Wax Seal Stamps For Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wax seals are a great way to add a personalised touch to your wedding invitations. Traditionally, wax seals were used to convey intimacy on special occasions and symbolise the union of the couple. Nowadays, they are used as a decorative element to elevate the look of wedding stationery. Creating your own wax seals involves melting wax over a flame and pressing a metal stamp into the molten wax to create an impression. This can be done using a special spoon, a glue gun, or by purchasing pre-made self-adhesive wax seals. When adding wax seals to your wedding invitations, it is important to consider the type of adhesive used, especially if placing the seals on the outside of the envelope. With a little creativity, wax seals can also be used on menus, champagne flutes, and other items at your wedding reception.

Choosing a wax seal stamp design

• Consider the theme of your wedding: If you are having a classic or vintage-style wedding, a traditional design such as a monogram, floral motif, or family crest would be a perfect choice. For a more modern or eclectic wedding, you could choose something more unique, like tropical greenery or animal silhouettes.
• Think about the overall aesthetic you want to evoke: Do you want to create a regal, Old World feel? Or perhaps something more whimsical and romantic? Choose a design that reflects the mood and atmosphere you want to convey.
• Decide on the level of customisation: You can choose from a wide range of pre-made designs or work with a professional stationer to create a custom wax seal stamp that includes your monogram, wedding date, or any other detail that reflects your personal style.
• Explore different design options: Take some time to browse online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon, as well as specialty wax seal companies, to get a sense of the design possibilities. You'll find everything from elegant floral designs to whimsical illustrations and intricate monograms.
• Consider the colour of your wax seal: Traditional wax seal colours include metallic gold and silver, but you can also choose from a wide range of colours to match your wedding colour palette. You can even create your own marbled wax by mixing different colours together.
• Think about the size and shape of your stamp: Wax seal stamps come in various sizes and shapes, from small and delicate designs to larger, more statement-making options. Choose a size and shape that complements the overall design and layout of your invitation suite.

Selecting the wax type and colour

Selecting the right type and colour of wax for your wedding invitations is important. The wax type will determine the method of application and the overall look of the seal, while the colour can convey different meanings and be chosen to match your wedding aesthetic or stationery colour palette.

There are several types of wax available for creating wax seals, each with its own advantages and considerations:

• Glue Gun Wax: This type of wax comes in flexible sticks that can be used with a standard glue gun, making it a contemporary and efficient way to create wax seals. It is a great option if you need to create a large quantity of seals, as the wax dries quickly and can be applied to multiple invitations in a short amount of time.
• Wicked Wax: This traditional option features a wick running through the centre of the stick. It creates an authentic drip effect and leaves dots of wax around the impression made by your stamp. To use wicked wax, simply light the wick, drip the wax, and then stamp your impression.
• Bank of England Wax: This type of wax is known for its high quality and high-gloss finish. It is delicate and not recommended for mailing, as it will crack and crumble when opened. Historically, it was used to discourage tampering with official communication.
• Beaded Wax: Sealing wax beads are a great option if you want to create multicoloured wax seals. The beads can be melted in a spoon over a flame and then poured onto your surface before stamping. This method provides more time to assemble your invitations while the wax melts.

When selecting the colour of your wax, you can consider both the aesthetic and traditional meanings associated with different colours:

• Metallic gold and silver are the most traditional wax seal colours and are suitable for a regal, Old World aesthetic.
• White is traditionally used for formal wedding invitations, conveying a sense of importance.
• Red is a stereotypical seal colour and is often used for formal correspondence. It can be a default choice if no other applicable colours are available.
• Blue is associated with romance and passion, with stronger shades indicating stronger feelings.
• Green is used for casual, friendly letters.
• Black is the colour of mourning and death and is only used when necessary.
• Pink represents praise and is suitable for letters of congratulations.

Ultimately, the choice of wax type and colour depends on the look you want to achieve, the number of seals you need, and whether you want your seals to be long-lasting.

Melting the wax

Choosing the Right Wax

Before melting the wax, it's important to select the appropriate type of wax for your project. There are two main options: synthetic sealing wax, typically used with a glue gun, and traditional natural sealing wax. Natural sealing wax is made from ingredients like maritime pine resin, basin lime, and natural dyes, resulting in a more authentic and elegant finish.

