Creating Folded Envelopes For Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs and add a personal touch by making your own envelopes. This DIY project is a great way to save money and add a unique flair to your wedding invitations. You can make your own envelopes with just a few simple tools and materials, such as paper, card stock, glue, and scissors. You can even get creative and decorate your envelopes with liners, stamps, or ribbons. Making your own envelopes is a fun and rewarding project that will surely impress your guests.

Choosing paper and card stock

When choosing paper and card stock for your wedding invitations, there are several factors to consider, from weight and texture to cost and printing compatibility. Here are some tips to help you select the right materials for your DIY wedding invitation envelopes:

Paper Weight and Thickness:

Firstly, consider the weight and thickness of the card stock. Standard printers typically handle paper weights up to 80# to 120# without issues. Heavier weights, such as 110# to 130#, may require industrial printers. If you plan to print at home, start with 80# cardstock and gradually increase the weight to find the limit of your printer.

Printer Compatibility:

Different printers have varying capabilities. Home desktop printers are often limited in the paper thickness they can handle. Before choosing your card stock, review your printer's instructions and perform a test print to determine its maximum paper weight capacity.

Paper Texture:

The texture of the card stock can impact the final print quality. Smooth matte paper is a common choice for wedding invitations, offering a simple and elegant finish. However, if you're printing at home with an inkjet printer, consider using textured cardstock to hide imperfections. Linen cardstock, for example, has a delicate woven texture that can add interest to your invitations while masking any printing flaws.

Paper Finish:

The finish of the card stock is another important consideration. Unfinished, satin, silk, and glossy are some of the available options. A smooth matte finish is a popular starting point, but you can also explore options like linen, eggshell, or metallic finishes to add a unique touch to your invitations.

Cotton Fiber Paper:

Cotton fiber paper is the most expensive option, known for its soft feel and durability. It absorbs ink exceptionally well, making it ideal for techniques like letterpress printing. If you're looking for a luxurious and timeless option, cotton fiber paper is a great choice.

Kraft and Wood-Grain Paper:

For a rustic or DIY-themed wedding, consider kraft or wood-grain paper. These options offer a more informal and intimate feel, perfect for outdoor or vintage-themed celebrations.

Vellum Paper:

Vellum paper is a thin, translucent material that adds depth and interest to your invitations. It can be used as an overlay or accent, such as belly bands, providing a subtle and elegant touch.

Budget Considerations:

Before choosing your paper and card stock, consider your budget. Printing techniques and embellishments can quickly increase costs. Opting for a smaller invitation suite with limited embellishments and choosing cost-effective paper options can help keep expenses down.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing paper and card stock for your wedding invitations. Consider the printing method, the desired aesthetic, and your budget to make informed decisions.

Printing and cutting the template

Printing the Template

First, download and print the envelope liner template. Most templates will come in two sizes: a smaller size for an invitation or card measuring 5.5" by 4.25" (A2 envelope), and a larger size for a 5" by 7" (A7 envelope) card or invitation. If you're creating a matching set of envelopes, one can fit inside the other, with the smaller envelope for a reply card or enclosure.

Cutting the Cardstock

After printing the template, you have two options. You can print the template onto heavy cardstock and create a stencil, or print directly onto your chosen cardstock. If you opt for a stencil, use a pencil to trace the shape onto your cardstock. Cut each envelope out using the lines of the stencil as a guide, ensuring you cut just inside the lines to hide them. If printing directly onto cardstock, cut along the template lines, again cutting just inside the lines.

For those with die-cutting machines, you can upload the template to cut using a Silhouette or Robocraft for a precise fit. Alternatively, use a personal paper trimmer to cut the wedding invitation envelope shell.

Scoring the Folds

Once you've cut the paper to resemble an envelope shape, you may want to score the paper to encourage clean and easy folding. Scoring involves making a slight indent in a straight line along the desired fold. If using heavy cardstock, scoring is usually necessary, while lighter-weight papers can be scored optionally to encourage neat folding.

You can score paper using a bone folder and a ruler, or a scoring attachment on a sliding paper trimmer. Place the paper so that the desired fold lines up with the scoring tool or ruler, then slide the scoring tool over the paper. Repeat this step for all flaps that need to be folded. After scoring, fold each flap and smooth out any creases with a bone folder or a smooth, flat object.

Cutting the Envelope Liner

Cut the envelope liner to size. Many scrapbooking papers come with a grid of cutting lines on the back, making this step easier. Alternatively, use the liner included in printable envelope templates. Don't forget to score the liner where the envelope will fold. Hold the liner in place, centred between the middle part of the envelope, and run a bone folder or similar tool along the score to create an instant fold.

Gluing the Liner

Use a permanent adhesive glue runner to attach the liner to the envelope. Apply glue to the outer edges and near the seam where the paper will fold.

Folding the Flaps

Finally, apply glue or adhesive to the envelope flaps and fold the bottom flap upwards. Your matching wedding invitation envelopes are now ready for your homemade invitation suite!

