The Perfect Wedding Invitation Assembly Guide

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process for many couples, but it isn't rocket science. While there are a few wedding invitation etiquette guidelines to follow, a quick read-through of the steps will make a world of difference when it comes to assembling your wedding invitations. Here is a simple guide to properly assembling your wedding invitations.

Order of assembly

Wedding invitations are usually assembled in size order, with each card placed face up and the largest card at the bottom. Here is a step-by-step guide to the order of assembly:

• Start with the invitation card at the bottom, with the printed side facing up.
• If you are using a thin 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 optional.
• Place the reception card, face up, on top of the invitation card.
• Stack 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 there is more than one enclosure card, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.
• Place the reply 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, so that the printed side is visible.
• If you are using a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, assemble this now.
• If you are using an inner envelope, place the assembled invitation suite inside, with the left edge going in first for a single card, or the folded edge for a folded invitation. The text should be print-side up, so that when the flap is opened, the text is immediately visible.
• If you are using an outer envelope, insert the inner envelope, with the names of the guests visible when it is opened. If you are not using an inner envelope, insert the assembled invitation suite directly into the outer envelope in the same way.
• Seal the envelope using a bottled envelope moistener, taking care not to use too much liquid.
• Add the return address to the envelope.
• Finally, take your invitation to the post office to check how much postage you will need.

Envelope liners

If you're looking to add envelope liners to your wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, they are usually sold separately from the envelopes themselves, so be sure to order the correct size to fit your chosen envelopes. Most envelope liners will come with an easy-to-use peel-off adhesive strip, so you can simply slide the liner into the envelope and press it into place. This means no glue is required, making assembly quick and mess-free.

To assemble your envelopes with liners, start by peeling off the adhesive strip from the liner. Carefully slide the liner into the envelope, using the sides of the flap to centre it. Once lined up, firmly press the liner to adhere it to the envelope. Using the crease on the envelope flap as your guide, close the envelope and press the fold.

If you're looking for a more sustainable option, consider using recycled paper for your envelope liners. Some companies even offer to plant a tree for every order placed, so you can add a personal touch to your invitations while also helping the environment.

Sealing the envelope

Methods for Sealing:

• Bottled Envelope Moistener: Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of the envelope. Be careful not to use too much moisture to avoid soggy, puckered envelopes.
• Q-Tip and Water: Dip a Q-tip in water and use it to moisten the gum/glue seal. After closing the envelope, press firmly around the entire perimeter of the flap a few times.
• Paintbrush, Water, and Adhesive: Similar to the Q-tip method, but with a paintbrush. This allows you to hold more water and add a dash of water-soluble adhesive for extra security. Be careful not to use too much water, as it may cause wrinkling.
• Glue Sticks: Clear glue sticks or specialised paper glue can be used instead of the envelope's adhesive. Apply a thin layer to the flap and press to seal.
• Double-Sided Tape: Double-sided adhesive rollers work well, especially with straight flap envelopes.
• Washi Tape: Decorative tape in various colours and patterns can be used to seal and add a creative touch to your envelopes.
• Wax Seals: For a more elegant and traditional look, use wax seals. You can even customise the stamp to match your wedding theme or create a unique symbol.

Additional Tips:

• Heavy Compression: After sealing, place the envelopes under a heavy book while they dry to reduce flap wrinkling and ensure a strong seal.
• Inner Envelope: Traditionally, the inner envelope is left unsealed. It is placed inside the outer envelope, which is then sealed.
• Return Address: Don't forget to add address labels or stamps to the envelopes before sealing.
• Hand-Cancelling: Before mailing, bring your invitations to the post office to be hand-cancelled. This ensures they are manually sorted instead of going through machines, reducing the risk of damage.
• Stickers: For a simple and decorative option, use stickers to seal the envelopes. You can buy pre-made stickers or customise your own to match your wedding theme. Ensure the stickers are the right size to successfully close the envelopes.

Sealing your wedding invitations is an important step to ensure they arrive safely and securely to your guests. Choose a method that suits your style and theme, and always test on a single envelope before sealing your entire batch.

Weighing and postage

Weighing your wedding invitations and calculating the correct postage is a crucial step in the process of assembling and sending out your wedding invitations. Here is a detailed guide on weighing and posting your wedding invitations:

Weighing Your Wedding Invitations:

Before purchasing postage for your wedding invitations, it is essential to determine their weight. The weight of your invitations will depend on various factors, such as the thickness of the paper, the number of enclosure cards, the use of a pocket-fold, and any embellishments included, such as ribbons or wax seals.

It is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation, with all its enclosures and embellishments, to your local post office to have it weighed. This will ensure that you purchase the correct amount of postage. Most post offices will be happy to help you determine the required postage for your invitations.

