Crafting The Perfect Wedding Reception Envelope: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of the planning process, as they give guests essential information about the event, from the time and place to the dress code. While many couples opt for professional stationery design studios, others may prefer to design and print their own invitations. This can be a fun and creative way to express your style and save money. There are many approaches to DIY wedding invitations, from crafting the entire suite from scratch to personalizing certain aspects, such as adding a custom crest or sketch. When creating your own invitations, it's important to consider the design, wording, printing process, assembly, postage, and addressing. Here are some tips to help you make wedding envelopes for your reception.

Choosing the right paper for your envelopes

When it comes to choosing the right paper for your wedding envelopes, there are a few key factors to consider:

Printing Process

The type of printing you plan to use will play a significant role in determining the suitable paper for your envelopes. If you're printing at home, consider the weight and thickness of paper that your printer can handle. Most home printers can manage 80# to 100# cardstock, but it's essential to consult your printer manual for specific recommendations. For professional printing, methods like offset printing, thermography, letterpress printing, and digital printing have different weight requirements, so be sure to choose a paper weight that aligns with your chosen method.

Invitation Style

The style of your invitation will also influence your paper choice. If you're creating a flat invitation card, opt for a heavier weight cardstock, typically 80# cover and above. Folding invitation cards, on the other hand, call for lighter stock, usually in the range of 65# to 100# cover. For layered invitations, it's recommended to keep the top layer light (80# cover or less) and attach it to a heavier card.

Postage

Keep in mind that the weight of your envelope will impact postage costs. Invitations weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage, so choosing a lighter weight cardstock can help keep costs down. It's always a good idea to bring a finished invite to your local post office to determine the exact postage needed.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice of paper is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the look and feel of thick, heavy cardstock, while others opt for lighter, thinner stock. Consider your design aesthetic and budget when making your decision.

How to assemble your invitations

Now that you have all your wedding invitation components, it's time to assemble them in the correct order. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:

Step 1: Get the main invitation card

Start with the invitation card at the bottom, with the printed side facing up. If you have a folded card, place any enclosures within the fold.

Step 2: Add vellum liners (optional)

If you have chosen to include a thin sheet of vellum between each invite to prevent smudging, place it on top of the invitation card.

Step 3: Stack the reception card

If you are using a reception card, place it face up on top of the wedding invite.

Step 4: Stack other enclosure cards

Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards, map cards, or hotel accommodation cards, face up on top of the reception card. If you have a wedding website, include the necessary information on one of these cards.

Step 5: Add the RSVP card and envelope

Place the RSVP envelope, 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. Don't forget to pre-stamp the reply envelope for your guests' convenience.

Step 6: Add finishing touches

If you have chosen to include a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, assemble it now. You can use a belly band or ribbon to secure your invitation suite together.

Step 7: Address the envelopes

Traditionally, wedding invitations included inner envelopes (with guests' names) and outer envelopes (with guests' names and addresses). However, nowadays, a single outer envelope is often used for sustainability and simplicity. You can hire a calligrapher or print the names and addresses directly on the envelopes.

Step 8: Insert the invitation suite into the envelope

If you are using slip-in envelope liners, slide them into your envelopes before inserting the invitation suite. Insert the fully assembled suite into the envelope, with the left edge going in first for a single card or the folded edge for a folded invitation. Ensure the text is print-side up so that guests can immediately read it when opening the envelope.

Step 9: Seal the envelope

Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of the envelope, taking care not to use too much to avoid sogginess. Place a heavy book on top of the stack of sealed envelopes to ensure they are secure.

Step 10: Add return address labels

Apply return address labels, skinny wraps, or rubber stamps to each envelope.

Step 11: Mail your invitations

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

How to address your envelopes

The outer envelope is what is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope is more for show and only has the names of the invitees. The inner envelope is optional and is usually more informal. The outer envelope is formal and includes the guest's full name(s) and address.

Formal Addressing Rules for Wedding Invitation Envelopes:

• Use formal names (no nicknames).
• Middle names aren't necessary, but they must be spelled out if used (no initials).
• Spell out all words such as "Apartment", "Avenue", "Street", etc.
• Abbreviate "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms." and "Jr.".
• Write out professional titles such as "Doctor" or "Professor".

Married Couple:

If you are inviting a married couple, put their names on the same line. You are free to forgo titles and list their names separately. If they have different last names, list the person you are closest with first or go in alphabetical order. If one person has taken the other's name, you can reflect that in the address.

