Enhancing Wedding Invitations: Creative Ways To Impress Your Guests

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process. They give guests a first glimpse of the wedding aesthetic and tone and they provide essential information about the event. While the process of assembling and sending wedding invitations can be daunting, there are several ways to enhance them and make them more informative and visually appealing. From choosing the right paper and printing options to including essential inserts and embellishments, this article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to enhance wedding invitations.

How to word your wedding invitations

Enhancing your wedding invitations is a great way to make a good first impression on your guests. Here are some tips on how to word your wedding invitations to make them both informative and stylish:

The Basics

Start with the essential information: the request to come to the wedding, the names of the couple, and reception information. The wording can be creative and whimsical or classic and traditional—it's up to you! Just make sure that the vital details are there.

Host Line

Traditionally, the bride's parents are named at the top of the invitation, even for formal affairs. However, including the names of both sets of parents is a gracious option, and nowadays, many couples host their weddings themselves or together with their parents. If it's a collaborative affair, the invitation can say something like: "Together with their parents, Emma and Jax request the pleasure of your company..."

Honouring Deceased or Divorced Parents

If you want to include the name of a deceased parent, try this: "Julia French, daughter of Mr. Adam French and the late Iris French, and Austin Mahoney, son of Mr. Camden and Elizabeth Mahoney, request the honour of your presence at their wedding..."

If the couple's parents are divorced and you want to include both as hosts, include them all on separate lines. If you include a stepparent, keep them on the same line as their partner. Here's an example: "Dr. Vance and Elizabeth Gregory, Mr. James Abner and Lydia Abner, and Mr. Harold and Jane Hyland invite you to the wedding of their children Amy Abner and Charles Hyland..."

The Request to Attend

There are many ways to word this. Here are a few options:

• "The pleasure of your company"
• "At the marriage of their children"
• "Would love for you to join them"
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Honour of your presence" (the British spelling of "honour" indicates the ceremony will be held in a house of worship)

Names of the Couple

Traditionally, the bride's name precedes the groom's. Formal invitations issued by the bride's parents refer to her by her first and middle names and the groom by his full name and title. If the couple is hosting by themselves, their titles are optional. For same-sex couples, there is no traditional order, so go with what sounds better or alphabetical.

Date and Time

For formal weddings, write out the date and time in full (e.g., "Saturday, the fifth of May, two thousand seventeen at one o'clock in the afternoon"). The year is optional, and for casual weddings, numerals are fine. The use of a.m. or p.m. is also optional.

Location

If the ceremony and reception are in the same location, you can print "and afterward at the reception" or "reception immediately following." When the reception is elsewhere, put it on a separate line. Include the time if the reception is not immediately after the ceremony.

Dress Code

The invitation itself will indicate the dress code to some extent. For example, a very fancy invitation will likely indicate a formal, black-tie affair, while a simpler invitation suggests a more casual dress code. If you want to include the dress code explicitly, it typically goes in the lower right corner of the invitation.

RSVP

Most couples include a separate response card for guests to fill out and return by mail, or you can have people RSVP via your wedding website. If that's the case, include the website address on a separate card.

DIY wedding invitations

Planning and Sourcing Materials

Before you start designing your invitations, it's important to plan out the different components you want to include. Create a mock-up invitation suite using scrap paper to determine the sizes and types of paper you'll need. Consider the thickness and colour of the paper, as well as any envelopes, ribbons, wax seals, or other adornments you may want to include. Sourcing these materials can be tricky due to supply chain issues, so it's best to start this process early.

Designing the Layout and Text

You can use software like Adobe InDesign or Canva to design the layout and text of your invitations. Play around with different fonts and layouts to create a design that reflects your wedding style and includes all the necessary information, such as the request to come to the wedding, the names of the couple, and reception information.

Printing and Assembling

Once you have your design, you can print it on your chosen paper. If you want a professional look, consider using a printing service or a letterpress printer. After printing, you can add any extra touches, such as wax seals, belly bands, or ribbons. Then, assemble your invitations by layering the different components, starting with the invitation itself, and then adding any tissue paper, vellum overlays, reception cards, and enclosure cards.

Stuffing and Sending

Create an assembly line to stuff your envelopes efficiently. Start by placing the invitation face-up on a table, and then add any tissue paper or vellum overlays. Place the reception card on top, followed by any remaining enclosure cards. Finally, add the reply envelope and card. If using two envelopes, insert the fully assembled invitation into the inner envelope first, and then into the outer envelope. With a single envelope, insert the assembled suite with the left edge or folded edge going in first.

Additional Considerations

When addressing your envelopes, you may want to consider calligraphy or digital printing. You can also add vintage stamps or hand-cancel the envelopes at the post office to ensure they aren't damaged during transit. Remember to plan for enough time to assemble and stuff your invitations, especially if you're adding extras like wax seals or envelope liners.

What to include in your invitation suite

A wedding invitation suite is more than just a simple letter in the mail. It is a major undertaking and the first look at the aesthetic of your nuptials. It should always include a response card, as well as important information like directions and accommodation details. Here is what to include in your invitation suite:

The Main Invitation Card

The invitation card should be placed at the bottom of your invitation suite, with the printed side facing up. This is the largest card in the suite, and all other cards will be placed on top of it. Don't forget to include key details such as the time, date, ceremony location, and reception location.

Vellum Liners

If you have chosen to include a thin sheet of vellum, place this on top of the invitation card. Vellum liners were traditionally used to prevent ink from smearing or rubbing off during mailing.

