Layering Wedding Invites: A Guide To Envelope Insertion

Wedding invitations are a fun part of the wedding planning process, but assembling them can be confusing for many couples. The process of layering wedding invitations in envelopes is actually less complicated than it seems and can be done in 11 simple steps.

Order of cards: start with the largest card on the bottom

Wedding invitations are traditionally assembled in size order, with each card placed face up and the largest card on the bottom. This means that the first card in your envelope should be the invitation card, placed face up.

If you are using a sheet of tissue paper or vellum, place this on top of the invitation card. This is optional and was traditionally used to prevent smudging, but some couples continue to use it.

Next, place the reception card face-up on top of the invitation (or tissue paper, if included). This card includes important information such as the time, location, and dress code of the wedding reception.

Then, add any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, travel information, or other details. These cards are also placed face up on top of the reception card. If there is more than one enclosure card and they are different sizes, start with the largest card and work your way down to the smallest.

Finally, add the RSVP card and envelope to the suite. Place the envelope for the RSVP printed side 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. Don't forget to pre-stamp the reply envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Vellum/tissue paper: place on top of the invitation card

Vellum and tissue paper are thin, delicate sheets of paper that are placed over an invitation card. They are usually translucent, with vellum offering more translucency and a more contemporary look. Vellum is also offered in a variety of colours and sizes, and can be printed with custom text and designs, whereas tissue paper is usually white or cream and cut to standard sizes.

Vellum and tissue paper are placed on top of the invitation card, which is the largest card in the invitation suite. If you want to include an overlay, you should choose between vellum and tissue paper as you will only want to use one.

Vellum and tissue paper are traditionally used to keep the ink from smudging. While most inks used today won't smudge, the tradition has continued. If you are using an inkjet printer, tissue paper is recommended over vellum as the latter does not work well for ink absorption and may worsen smudging due to its hardened, almost plastic-like feel.

Reception card: add face-up on top of the invitation

When it comes to wedding invitations, the reception card is an important piece of the puzzle. It provides guests with essential information about the time and location of the wedding reception, as well as other key details such as the requested dress code. Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you add the reception card to your wedding invitation suite, ensuring a polished and elegant presentation.

Step 1: Prepare the Invitation and Tissue Paper (Optional)

Before adding the reception card, you should have already placed the main invitation card face up on your work surface. If you're including tissue paper, place it on top of the invitation card. Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent ink smudges, but it's now more of a stylistic choice.

Step 2: Add the Reception Card Face-Up

Take the reception card and place it face-up on top of the invitation card or tissue paper, if you've chosen to include it. Ensure that the printed side of the reception card is visible.

Step 3: Consider the Size and Order of Enclosure Cards

If you have additional enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information, you'll want to place them face-up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest card first and work your way down to the smallest. This ensures a neat and tidy presentation.

Step 4: Be Mindful of Folded Invitations

If your wedding invitation is a folded-style invitation, it's important to note that all enclosures, including the reception card, should be placed within the folded invitation rather than on top. This ensures that everything stays together neatly and is easily accessible to your guests.

Step 5: Finalise the Stack and Insert into Envelope

Once you've added the reception card and any other enclosure cards, you're ready to finalise the stack. Place the response envelope face-down on top of the stack, followed by the response card, which should be tucked under the envelope flap, face-up. Now, you can insert this neatly stacked invitation suite into your chosen envelope or envelopes, following the standard guidelines for wedding invitation assembly.

Tips for a Seamless Process:

• Create an assembly line: Set up a neat workspace with all the necessary pieces, including invitations, enclosure cards, envelopes, and any adornments like belly bands or ribbons. This will make the process more efficient.
• Proofread and check spelling: Before assembling, carefully review all the details on the invitation, reception card, and enclosure cards. Check for any spelling errors, incorrect dates, or inaccurate venue information.
• Pre-address and stamp reply envelopes: Save your guests the trouble of searching for postage by pre-addressing and stamping the reply envelopes. This also increases the chances of receiving timely responses.
• Inner and outer envelopes: Traditionally, wedding invitations used inner and outer envelopes. The inner envelope holds the invitation suite and lists the names of the invited guests, while the outer envelope is for mailing. However, modern trends lean towards sustainability, and using a single outer envelope is now common.

