Creating Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process for many couples, but it isn't rocket science. The process can be time-consuming, especially if you're planning to add extras like wax seals or belly bands to the invitations themselves. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to put a wedding invitation together.

Proofread your invites

Proofreading your wedding invitations is a crucial step in the process of putting together your invites. It is your chance to ensure that your invitations are perfect before they go to print. Here are some tips to help you proofread your wedding invitations effectively:

Get a Printed Proof

It is much easier to proofread a printed copy of your invitation than reviewing it on a screen. Holding a physical copy will help you feel confident about your colour, design, and paper choices.

Proof Punctuation and Grammar

Check all spellings, including names, and ensure that you are using the correct form of words (e.g. honour/honor and favour/favor). Pay attention to singular and plural forms and remember to add a space after a comma. Check that you have used the correct form of punctuation and that your quotation marks are facing the right way.

Proof for Consistency

Check that there is consistency in colour, type size, font types, and wording across all items in your suite.

Proof for Readability

Check that your text is easy to read. Consider whether your type size is big enough, or perhaps too big. Remember that script fonts in all caps can be difficult to read.

Proof Photo Quality

Only use high-quality, high-resolution photos. Check for blurriness and ensure that your photos fit the frame.

Proof Styling and Graphic Elements

Check that text and design elements are properly aligned, with correct spacing between lines and words. Ensure that the type is not too close to design elements or the edge of the page. Look out for any opening or ending words or lines that have become separated from the main body of text.

Ask for Help

One of the best proofing tips is to ask a trusted friend or family member to help you proofread. A fresh pair of eyes can spot mistakes you might have missed.

Order cards by size

Wedding invitation suites usually consist of multiple cards in different sizes. To ensure your invitations are neat and easy to read, it's important to stack your cards in the correct order and orientation. Here's a step-by-step guide to ordering your wedding invitation cards by size:

Step 1: Start with the Main Invitation Card

The wedding invitation card is typically the largest card in the suite and serves as the foundation for the rest of the cards. Place the invitation card at the bottom of your stack, with the printed side facing up. This will ensure that your guests see the invitation first when they open the envelope.

Step 2: Add Vellum Liners (Optional)

If you have chosen to include a thin sheet of vellum between each invite, place it on top of the invitation card. Vellum liners were traditionally used to prevent ink from smearing during mailing, but they can also add a elegant touch to your invitation suite.

Step 3: Stack the Reception Card

If you are including a separate reception card, place it face-up on top of the invitation card (or the vellum liner, if you've chosen to include one). The reception card provides important details such as the time and location of the wedding reception and any requested dress code.

Step 4: Add Other Enclosure Cards

Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards, map cards, or hotel accommodation cards, on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, order them from largest to smallest, with the largest card directly on top of the reception card. This ensures a neat and tidy stack that fits neatly into your envelope.

Step 5: Don't Forget the RSVP Card and Envelope

The RSVP card and envelope are essential components of your invitation suite. Place the RSVP envelope face-down on top of the stack of enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. Then, insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face-up, so that the printed side is visible. Don't forget to pre-address and stamp the reply envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Final Step: Assemble and Insert into Envelope

Once you have stacked all the cards in the correct order, it's time to insert them into the envelope. If you are using an inner envelope, place the assembled stack 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. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope. If you are using only an outer envelope, simply place the assembled stack into the outer envelope following the same guidelines. Ensure that the text on the invitation card is facing the envelope flap so that your guests see it immediately upon opening.

Add tissue or vellum

Adding tissue or vellum to your wedding invitation is a great way to add a layer of protection and a touch of elegance. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you decide if using tissue or vellum is right for your wedding invitations:

History and Purpose of Tissue and Vellum:

The use of tissue or vellum in wedding invitations dates back to the time when invitations were handwritten with quill pens and ink pots. Tissue paper was placed over the invitation to prevent smudging and protect the ink from getting damp during transport. While modern printing methods have reduced the risk of smudging, the use of tissue or vellum has continued as a tradition, especially in formal wedding invitations.

Tissue Paper:

Tissue paper is thin, delicate, and slightly translucent, usually in white or cream colours. It is placed over the invitation card and sometimes between each card in the ensemble. Tissue paper can add a soft, cloudy appearance to your invitation suite. It is often cut to standard sizes, just enough to cover the wording on the invite. While tissue paper is a traditional choice, it may not be necessary for preventing smudging with modern printing methods.

Vellum:

Vellum is a contemporary alternative to tissue paper, offering more translucency and a modern look. It is also thin and delicate but is available in a variety of colours and sizes, making it a popular choice for DIY invitations. Vellum can be easily cut to custom sizes and can even be printed with custom text and designs, giving you more creative freedom. However, if your main concern is ink smudging, tissue paper is still recommended over vellum.

When to Use Tissue or Vellum:

• Inkjet Printing: Invitations printed with inkjet printers are more prone to smudging, so using tissue can help prevent this issue.
• Multiple Cards: If your invitation has several cards, they can rub against each other and cause smudging or scratching. Tissue or vellum inserts provide a protective layer.
• Embellishments: If your invitation includes crystals, ribbons, or other embellishments, tissue or vellum can help prevent them from moving or getting damaged during mailing.
• Pocket Invitations: Pocket invitations, where cards are folded and stacked together, are more susceptible to smudging and scratching, so inserts are recommended.

