The Art Of Packaging Wedding Invites Elegantly

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process. They set the tone for the event and are one of the most important details for establishing the overall look and feel of your wedding. The process of assembling wedding invitations can be tricky, especially if you're adding extras like wax seals or belly bands. However, with a bit of guidance, you can create elegant and luxurious invitations that will impress your guests. Here are some tips to help you package your wedding invites like a pro.

Belly bands, ribbons, and vellum wraps

Belly Bands

Belly bands are a unique way to wrap your invitation suite. They are typically 1-2 inches thick and can be made from solid or patterned paper, or even customised with your own design. To assemble, first measure the width of your invitation, double it, and add one more inch so that the ends overlap. Use glue dots to adhere the belly band to the back of the invitation suite. Then, carefully slide the other pieces of the suite inside so they're snug. You can also use paper cutters or services like FedEx to cut your own belly bands from 8.5"x11" paper sheets.

Ribbons

Ribbons can be a beautiful statement piece for your wedding invites. Silk ribbons with raw edges are a popular choice, but there are also more cost-effective options available. You can choose ribbon widths ranging from 1/8" to 2-3" depending on the desired impact. When tying the ribbon, be aware that a knot will usually require a "nonmachinable surcharge" of around $0.15 on your envelope. Consider using double-sided tape instead of glue to achieve a flat and neat finish.

Vellum Wraps

Vellum has become a popular choice for invitation wraps due to its soft, romantic feel. It can be used as a full piece to wrap the entire suite or cut into 1" strips to use as a band. Use vellum glue dots to adhere the vellum, placing them on the back of the suite to avoid any adhesive showing through.

Inner and outer envelopes

The use of inner and outer envelopes for wedding invitations is a long-standing tradition. Historically, invitations were delivered by a footman and received by a servant. The outer envelope would be dirty from its journey, so the servant would remove the inner envelope and deliver it to the recipient.

The outer envelope is the mailing envelope that is labelled with the guest's address. The inner envelope contains the invitation and other enclosures, and states exactly who is invited to the event. This is especially useful for clarifying who is and isn't invited from the same family. For example, if the outer envelope is addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. David Wilson and Family", the inner envelope might specify "Mr. and Mrs. Wilson and David and Sarah".

The inner envelope is also an opportunity to be more casual. While the outer envelope is formal and includes titles, full names, and sometimes middle names, the inner envelope can include first names only. This is also useful if you are unsure of the preferred pronouns of your guests.

If you are inviting a single person with a plus-one, the inner envelope can be addressed as "Mr. Styles and Guest" or "Harry Styles and Guest".

When addressing inner envelopes to married couples, include both guests' names. For same-sex couples, you can list the names alphabetically or lead with the person you are closest to. For example: "Jack Dawson and Rose Dawson".

For unmarried couples with different last names, include both names or omit both, such as: "Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively".

If you are inviting families with young children, you can include or exclude children by listing their names separately or together on the first or second line. For example: "William, Kate, George, Charlotte, and Louis".

Inner envelopes can also be used to address guests with distinguished titles, such as doctors, judges, or military members.

While the use of inner and outer envelopes is more traditional and formal, it is ultimately up to the couple getting married. Some couples may prefer to cut costs or use their stationery budget for other items, such as letterpress invitations.

RSVP cards and envelopes

RSVPs are essential for wedding planning, providing valuable information that helps with finalising the guest list, confirming catering numbers, and arranging seating. They should be sent out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding, with gentle reminders sent out 2 weeks before if RSVPs are still pending.

RSVP cards should include the following:

• A place for the guest's name(s)
• A place to check off or write the guest's response (attending or not attending)
• A place for the guest to choose their meal (if applicable)
• A place to provide the total number of guests attending
• A place to answer any fun questions or prompts from the couple
• A place to share a note with the couple

When filling out the name line(s), guests should include their first and last names and any relevant titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss). It is important to only include the names of those who were invited and to avoid adding nicknames unless the invitation was addressed with one.

If you are including a self-addressed envelope for guests to send their RSVPs back, ensure that you provide enough envelopes for each card. This makes it convenient for guests to respond promptly.

RSVP cards can also be digital, with couples providing a link to their wedding website or a QR code for guests to scan. This option may be more suitable for your guests, depending on their comfort with digital tools.

Tissue paper and vellum overlays

Vellum is a good option if you want to protect any raised items on your invitations, such as ribbons or rhinestones. It also allows you to showcase a beautifully printed picture or floral design underneath the printed text. You can also print custom text and designs on vellum, which is not possible with tissue paper.

If you are concerned about ink smudging, tissue paper is a better option as vellum does not work well for ink absorption. Tissue paper was traditionally used to prevent smudging when invitations were handwritten, and this tradition has continued despite the change to more modern printing methods.

To assemble your invitations, place the tissue paper or vellum on top of the invitation card. Then, add any other inserts such as maps, reception cards, and travel information. Finally, place the RSVP card under the RSVP envelope flap, ensuring that it is face-up so that the printed side is visible.

Enclosure cards

Types of Enclosure Cards:

Before assembling your invitations, it's important to understand the different types of enclosure cards you can include:

• Reception Card: This card outlines the time and location of the wedding reception and includes important information such as the dress code.
• Map or Direction Card: A map or direction card helps guests navigate to the wedding venue, especially if it's in an obscure location.
• Accommodation or Hotel Card: If you have guests travelling from out of town, an accommodation card provides information on nearby hotels or accommodation options.
• Wedding Website Card: Include your wedding website address and password on an enclosure card. You can also add a QR code that guests can scan for easy access.

Assembling the Enclosure Cards:

When it comes to assembling your wedding invitations with enclosure cards, here's a step-by-step guide:

• Start with the Main Invitation: Place the wedding invitation card face up. This is usually the largest card in the suite.
• Add Tissue Paper or Vellum Overlay (Optional): Traditionally, a sheet of tissue paper was used to prevent ink smudges. If you wish to include it, place it on top of the invitation. You can also use a vellum overlay, which sits on top of the invitation.
• Stack the Reception Card: Place the reception card face-up on top of the invitation (or tissue paper).
• Include Other Enclosure Cards: Add any remaining enclosure cards, such as map cards, accommodation cards, or wedding website cards, face up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest and work your way to the smallest.
• Add the RSVP Card and Envelope: Place the RSVP envelope face-down on top of the enclosure cards. Insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face-up, so the printed side is visible. Don't forget to pre-address and stamp the reply envelope.
• Belly Bands or Ribbons (Optional): If you've chosen to add belly bands, ribbons, or vellum wraps, assemble them now. Belly bands are narrow strips of paper that wrap around your invitation suite, while ribbons can be tied in different styles.

Final Steps:

Once your enclosure cards are assembled, follow these final steps:

• Insert into Envelope: Place 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. The text should be print-side up so that guests can immediately see it when they open the envelope.
• Seal the Envelope: Use an envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of the envelope, being careful not to use too much moisture. Place a heavy book on top of the sealed envelopes to ensure they are secure.
• Return Address: Add address labels, rubber stamps, or SkinnyWraps™ to each envelope.
• Weigh and Post: Before mailing, take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to get the correct postage weight. Ask for hand-cancelling to ensure your invitations are handled with care.

Frequently asked questions