Add A Touch Of Glamour To Your Plain Wedding Invites

There are many ways to jazz up plain wedding invitations. For example, you could add a bow, a colourful belly band, a paper belly band, a wrap-around label, a stamp with coloured ink, a hole punch with a ribbon, or a hang tag. You could also add a tissue paper or vellum overlay, a reception card, enclosure cards, a reply envelope, or a wax seal. If you're feeling creative, you could design your own custom signs, or add a personal touch with custom stationery.

Add a colourful belly band with guest names on the front

Adding a pop of colour to your wedding invitations is a great way to jazz them up, and a belly band with your guests' names on the front is a modern twist on the inner envelope. This is a unique way to indicate who is invited and can be a fun way to add a personal touch to your invitations.

To create this look, you will need to start by sourcing some colourful paper or card. You can choose any colour you like, but a bright or bold shade will add a fun element to your invitations. You will also need some ribbon, scissors, and a paper hole punch. If you want to get extra creative, you can embellish the belly bands with pearls, rhinestones, or ribbons.

Once you have your supplies, you can start by customising a free belly band template online. Change the colour, text, and font to match your wedding theme and colours. The belly band should list everyone invited to your wedding, so it will probably be different from the outer envelope. For example, if you are inviting a family, the outer envelope might be addressed to "The Johnson Family", while the belly band could say "Sean, Sara, Olivia, and Sophia" (listing the children if they are invited, in age order).

Print the template onto your chosen coloured paper or card. Cut the name badges along the cut lines using scissors or a paper cutter. The finished size of each badge should be 2" x 4". Punch a hole on either side of the name badge, and then thread a 12" ribbon through the holes to create the belly band. Slip your invitation, RSVP card, and any other enclosure cards into the band. Finally, place the entire invitation package into the outer envelope, ready for addressing and mailing.

This fun and creative idea is a great way to add a modern twist to your wedding invitations while still keeping the elegance and formality of a traditional invitation. It's a unique way to indicate who is invited and will definitely add a pop of colour to your wedding stationery.

Tie a ribbon through the invite

Tying a ribbon through your wedding invitations is a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your special day. Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you achieve the perfect look:

Choosing the Right Ribbon

The first step is to select the right type of ribbon for your invitations. Satin, organza, and silk ribbons are popular choices for wedding stationery. Consider the width of the ribbon as well; 15mm or 25mm ribbons are ideal for creating beautiful, romantic bows. If you're using thinner ribbons, a bow maker or even a fork can help you create perfect bows. Wired ribbons are also a good option as they hold their shape and can be easily reshaped if needed.

Preparing the Ribbon

Before you start tying, ensure you have sharp scissors to cut the ribbon cleanly. You can also heat-seal the ends of the ribbon with a flame or brush them with Fray Check to prevent fraying. If you're short on time, you can even use ready-made bows, which can be easily glued onto your invitations.

Tying the Ribbon

Now, for the fun part—tying the ribbon! Start by wrapping the ribbon around your invitation. You can either knot it or create a bow. To make a simple knot, take one end of the ribbon and cross it over and under the other. Then, bring the two lengths together, going right over left, and create a loose knot. Pull the knot snug, and you're done!

If you prefer a bow, follow these steps:

• Place your invitation in the middle of the ribbon.
• Holding the invitation closed, wrap the two ends of the ribbon towards you until they meet.
• Tie a knot in the ribbon.
• Create a neat bow using the "bunny ears" technique or a bow-making tool.

Final Touches

Once you've tied the ribbon, you can add some extra sparkle to your invitations with sparkling diamante or other embellishments. Remember to assemble your invitations on a clean surface and create an assembly line to speed up the process. Layer on any tissue paper or vellum overlays before adding your reception and enclosure cards. Finally, don't forget to include the RSVP card and pre-addressed envelope!

Include a paper hang tag with guest names

One way to jazz up plain wedding invitations is to include a paper hang tag with the guest's name. This can be done in a few different ways, each adding a unique touch to your invitations. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Escort Cards

Escort cards are a more formal option and are usually placed on a welcome table at the wedding venue. They include the guest's name and table number, which they then take with them to their seat. This option adds a touch of elegance to your wedding invitations and can be designed to match your wedding theme.

Place Cards

Place cards are less formal and are placed at each guest's seat setting. They typically only include the guest's first name, but you can add a last initial if you have guests with the same first name. Place cards can be designed with the same style or theme as your wedding invitations, adding a cohesive touch to your wedding decor.

Hang Tags

If you're looking for something a little different, you could opt for hang tags. These can be designed with a small ribbon or twine attached, adding a whimsical touch to your invitations. Hang tags can include the guest's name and even a personal message or a note of thanks. They can be designed in various shapes and sizes to fit your wedding theme.