Determining the Correct Postage:

The amount of postage required for your wedding invitations will depend on their weight and dimensions. Here are some guidelines to help you determine the correct postage:

• Standard Weight and Size: If your wedding invitations are standard size and weigh under one ounce, you will typically need a single Forever Stamp, which covers the cost of first-class postage.
• Over One Ounce: If your invitations weigh more than one ounce but less than two ounces, you will need additional postage, such as a two-ounce stamp.
• Irregular Shapes: Square wedding invitations are considered irregular by USPS and will require additional postage. As of 2023, square envelopes cost about $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce. Always check with USPS for the most current rates before buying your stamps.
• Thickness: If your wedding invitation includes ribbons, twine, or wax seals, it may exceed a thickness of 1/4". In such cases, additional postage may be required.

Purchasing Postage:

You can purchase postage for your wedding invitations at your local post office or online. When buying stamps, consider the following:

• Special Stamps: You don't need special stamps for wedding invitations, but you may want to choose stamps that match your wedding theme or colour scheme.
• Forever Stamps: Wedding Forever Stamps are wedding-themed versions of the standard Forever Stamp, which covers first-class postage forever, regardless of future price increases. These stamps have no expiration or denomination and are a good option if your invitations weigh one ounce or less.
• Postcard Stamps: Postcard stamps are specifically for postcards and are less expensive than Forever Stamps. They are suitable for save-the-date postcards or wedding announcement postcards but not for the main invitation suite.
• Vintage Stamps: Vintage stamps are older stamps that are often carefully preserved and may cost more than their original postage value. They can add a unique and elegant touch to your invitations.
• Number of Stamps: The number of postage stamps you need depends on the weight and dimensions of your stuffed envelope. For heavier invitations, you may need additional postage stamps in smaller denominations, such as 20-cent stamps, to make up the difference.
• Other Stationery: Don't forget to purchase stamps for your save-the-dates and RSVP cards as well. It is recommended to have at least three stamps per invitation suite.

Mailing Your Wedding Invitations:

Once you have assembled and weighed your wedding invitations, and purchased the correct postage, you are ready to mail them. Here are some final tips:

• Hand-Canceling: Consider requesting hand-canceling for your wedding invitations at the post office. This means that the post office will manually sort the envelopes instead of running them through machines, reducing the risk of damage during the mailing process.
• Timing: Wedding etiquette suggests sending out invitations between four to six weeks before your wedding celebration. However, guests should already have received a save-the-date card and have access to your wedding website for travel and accommodation details.
• RSVP Date: On your RSVP card, include a date for guests to reply by, especially if you need to provide final numbers to your caterer. It is recommended to set this date earlier than technically needed to allow for any late responses.

Remember to give yourself enough time to assemble and stuff your wedding invitations, as it can be a more time-consuming process than expected, especially with additional embellishments. Enjoy the process, and don't forget to proofread and double-check all the details before sending out your invitations!

RSVP cards

Assembly Instructions:

• Start with the RSVP card: Place the RSVP card, also known as the reply or response card, face-up on your work surface. This card will be smaller than the main invitation.
• Add the RSVP envelope: Place the RSVP envelope, printed side down, on top of the RSVP card. The flap of the envelope should be on the left. Ensure that the RSVP envelope is pre-addressed and pre-stamped to make it convenient for your guests to respond.
• Insert the RSVP card into the envelope: Tuck the RSVP card under the flap of the RSVP envelope, ensuring that the printed side of the card is visible. This way, your guests will see the card's instructions when they open the envelope.
• Stack the RSVP suite: If you have other enclosure cards, such as accommodation or travel information, you can place them together with the RSVP card and envelope. Enclosure cards are typically placed face-up, with the largest card on the bottom.
• Optional embellishments: If you wish to add a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap to your invitation suite, now is the time to do so. These elements add a stylish touch to your invitations.
• Place the RSVP suite in the main envelope: Insert the fully assembled RSVP suite, along with any other enclosure cards, into the main invitation envelope. Ensure that the text on the main invitation is print-side up, so your guests can immediately read it when they open the envelope.

Content and Wording:

When designing your RSVP cards, here are some key elements and wording suggestions to consider:

• Request for Response: Clearly indicate that guests should fill out and return the card. You can use phrases such as "RSVP," "Reply," "Kindly respond," or "Please reply."
• Guest Line: This is where guests will write their names. Traditionally, an RSVP card includes an "M" followed by a line ("M__________"). However, for a more straightforward approach, you can simply write "Name(s)__________."
• Number of Invited Guests Line: If you are hosting an adults-only wedding or have specific guest number restrictions, you can include a line indicating the number of guests invited, such as "We have reserved ___ seats in your honour."
• Response Deadline: Set a deadline for responses, typically 2-3 weeks before your wedding date. This will help you finalise catering and seating arrangements.
• Accepts/Regrets Line: This is the most important line, where guests indicate their attendance. You can have some fun with the wording, such as "_____ accepts with pleasure" or "_____ declines with regret."
• Number Attending Line: If you want an exact guest count, include a line for guests to specify the number of people attending from their party.
• Meal Selection: If you are offering multiple entrée options, include a section for guests to indicate their meal choices.
• Additional Requests: Use the RSVP card to gather extra details from your guests. This could be playful, such as song requests, or practical, such as arrival dates for a destination wedding.

Remember to proofread your RSVP cards carefully and ensure they match the style and design of your wedding invitations. Happy assembling!

Frequently asked questions