Assembly Tips:

When assembling your wedding invitations with tissue or vellum, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Placement: Place the tissue or vellum overlay on top of the invitation card, followed by any additional cards or enclosures.
• Order of Cards: Start with the invitation card, then add the reception card (if applicable), any enclosure cards (such as maps or accommodation details), and finally, the reply card and envelope.
• Assembly Line: Create an assembly line to speed up the process, especially if you have a large number of invitations to stuff and send out.
• Inner and Outer Envelopes: Traditionally, wedding invitations used inner and outer envelopes. The inner envelope holds the invitation suite and lists the names of the invited guests, while the outer envelope is for mailing. However, using a single envelope is also common and can help cut costs.
• Direction of Invitations: Ensure that your wedding invitation is face up inside the envelope, with the text facing the envelope flap, so guests see the invitation as soon as they open it.

Calculate postage

When it comes to wedding invitations, postage is a crucial aspect that is often overlooked. To ensure your invitations reach their destination, calculating the correct postage is essential. Here are some detailed instructions to help you navigate this process:

Weight and Dimensions:

The weight and dimensions of your wedding invitation suite play a significant role in determining the required postage. Most standard USPS postage rates are based on weight, with a $0.73 charge for an envelope weighing up to one ounce. Each additional ounce incurs an extra cost of $0.28. The weight of your invitation suite depends on the number of pieces, the weight of the paper, and any embellishments like wax seals or ribbons. It's recommended to have your fully assembled invitation weighed at the post office to determine the exact postage needed.

Shape and Size:

The shape and size of your invitation suite can also impact postage costs. Unusual shapes, such as squares or circles, may require additional postage. Ensure your envelopes meet the standard USPS size requirements to avoid any issues.

Embellishments and Non-Machinable Elements:

Embellishments like wax seals, ribbons, or thick enclosures can affect the cost of postage. These elements may require your invitations to be hand-cancelled, which means a postmaster will manually stamp each envelope instead of using postal machines. There is usually an extra fee for this service, typically $0.44 per envelope. If your suite includes non-machinable elements, hand-cancelling is often necessary to prevent damage during the mailing process.

International Postage:

When sending invitations internationally, the postage rates differ. A "Global Forever" stamp costs $1.55 for a one-ounce letter. Remember that most countries will not accept foreign postage, so your guests will need to purchase their own stamps for RSVP responses.

RSVP Postage:

Don't forget to include postage on your RSVP envelopes. Pre-stamping these envelopes is considered proper etiquette and will encourage faster responses from your guests.

Where to Purchase Stamps:

You can buy stamps from the United States Postal Service (USPS), which offers various themes, colours, and denominations. Amazon is another option for stamps, especially those that have been recently retired. Etsy provides a wide selection of vintage and unique stamps, including state stamps for a personal touch.

Designing with Stamps:

Consider the aesthetic appeal of your stamps. You can create a cohesive look by sticking to a single colour palette or mixing new and vintage stamps. Play around with different arrangements, such as lining the stamps across the top of the envelope or stacking them from shortest to tallest.

Practice Send:

Before sending out all your invitations, consider mailing a test invitation to a member of the wedding party to ensure it arrives without any issues.

Calculating postage for wedding invitations can be a detailed process, but by following these steps, you can ensure your invitations are properly stamped and ready for delivery.

Send invites early

Sending out your wedding invites early is a crucial part of planning a wedding. It is important to give your guests ample time to respond and make travel arrangements. Here are some reasons why sending out your wedding invitations early is beneficial:

Allow Guests to Plan Ahead

Sending out your wedding invitations early allows your guests to plan their schedules and make any necessary arrangements. This is especially important if your wedding falls on a busy time of year, such as a holiday weekend, or if you have a destination wedding. By giving your guests a heads-up, you increase the chances of them being able to attend.

Get a Final Head Count

Sending out your invitations early means you can request RSVPs sooner and get a more accurate head count for your big day. This will help you with seating charts and finalising numbers with your caterers and vendors. It also gives you the option to invite guests on your B-list if needed.

Save-the-Date

While sending out save-the-date cards is not mandatory, it is a good idea to do so, especially if you are having a destination wedding or getting married during a busy season. Save-the-date cards should be sent out 4-6 months or even up to a year in advance to give your guests a timely heads-up. This increases the likelihood of your guests being able to attend and boosts the number of positive RSVPs you receive later on.

Avoid Last-Minute Stress

By sending out your invitations early, you can avoid the last-minute stress of waiting for RSVPs and finalising details. It also gives you a buffer in case there are any delays or issues with the postal service.

Cultural Considerations

It is worth noting that the ideal timeline for sending out wedding invitations varies depending on cultural norms and your location. For example, in Sweden, it is customary to send out wedding invitations a year in advance. Be mindful of any cultural or regional differences and plan accordingly.

In conclusion, sending out your wedding invitations early is a thoughtful gesture that allows your guests to plan ahead and ensures you have the information you need to finalise your wedding plans. It is a simple way to reduce stress for both you and your guests as you look forward to your special day.

Frequently asked questions