Creative Ways To Decorate Wedding Invitation Envelopes

There are many ways to decorate wedding invitation envelopes, from adding a simple ribbon to using a personalised stamp. You can also get creative with edging, using a special punch or stamp cutter to create fancy corners or edges. If you want to add a touch of glamour, consider using gold edging or a wax seal. For a rustic look, try using twine and tags. You can even add an envelope liner or a wash of watercolour for a unique, arty effect.

Wax seals

Making Your Own Wax Seals

If you want to make your own wax seals, you will need a wax seal stamp and sealing wax. You can choose between a traditional wax stick that you light and allow to drip onto the envelope, or a glue gun with round wax sticks that dispenses the melted wax. You can also use a wax furnace, which holds a metal spoon above an open flame to melt small wax beads. Once you have melted your wax, simply press your stamp into the cooling wax before it hardens, leaving an imprint of your chosen design.

Buying Pre-Made Wax Seals

If you don't want to make your own wax seals, you can buy pre-made self-adhesive wax seals. These are easy to apply and come in a variety of colours and designs, including monograms, florals, and other decorative motifs. You can also customise your own self-adhesive wax seals with your initials or other personal details.

Mailing Wax Seals

When mailing wax seals, it's important to consider whether they will withstand the postal process. Traditional wax-on-paper seals should be sturdy enough, but if you're concerned, you can use outer envelopes to protect the seals or ask your local post office about hand-sorting, which may incur additional postage costs and time.

Envelope liners

Etsy offers a wide range of envelope liner options, including floral graphics, rustic designs, and custom shapes. You can choose between assembled and unassembled liners, and some sellers even offer printing services for guest addresses and return addresses. Many of the envelope liners on Etsy come with free shipping, making them a convenient and cost-effective option.

If you're looking for something more luxurious, Paper Culture offers envelope liners printed on 80lb text paper made from 100% recycled paper. Their liners come with an easy-to-use peel-off strip, so you can assemble them without any glue. They also plant a tree for every envelope liner order placed, making it an environmentally-conscious choice.

Whether you choose to shop on Etsy or opt for the luxury of Paper Culture, envelope liners are a wonderful way to enhance the look of your wedding invitation envelopes and make a great first impression on your guests.

Custom stamps

If you're looking for something different, vintage stamps are a fun and creative way to dress up your envelopes. You can often find stamp collectors at flea markets, or you can buy them online from sites like eBay and Etsy. Just make sure you're buying unused vintage stamps, marked as "Mint Never Hinged" or "MNH".

When choosing vintage stamps, you can either opt for a diverse set of stamps or go for a more curated approach. You can find vintage stamps with specific motifs, such as florals, hearts, cherubs, and doves, or choose stamps that complement your wedding theme or colour palette.

Another option is to design your own postage motif or monogram with your stationer. This ensures originality and turns your envelopes into a unique work of art. You can even weave this design into other paper products for your wedding, such as ceremony programs or menu cards.

Remember, the weight and size of your envelopes will impact the number and type of stamps you need. Funky-shaped or heavier envelopes might require additional postage, so it's a good idea to have a variety of stamp denominations on hand.

With custom stamps, you can add a special touch to your wedding invitations and make a great first impression on your guests.

Calligraphy

Wedding calligraphy is a beautiful and traditional way to decorate your wedding invitation envelopes. This art form is done using an ink brush, pen, or marker, and it gives your envelopes an elegant and formal look. If you're considering calligraphy for your wedding invitations, here are some things to keep in mind:

Cost of Calligraphy

The cost of calligraphy services varies depending on factors such as the calligrapher's experience, the time it takes to complete the order, and whether materials are included. Expect to pay between $2.50 and $6 per envelope for the front address, while place card calligraphy starts at around $2 per card. If you only want a few words in calligraphy, such as your names, you can opt for spot calligraphy, which usually starts at $100.

Finding a Calligrapher

If you're working with a stationery designer, they can connect you with trusted calligraphers. Some stationers also offer in-house calligraphy services. You can also find calligraphers near you by filtering by location on websites like The Knot Vendor Marketplace, where you can view their work and request more information.

Where to Use Calligraphy

While calligraphy is most commonly used on envelopes, invitations, and special inserts like RSVP cards, it can also be added to other details such as seating charts, escort cards, menu cards, and place cards. It can even be used on non-paper items like mini sparkling wine bottles or seashells.

Some calligraphers have created their own typefaces and fonts by digitizing their handwriting, which can be a more affordable option. Modern calligraphy styles are more fluid and open to creative interpretation, while traditional styles like copperplate and Spencerian have strict rules about loop length, letter slant, and stroke thickness.

Timing

Give your calligrapher plenty of notice, as the process is time-consuming. As a rule of thumb, wedding invitations are sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, so contact your calligrapher as soon as possible and provide them with your final guest list and addresses.

Envelope Addressing

When providing your guest list to the calligrapher, ensure it is properly formatted with each line item (title, first name, last name, address, etc.) in separate columns for each guest or party. This will make it easier for the calligrapher to write the envelopes and ensure accuracy.

Ribbons

Adding ribbons to your wedding invitation envelopes is a great way to add a creative, colourful, and elegant touch to your invitations. Here are some tips and tricks to help you decorate your envelopes with ribbons:

Choosing the Right Ribbon:

Start by selecting a ribbon that complements your wedding theme and colour palette. Consider the width and length of the ribbon as well. A wider ribbon will create a bolder statement, while a narrower ribbon will give a more delicate look. The length of the ribbon will depend on the style of closure you choose and the size of your envelope.

Simple Closure with a Knot:

For a simple and chic look, you can tie a single knot around your envelope. This timeless option is neutral and classic, suitable for any type of invitation. The amount of ribbon needed for this style will depend on the size of your envelope, but a good rule of thumb is to ensure the ribbon is slightly longer than twice the width of the envelope.

The Classic Bow:

If you're going for an elegant or romantic feel, a bow closure might be the perfect choice. Ensure the bow has balanced loops, and feel free to leave the tails as long as you like, without letting them exceed the envelope too much. You can cut the tails straight for a clean look or go for a diagonal cut for a more playful effect.

Refined Elegance with a Wax Seal:

Combining a silk ribbon with a wax seal creates a unique and personalised touch. This style blends formal and informal elements, resulting in an invitation that is both creative and timelessly elegant. The length of the ribbon should be slightly more than double the width of the envelope.

Calculating Ribbon Length:

To determine the amount of ribbon needed, consider the number of invitations you plan to send out and the style of closure. As an example, for a 14cm/5.5" high envelope closed with a wax seal, you would need 30cm/12" of ribbon per invitation.

Assembly Tips:

When assembling your invitations, cut the ribbon with fabric shears for a clean, crisp cut. Consider using double-sided tape instead of glue to avoid messiness and ensure a flat finish. Additionally, if you're mailing your invitations, bring a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the exact postage required, as ribbons may require additional postage.

Remember to have fun with the process and get creative! With these tips, you'll be well on your way to crafting elegant and memorable wedding invitation envelopes.

Frequently asked questions