By following these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to creating elegant and informative wedding invitations, ensuring your guests have all the details they need to celebrate your special day.

Enclosure cards: place face-up on top of the reception card

Enclosure cards are an essential part of your wedding invitation suite, providing guests with additional information to ensure their comfort and attendance at your special day. Here is a detailed guide on how to include enclosure cards when assembling your wedding invitations:

Firstly, it is important to understand the order in which the cards should be placed. The general rule is to place the cards face-up, starting with the largest card on the bottom and working your way up with the smallest card on top. This ensures a neat presentation and makes it easy for guests to access the information.

Now, let's focus on placing the enclosure cards on top of the reception card. The reception card provides guests with the time and location of the wedding reception, as well as important details such as the requested dress code. Once you have placed the reception card face-up on top of the invitation card, it's time to add the enclosure cards.

Enclosure cards can include a variety of information such as a map, hotel accommodations, travel directions, parking information, proper attire, or even a wedding website. If you are including multiple enclosure cards, place them in order of size, with the largest card on the bottom and the smallest on top. This ensures a neat presentation and makes it easy for guests to access the information.

If your enclosure cards are of similar size, you can choose the order based on the information you want to prioritize for your guests. For example, if you want to highlight accommodation details, place the accommodation card on the bottom, followed by other enclosure cards.

Once you have placed the enclosure cards in the correct order, you can add a final touch by including a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap to hold the cards together. This adds a stylish and elegant finish to your invitation suite.

Remember, the key to assembling wedding invitations is to create a neat and informative package for your guests. By following these steps, you will ensure that your enclosure cards are presented correctly and provide a seamless experience for your guests as they plan their attendance at your wedding.

RSVP card and envelope: place envelope printed side down, then insert the reply card under the flap

When it comes to wedding invitations, the process of assembling and layering them might seem daunting, but it's actually quite straightforward and can even be fun! Here's a detailed guide to help you with the RSVP card and envelope, ensuring they are placed correctly within the main envelope.

Place the RSVP Envelope Printed Side Down:

The first step is to take the RSVP envelope, also known as the reply envelope, and place it printed side down. This means the side with the guest's address and postage stamp will be facing the table, while the blank side will be facing up. This step is important as it ensures that the guest's address is not visible when the invitation is first opened.

Insert the Reply Card Under the Flap:

Now, take the reply card, also known as the RSVP card, and insert it under the flap of the RSVP envelope. The printed side of the reply card should be facing up, so that when the flap is lifted, the guest can easily read the card. The reply card is usually placed under the left side of the flap, ensuring it stays securely in place.

Positioning of the RSVP Card and Envelope in the Main Invitation Suite:

Within the main invitation suite, which includes the invitation card, reception card, and any other enclosure cards, the RSVP card and envelope have a specific placement. The RSVP envelope, now containing the reply card, is placed on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. This ensures that when the main invitation is opened, the RSVP card and envelope are easily accessible and visible.

Pre-addressing and Stamping the RSVP Envelope:

It is highly recommended to pre-address and stamp the RSVP envelope. This saves your guests the trouble of finding postage and ensures that you receive their responses promptly. It is an extra step in the assembly process, but it is well worth the effort.

Assembly Line Technique:

When assembling multiple wedding invitations, it is helpful to create an assembly line. Clear a table and lay out all the necessary pieces, including the invitation cards, enclosure cards, RSVP cards, envelopes, and any adornments. Then, work on assembling piles of invitations before stuffing them into the envelopes. This method streamlines the process and makes it more efficient.

Remember, the key to layering wedding invitations is to follow a specific order, usually starting with the largest card at the bottom and working your way up with the smaller cards and enclosures. The RSVP card and envelope play a crucial role in this process, allowing your guests to conveniently respond to your special day!

Frequently asked questions