The Art Of Packing Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process for couples, but it isn't rocket science. The process can be made fun and exciting, and it's important to know the correct way to do it so that every envelope carries not just information but the essence of your celebration. The general rule for putting wedding stationery together is to assemble your invitations in order of sizing, with the invitation as the largest card at the bottom, and all other enclosure cards stacked neatly on top.

Order of cards

The order of the cards in a wedding invitation is important to get right. Here is a step-by-step guide to assembling your wedding invitations:

• Start with the invitation card, which should be placed face up. This is usually the largest card in the suite.
• Layer on a tissue paper or vellum overlay if you wish. Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent smudging, but this is now mostly unnecessary. Place the sheet of vellum on top of the invitation card if you want to include it.
• Place the reception card face-up on top of the invitation or tissue paper, if you included it. This card includes the time and location of the wedding reception and any dress code information.
• Add any other enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information. These cards should also be placed face-up. If there is more than one enclosure card and they are different sizes, start with the largest card first.
• Include the RSVP card and envelope. Place the reply envelope face-down on top of the enclosure cards, with the envelope 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.
• If using a double envelope system, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope first. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened. Then, place the inner envelope into the outer envelope.
• If using a single envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope. Again, the printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope is opened.

Some additional tips for assembling your wedding invitations:

• Create an assembly line to speed up the process.
• Stamp the response cards as a courtesy to your guests.
• Have one assembled invitation weighed at the post office to determine the correct postage amount.
• Use envelope moisteners instead of licking the envelopes.
• Consider using address labels or stamps to save time.

Envelope style

The envelope style of wedding invitation is a classic and traditional choice. This style includes an inner and outer envelope for each invitation. The outer envelope is for mailing and should include the household name, address, and postage. The inner envelope holds the invitation suite and lists the names of the invited guests, eliminating confusion over who is invited. The inner envelope is also an additional layer of protection for the invitation during mailing.

• Start with the invitation card: Place the invitation card face up on a table. This is usually the largest card in the suite.
• Add vellum or tissue paper (optional): If you have chosen to include a sheet of vellum or tissue paper, place it on top of the invitation card. Traditionally, this was used to prevent ink smudges, but it is now more of a stylistic choice.
• Add the reception card: If you have a separate reception card, place it face up on top of the invitation card (or the tissue/vellum, if using).
• Add other enclosure cards: Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps, accommodation details, or travel information, face up on top of the reception card. If there is more than one enclosure card, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.
• Include the RSVP card and envelope: Place the RSVP envelope face 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. Pre-address and stamp the reply envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.
• Assemble the invitation suite: If you are using a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, assemble it now. The band or ribbon should hold all the pieces of the invitation suite together.
• Insert the suite into the inner envelope: If you are using a double envelope style, insert the assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope. The left edge of the invitation should go in first for a single card, and the folded edge for a folded invitation. The text should be print-side up so that guests can immediately see it when they open the envelope. The inner envelope is usually left unsealed.
• Insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope: Place the inner envelope into the outer envelope, making sure that the guests' names are visible when the envelope is opened. Seal the outer envelope.
• Add return address and postage: Add address labels and postage to the outer envelope. You can also use a wax seal as a finishing touch.
• Mail your invitations: Bring a fully assembled invitation to the post office to have it weighed so you can purchase the correct amount of postage. It is recommended to hand-cancel your invitations at the post office instead of dropping them into a mailbox to reduce the risk of damage.

Addressing envelopes

When addressing envelopes for wedding invitations, it's important to get the guests' names and addresses right. It's considered poor etiquette to send an invitation with the guest's name spelled incorrectly. If you're unsure about the spelling, it's a good idea to check with a family member who is familiar with the guest's name.

There are two styles of envelopes for wedding invitations: single and double. Single envelopes are commonly used and consist of one invitation envelope and one response card envelope. The names of all invited guests, as well as the mailing address, should be placed on the front, while the return address should be on the envelope flap. Double envelopes, on the other hand, are more formal and traditional. They include an inner and outer envelope. The outer envelope is for mailing and should list the household name and address, while the inner envelope holds the invitation suite and lists the names of the invited guests. The inner envelope is not sealed and acts as an additional layer of protection during mailing.

When addressing the envelopes, you can either use calligraphy or print the names and addresses directly on them. If you choose calligraphy, make sure to allow enough time for the envelopes to be completed, usually about two to three weeks. Printing the names and addresses can be more efficient and polished. Remember to include return address labels or stamps on your envelopes as well.

Weighing and postage

• Weigh a fully assembled invitation: Take a fully assembled invitation suite, including all enclosures and envelopes, to your local post office to have it weighed. This will help you determine the exact postage required.
• Consider the weight and dimensions: The number of postage stamps you need depends on the weight and dimensions of your invitation suite. If it weighs under one ounce and is a standard size, one Forever Stamp is usually sufficient.
• Account for additional cards: If you are including save-the-date cards or RSVP cards, you will need additional stamps for those as well. It is recommended to have at least three stamps per invitation suite.
• Choose the right type of stamps: In addition to Forever Stamps, you can also use postcard stamps for save-the-date postcards or RSVP cards. Vintage wedding stamps are another option but may be more expensive.
• Hand-cancelling: If your invitations have decorative elements or are not standard size or shape, consider requesting hand-cancelling from the post office. This will prevent any tearing or smearing but will incur an additional cost.

Timing

The timing of sending out your wedding invitations is crucial. Ideally, you should send them out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements. It also means you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to get a final headcount, invite guests on your B-list if needed, and complete your seating chart before the last-minute crunch.

If you're sending out invitations to guests from outside the country, it's a good idea to give them a little more time. Aim for nine to ten weeks in advance, or even up to a year if you've got all the details finalized. This will allow them to arrange their travel with plenty of time to spare.

If you're skipping save-the-dates, the timing of your invitations will depend on the length of your engagement. For a standard engagement length, send invitations around six months in advance. If you've been engaged for a few months before tying the knot, aim for two to three months before the wedding.

It's also important to give yourself enough time to assemble and stuff your invitations. Plan to start assembling them at least a week before you want to mail them, especially if you're adding extras like wax seals or belly bands. Stuffing the invitations can also be time-consuming, so create an assembly line and give yourself plenty of time to get them all done.

Finally, remember to give your guests enough time to RSVP. As a general rule, you should make your RSVP date at least two to three weeks before the wedding. This will allow you to get a final headcount to the caterer and finalize your seating chart.

Frequently asked questions