Creating Layered Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating your own wedding invitations can be a fun project, but it can also be a confusing process. Layered invitations are a great way to add a unique touch to your special day, and with the right tools, they can be easy to make. In this guide, we will cover everything from choosing the right materials to assembling your invitations, so you can send out beautiful invites that will impress your guests. We will also go through the different types of adhesives you can use to attach your layers, so you can achieve a professional-looking finish.

Choosing your adhesive

When it comes to choosing an adhesive for your wedding invitations, you want to avoid anything that will cause ripples or bumps on the paper. It's also important to consider how much adhesive you'll need and how easy it is to apply. Here are some options to consider:

Glue

While glue can be a good option for adhering paper, it's important to choose a product that is specifically designed for paper and will not cause any mess or rippling. Zip Dry Paper Glue is a liquid adhesive that is formulated for paper and can also work with small embellishments. It dries quickly, clear, and wrinkle-free, and is acid and lignin-free. However, it must be applied very precisely to avoid bleeding through the paper. Another option is a glue marker, which allows for more consistent and even application than a regular bottle of glue.

Tape

Double-sided tape is a popular choice for wedding invitations as it is flat, secure, and will not add any texture or bumpiness. It is also easy to apply and leaves no residue. The Scotch Brand is recommended and offers both double-sided tape and a tape roller, which can speed up the process.

Glue Dots

Glue dots can be used for adhering paper, but it's important to ensure they are flat and not raised, as this can create a bumpy effect. They are also not ideal for larger projects as they can be time-consuming and require a lot of product.

Spray Adhesive

While spray adhesive can be useful for certain projects, it is not recommended for wedding invitations as it can be messy and leave a residue. It also carries health risks, so it should only be used outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

Xyron Creative Station

The Xyron Creative Station is a "sticker maker" machine that applies even glue coverage to your paper. However, it is an investment to purchase the machine and cartridges, and it is not suitable for large-scale projects or attaching embellishments.

Scotch Adhesive Tape Gun Applicator

The Scotch Tape Gun is a highly versatile and easy-to-use adhesive applicator that works for both small and large crafting projects. It dispenses double-sided tape that is designed for paper but can also be used on other materials like ribbon and fabric. The residue rubs off easily and leaves no trace. However, it may not be available in most craft stores, and the dispenser and tape refills can be expensive.

The order of the cards

Step 1: Get the main invitation card

The first step is to start with the largest card, which is usually the invitation card. Place it at the bottom, with the printed side facing up. This sets the foundation for the rest of the suite.

Step 2: Add vellum liners (optional)

Vellum liners are thin sheets of translucent paper that were traditionally used to protect the ink on the invitation. If you choose to include a vellum liner, place it on top of the invitation card.

Step 3: Stack the reception card

If you have a separate reception card, it should go on top of the invitation card. This card provides details about the wedding reception venue and timing.

Step 4: Stack other enclosure cards

Place any additional enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards, on top of the reception card. This includes information like maps, hotel accommodations, or other relevant details for your guests.

Step 5: Add a RSVP card and envelope

If you are including a traditional mailed RSVP card, place the RSVP envelope on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left and the printed side facing down. Then, insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, ensuring the printed side is visible.

Step 6: Finishing touches

You can add a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap to give your invitation suite a polished look. These elements not only add elegance but also help keep the stack of cards together.

Step 7: Recipient addressing

Address your envelopes using calligraphy or printed labels. If using calligraphy, allow enough time for the ink to dry before inserting the invitation suite.

Step 8: Insert the suite into the envelope

Insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge first for a folded invitation. Ensure the text is print-side up, so guests can immediately read it when they open the flap.

Step 9: Seal the envelope

Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the adhesive edge of the envelope, being careful not to use too much liquid. Place a heavy book on top of the sealed envelopes to ensure they stay securely closed.

Step 10: Return address

Add return address labels or stamps to the back of the envelopes. This step ensures that any undelivered invitations can find their way back to you.

Step 11: Mail your invitations

Before mailing, take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the exact postage required. Hand-cancelling your invitations will ensure they are manually sorted and reduce the risk of damage during mailing.

Creating layered wedding invitations can be a fun and creative process. By following these steps for the order of the cards, you'll be well on your way to assembling elegant and informative invitations for your special day.

Belly bands, ribbons, and vellum wraps

You can find belly bands and vellum wraps in a variety of materials, such as paper, silk, velvet, and chiffon. They come in different colours and can be customized with initials or names. Some bands and wraps are blank, while others are digitally printed. You can also finish the look with wax seals, ribbon, or both.

