Crafting Wedding Invitations: Embellishing For An Elegant Touch

Embellishing your wedding invitations is a great way to make them stand out and wow your guests. You can add unique touches to your stationery set without needing to be a craft expert. From vellum and lace to rustic paper and twine, there are many ways to add texture and visual interest to your invitations. Whether you're having a modern, rustic, or beach wedding, there are plenty of embellishment options to choose from.

Vellum belly bands

Vellum is a type of translucent paper that is naturally translucent without any chemical additives. It is easy to fold, and its smooth surface makes it perfect for creating clean lines. The paper's translucent quality adds a sophisticated touch to your invitations, allowing a subtle glimpse of what's inside.

When ordering vellum belly bands, it's important to ensure you get the correct size. The bands come in different widths and lengths to fit various invitation sizes. For example, a standard size band measures 2" x 11" and fits a 5" x 7" invitation, while a larger band measuring 2" x 12" is suitable for larger 5.5" x 8.5" invitations.

Lace

Adding a lace liner to your envelopes is a beautiful way to incorporate lace into your invitations. The lace will peek out when the envelope is closed, adding a delicate and romantic touch. You can choose a lace pattern that complements your wedding theme, such as floral lace for a rustic wedding or elegant lace for a more formal affair.

If you want to secure your invitation suite together, consider using a lace belly band. This is a strip of lace that wraps around the middle of your invitation suite, holding all the pieces together. It adds a stylish and textured element to your invitations. You can choose a lace belly band that matches your wedding colours or the theme of your wedding.

For a unique twist, you can use lace to create pocket envelopes for your invitations. The lace can form the pocket that holds the invitation and any additional cards. This idea adds a whimsical and creative touch to your invitations while also showcasing the beauty of lace.

Incorporate lace accents onto your invitations by gluing or sewing small pieces of lace onto the corners or edges of your invitations. You can also use lace to create a border around your invitation, adding a frame-like effect. Delicate lace accents will give your invitations a vintage and charming feel.

Another idea is to add a backing card to your invitation, made from lace paper or cardstock with a lace design. This will add a layer of dimension and texture to your invitation suite. The lace backing card can be in a contrasting colour or a complementary shade to your invitations, creating a stylish effect.

DIY Lace Details

If you're feeling crafty, you can create your own lace details to embellish your invitations. Use lace trim or fabric to add unique touches, such as lace corners, monograms, or intricate cut-out designs. You can even stamp or print lace patterns onto your invitations for a more subtle approach.

Rustic paper and lace belly bands

Adding rustic paper and lace belly bands is a great way to embellish your wedding invitations. Belly bands are long, thin strips of material that wrap around the middle of your invitation suite, keeping them neatly assembled. They are usually made of paper, but can also be made of other materials such as transparent vellum or laser-cut patterns.

To create rustic paper and lace belly bands, start by choosing a paper that complements the overall colour scheme of your wedding. Opt for a lightweight, flexible paper that is easy to wrap and fold. You can find paper in a variety of colours and finishes, such as smooth matte or metallic. If you want to include lace, consider using a lightweight lace fabric that can be easily wrapped and secured with adhesive.

When designing your belly bands, incorporate your wedding colours and theme. For a rustic theme, consider using imagery that depicts wood grain, maple leaves, and whimsical ferns. You can also add a personal touch by including your names or wedding date on the belly band. Play around with different fonts and text sizes to create a design that reflects your style.

Finally, assemble your invitation suite by ordering the stationery by size, with the largest piece at the bottom. Typically, the formal invitation is placed at the bottom, followed by other cards such as reception cards and enclosure cards. Secure the belly band closed with a clear adhesive sticker, then place the entire bundle inside the envelope.

With these steps, you'll be able to create elegant and cohesive wedding invitations that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Twine-wrapped pocket envelopes

Materials:

• Pocket envelopes in your preferred colour or style
• Twine in a complementary colour (e.g. hemp twine for a rustic look)
• Invitation cards and response cards printed with your custom wording and design
• Any additional embellishments such as decorative envelope lining paper, stamps, stickers, etc.

Step 1: Customise Your Invitation and Response Cards

Start by downloading and customising Microsoft Word printing templates for your invitation and response cards. Play around with different fonts and colours to match your wedding theme. Once you're happy with the design, print out your cards.

Step 2: Adhere Invitation Card to Pocket Envelope

Take your pocket envelope and invitation card. Using an adhesive of your choice, attach the invitation card to the inside of the pocket envelope. This will create a neat and secure base for your invitation suite.

Step 3: Place Response Items Inside

Now, it's time to assemble your invitation suite. Place any response items, such as RSVP cards, inside the pocket envelope. You can also include additional inserts like activity cards, rehearsal dinner invites, or postcards that match your wedding colour scheme.

Step 4: Secure with Twine

Cut a length of twine, approximately 2 feet (24 inches) long. Wrap the twine around the centre of the pocket envelope three to four times, creating a rustic and secure closure. Tie a knot at the back to hold everything in place. Don't worry about making it perfect; a little roughness adds to the charm!

Step 5: Final Touches and Mailing

If you wish, you can further embellish your invitation suite by lining your envelopes with decorative paper. Remember to print your envelopes first, then line them for the best results.

Finally, place your invitation suite inside the lined envelope, and you're done! Your guests will surely be impressed by these beautiful, twine-wrapped pocket invitations.

Happy crafting, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Pocket envelopes with vellum

Choosing the Right Vellum

First, select the vellum paper that aligns with your wedding theme and colour palette. Vellum is available in various colours, including white, ivory, and translucent clear. You can also find vellum with patterns, such as floral designs or French toile. Consider the size of your invitations when choosing the vellum; standard sizes like A7 (5.35 x 7.7 inches) are readily available.

Creating the Vellum Envelope Liner

To add a delicate touch to your invitations, create a vellum envelope liner. Cut the vellum to fit inside the envelope, either as a full liner or a decorative strip along the flap. You can also add a wax seal to secure the flap, creating a sophisticated finish. If you're feeling creative, consider using a custom stamp to create a wax seal that incorporates your initials or a romantic symbol.

Embellishing the Vellum

Enhance the vellum with embellishments to make your invitations truly unique. You can add a touch of sparkle with crystals, sequins, or glitter. For a natural, rustic look, consider twine or lace. If you want to incorporate colour, try using ribbons or small dried flowers. You can also use stamps or stickers to add decorative elements that match your wedding theme.

Assembling the Pocket Envelope

Now, it's time to assemble the pocket envelope. Place the invitation inside the vellum envelope, which will serve as the pocket. If you want to include additional cards, such as RSVP cards or maps, you can add those as well. Secure the vellum pocket inside the main envelope, ensuring that it doesn't slide around. You can use a touch of glue or double-sided tape for this.

Final Touches

To finish your embellished wedding invitations, consider adding a few final touches. You can seal the envelope with a custom sticker that matches your wedding theme. If you want to make it extra secure, use wax seals again, perhaps in a matching colour to the vellum liner. For a luxurious feel, add a ribbon or twine bow to the outside of the envelope, tying everything together.

Embellishing your wedding invitations with pocket envelopes and vellum is a wonderful way to showcase your creativity and attention to detail. Enjoy crafting these invitations, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Frequently asked questions