Reception Card

The reception card, if you are using one, should be placed face up on top of the wedding invitation. This card outlines the time and location of the wedding reception and can include important information such as the dress code.

Enclosure Cards

Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations card, and travel information, face up on top of the reception card. If there is more than one enclosure card, the order does not matter unless they are different sizes. In that case, start with the largest card and work your way down to the smallest.

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. Pre-address and stamp the reply envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Finishing Touches

If you have chosen to add a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, assemble this now. Belly bands are narrow strips of paper that wrap around your invitation suite and are sealed with a clear sticker. Ribbons can be tied in a variety of ways, such as a wraparound band, knot, or bow.

Addressing and Assembly

When addressing your envelopes, you may choose to use calligraphy or print the names and addresses directly on the envelopes. Insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge first for a folded invitation. The text should be print-side up so that guests can immediately see it when they open the envelope.

Postage and Mailing

Before mailing your invitations, bring a fully assembled set to the post office to be weighed so that you can determine the correct postage. It is also recommended to hand-cancel the stamps instead of dropping them in a mailbox to reduce the risk of damage during mailing.

Assembling your invitations

Assembling your wedding invitations is an exciting task, and it's less complicated than you may think. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Prepare your workspace and supplies

Clear off a table and give it a good wipe down. You don't want any spills or stains on your pristine invitations. Gather all the necessary pieces and lay them out in neat piles. This includes the invitation itself, any enclosure cards, envelopes, and adornments like belly bands, ribbons, or wax seals.

Step 2: Start with the invitation

Place the invitation card face up on the table. This is usually the largest card in the suite, so it makes sense to build upon it.

Step 3: Add tissue paper or vellum overlay (optional)

If you have chosen to include a sheet of tissue paper or vellum overlay, place it on top of the invitation card. Tissue paper was traditionally used to prevent ink smudges, but it is mostly optional nowadays.

Step 4: Stack the reception card (if applicable)

If you are providing details about the wedding reception, place the reception card face-up on top of the invitation (or tissue paper, if used). This card includes important information such as the time, location, and dress code.

Step 5: Add other enclosure cards

Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps, hotel accommodations, or travel information, face up on top of the reception card. If there is more than one enclosure card, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.

Step 6: Include the RSVP card and envelope

Place the reply envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards. Insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible. Pre-address and stamp the reply envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Step 7: Add finishing touches (optional)

If you have chosen to include finishing touches like belly bands, ribbons, or vellum wraps, assemble them now. These add a nice touch to your invitation suite.

Step 8: Address the envelopes

You can address your envelopes by hand with calligraphy or print the names and addresses directly on them for a more efficient approach. Remember to include return address labels or stamps on the envelopes as well.

Step 9: Insert the invitation suite into the envelopes

Insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelopes, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge first for a folded invitation. When the envelope flap is opened, your guests should be able to read the text of the invitation immediately.

Step 10: Seal and weigh the envelopes

Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of the 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. Don't forget to add any wax seals or stamps at this stage. Finally, take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to have it weighed so you know the exact postage required.

Tips and Tricks:

• Create an assembly line to speed up the process, especially if you have a large guest list.
• If using two envelopes (inner and outer), insert the invitation suite into the inner envelope first, then into the outer envelope. The inner envelope is usually left unsealed.
• If your invitation is a folded-style, place all enclosures within the folds instead of on top.
• Number your guest list and write the corresponding number on the back of the response cards to easily track RSVPs.
• If you're printing your own invitations, choose thicker paper (such as cardstock) for a more luxurious feel.

Happy assembling, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Mailing your invitations

Timing

It is recommended that invitations be mailed out eight weeks before the wedding date. This gives guests enough time to plan and RSVP. It is also advisable to assemble your invitations at least a week before mailing them, especially if you plan to add extras such as wax seals or belly bands.

Weighing and Stamping

Before mailing your invitations, take a fully assembled set to the post office to have it weighed so you can determine the exact postage required. This is also the time to inquire about international postage rates if applicable. Once you have the correct postage, bring your envelopes back to the post office to be hand-cancelled instead of simply dropping them into a mailbox. Hand-cancelling ensures that the post office manually sorts the envelopes, reducing the risk of damage during mailing.

Return Addressing

Make sure your envelopes have address labels or rubber stamps indicating the return address. This is important so that any undelivered invitations can be returned to you.

Mailing List

Before mailing your invitations, carefully review your guest list and ensure that you have the correct and up-to-date addresses for each recipient. This will help to avoid any delays or returns.

Assembly

When assembling your invitations, it is recommended to create an assembly line to speed up the process. Start by laying out all the necessary pieces, including the invitation, any enclosure cards, envelopes, and adornments like belly bands, ribbons, or wax seals. Then, follow the recommended stacking order, with the invitation on the bottom and all cards facing up. Finally, insert the fully assembled suite into the envelope, taking care to ensure the text is print-side up when the flap is opened.

RSVP Cards

If you are including RSVP cards, don't forget to include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for your guests' convenience. Number the names on your guest list and write the corresponding number on the back of each response card. This will help you keep track of responses, especially if you have guests with similar names.

Inner Envelopes (Optional)

Traditionally, wedding invitations included an inner and an outer envelope. The inner envelope holds the invitation and indicates who is specifically invited to the wedding. However, this is no longer common practice, and you can choose to use only an outer envelope. If you do use an inner envelope, leave it unsealed and place it inside the outer envelope, with the guests' names facing out.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are mailed out correctly and reach your guests without any issues.

Frequently asked questions