invited, the outer envelope should only include the parents' names. List each child's name on the inner envelope, starting with the oldest, followed by their siblings in descending order of age. For girls under 18, you can use "Miss", and boys don't need a title until they're 16, when they become "Mr.".

Example:

On the outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham

On the inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham, Daniel, Jeffrey, Miss Brittany, and Mx. Kelly

Addressing a Married Couple

Put the couple's names on the same line if they have the same last name. If they have different last names, write their names separately, each on its own line. List the person you're closest with first, or go in alphabetical order if you're equally close to both. If one person has taken the other's last name, you can reflect that in the address.

Example One: Same Last Name

On the outer envelope: Mr. John and Mrs. Samantha Rivera or Mr. and Mrs. John Rivera

On the inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Rivera

Example Two: Different Last Names

On the outer envelope: Ms. Celine Elgin and Ms. Jacqueline Purcell or Celine Elgin and Jacqueline Purcell

On the inner envelope: Ms. Elgin and Ms. Purcell or Celine and Jacqueline

Addressing an Unmarried Couple

Include both names on the envelope, but on separate lines. Again, list the person you're closest with first, or go alphabetically if you're equally close.

Example:

On the outer envelope: Mr. Aaron Triguiero, Mr. Gabriel Reyes

On the inner envelope: Mr. Triguiero, Mr. Reyes

Addressing Guests with Distinguished Titles

Use the appropriate title when addressing guests with distinguished titles, such as doctors, lawyers, judges, or military personnel. If both guests have special titles of equal rank, list their names alphabetically.

Example One: Doctors

On the outer envelope: Dr. Anne Barker and Mr. Peter Underwood

If the doctor uses their partner's surname socially: Dr. Anne and Mr. Peter Underwood

If both are doctors: Doctors Anne and Peter Underwood

On the inner envelope: Dr. Barker and Mr. Underwood or The Doctors Underwood

Example Two: Military Personnel

On the outer envelope: Lieutenant Jonathan Kelly, US Navy and Mrs. Jane Kelly

If both have military titles: Captains Jane and Jonathan Kelly, US Navy

On the inner envelope: Lieutenant Kelly, US Navy and Mrs. Kelly or The Captains Kelly

Example Three: Lawyers

On the outer envelope: Michelle Brown, Esq. and Mr. John Brown

If both are attorneys: Michelle Brown, Esq. and John Brown, Esq.

On the inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Brown

Example Four: Judges

On the outer envelope: The Honorable Gina Rodriguez and Mx. Alice Rodriguez

On the inner envelope: Judge Rodriguez and Mx. Rodriguez

General Guidelines for Addressing Envelopes:

• Use formal names and avoid nicknames.
• Middle names aren't necessary, but if used, spell them out in full (no initials).
• Spell out all words like "Apartment", "Avenue", "Street", etc.
• Abbreviate titles like Mr., Mrs., Ms., and Jr.
• Write out professional titles like Doctor or Professor.
• If using inner and outer envelopes, the outer envelope should be formal, while the inner envelope can be more informal.

Weighing and posting

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many factors to consider to ensure they are delivered both safely and cost-effectively.

Firstly, the weight of your invitations will determine the cost of postage. In the US, any invite weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage. To keep costs down, it is therefore advisable to keep the weight of your invitation card stock down. It is also recommended that you bring one finished invite to your local post office to determine the exact required postage.

The weight of your invitations will also depend on the printing method used. For example, if you are printing your invitations at home, you will need to consider the paper weight capabilities of your home printer. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80lb (216gsm) to 100lb (270gsm) cardstock. However, it is important to consult your printer manual for card stock printing information and recommendations, as not all home printers are the same. If you are using a professional print shop, you will need to consider the equipment, print processes, and capabilities of the shop. Be sure to bring samples and discuss whether they can accommodate your desired paper weight, thickness, and texture.

The style of your invitation will also influence the weight of the card stock. Flat invitation cards, for instance, are typically made with heavy-weight cardstock (80lb cover and up), whereas folding invitation cards are made with lighter stock (65lb-100lb cover) as they are twice as thick after folding. If your invitation has multiple layers, it is recommended to keep the top layer light (80lb cover and under) and the backer or pocket as heavy as you like.

Finally, don't forget to consider the presentation of your invitations. If you are wrapping them like a parcel, you will need to measure both dimensions, add them, double it, and then add three inches for a knot or five for a bow.

Wax seals

Types of Wax Seals

There are three main ways to create wax seals:

• The Old-Fashioned Way: This involves melting wax over a flame, pouring it onto your surface, and pressing the seal into it. This method can be messy and time-consuming but is great for mixing colours or small quantities.
• The Glue Gun Way: Using a low-heat glue gun and specially-shaped glue gun wax is a more modern and easier approach.
• Self-Adhesive Wax Seals: You can also buy pre-made self-adhesive wax seals with custom or standard designs, which are perfect for flat surfaces like envelopes or escort cards.

Preparing Your Wax Seals

Before you start, make sure you have a designated drying space for your wax seals. Parchment paper is a great surface to make wax seals on as they're easily removable once dry. Keep your metal seal cool by placing it on an ice pack between uses, and always use a paper towel to ensure no water droplets get into your seal.

Assembling Your Invitations

If you're using the glue gun method, pre-assemble your invitations before melting the wax. The wax heats up quickly and is ready for the next seal within seconds. Stuff and seal your envelopes, laying them out with the back flap up.

Adding Extra Embellishments

Mailing Your Invitations

When mailing invitations with wax seals, you may need to add extra postage as the bump created by the seal may require hand-sorting at the post office. You can also use outer envelopes to protect the seals before mailing.

Frequently asked questions