Crafting Formal Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Putting together wedding invitations can be a confusing process, but it's not rocket science. The general rule for putting wedding stationery together is to assemble your invitations in order of sizing. The invitation is the largest card, so all enclosure cards should be stacked neatly on top. The invitation should be placed into the envelope facing up so that the text on the main invitation is legible when removed by the recipient.

If you're including an RSVP card, this should be placed face up under the flap of the return envelope, not inside the envelope. The envelope should be addressed to you and your partner, and postage should already be applied.

Proofread your invitations

Proofreading your wedding invitations is a crucial step in the process of putting them together. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your invitations are error-free and set the right tone for your big day:

Get a Printed Proof:

Begin by obtaining a printed copy of your invitation. Reviewing a physical copy is much easier than proofreading on a screen. Holding the invitation in your hands will also help you feel confident about your colour, design, and paper choices. Check for consistency in colour, type size, and font types across all suite items.

Proof Punctuation & Grammar:

Pay close attention to spellings, including names, and ensure the correct usage of singular and plural. Common mistakes include misspelling, punctuation errors, spacing issues, incorrect dates, and wrong-facing quotation marks.

Proof for Readability:

Check if your text is easily readable. Ensure the type size is appropriate and avoid using script fonts in all caps, as they can be difficult to read. Light text on a light background or dark text on a dark background can also reduce readability.

Proof Photo Quality:

Only use high-quality, high-resolution photos. Check for blurriness and ensure the photo fits the frame properly.

Proof Styling & Graphic Elements:

Check that text and design elements are properly aligned, with proper spacing between lines and words. Ensure there is sufficient spacing between design elements and the edge of the invitation. Also, look out for separated words or lines that appear by themselves because they got separated from the main paragraph.

Enlist Help:

Don't hesitate to enlist the help of trusted family and friends to proofread your invitations. A fresh pair of eyes can catch errors you might have missed.

Confirm Venue and Address Spelling:

It's easy to spot errors in names and common words, but venue names, addresses, cities, and states can be missed. Double-check that all these details are spelled out correctly.

Try Out Your Website Link:

If you're including a link to your wedding website, ensure it works correctly. Consider using a QR code instead of a typed link to make it easier for your guests.

Read Backwards:

When reading, our brains tend to autocorrect, so we might skip over mistakes. Try reading your invitation backwards, isolating each word, to increase the likelihood of identifying errors.

Check Spacing:

Look over the invitation carefully to ensure spacing is correct. Extra spaces can be accidentally added, so check that all spacing is consistent and intentional.

Happy proofreading!

Order of cards

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process for many couples, but it's not too complicated. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to order the cards in formal wedding invitations:

Step 1: Start with the Main Invitation Card

The first card in the stack is the invitation card, which is usually the largest card in the suite. Place it face up on a table. This is the foundation of your invitation suite, with all other pieces built upon it.

Step 2: Add Vellum or Tissue Paper (Optional)

If you have chosen to include a sheet of tissue paper or vellum, place it on top of the invitation card. Traditionally, this was used to prevent ink smudges, but it has become more of a stylistic choice today.

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 tissue/vellum, if using). This card includes important details such as the time and location of the wedding reception and the requested dress code.

Step 4: Include Other Enclosure Cards

Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information cards, face up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.

Step 5: Add the RSVP Card and Envelope

Place the reply envelope face-down on top of the stack of 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.

Step 6: Finishing Touches (Optional)

If you have chosen to add any finishing touches, such as a belly band, ribbon, or wax seal, now is the time to do so. These elements add a stylish final touch to your invitation suite.

Step 7: Insert into Envelope(s)

If you are using two envelopes (an inner and an outer envelope), insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope first, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation, and the folded edge first 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.

If using a single envelope, insert the fully assembled suite with the left edge or folded edge first, ensuring that the text is print-side up so that guests can immediately see it when opening the envelope.

Step 8: Seal and Send

Use a bottled envelope moistener to carefully wet the gummed edge of the outer envelope(s). Place a heavy book on top of the stack to ensure all envelopes are securely sealed. Finally, take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to have it weighed so that you can affix the correct amount of postage.

Congratulations! You have now successfully ordered and assembled your formal wedding invitations.

