The Art Of Stuffing Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process for many couples, but it isn't rocket science. The general rule for putting wedding stationery together is to assemble your invitations in order of sizing, with the invitation as the largest card, and all enclosure cards stacked neatly on top. The invitation should be placed at the bottom, print side up.

If you're including a tissue paper or vellum overlay, place it on top of the invitation. Then, add the reception card, followed by any other enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information.

Next, add the RSVP card under the flap of its envelope, printed side up, and place the envelope on top of the enclosure cards. If your invitation is a folded style, place all enclosures within the fold.

Finally, insert the assembled invitation suite into the envelope, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation, and the folded edge first for a folded invitation. The printed side should be facing up so that the text is legible when the recipient removes the invitation.

Order of cards

The order of the cards is an important part of assembling your wedding invitations. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:

Step 1: Start with the Main Invitation Card

The wedding invitation card is typically the largest card in the suite and serves as the foundation for the rest of the cards. Place it face up on the table, with the printed side facing you.

Step 2: Add Tissue Paper or Vellum Overlay (Optional)

A sheet of tissue paper or vellum may have come with your invitations. Traditionally, this was used to prevent smudging, but you can choose whether to include it. If you decide to use it, place it on top of the main invitation card.

Step 3: Add the Reception Card

If you have a separate reception card, place it face-up on top of the invitation card (or the tissue/vellum, if you included it). This card includes the time and location of the wedding reception and any other relevant information for guests.

Step 4: Include Other Enclosure Cards

Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information cards, on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.

Step 5: Don't Forget the RSVP Card and Envelope

Place the RSVP envelope face-down on top of the stack of enclosure cards. Then, insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, face-up, so that the printed side is visible. Don't forget to pre-address and stamp the RSVP envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Step 6: Assemble the Invitation Suite

If you are using an inner and outer envelope system, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope first, with the left edge going in first for a single card or the folded edge for a folded invitation. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope.

If you are using a single envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite directly into the outer envelope, following the same guidelines for the left or folded edge.

Enclosure cards

Types of Enclosure Cards:

• Reception Card: This card includes information about the wedding reception, such as the time, location, and dress code. It is usually included if the reception is held at a different venue from the ceremony.
• Direction or Map Card: Providing directions to the wedding venue is always a good idea. Include a map or clear instructions, especially if your venue is in a remote location or difficult to find.
• Accommodations Card: If you have guests travelling from out of town, an accommodations card with hotel recommendations and room block information is helpful. You can also include transportation details to and from the hotels to the wedding venue.
• Weekend Events Card: For weddings spanning multiple days and events, a weekend itinerary is a thoughtful touch. Include welcome drinks, after-parties, brunches, and any other activities your guests should know about.

Assembling the Enclosure Cards:

• Start with the Main Invitation: Place the invitation card, face up, as the base of your stack. This is usually the largest card.
• Optional Vellum or Tissue Paper: If you've included a thin sheet of vellum or tissue paper to protect the ink, place it on top of the invitation card.
• Stack the Reception Card: If you're using a reception card, place it face up on top of the invitation (or tissue paper, if you included it).
• Add Other Enclosure Cards: Arrange any remaining enclosure cards, such as direction cards, accommodations cards, or weekend event cards, face up on top of the reception card. If they vary in size, start with the largest card first.
• Include the RSVP Card and Envelope: Place the RSVP envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. Insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible. Don't forget to pre-address and stamp the reply envelope!
• Finishing Touches: If you've chosen to add a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, assemble it now. This adds a stylish touch to your invitation suite.

Remember, if your main invitation is a folded card, place the enclosures within the folds instead of stacking them on top.

RSVP cards

Step 1: Design and Word Your RSVP Cards

When designing your RSVP cards, consider matching them to your wedding invitation colours, fonts, and design motifs for a cohesive look. You can also mix things up by choosing a complementary design. Be sure to include the following elements on your RSVP cards:

• A clear request for guests to reply, such as "RSVP", "Reply", "Kindly respond", or "Please reply".
• A line for guests to write their names, traditionally started with an "M" for formal weddings, or a more straightforward "Name(s)".
• An optional line indicating the number of invited guests, such as "We have reserved ____ seats in your honour."
• A deadline for guests to respond, ideally 2-3 weeks before the wedding date.
• An "Accepts/Regrets" line for guests to indicate whether they will attend, with fun and creative wording such as "will be there to celebrate" or "will be toasting from afar".
• An optional line for guests to indicate the number of attendees in their party.
• An optional meal selection section if you are offering multiple entrée options at the reception.
• Any additional requests or fun questions for guests, such as song requests or marriage advice.

Step 2: Assemble the RSVP Cards with the Invitation Suite

When assembling your wedding invitations, follow these steps for the RSVP cards:

• Place the RSVP envelope face-down on top of any other enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. The envelope should be printed side-down, and don't forget to pre-stamp it.
• Insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, face-up, so that the printed side is visible.
• If using an inner envelope and an outer envelope, place the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope first, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge for a folded invitation. The printed side should be facing up so that it is visible when the envelope is opened. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope.
• If using only an outer envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope, following the same guidelines for the left or folded edge.

Step 3: Finalize and Mail the Invitations

Once your invitations are assembled and stuffed, there are a few final steps:

• Weigh one fully assembled invitation suite at the post office to determine the exact postage required.
• Use envelope moisteners or bottled envelope moisteners to seal the outer envelopes, being careful not to use too much liquid.
• Place a heavy book on top of the sealed envelopes to ensure they are securely closed.
• Add any wax seals, return address labels, or vintage stamps.
• Bring your fully assembled invitations to the post office to be hand-cancelled instead of using a mailbox to reduce the risk of damage during mailing.

Belly bands

If you are making your own, you will need to cut out the individual bands using a paper cutter or an X-acto knife. For a standard 5 x 7-inch invitation, your belly band should measure 11 x 2 inches. If you are cutting your own for a custom card size, double the width of your card and add an extra inch for overlap. You can use glue or double-sided tape to adhere the ends of the belly band together.

When assembling your invitations, first stack your cards from largest to smallest, with the invitation on the bottom. Then, centre the belly band on top and secure it with the accompanying sticker, a wax seal, or glue. Finally, place the entire bundle inside the envelope.

Envelope liners

When selecting envelope liners, it is important to consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding and choose a style that complements your invitations and other wedding stationery. You can opt for unassembled liners, which require you to purchase adhesive and line the envelopes yourself, or choose assembled liners that come ready to be mailed.

If you want to add a personal touch, you can customise your envelope liners with a monogram, motif, or even a watercolour design of your wedding venue. You can also select from different paper types, such as matte smooth 70# text paper, and upgrade to foil finishing for a more luxurious look.

For a seamless and stress-free experience, consider using a service like Paper Tie Affair, which offers customisable envelope liners that match your wedding invitation design. They provide digital proofs within 1-2 business days and allow for up to three revisions free of charge. Additionally, they assemble each piece with care and attention to detail, ensuring a cohesive and branded feel for your wedding invitations.

With envelope liners, you can elevate the look of your wedding invitations, making them even more special for you and your guests.

Frequently asked questions