Mailing Scroll Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Scroll wedding invitations are a unique and elegant way to invite guests to your wedding. They are typically made of high-quality paper and feature a rolled or folded design. When it comes to mailing these invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to organise your stationery so that it is properly stowed inside each envelope. You should also figure out the correct postage for your invitations, as they may be bulkier than regular envelopes and require additional stamps. It is recommended to take one fully assembled invitation to the post office to have it weighed by a postal clerk, so you can ensure you are using the correct amount of postage. Finally, you should hand your invitations to a staff member at the post office, rather than simply dropping them into a mailbox, to ensure they are handled with care.

Choosing the right paper

Paper Type

The type of paper you choose will depend on the desired look and feel of your invitations. For a unique and elegant scroll invitation, high-quality paper or cardstock is typically used. Heavy-weight papers, such as cardstock or watercolour paper, work well as they are sturdy and hold their shape when rolled or folded.

Paper Weight

The weight of the paper, also known as the thickness, is an important consideration. A good rule of thumb is that the higher the weight, the thicker the cardstock, and the better your invitations will look and feel. For home printing, 80# to 90# cardstock is ideal as it can be used with most desktop printers. If you want to give your invitations a professional look, consider using 100# cardstock, which can also be mailed with a single stamp. For an even more luxurious feel, 110# to 130# cardstock will give your invitations a substantial weight, but you may need to use industrial printers to handle this thickness.

Paper Colour

The colour of the paper can also set the tone for your wedding invitations. Traditional formal invitations often use white or ecru (also known as cream, ivory, or egg shell) paper. Ecru is more popular in the Americas, while white is preferred in Europe. For a modern and clean look, cotton cardstock is a good choice. Kraft, or recycled cardstock, has a rustic charm and is perfect for vintage or outdoor-themed weddings.

Paper Texture

The texture of the paper can add a decorative touch to your invitations. Linen cardstock, for example, has a delicate woven texture that adds visual interest. For a rustic or vintage feel, consider using burlap or lace to wrap your scroll invitations. If you're printing at home, textured cardstock can also help hide imperfections, with linen cardstock being a great option to mask any "fuzziness" from inkjet printing.

Paper Finish

The finish of the paper can also enhance the overall design of your invitations. For a touch of elegance, consider adding a seal or wax stamp to your scroll invitations. Translucent vellum, which is transparent and smooth, can be used as an overlay or invitation for a dreamy effect.

In conclusion, selecting the right paper for your scroll wedding invitations involves considering the type, weight, colour, texture, and finish to create elegant and unique invitations that reflect your personal style and set the tone for your wedding day.

Invitation design and layout

When it comes to the design and layout of your scroll wedding invitations, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, decide on the overall look and feel you want to achieve. Scroll wedding invitations are unique and elegant, and the scroll shape itself adds a decorative touch. So, when it comes to the design, it's best to keep it simple and elegant.

Start by choosing the paper. Go for high-quality paper or cardstock, such as heavyweight papers like cardstock or watercolour paper. This will ensure that the invitation holds its shape when rolled or folded.

Next, consider the information you want to include. The invitation should include the names of the couple, the date and location of the wedding, and any other relevant details. When adding this information to the invitation, make sure to keep the text straight and centred, especially if you plan to roll the invitations by hand.

You can roll or fold your invitations. For a rolled invitation, start by gently rolling one end and then continue rolling until it is tightly rolled. For a folded scroll, fold the invitation in half lengthwise, then fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge, forming a triangle. Continue folding until the entire invitation is compact.

Once rolled or folded, you can secure the invitation with a ribbon, twine, or another decorative element. You can also add charms or beads to the ribbon for an extra touch of elegance. If you want a more rustic or vintage feel, consider using burlap or lace as a wrapping, or add a stamped or embossed design to the paper.

Rolling or folding the invitation

Rolling or folding your scroll wedding invitations is a simple process, but it requires careful attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect scroll shape:

Rolling the Invitation by Hand:

• Start by gently rolling one end of the invitation. Take your time and ensure that the roll is tight and even.
• Continue rolling the paper until it is completely rolled up, maintaining the tightness of the roll.
• Ensure that the design and text remain straight and centred throughout the rolling process.
• Once rolled, you can secure the invitation with a ribbon, twine, or other decorative elements.