Married Couple with Different Last Names:

You can choose either name to put first and address as follows:

> Mr. Thomas Jones and Ms. Susan Johnson

Unmarried Couple:

Both names should be included on the envelopes, but each name gets its own line. List the person you are closest with first or go by alphabetical order if you are equally close to both guests.

Single Person:

When addressing an invitation to a single person, you should include their title, first name, and last name. If you are inviting a single person and they are welcome to bring a guest, you would address the envelope to that person and "and guest".

Single Guest with a Plus One:

If you know the name of their plus one, you should add their name in place of "and guest". The person you invite should have their name listed first, followed by their guest's name.

Family:

For invitations addressed to a family with young children, the outer envelope is reserved for the name(s) of the parent(s) or guardian(s). You should list each child by name on the inner envelope. If you invite a family of four and the children are under 18, you can address the envelope using "and family".

Children 18+:

If you're inviting a family that includes children who are 18 or older, they should each receive their own invitations (unless they're living at home with their parents). You don't need to use titles, but you can if you'd like.

How to seal your envelopes

Sealing your wedding envelopes correctly is important to ensure that they don't open during the mailing process. Here are some tips to ensure your envelopes are securely sealed:

Be Mindful of the Contents:

The more you put into an envelope, the more the sides bow, making it harder to seal. Paper thickness, the number of enclosures, and embellishments can all affect how well your envelopes seal. If you have a lot of contents, consider using a larger envelope or removing any non-essential items.

Pay Attention to Invitation Style:

Certain styles of invitations require extra care when sealing. If your invitation has a pocket, a fold, or is a pochette/petal fold design, it will be bulkier and put more pressure on the seams and flap of the envelope. Take extra care to seal these styles of invitations tightly before mailing.

Use an Adhesive:

Consider using a small bottle of envelope sealer, glue, or a moist sponge to seal the envelopes, instead of licking them. This will create a stronger seal and save your tongue from fatigue!

Test the Seal:

Before sending out your invitations, test the seal by gently trying to open the envelope after sealing. If it opens easily, use a stronger adhesive or a different sealing method.

Hand-Cancelling:

Consider hand-cancelling your invitations at the post office instead of machine processing. This will prevent machine stamps from ruining your invitations and envelopes. However, hand-cancelling may take additional time, so factor this into your mailing timeline.

How to mail your invitations

How to Mail Your Wedding Invitations

Now that you've assembled your wedding invitations, it's time to mail them out! Here are some steps to guide you through the process:

• Finalise your guest list and addresses: Ensure you have the correct and up-to-date addresses for all your guests. It's a good idea to give yourself enough time to get the address list in order and double-check for any errors.
• Choose your envelopes: Traditionally, wedding invitations include an inner envelope and an outer envelope. The inner envelope is optional and is used to indicate the names of the invitees, while the outer envelope is for mailing and includes the guest's address. You can opt for a single outer envelope to simplify the process and reduce expenses.
• Address the envelopes: When addressing the envelopes, follow the appropriate etiquette based on the guest's marital status, age, and other factors. For example, use "Mr." and "Mrs." for married couples or "Ms." for single female guests. Be sure to double-check each attendee's preferred titles. You can address the envelopes by hand or print the names and addresses directly on them.
• Assemble the invitation suite: Place the invitation card at the bottom, print side up. If you have a reception card, place it face up on top of the invitation. Then, add any other enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards. If you have a RSVP card, place the RSVP envelope printed side down, with the flap on the left, and insert the reply card under the flap, face up.
• Add finishing touches: If you wish, you can include a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap to complete your invitation suite.
• Insert the suite into the envelope: Insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope with the left edge first for a single card or the folded edge first for a folded invitation. Ensure the text is print-side up so that guests can read it easily when opening the envelope.
• Seal the envelope: Use an envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge, being careful not to use too much to avoid soggy envelopes. Place a heavy book on top of the stack to ensure all envelopes are securely sealed.
• Add return address labels: Include address labels on the envelopes, or use a rubber stamp address label.
• Weigh and stamp your invitations: Before mailing, take a fully assembled invitation suite to the post office to weigh it and determine the exact postage required. Ask about hand-cancelling to reduce the risk of your invitations being damaged in the mail. Then, add the appropriate number of stamps to each envelope.
• Mail your invitations: Finally, return to the post office to mail your wedding invitations. It is recommended to send them out six to eight weeks before your wedding day.

By following these steps, you'll be able to mail your wedding invitations without a hitch and create a memorable first impression for your guests.

Frequently asked questions