Creative Ways To Secure Your Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are an important part of wedding planning. They set the tone for the event and provide essential information for guests. While the process of assembling and sending wedding invitations can be confusing and time-consuming, it is not as difficult as it seems. Here are some tips to help you hold together your wedding invitations neatly and efficiently.

Belly bands

When creating your own wedding invitations, it is important to first gather all the pieces that will be included in the suite. This typically includes the invitation itself, any enclosure cards, additional envelopes, and adornments like belly bands, vellum or tissue paper overlays, ribbons, and wax seals. Once you have all the necessary pieces, you can start assembling your invitations.

To apply a belly band, start by laying it over your neatly stacked invitation suite, centring any personalisation. Apply pressure with your thumbs to the top of the band and enclosures to hold everything in place. Wrap your index fingers around the back of the invitation and pick it up to ensure that everything is secure. Flip the suite towards you so that all the information is face down, and carefully pull one end of the band over the back, creasing it. Repeat this step with the other end. Pull both ends of the belly band tight, without bending the sides of your stationery. Finally, adhere the band together using the included glue dots.

When arranging your invitation suite with a belly band, it is recommended to order the pieces by size, with the largest stationery items placed at the bottom. Typically, the formal invitation is the largest piece and should be placed at the bottom, followed by the reception card, enclosure cards, and then the reply envelope. Place the entire arrangement within the belly band and secure it closed using the accompanying sticker. Finally, place the entire bundle inside the envelope.

Ribbon

When it comes to wedding invitations, ribbons can be a beautiful way to add a touch of elegance and colour. They can also be used to indicate your wedding colours or what your bridesmaids will be wearing.

If you want to use ribbon to hold your invitations together, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, choose the right type of ribbon. It should be easy to source from any local craft or stationery store, or you can even make your own by tearing and trimming old or new fabric. If you go for the latter option, make sure the material is frayed properly to add a heritage look to your invitations.

When selecting the ribbon, consider the material, size and colour. The perfect size is important so that it doesn't look too big or too small on your invitations. You also need to check whether the material is easy to tie or if it needs a special adhesive to attach. There are various ways to style the front side of the ribbon to ensure it looks neat and not bulky. You don't want the ribbon to overpower the invitation and ruin the overall look.

• Place your invitation suite in the middle of the ribbon.
• Fold both ends across the front of the invitation and tuck the left end under the right end.
• Pull both ends tight and place your right middle finger in the middle of the twist to prevent the tie from coming loose.
• While applying pressure to the twist, use your left hand to fold the bottom piece upward, so it is parallel to the other end piece.
• Now, fold the left end over the right and tuck it through the hole in the middle, just like you're tying your shoe.
• Continue applying pressure to the twist while pulling the two ends tight.

For portrait-oriented wedding invitations, the recommended ribbon lengths are:

• Ribbon band: 13 inches
• Simple ribbon knot: 22 inches
• Ribbon bow: 30 inches

For landscape-oriented wedding invitations, the recommended ribbon lengths are:

• Ribbon band: 16 inches
• Simple ribbon knot: 31 inches
• Ribbon bow: 39 inches

When it comes to adhering the ribbon, you can use double-sided tape instead of glue to avoid mess and bulk. If you prefer not to tie the ribbon, you can use adhesives such as glue dots, super glue, or spray adhesive.

Vellum wraps

Step 1: Stack your invitation cards

The first step is to stack your invitation cards and ensure they are aligned to your desired specifications. It is recommended to keep all the cards centred so you can see the layers.

Step 2: Insert your stacked invitation suite

Insert your stacked wedding invitation suite into the pre-folded flap, making sure it is straight and snug into the crease.

Step 3: Fold the remaining vellum

Fold the remaining vellum on the left side over your suite. Use your finger, nail, or a bone folder to make the crease as sharp as possible.

Step 4: Finish with a seal, ribbon, or band

You can finish assembling your vellum wrap with a wax seal, ribbon, or belly band. For a wax seal, you will need to expose the adhesive on the back before placing it. If you are using a belly band, lay it over your neatly stacked suite, centring any personalisation. Apply pressure with your thumbs to hold everything in place, and then wrap your index fingers around the back of the invite. You should be able to pick up the suite without anything moving. Flip the suite towards you and pull one end of the band over the back, creasing it. Repeat with the other end, pull both ends tight, and adhere them together with glue dots.

Envelopes

Wedding envelopes are an important part of your wedding stationery, as they are the first thing your guests will see when receiving your invitation. There are a few different options for envelope styles, and here is a guide to help you choose and assemble your envelopes.

Single vs Double Envelopes

You have the option of using a single envelope or a double envelope style for your wedding invitations. A single envelope style includes one invitation envelope and one response card envelope. The names of all invited guests, as well as the mailing address, should be placed on the front, while the return address should be on the envelope flap.

A double envelope style includes an inner and outer envelope for each invitation suite. This style is more formal and traditional. The outer envelope is for mailing and should list the household name and address. The inner envelope holds the invitation suite and lists the names of the invited guests, eliminating any confusion about who is invited. The inner envelope is not sealed, as it is not sent through the mail, and it provides an additional layer of protection during mailing.

Envelope Sizes

When choosing your envelopes, it is important to consider the size of your invitation suite. Envelopes come in various sizes, including C5, C6, C7, DL, square, 5x7, and RSVP. You want to ensure that your invitations fit comfortably inside the envelopes.

Assembly

When assembling your wedding invitations, it is recommended to create an assembly line to make the process more efficient. Start by placing the invitation card, which is typically the largest card, face up on the table. Then, add any additional cards such as reception cards, enclosure cards, and RSVP cards, placing them face up on top of the invitation.

If you are using a double envelope style, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope, ensuring that the printed side of the invitation is visible when the envelope flap is opened. Then, place the inner envelope into the outer envelope so that the guests' names are visible when they open it.

If you are using a single envelope style, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope, again ensuring that the printed side of the invitation is visible when the envelope is opened.

Customisation

You can also customise your envelopes to match your wedding theme and colours. Consider adding envelope liners, wax seals, belly bands, or silk ribbons to enhance the presentation of your invitations. Additionally, you can personalise your envelopes with your own design or have your guests' names and addresses printed on them, adding a special touch and saving you time on handwriting each invitation.

Wax seals

If you want to create your own wax seals, you will need a stamp and sealing wax. Traditionally, sealing wax was made out of beeswax, colouring pigments, and turpentine. Today, wax seals are usually made from shellac or paraffin wax with resin added. You can also use a glue gun with glue gun sealing wax sticks. To create a seal, melt the wax over a flame or with a glue gun, and pour it onto your envelope or paper. Press your stamp into the wax and hold for 10-15 seconds. Once the wax has cooled, you can remove the stamp.

There are also self-adhesive wax seals available, which are a mess-free and time-saving alternative. These can be purchased or made yourself, and can be customised with your initials or other details.

When mailing wedding invitations with wax seals, it is recommended to use a protective outer envelope to prevent damage to the seal. You will also need to add a "nonmachinable surcharge" to your postage, as the bump created by the seal cannot go through the machines used by the postal service.

Frequently asked questions