Assembling a Folded Scroll:

• Begin by folding the invitation in half lengthwise. This will create a neat, straight fold.
• Fold the bottom edge of the paper up so that it meets the top edge, forming a triangle shape.
• Fold the triangle in half, and continue folding until the entire invitation is compact and scroll-like.
• To secure the folded scroll, tie a ribbon or twine around the middle or attach it to the ends to create a bow.

Additional Tips:

• Keep the design simple and elegant. The scroll shape is already decorative, so you don't want to overwhelm it with too many elements.
• Use heavy-weight papers such as cardstock or watercolour paper. This will ensure that your invitations hold their shape and don't unravel.
• Consider using a rolling tool or scroll invitation kit for a more precise and easier rolling process.
• For a rustic or vintage touch, use burlap or lace as a wrapping for your scroll, or add stamped or embossed designs.

Securing the scroll

Use Ribbon or Twine

Tie a piece of ribbon or twine around the middle of the scroll. You can also attach the ribbon or twine to the ends of the scroll to create a bow. This adds a decorative touch and securely holds the scroll together.

Add Charms or Beads

For an extra elegant touch, you can add small charms or beads to the ribbon or twine. These embellishments will make your invitations stand out and give them a unique look.

Seal with Wax

For a more traditional and secure closure, consider sealing your scroll invitations with wax. This can be done by melting wax onto the opening of the scroll and stamping it with a seal. This method not only secures the scroll but also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Use Burlap or Lace

If you're going for a rustic or vintage theme, consider wrapping your scroll invitations with burlap or lace. This adds texture and visual interest while also keeping the scroll securely closed.

Moisten the Envelope Adhesive

If you plan to mail your scroll invitations in envelopes, ensure the adhesive is secure. Instead of licking the adhesive liner, use a cotton swab or paintbrush to moisten it. This ensures the envelope stays shut and is more hygienic, especially when sealing multiple invitations.

Place Under a Heavy Book

If your invitations are bulky or the envelope adhesive isn't very strong, place the sealed envelopes under a heavy book or paperweight to reinforce their closure. This helps ensure that they won't accidentally open during mailing.

Use Additional Adhesives

As a last resort, if your envelopes aren't staying shut, you can use additional adhesives such as a glue stick or double-sided tape. However, keep in mind that this might make it more difficult for your guests to open the invitations, and it may affect the overall aesthetic.

Postage and mailing

Now that your scroll wedding invitations are ready, it's time to prepare them for mailing. Here are the steps you need to follow to ensure your invitations reach your guests safely:

Organise Your Stationery

First, organise your stationery so that the invitation and any other enclosures are properly placed inside each envelope. This ensures that your guests receive all the necessary information. If you have multiple enclosures, you may want to consider assembling them in a specific order, such as placing the RSVP card on top of the invitation.

Determine Postage

The next step is to determine the correct postage for your scroll invitations. The weight of your invitations will play a crucial role in determining the postage cost. A clever hack is to take one fully assembled invitation, complete with all enclosures and the envelope, to your local post office. Have it weighed by a postal clerk, and that weight will determine the postage cost for all your invitations.

Secure Your Envelopes

To secure your envelopes, you can moisten the envelope adhesive with a cotton swab or a paintbrush. This ensures better coverage than licking and is more hygienic, especially when dealing with multiple envelopes. If your invitations are bulky or the adhesive isn't strong enough, you can use additional adhesive methods such as a glue stick or double-sided tape. However, keep in mind that this might make it more difficult for your guests to open the invitations.

Add Stamps

It is recommended to add sufficient postage to your invitations before dropping them off at the post office. This saves time and ensures that you have your desired stamps, maintaining the aesthetic of your envelopes.

Hand-Cancelling

When you visit the post office to mail your invitations, ask the clerk about hand-cancelling. This means that the stamp will be marked or crossed out by hand to prevent reuse, and your invitations will not be put through a machine, which can cause wear and tear. If your invitations are bulky or have embellishments like ribbons or wax seals, hand-cancelling is a good idea to preserve their condition.

International Invitations

If you are mailing invitations internationally, there are a few additional considerations. Double-check the postage requirements and restrictions for the specific country by referring to the USPS website. Allow for extra time, as international invitations may take 8-10 weeks to reach their destination due to customs clearance and shipping delays.

Proofread and Double-Check

Finally, before sending out your invitations, take the time to proofread and double-check all the details. Check that the addresses are correct and that you have included all the necessary enclosures. This may be tedious, but it will give you peace of mind and ensure that your invitations reach the right people.

Frequently asked questions