Layering Your Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process, and assembling them can be a confusing process for many couples. Layered invitations are a popular choice, with some featuring multiple cards and enclosures, while others include vellum jackets, wax seals, or silk ribbons. The assembly process is crucial to ensure that all the necessary information is included and that the invitations are aesthetically pleasing. This involves gathering the required pieces, such as the invitation card, response card, and enclosures, and arranging them in the correct order before placing them in envelopes. The use of double envelopes, consisting of an inner and outer envelope, is also recommended for a more formal and traditional look.

The order of layers

Firstly, you will need to gather all the pieces of your wedding invitation suite, which typically includes the invitation card, reception card, response card, response envelope, and enclosure cards such as a map card or accommodation card. You may also include a belly band, vellum jacket, or wax seal for added embellishment.

Now, you can start assembling your invitation suite, following these steps:

• Insert the invitation card, printed side up, as the first layer.
• Place the large enclosure card, printed side up, on top of the invitation.
• Add the response envelope, printed side up, with the flap on the right side.
• Put the response card, printed side up, on top of the response envelope.
• Finally, add the small enclosure card, printed side up, as the final layer.
• If using a belly band, wrap it around the entire suite to hold the layers together.
• For a vellum jacket and wax seal, fold the left side of the jacket and slide in your assembled suite. Then, fold the right side and secure the flaps closed with the wax seal.
• Alternatively, you can use a silk ribbon to tie your invitation suite together. Cut the ribbon to the appropriate length, place your invitation suite in the middle, and tie a neat bow.
• If using double envelopes, start by assembling the inner envelope with any envelope liners.
• Place the assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope and seal it.
• Finally, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope, add postage, and seal it for mailing.

By following these steps, your wedding invitation suite will be neatly layered and ready to impress your guests.

Enclosures

Small enclosures are typically used for reception details, but they can also be used for other purposes such as wishing wells, registries, parking information, proper attire, or websites.

On the other hand, large enclosures are commonly used for accommodations, travel information, or a schedule of events. However, they can also be used to combine smaller bits of information or as a map.

• Insert the wedding invitation into the inner envelope, with the front of the invitation facing the open flap.
• Place the reception card face-up on top of the invitation. If the invitation is a folded style, place the enclosures within the folds instead of on top.
• Place the remaining enclosure cards, such as map cards and hotel accommodation cards, face-up on top of the reception card.
• If there are separate directions for the ceremony and reception, place the ceremony directions on top.
• Place the reply envelope on top of the enclosure cards, with the reply card tucked under its flap, face-up.
• After inserting all the elements into the inner envelope, slip the unsealed inner envelope into the outer envelope with the names facing the back flap.

Some additional tips for assembling your wedding invitation suite:

• Make sure all envelopes are addressed and stamped accordingly before assembling to avoid any awkward indentations on the invitation.
• If using tissue paper, place it between each layer.
• To keep the cards together, you can add a belly band or use ribbon to tie them together.
• Double envelopes are more formal and traditional, consisting of an inner and outer envelope. The outer envelope is for mailing and should list the household name and address, while the inner envelope holds the invitation suite and lists the names of the invited guests.
• If using envelope liners, stuff them into the inner envelope, slide them into place, and then peel off the backing of the adhesive to stick them in place.

Belly bands

When creating your wedding invitations, you will need to order various materials, including the invitation itself, reception cards, response cards, envelopes, and any other enclosure cards with additional information for your guests. Once you have assembled your invitations, you can use a belly band to hold all the cards together. The band is typically placed around the middle of the invitation suite, with the invitation itself at the bottom, followed by the reception card, response card, and any other enclosure cards.

When ordering belly bands, it is important to consider the size of your invitations. Standard belly bands measure 12.3125" x 2" and are suitable for 5" x 7" invitations. You can also find belly bands in other sizes to accommodate different invitation sizes.

In addition to the visual appeal, belly bands are a practical solution for keeping your invitation suites neat and organised. They ensure that all the cards stay together, making it convenient for your guests to receive and respond to your invitations.

Overall, belly bands are an excellent way to add a stylish touch to your wedding invitations without incurring a high cost. They are versatile, customisable, and can be tailored to match the theme and colour scheme of your wedding.

Vellum jackets

You can also choose to have a custom design printed on the vellum jackets, such as dusty blue crest and initials, or a minimalist baby's breath flower gold colour print.

Double envelopes

The outer envelope is formally addressed and return-addressed for mailing. It should include titles, surnames, and full addresses. The inner envelope is more personal and informal, including just names and guests' names (if applicable). For example, "Daren and Priscilla Bradshaw" or "Daren Bradshaw and Guest". The inner envelope is ungummed and left unsealed.

When using double envelopes, you will want to insert the wedding invitation into the inner envelope, with the front of the invitation facing the open flap. The inner envelope is then slipped into the outer envelope with the names facing the back flap.

If you are planning a black-tie or traditional wedding, double envelopes are a great option to ensure your invitations match the formality of your event.

Frequently asked questions