When ordering belly bands and vellum wraps, it's important to note that they usually ship flat and arrive unscored and unfolded, so some DIY assembly is required.

• Vellum belly bands: Clear, translucent vellum belly bands are a popular choice for wedding invitations. They come in different sizes, such as 1.5" x 12" or 1.5" x 16", and can be purchased blank or printed with custom designs.
• Ribbon belly bands: Ribbons made from materials like silk, cotton, or chiffon can be tied around your invitations for a elegant touch. You can choose from various colours and widths to match your wedding theme.
• Personalized vellum wraps: These wraps can be customized with your initials or other designs. They are a great way to add a personal touch to your invitations while also keeping all the pieces together.
• Belly bands with wax seals: Combining belly bands with wax seals adds a sophisticated and elegant touch to your invitations. You can choose from different colours and designs for the wax seals.

Envelope assembly

Step 1: Get the Main Invitation Card:

Start by placing the invitation card at the bottom, with the printed side facing up. This forms the base for the rest of your invitation suite.

Step 2: Add Vellum Liners (Optional):

If you have chosen to include a thin sheet of vellum, place it on top of the invitation card. Traditionally, this was used to prevent ink smudges but is now optional.

Step 3: Stack the Reception Card:

If you are including a reception card, place it face up on top of the wedding invitation. This card provides details about the reception venue and timing.

Step 4: Stack Other Enclosure Cards:

Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards, face up on top of the reception card. This could include a map card, hotel accommodations, or other relevant information for your guests.

Step 5: Add the RSVP Card and Envelope:

If you are including a traditional mailed RSVP card, place the RSVP envelope on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left and the printed side facing down. Then, insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, ensuring the printed side is visible. Don't forget to pre-stamp the reply envelope for your guests' convenience.

Step 6: Finishing Touches:

If you have chosen to add a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, now is the time to assemble it. These additions provide a stylish finishing touch to your invitation suite.

Step 7: Recipient Addressing:

You can opt for calligraphy or printed addressing for your envelopes. If using a calligrapher, ensure you provide them with the envelopes at least two to three weeks in advance. Alternatively, printing the names and addresses directly on the envelopes is a more efficient and polished option.

Step 8: Insert the Suite into the Envelope:

If you have slip-in envelope liners, slide them into your envelopes before inserting the invitation suite. Then, insert the fully assembled invitation suite, ensuring the text is print-side up. For single-card invitations, insert the left edge first, and for folded invitations, insert the folded edge first.

Step 9: Seal the Envelope:

Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of the envelope, being careful not to use too much liquid. Place a heavy book on top of the sealed envelopes to ensure they are securely closed.

Step 10: Return Address:

Add address labels, rubber stamp labels, or SkinnyWrap™ to the envelopes to ensure they can be returned to you.

Step 11: Mail and Done!

Before mailing, take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the exact postage required. Hand-cancelling your invitations will ensure they are handled with care and reduce the risk of damage during mailing.

Now your layered wedding invitations are ready to be mailed out!

Weighing and stamping

When making layered wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to weighing and stamping. The weight of your invitations will depend on various factors, such as the thickness of the paper, the number of layers, and any additional enclosures or embellishments. It is important to consider the weight of your invitations as it will determine the amount of postage you need to send them out.

To ensure you have the correct postage, it is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed. This will help you determine the exact postage required. Some sources suggest that a basic wedding invitation suite, including the mailing envelope, invitation, RSVP card, and RSVP envelope, can be sent with a regular First-Class Stamp. However, if your invitations include additional layers, enclosures, or embellishments, they may exceed the standard weight limit and require additional postage.

If your wedding invitations weigh more than one ounce but less than two ounces, you will need a 2-ounce stamp. Invitations weighing more than two ounces will require additional postage accordingly. It is also important to consider the shape and thickness of your invitations. Square envelopes, for example, are considered irregular and will require additional postage. Similarly, invitations that are more than 1/4" thick due to embellishments like ribbons, twine, or wax seals will also require extra postage.

To save costs on postage, you can opt for lighter-weight paper for your invitations. However, it is important to ensure that your chosen paper weight is compatible with your printing method, whether you are printing at home or using a professional print shop. Each printer has different capabilities, so be sure to consult your printer manual or contact a professional print shop to discuss your specific requirements.

In addition to weighing your invitations, it is also crucial to consider the placement and design of your stamps. Stamps should be placed in the upper right corner of the envelope, ensuring they are straight and not overlapping any text or graphics. You may also want to consider using custom stamps that match your wedding theme or colour palette to add a personalised touch to your invitations.

Frequently asked questions