Scoring and folding the envelope

Step 1: Choose the Right Tools

Use a paper trimmer with a scoring attachment or a bone folder to score the envelope. A paper trimmer will give you a precise score, while a bone folder allows for more control and is ideal for creating crisp creases.

Step 2: Identify the Fold Lines

Locate the places on the envelope that need to be folded. Typically, you will need to score the lines where the envelope flaps will be folded.

Step 3: Score the Envelope

Use your chosen tool to create an indent along the fold lines. This step is especially important if you are using heavy cardstock, as it will ensure a clean and easy fold. For lighter-weight papers, scoring is optional but will help achieve a precise fold.

Hold a ruler along the scoring line for guidance, and use the scoring tool or the pointed end of a ruler to create an indent along the line. Repeat this step for all flaps that need to be folded.

Step 4: Fold and Smooth

After scoring, carefully fold each flap along the scored lines. Use your bone folder or a smooth, flat object, such as the edge of a ruler, to smooth out any creases and ensure a crisp finish.

Step 5: Test the Fold

Before gluing or assembling your envelope, test the fold by inserting the invitation and any enclosures. Ensure that the invitation fits snugly within the envelope and that the flaps fold over neatly and securely. Make any necessary adjustments to the folds or the envelope cut-out.

Step 6: Final Assembly

Once you are happy with the scoring and folding, proceed to glue the envelope flaps and assemble the rest of your invitation suite.

Creating your own envelopes for your wedding invitations is a tedious but rewarding task. Taking the time to score and fold your envelopes accurately will ensure that your invitations look elegant and well-crafted.

Cutting and gluing the envelope lining

To make the envelope lining for your wedding invitations, you will need the following supplies:

• Heavyweight cardstock or chipboard
• Lining paper (decorative paper, scrapbooking paper, or wrapping paper)
• Glue runner, adhesive, or glue sticks
• Paper trimmer with a scoring attachment or cutting blade (optional)
• Bone folder (optional)

First, choose a cardstock and lining paper that match your wedding invitations. The cardstock will form the outer shell of the envelope, and the lining paper will be the decorative inner layer. Cut the cardstock to the size of your envelope using a paper trimmer or cutting blade.

Next, score the cardstock to make indentations that will encourage the paper to fold cleanly and easily. This step is especially important if you are using heavyweight cardstock. You can use a bone folder and a ruler, or a scoring attachment on your paper trimmer, to score the paper.

Now, cut out the envelope lining from your chosen lining paper. You can use the liner included in printable envelope templates or cut the paper to the appropriate size. Score the lining paper where the fold of the envelope will be to help it fold more easily.

Apply adhesive to the outer edges and seam of the lining paper, then glue it into place inside the envelope. Finally, fold the flaps of the envelope and secure them with glue or adhesive.

You can also add embellishments to your invitations, such as wax seals, ribbons, or bows, to create a unique and personalised touch.

Final assembly

Now that you have all the components of your wedding invitation ready, it's time to put everything together. Here's a step-by-step guide to the final assembly:

Step 1: Prepare the envelope liner (optional):

If you want to add an envelope liner for an extra touch of elegance, you can make your own using a template and the paper of your choice. Cut the liner to size, slide it into the envelope, and secure it with a small piece of double-sided tape on each side.

Step 2: Assemble the invitation suite:

Start with the main invitation card, placed face up. If you're using a vellum liner or tissue paper, place it on top of the invitation. Then, add the reception card and any other enclosure cards (such as maps or accommodation details) face up. Finally, add the RSVP card and envelope, with the printed side visible.

Step 3: Add any embellishments:

If you've chosen to include a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, now is the time to assemble it around your invitation suite. This adds a beautiful finishing touch to your invitation.

Step 4: Insert the suite into the envelope:

Slip the fully assembled invitation into the envelope, making sure that the left edge of the invitation goes in first for a single card or the folded edge for a folded invitation. The text should be print-side up so that your guests can immediately read the invitation when they open the envelope.

Step 5: Seal the envelope:

Use an envelope moistener to wet the adhesive edge of the envelope, taking care not to use too much moisture. Place a heavy book on top of the stack of sealed envelopes to ensure they are securely closed. If you're using a wax seal, add it now.

Step 6: Address the envelopes:

Print or handwrite the addresses on the envelopes. If you're using inner and outer envelopes, the outer envelope should include the formal names of the guests, while the inner envelope can be left blank or include informal names.

Step 7: Add return address labels:

Don't forget to include your return address on the envelopes. You can use address labels, rubber stamps, or even an embosser to create a raised impression of your address.

Step 8: Weigh and mail your invitations:

Before mailing, take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the exact postage required. It's also a good idea to hand-cancel your invitations at the post office instead of dropping them in a mailbox to reduce the risk of damage during sorting.

Frequently asked questions