Adhesive Name Tags

For a more modern approach, you could use adhesive name tags. These can be designed in various fonts and colours to match your wedding invitations and are an easy way to personalise your invites. Adhesive name tags are also a great option if you want to include additional information, such as dietary restrictions or meal choices, on the tag.

Customised Wooden Name Tags

Customised wooden name tags add a rustic or natural touch to your wedding invitations. They can be laser-cut with each guest's name and even decorated with small details, such as flowers or leaves. These name tags are a unique way to welcome your guests and make them feel special.

Including a paper hang tag with your guests' names is a wonderful way to personalise your wedding invitations and make your guests feel valued. It also adds a cohesive touch to your wedding decor, especially when designed to match your wedding theme and colour palette.

Add a wrap-around label to the envelope

Adding a wrap-around label to your wedding invitation envelopes is a great way to elevate your stationery and create a cohesive look. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create elegant and sophisticated wrap-around labels:

Design and Customization:

When designing your wrap-around labels, consider the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding. Choose a design that complements your wedding style, whether it's minimalist, rustic, elegant, or bohemian. You can incorporate design elements such as greenery, florals, or monograms to add a creative touch. Etsy offers a wide range of customizable templates for wrap-around labels, allowing you to personalize fonts, colours, and text. You can also include your return address or a short message on the labels.

Materials and Printing:

When selecting materials for your wrap-around labels, choose high-quality paper or sticker stock that matches the weight and texture of your wedding invitations. This will ensure a cohesive and elegant look. Consider using clear labels with gold or foil text for a touch of sparkle. If you're printing the labels yourself, use an inkjet printer for the best results, and be sure to do a test print first. Many online retailers, such as Etsy and Zazzle, offer printing services and customizable designs.

Assembly and Stuffing:

When assembling your wedding invitations, create an efficient process by setting up an assembly line. Start by placing the invitation face-up, followed by any tissue paper or vellum overlay. Then, add the reception card and any other enclosure cards. Finally, place the reply envelope face-down, with the reply card under the flap, before inserting the fully assembled suite into the envelope. If using an inner envelope, ensure it's unsealed but closed, and insert it into the outer envelope so that the guests' names are visible when they open it.

Timing and Planning:

Plan to assemble your wedding invitations at least a week before you intend to mail them, as the process can be more time-consuming than expected, especially if you're adding extras like wax seals or belly bands. Give yourself ample time for printing, cutting, and stuffing the invitations, and consider having a helper to make the process more enjoyable and efficient.

Adding wrap-around labels to your wedding invitation envelopes is a wonderful way to showcase your creativity and attention to detail. By following these tips, you can create elegant and sophisticated invitations that your guests will admire and cherish.

Address envelopes with a colour that matches the invites

Matching envelopes and invitations can be a great way to tie your wedding theme together. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when addressing envelopes that match your invites.

Firstly, consider the colour of the ink you will use to address your envelopes. If you opt for envelopes that are a darker shade, it is important to ensure that the ink colour has enough contrast so that the post office's machines can read the address. Lighter ink on a dark envelope may not be easily detected, potentially causing delays in delivery. To avoid this issue, it is recommended to use darker ink, such as black, or consider using white address labels with dark text for better contrast.

Additionally, when assembling your invitations, it is suggested to create an assembly line to streamline the process. Start by laying out all the necessary pieces, including the invitation, enclosure cards, and any adornments like belly bands or wax seals. Then, place the invitation face-up, followed by the tissue paper or vellum overlay (if applicable), with the reception card and any other enclosure cards placed on top. Finally, insert the reply envelope face-down, with the reply card tucked underneath, before placing the fully assembled invitation into the envelope.

If you are using inner and outer envelopes, the inner envelope should only include the names of the invitees, while the outer envelope is stamped and addressed. The inner envelope helps keep the outer envelope pristine and can be useful for clarifying who is invited, such as plus ones or children. However, using two envelopes can be costly and is not necessary, especially with proper handling by automated readers. Ultimately, the decision to use one or two envelopes is a matter of preference.

When addressing the envelopes, it is essential to follow the proper etiquette, considering titles, prefixes, and the order of names. For married couples with the same last name, the traditional format is "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the shared last name. Alternatively, you can list their first names individually for a less formal approach. For couples with different last names, write out their full names with "Mr." or "Mrs." For single persons, use the appropriate prefix, such as "Mr." "Ms." or "Mx."

In conclusion, addressing envelopes that match your wedding invitations can be a stylish choice, but it is important to consider the colour contrast, assembly process, envelope type, and proper addressing etiquette to ensure your invitations reach your guests without delay.

Frequently asked questions