The Art Of Packaging Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process. They set the tone for the event and can be a fun project for couples to work on together. However, assembling and packaging wedding invitations can be a daunting task, especially for those who are unsure about the correct way to do it. The process involves multiple cards and pieces that need to be carefully put together and stuffed into envelopes. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about how to package a wedding invitation, from the different pieces that make up the invitation suite to the step-by-step process of assembling and stuffing the envelopes. We will also answer some frequently asked questions and provide helpful tips to make the process easier.

Order of cards and envelopes

The order of cards and envelopes in a wedding invitation is important to ensure that the recipient can easily access and read the information. Here is a detailed guide on how to arrange the cards and envelopes for your wedding invitations:

Start with the Main Invitation Card:

Place the invitation card at the bottom of the stack, with the printed side facing up. This is typically the largest card in the suite, so it serves as the base for the other pieces.

Add Vellum Liners or Tissue Paper (Optional):

If you have received a thin sheet of vellum or tissue paper with your invitations, it is your choice to include it or not. Traditionally, this was used to prevent ink smudges. If you decide to include it, place the vellum or tissue paper on top of the invitation card.

Stack the Reception Card:

If you are including a reception card, place it face-up on top of the invitation card (or the tissue paper, if you are using it). This card provides details about the wedding reception, such as the time, location, and dress code.

Add Other Enclosure Cards:

Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as direction/detail cards, map cards, or hotel accommodation cards, face-up on top of the reception card. If there is more than one enclosure card, start with the largest card and work your way 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 side. Insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, face-up, so that the printed side is visible. Don't forget to pre-address and pre-stamp the RSVP envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Finishing Touches:

If you have chosen to add a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap to your invitation suite, now is the time to assemble it. These elements add a stylish touch and help hold the invitation suite together.

Addressing and Inserting into the Envelope:

When addressing the envelope, you can opt for calligraphy or print the names and addresses directly on the envelopes. 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 that the text is print-side up, so guests can immediately see it when they open the envelope.

Sealing and Final Steps:

Use an envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of the envelope, being careful not to use too much liquid. Seal all the envelopes and place a heavy book on top to ensure a secure seal. Add any additional elements, such as a wax seal or return address label, at this stage. Finally, bring a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the correct postage and ask for hand-cancelling to ensure your invitations are handled with care.

Stamping and sealing

Firstly, ensure that you have the correct postage amount on your invitations. The weight of your invitation suite, including all enclosures and cards, will determine the postage required. Take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed, and purchase the appropriate stamps. Choose stamps that fit the theme of your wedding, such as hearts or flowers.

Next, consider the placement of your stamps. If you are using inner and outer envelopes, the outer envelope is for mailing and should include the postage. If you are using a single envelope, this is where you will place the stamp. For a formal look, you may also want to consider hand-cancelling your stamps instead of using a machine, as this can leave unsightly marks on your envelopes.

Now, it's time to seal the envelopes. You can use an envelope moistener to save yourself the hassle of licking each envelope. Alternatively, you can use a glue stick or adhesive. If you have chosen to use wax seals, this is the step where you will apply them. Expose the adhesive on the back of the wax seal and place it on the envelope flaps to hold them closed.

Finally, if you are including a return envelope for your RSVP cards, don't forget to stamp and seal these as well. Stamping the return envelopes is proper etiquette and a courteous gesture towards your guests.

Your wedding invitations are now ready to be mailed!

Invitation wrappers

When choosing an invitation wrapper, consider the overall style and colour scheme of your wedding invitations. The wrapper should coordinate with the invitation suite and can be accentuated with jewels or botanicals. It is also important to consider the weight of your invitation suite with the wrapper. A heavier invitation may require more postage, so it is a good idea to take a sample to the post office to be weighed.

Inner and outer envelopes

Using inner and outer envelopes for wedding invitations is a formal option that has traditionally been used to ensure the outer envelope, which gets handled during delivery, does not get dirty and the inner envelope remains pristine. Today, the inner envelope is used to clarify who is invited to the wedding.

The outer envelope is the mailing envelope that is labelled with the guest address. It is usually more formal and includes the recipients' addresses, full names, titles, and sometimes even middle names. The outer envelope can be addressed to a family, such as "The Wilson Family".

The inner envelope is smaller and is used to specify exactly who is invited to the wedding. It is also used to make clear who is not invited. For example, if the outer envelope is addressed to a family with children, the inner envelope will specify whether the children are invited or not. The inner envelope is not gummed as it is not sent through the mail. It is also an additional layer of protection for the invitation during mailing. The inner envelope can be more casual and include titles such as Mr. and Miss, or be addressed with first names only.

• Married Couple (same last name): Formal - Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin; Contemporary - James and Heather
• Married Couple (different last names): Formal - Ms. Swift and Mr. Brookes; Contemporary - Sandy and George
• Single Woman: Formal - Miss Cartwright and Ben (only if you do not know the name of the guest, you can write "and guest"); Contemporary - Cynthia
• Single Man: Formal - Mr. Anderson; Contemporary - Ben
• Unmarried Couple (at the same address): Formal - Ms. Smith and Mr. Green; Contemporary - Colleen and James
• Families with Children: Formal - Mr. and Mrs. Brown or Kevin and Katrina; Contemporary - Andrea, Steve and family or Andrea, Steve, Kevin and Katrina

When addressing inner envelopes to married couples, it is customary to list the husband's name first. However, for same-sex couples, you can list the names alphabetically or start with the person you have a closer relationship with.

Addressing

Outer Envelope Addressing:

The outer envelope is the mailing envelope that will bear the postage and be processed by the postal service. When addressing the outer envelope, it is essential to ensure that the guest's name and address are written clearly and accurately. This can be done by hand or using printed address labels or stamps, whichever aligns with your preferred style and budget. It is also recommended to include your return address on the outer envelope, usually on the back flap. This helps ensure that any undelivered invitations are returned to you.

Inner Envelope Addressing (Optional):

If you choose to use an inner envelope, which provides an additional layer of protection and formality, the addressing format differs slightly. The inner envelope should indicate the specific names of those invited to the wedding. For example, if a guest is invited with a plus-one, write both their names. If they are invited with a generic plus-one, write the guest's name followed by "and Guest." If children are not invited, address the envelope to the adult guests only. For instance, "John and Victoria Smith" instead of "The Smiths." The inner envelope is typically left unsealed but closed and is placed inside the outer envelope.

Response Card and Envelope Addressing:

Response cards, sometimes called reply cards, are an essential component of wedding invitations. They allow guests to confirm their attendance and provide additional information, such as meal preferences. When addressing response cards, it is customary to include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for your guests' convenience. Numbering the names on your guest list and writing the corresponding number on the back of each response card can help you keep track of responses, especially if a guest forgets to include their name.

Timing and Postage:

It is recommended to assemble and address your wedding invitations at least a week in advance of mailing them, as the process can be more time-consuming than anticipated. Additionally, consider taking a fully assembled invitation to the post office to have it weighed. This will help you determine the correct postage amount, and you can also explore different stamp options to find ones that align with your wedding theme, such as stamps featuring hearts or flowers.

Frequently asked questions