The Art Of Stuffing Wedding Invitation Envelopes

Wedding invitations are a chance to make a stunning introduction to your special day. But with multiple cards and enclosures, assembling them can be a tricky task. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you properly stuff a wedding invitation envelope.

Order of placement

The order of placement for wedding invitation envelopes is important to ensure that your invitations are pristine when they reach your guests. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly stuff and layer the contents:

Firstly, prepare your materials. You will need the wedding invitation, reception card, response card and envelope, map or accommodation cards (if applicable), tissue paper or vellum (optional), inner envelope, and outer envelope.

Secondly, ensure all envelopes are addressed and stamped to avoid any indentations on the invitation from writing.

Now, you are ready to begin assembling. Place the wedding invitation, print side up, into the inner envelope, with the front of the invitation facing the open flap. If using tissue paper or vellum, place this on top of the invitation.

Next, add the reception card, face-up, on top of the invitation. If your invitation is folded, place all enclosures within the folds, rather than on top.

Then, add any enclosure cards, such as maps or accommodation details, face-up, on top of the reception card. If there is more than one enclosure card, start with the largest and work your way to the smallest.

After this, add the response envelope, printed side down, on top of the enclosure cards. Insert the response card under the envelope flap, printed side up. Remember to pre-stamp the response envelope.

Finally, slip the unsealed inner envelope into the outer envelope, ensuring the names on the inner envelope are visible when the outer envelope is opened.

Your wedding invitation is now ready to be placed in the mail.

Tissue paper/vellum

Tissue paper and vellum are both common additions to wedding invitations. They are usually placed between the cards in the envelope and are used for a combination of aesthetic and practical reasons.

Tissue paper is a thin, delicate, slightly translucent paper that is usually white or cream. It is often cut to standard sizes, just covering the wording on an invite. Tissue paper is used to prevent smudging, as it absorbs any excess ink. It is also used to provide a formal presentation and protect the invitation from scratches or damage during mailing.

Vellum is a contemporary alternative to tissue paper, offering more translucency and a more modern look. It is available in a variety of colours and sizes and can be printed with custom text and designs. Vellum is thicker and heavier than tissue paper, and it is often used to protect embellishments such as ribbons and rhinestones. It helps to prevent damage during mailing by creating a protective barrier.

To assemble your wedding invitations with tissue paper or vellum, follow these steps:

• Place the invitation card face-up on a table.
• Layer the tissue paper or vellum on top of the invitation card.
• Add the reception card face-up on top of the tissue paper or vellum.
• Stack any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps or accommodation cards, face-up on top of the reception card.
• Place the response card under the flap of its envelope, ensuring it is stamped and addressed. Place the card and envelope on top of the enclosure cards, with the printed side facing up.
• Tuck the stacked invitation pieces into the envelope with the printed sides facing the envelope flap.
• If using two envelopes, insert the assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope first, ensuring the guests' names are visible when the envelope is opened. Then, place the inner envelope into the outer envelope.
• If using a single envelope, insert the assembled invitation suite directly into the outer envelope.

Remember, the use of tissue paper and vellum is optional and depends on the style and tone of your wedding. They can add a formal touch and provide protection for your carefully crafted invitations.

Reception card

The reception card is an important part of your wedding invitation suite, providing guests with essential information about the celebration. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly include the reception card when stuffing your wedding invitation envelopes:

Placement of the Reception Card

Place the reception card face-up on top of the wedding invitation. This means that the printed side of the reception card should be visible as guests open the envelope. The reception card typically includes details such as the time and location of the wedding reception, as well as any specific dress code or other relevant information.

Order of Cards

When assembling multiple enclosure cards, including the reception card, it is customary to arrange them by size, with the largest card on the bottom. If there are multiple enclosure cards of similar size, you can place them in any order that makes sense. However, if they differ in size, start with the largest card and work your way down to the smallest.

Assembly Process

Before stuffing the envelopes, create an assembly line to streamline the process. Clear a table and lay out all the necessary pieces, including the reception cards, in neat piles. Once you have assembled the invitation suite, with the reception card in the correct position, carefully tuck the stacked invitation pieces into the envelope. Ensure that the printed sides of the cards are facing you as you insert them into the envelope.

Additional Tips

If you are using a tissue paper or vellum overlay, place it on top of the wedding invitation before adding the reception card. Additionally, don't forget to stamp the response cards and include them in the envelope as well. Finally, consider having your assembled invitation weighed at the post office to ensure you apply the correct amount of postage.

Enclosure cards

Step 1: Reception Card

The reception card outlines the time and location of the wedding reception and includes important details such as the requested dress code. Place the reception card face-up on top of the invitation. If you are using a folded-style invitation, place the reception card inside the fold.

Step 2: Additional Enclosure Cards

Additional enclosure cards can include maps, hotel accommodations, and travel information. Place these cards face-up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest card and work your way down to the smallest. If you have a wedding website, include the URL and password on one of these cards.

Step 3: RSVP Card and Envelope

The RSVP card and envelope are a crucial part of your invitation suite. 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. Don't forget to pre-address and pre-stamp the reply envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond. Number your guest list and write the corresponding number on the back of each reply card to keep track of responses.

Step 4: Assembly and Stuffing

Now that you have assembled all the enclosure cards, it's time to stuff them into the envelope. If you are using an inner envelope and an outer envelope, insert the assembled suite into the inner envelope first, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge for a folded invitation. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope so that the guests' names are visible when they open it.

If you are using just one envelope, insert the fully assembled suite into the envelope following the same guidelines. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope is opened.

Tips:

• Consider having an assembly party! Invite friends and family to help with the process, and don't forget the wine and snacks.
• Weigh your assembled invitation at the post office to ensure you have the correct postage.
• Use envelope moisteners instead of licking the envelopes.
• Consider including a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap to hold all the pieces together neatly.

RSVP card and envelope

The RSVP card and envelope are essential components of a wedding invitation suite. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly include them:

The RSVP Card:

The RSVP card, also known as a response card, is a crucial element that facilitates guests' responses to your wedding invitation. It typically includes the following information:

• Space for guests to write their names: On formal RSVP cards, there might be an "M" at the start of the line, indicating that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss).
• Attendance line: Guests will mark their acceptance or regret, usually with a checkbox, circling, or fill-in-the-blank format.
• Entree selection: If you're serving a plated meal, guests can select their entrée choices on the RSVP card.
• Special requests: You may include a line for guests to write song requests, drink preferences, or any other special requests.
• RSVP deadline: Include a prominent deadline, usually about four weeks before the wedding date, to ensure a timely response.

The RSVP Envelope:

The RSVP envelope is equally important as it ensures a smooth and convenient response process for your guests. Here's what you need to consider:

• Pre-addressed and pre-stamped: Provide pre-printed envelopes with the name(s) and address of the person(s) handling the RSVPs. This could be you, your partner, your parents, or your wedding planner. Don't forget to include postage!
• Return address: Ensure your envelopes have address labels or return address stamps.
• Assembly: Place the RSVP envelope printed side down on top of the other enclosure cards, with the envelope flap on the left. Then, insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, face up, so the printed side is visible.

Frequently asked questions