The Perfect Wedding Invitation Envelope Packing Guide

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process for many couples, but it isn't rocket science. It's essential to ensure that your guests receive a professional-looking invitation with all the information presented logically. Here are some tips and tricks to help you pack your wedding invitation envelopes like a pro.

Invitation placement

Firstly, if you are using double envelopes, you will need to place the invitation and its accompanying cards inside the inner envelope first. Face the printed side of the invitation upwards and towards the envelope flap. This way, when the recipient opens the inner envelope, they will immediately see the invitation. If your invitation has multiple folds, place any insertions, such as tissue paper or response cards, within the first fold. If your invitation is a single card or a single-fold, place these insertions on top.

Next, layer on the tissue paper or vellum overlay, if you have chosen to include it. Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent ink smudges, but it has remained as a popular addition. Place the tissue paper directly over the printed words on the invitation. If you are using vellum, this will usually sit on top of the invitation card.

Now, add the reception card. Place it face-up on top of the invitation (or the tissue paper if you are using it). The reception card includes important details such as the time and location of the wedding reception and the requested dress code.

After that, include any remaining enclosure cards, such as map cards, hotel accommodation cards, or travel information. Place these face-up on top of the reception card. If there is more than one enclosure card, order them from largest to smallest, with the largest card placed first, directly on top of the reception card.

Finally, add the response card and envelope. Place the response envelope face-down on top of the enclosure cards, and then tuck the response card under the flap of the envelope, ensuring the printed side is facing up. If you are using a single envelope, place the assembled invitation suite into the envelope with the printed side facing you. If you are using double envelopes, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope so that the guests' names on the inner envelope are visible when opened.

Tissue paper or vellum overlay

Tissue paper and vellum are thin, delicate sheets of paper used as invitation inserts. They are placed over the invitation card and sometimes between each card in the ensemble. Tissue paper is a traditional, soft, cloudy paper, usually white or cream, and cut to standard sizes. Vellum, on the other hand, is a contemporary alternative, offering more translucency and a modern look. It comes in a variety of colours and sizes and can be printed with custom text and designs.

Tissue paper and vellum serve three main purposes: tradition, aesthetics, and practicality. Firstly, they are traditional as they were used to blot excess ink and prevent smudging when invitations were handwritten. Secondly, they offer a nice, organised, formal presentation. Lastly, they provide protection for the invitation, especially if there are embellishments such as crystals, string, or ribbon.

If you are using tissue paper or vellum, it should be placed directly over the printed words on the invitation card. If you are using a folded invitation, the insertions should be placed within the first fold. If you are using a flat or single-fold card, the insertions go on top.

After placing the tissue paper or vellum, you can add the reception card, any enclosure cards, and finally, the reply envelope and card. Once your invitation suite is assembled, you can insert it into the inner envelope, and then into the outer envelope.

Reception card

The reception card is a traditional way to convey information about the festivities taking place after the wedding ceremony. It is most commonly used for religiously-based ceremonies that are held in a place of worship, with the reception at a separate location afterward. They can also be used for non-religious ceremonies that are held at a different location from the reception.

The reception card is usually placed face-up on top of the wedding invitation. This card outlines the time and location of the wedding reception and includes important information such as the requested dress code.

If you are having a champagne and cake reception, for example, you can indicate this on the card so that guests do not expect a full seven-course meal. You can also indicate if it is an "adult reception" on this card, though this is frowned upon by traditional etiquette.

• "The celebration continues // with cocktails, dinner and dancing"
• "Please join us // for drinks, dinner and merriment"
• "Celebrate // please join us for drinks, dinner and dancing"
• "And afterward, at the reception // location"
• "Reception to follow // location"
• "Reception immediately following // location"
• "Cocktails, dinner and dancing to follow // location"

If your reception does not immediately follow the ceremony, be sure to include the start time so guests know what to expect. You can also include details such as transportation arrangements.

Enclosure cards

When assembling your wedding invitations, it is recommended to place the enclosure cards in size order, from largest to smallest. The largest card, which is usually the invitation card, goes at the bottom, followed by the reception card, and then the response card. The enclosure cards, such as a map or direction card, are placed on top. If you have multiple enclosure cards, order them with the largest on the bottom, working up to the smallest. This neat stack of cards can be secured with a belly band or placed in an inner envelope before being inserted into the outer envelope.

The enclosure cards can include a variety of information for your guests. A map or direction card is always helpful, providing a clear idea of where the ceremony and reception will be held. This is especially useful if your wedding venue is in a remote location or if you have guests travelling from out of town. Another option is to include an accommodation card, suggesting guest accommodation options near the wedding venue.

You can also use enclosure cards to provide additional details about the wedding, such as dress code or theme, transportation options to and from the venue, or even a schedule of events if you have a full day planned. These cards are a great way to ensure your guests have all the information they need to attend and enjoy your wedding celebrations.

Response card

• Understand the Purpose: Response cards serve a functional purpose for the couple. They are used by the couple to finalize their catering count, create a seating chart, and address guests properly on place cards, escort cards, or personalized favors.
• Know the Elements: Typically, a response card includes three elements. First, there should be space for the number of guests attending. Second, there should be space for the guests' names. The third element, which is optional but good etiquette, is space for a short personal note to the couple.
• Choose a Response Card Style: There are a few styles of response cards to choose from. You can opt for a pre-printed response card, which traditionally includes space for guests to write their names and the number of attendees. Another option is a more restricted version where the couple pre-fills the guest names and the number of attendees, especially if they are limiting the number of guests per invitation. A newer trend is to include options like "attending in person", "attending remotely", and "unable to attend" on a single card. If you prefer a more free-form style, you can include a blank card for guests to write a personal message or well wishes. Alternatively, you can forgo the response card entirely and include a "details" card with your wedding website information.
• Provide Clear Instructions: If your response card has blank spaces, be sure to instruct guests on how to fill them out. For example, if there is an "M" preceding a blank space, indicate that guests should write their social title (Mr./Mrs./Ms./Mx.) followed by their full name. If you are including a space for guests to select their meal choice, instruct them to initial the choices.
• Pre-stamp Response Envelopes: Make it easy for your guests to respond by pre-stamping the response envelopes. This small detail can save your guests some time and ensure a higher response rate.
• Assembly: When assembling your wedding invitations, place the response card on top of the reception card, and tuck it under the flap of the response envelope, with the copy facing up. Then, place the assembled invitation suite, including the response card and envelope, under the flap of the inner envelope (if using double envelopes) or directly into the outer envelope, with the text facing up.

Frequently asked questions