Melting Methods

There are several methods to melt sealing wax, each with its advantages:

• Wick Sealing Wax Sticks: These sticks have a built-in wick and are lit like a candle. Hold the stick vertically until the wax around the wick melts, then tilt it slightly and hold it over the desired area to create a pool of melted wax.
• Wickless Sealing Wax Sticks: This type of stick is melted over a flame and "smeared" onto the envelope. Hold the wax above a candle flame, ensuring it doesn't burn. When a marble-sized amount of wax has softened, apply it with a circular motion to create a circle of the desired size and thickness.
• Bead Sealing Wax: Place sealing wax beads or broken pieces of wax sticks into a melting spoon and hold it over a flame until the wax is almost completely melted. Then, pour the wax onto the envelope.
• Glue Gun Sealing Wax: Insert a wax stick into a glue gun and allow it to heat up. Rest the gun on foil to catch any drips, then pull the trigger to dispense the melted wax onto your envelope.
• Electric Wax Melting Pot: Add wax beads or sticks to an electric melting pot and plug it in. Once the wax has melted, use a spoon to pour it onto your envelope.

Temperature Control

Maintaining the right temperature is essential to avoid issues. The ideal temperature for using wax is around 120°C to 130°C. If the wax is too hot, it may cause the seal to stick or even burn the paper. On the other hand, if the wax starts to set while you're still melting it, move the flame around to mix the hot wax with the cooler wax.

Pre-Assembly

If you're using the glue gun method, it's recommended to pre-assemble your envelopes before melting the wax. The wax heats up quickly and is ready for the next seal within seconds, so having everything prepared will streamline the process.

Avoiding Soot

When using wick sealing wax sticks, be mindful of the position of the stick relative to the flame. If the stick is inverted too far, with the flame directly under it, it can cause soot contamination, ruining the colour of your wax.

Stamp Temperature

For the best results, ensure your wax seal stamp is very cold and dry before pressing it into the melted wax. This will help prevent the wax from sticking to the stamp.

Applying the wax to the envelope

Step 1: Assemble Your Materials

Before you begin, ensure you have everything you need within arm's reach. This includes your envelopes, stamps, wax, and any other tools like a glue gun, melting spoon, or candles. Having everything ready beforehand will streamline the process and prevent mishaps.

Step 2: Address and Postage

It is essential to address and add postage to your envelopes before applying the wax seal. Writing on stuffed envelopes is more challenging, and you don't want to risk smudging the ink or damaging the wax while handling the envelopes.

Step 3: Melt the Wax

The traditional method involves using a wax furnace, melting spoon, or a lit candle to melt the wax. Place two to three wax beads or sticks into the spoon and gently heat them from below using a candle flame. Avoid overheating the wax to prevent bubbles from forming on the surface. Alternatively, you can use a glue gun with specially shaped glue gun wax sticks for a more modern approach.

Step 4: Apply the Wax to the Envelope

Once the wax is melted, work quickly to pour it onto the envelope flap. Ensure the amount of wax is sufficient to create a seal without overflowing. You may need to experiment to find the right amount.

Step 5: Stamp the Wax

Before the wax cools, firmly press your chosen stamp into the melted wax. Hold it in place for 10 to 15 seconds to ensure the design imprints clearly. The stamp should be right side up and free of any excess moisture or oil to ensure a clean release.

Step 6: Repeat and Clean Up

Repeat steps 3 to 5 for each envelope, working swiftly to avoid the wax hardening before stamping. Remember to wipe any remaining wax off your tools, especially the melting spoon, before it cools to prevent a buildup that could hinder your next batch.

Adding extra embellishments

Wax seals are stunning on their own, but you can also add extra embellishments to the wax, such as a flower or a sprig of greenery. If you opt for adding a plant, place it on the paper first and then pour the wax directly over it. It is recommended to use dried plants like lavender, rosemary, or baby's breath, as live plants will wilt. You can also experiment with combining colours, or adding embellishments such as dried flowers, glitter, paper, and paint to the seals.

If you want to add extra embellishments, here are some ideas:

• Dried flowers: Lavender, rosemary, or baby's breath are easily dried and will look gorgeous in the wax.
• Glitter: Add a touch of sparkle to your wax seals by mixing in some glitter.
• Paint: Get creative and add some colour or design to your wax seals with paint.
• Paper: Cut out small shapes or designs from coloured paper and embed them into the wax.
• Ribbon: Wrap a thin ribbon around the wax seal for an extra touch of elegance.
• Beads: Small beads can be pressed into the wax to add texture and colour.

Frequently asked questions