Creative Ways To Keep Your Wedding Invitation Suite Together

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process for many couples, but it isn't rocket science. The general rule for putting wedding stationery together is to assemble your invitations in order of sizing, with the invitation as the largest card at the bottom, and all enclosure cards stacked neatly on top, face up.

If you're including an RSVP card, place it under the flap of the response envelope, not inside it, with the printed side visible.

If you're using a belly band, place it over your stacked suite, securing it with tape or glue dots.

Finally, insert the whole suite into the envelope with the text facing up, so that the text on the main invitation is legible when removed by the recipient.

Order of cards

The order of cards in a wedding invitation suite is important to ensure that all the necessary information is included and that the suite looks neat and elegant. Here is a guide on the order of cards for your wedding invitations:

• Start with the invitation card, which should be placed face up on the table. This is typically the largest card in the suite and provides details such as the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding.
• If you have chosen to include a vellum overlay or a sheet of tissue paper, place it on top of the invitation card. Vellum overlays are a popular choice and can add a touch of elegance to your invitations. Tissue paper, on the other hand, is traditional and was used to prevent ink from smudging.
• Next, add the reception card, if applicable. This card outlines the time and location of the wedding reception and includes important information such as the dress code.
• Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps, hotel accommodations, travel information, or additional details, on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.
• Include the RSVP card and envelope. The envelope should be placed printed side down, with the flap on the left, and pre-stamped to make it convenient for your guests to respond. The RSVP card should be placed under the envelope flap, printed side up.
• If you are using an inner envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into it. The inner envelope is not sealed and is used to protect the invitation suite during mailing.
• Finally, insert the fully assembled suite into the outer envelope. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened, allowing guests to read the text immediately.

Remember to assemble your wedding invitations neatly and securely, adding any finishing touches such as belly bands, ribbons, or wax seals. Proofread all the information and double-check the order and placement of the cards before sealing and sending out your invitations.

Envelopes

Types of Envelopes

There are two main types of envelopes you can choose from for your wedding invitations: single envelopes and double envelopes.

• Single Envelopes: This style is commonly used and typically includes one invitation envelope and one response card envelope. The names of all invited guests, along with the mailing address, are placed on the front, while the return address is on the envelope flap.
• Double Envelopes: Double envelopes, also known as inner and outer envelopes, are more formal and traditional. The outer envelope is used for mailing and should list the household name and address. The inner envelope holds the invitation suite and lists the names of each guest, ensuring clarity about who is invited. The inner envelope is usually left unsealed and without adhesive on the flap. Double envelopes also provide an extra layer of protection for your invitations during mailing.

Assembling Envelopes

When assembling your envelopes, there are a few key steps to follow:

• Place the invitation card at the bottom, facing upwards, so that it is legible when removed by the recipient.
• For double envelopes, insert the assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope first, with the guest names facing the open side of the envelope.
• If you have a reception card, place it face-up on top of the invitation card.
• Add any other enclosure cards, such as direction or accommodation cards, in size order from largest to smallest.
• Include the RSVP card and envelope. Place the RSVP card under the flap of the envelope, face-up, so that the printed side is visible. The envelope should be addressed and pre-stamped.
• For double envelopes, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the outer envelope, ensuring the text is facing up.
• Seal the envelope using an envelope moistener, being careful to not use too much liquid. Alternatively, use double-sided tape or a glue stick if the envelope has trouble staying closed.

Customisation and Embellishments

You can also customise and embellish your envelopes to add a personal touch:

• Envelope Liners: Envelope liners can be installed inside the inner envelope to add a stylish touch. Simply slide the liner into the envelope, crease it along the flap, apply glue along the top edges, and fold the flap down to adhere it in place.
• Belly Bands: Belly bands are narrow strips of paper that wrap around your invitation suite. You can personalise them with names, dates, or messages. Place your assembled suite face-down on the belly band, fold the flaps, and secure it with tape or glue dots.
• Vellum Jackets and Wax Seals: Vellum jackets add a elegant layer to your invitations. Fold the left side along the pre-scored line, slide in your assembled suite, fold the right side, and seal the flaps with a wax seal.
• Silk Ribbons: Tying your invitations with silk ribbons adds a charming and romantic touch. Cut the ribbon to the appropriate length, place your invitation suite on top, cross the ends, and tie them together securely.

Tissue paper

If you want to include tissue paper in your wedding invitation suite, you can follow these steps:

• Place the wedding invitation face-up on the table.
• Layer a sheet of tissue paper on top of the invitation.
• Add the reception card (if applicable) face-up on top of the tissue paper.
• Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, 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 to the smallest.

By using tissue paper, you can keep your invitation suite neat, elegant, and protected from smudges. It is a simple and traditional way to add a delicate touch to your wedding invitations.

Belly bands

When creating your own belly bands, you will need to:

• Lay the belly band 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 invite – you should be able to pick the suite up without anything moving.
• Flip the suite towards you, so all of your information is face down and carefully pull one end of the band over the back and crease it. Repeat with the other end.
• Pull both ends of the belly band tight, without bending the sides of your stationery.
• Adhere together with glue dots or stickers.

There are endless design possibilities for belly bands, with styles and themes available for every event or occasion. You can filter designs by style, colour, printing technique, and materials to discover original creations from independent artists.

Wax seals

If you're using a vellum jacket or belly band to wrap your invitation suite, you can place your wax seal to hold the flaps closed. You can also use wax seals as envelope seals, adding a decorative touch to the outside of your invitations.

When it comes to applying wax seals, there are a few methods you can consider:

• Using a wax seal stamp: You can purchase a custom wax seal stamp with your initials, a monogram, or a design of your choice. Simply melt the wax and use the stamp to create an impression in the wax. This method creates a traditional, three-dimensional wax seal.
• Wax seal stickers: Another option is to use self-adhesive wax seal stickers. These stickers come in various colours and designs, including floral, monogram, and heart patterns. They are easy to apply and can be customised with your initials or other personal touches.
• Wax beads: Sealing wax beads are also available, which can be melted and used with a wax seal stamp to create your desired impression.

When planning your wedding invitations, be sure to consider the timing and potential added complexity of using wax seals. Assembling invitations with wax seals can be time-consuming, especially if you're creating a three-dimensional seal with a stamp. If you're using wax seals, plan to assemble your invitations at least a week in advance of mailing them.

Frequently asked questions