Calculate postage

When it comes to calculating the postage for your wedding invitations, it's important to consider the weight and dimensions of your invitations, as well as any additional enclosure cards and embellishments. Here are some detailed instructions to help you calculate the correct postage:

• Determine the weight of your invitations: Wedding invitations can vary in weight depending on the number of enclosure cards, the thickness of the paper, and any additional embellishments like ribbons or wax seals. Weighing your invitations is crucial to ensuring you have the correct postage. Use a food scale or a postal scale to weigh a fully assembled invitation, including all enclosure cards and envelopes.
• Consider the shape and size of your invitations: Standard wedding invitation sizes, such as 5" x 7" or 5.5" x 8.5", typically fall within the USPS standard size requirements and won't incur additional postage fees. However, if you're opting for a unique shape, such as square envelopes, be aware that these are considered irregular by USPS and will require extra postage.
• Thickness of your invitations: While a 1/4" thickness may seem substantial, embellishments like ribbons, twine, or wax seals can quickly add bulk to your invitations. If your invitations exceed the 1/4" thickness, you may need to pay additional postage.
• Use online postage calculators: There are online postage calculators available, such as the one provided by Wedding Stamps, that can give you an estimate of the postage rate based on the details of your invitation. These calculators are not official USPS tools, but they can provide a helpful starting point.
• Consult your local post office: Taking a fully assembled invitation to your local post office is the best way to ensure you have the correct postage. They can weigh your invitation, check its thickness, and advise you on the appropriate postage rate. This step is crucial, as insufficient postage can result in your invitations being returned or delayed.
• Buy the correct stamps: Once you know the weight and dimensions of your invitations, you can purchase the appropriate stamps. Forever Stamps are a popular choice for wedding invitations, but if your invitations are heavier or require additional postage due to size or thickness, you may need to purchase specific weight-based stamps, such as a 2-ounce or 3-ounce stamp.
• Consider international postage rates: If you're sending invitations internationally, be sure to inquire about the postage rates for your destination countries. These rates can vary significantly, so it's essential to plan and budget accordingly.
• Hand-canceling your invitations: When you take your invitations to the post office, consider requesting hand-canceling. This means that the post office will manually sort your invitations instead of running them through machines, reducing the risk of damage during the mailing process.
• Practice sending a test invitation: Consider sending a fully assembled test invitation to a member of your wedding party to ensure it arrives safely and on time. This step can give you peace of mind and allow you to make any necessary adjustments before sending out all your invitations.
• Timing of sending out invitations: It's recommended to send out your wedding invitations between four to six weeks ahead of your celebration. By this time, guests would have already received a save-the-date card and should have access to your wedding website for additional details. Sending out invitations within this timeframe ensures that your guests have ample time to make travel arrangements and RSVP.

Remember, while calculating postage for your wedding invitations can seem daunting, following these steps and consulting with your local post office will ensure that your invitations reach your guests without any issues.

Envelope assembly

The envelope is the first thing your guests will see when they receive your wedding invitation, so it's important to get it right. Here are the steps to assemble your wedding invitation envelopes:

• Start with the invitation card: Place the invitation card face up on the table. This is usually the largest card in the suite, so it makes sense to build the rest of the suite on top of it.
• Add vellum or tissue paper (optional): If you have chosen to include a sheet of vellum or tissue paper, place it on top of the invitation card. Traditionally, this was used to prevent ink smudges, but it has become less common with modern printing techniques.
• Stack the reception card: If you have a separate reception card, place it face-up on top of the invitation card (or tissue paper, if using). This card includes important information such as the time, location, and dress code of the wedding reception.
• Add other enclosure cards: Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, accommodation card, or travel information, 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.
• Include the RSVP card and envelope: Place the reply envelope face down on top of the 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 pre-stamp the reply envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.
• Assemble the suite: If you are using an inner envelope and an outer envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge first 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 invitation suite into the outer envelope following the same guidelines.
• Seal the envelope: Use an envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of the envelope, being careful to not use too much to avoid soggy envelopes. Place a heavy book on top of the stack of sealed envelopes to ensure they are securely sealed.
• Add the return address: Make sure your envelopes have address labels. You can use a rubber stamp address label or a skinny wrap.
• Mail your invitations: Before mailing, bring a fully assembled invitation to the post office to weigh it and determine the correct amount of postage needed. It's also a good idea to hand-cancel your invitations at the post office instead of dropping them in a mailbox to reduce the risk of damage during the mailing process.

Send them early

Wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary. It also means that you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to get a final headcount, invite guests on your B list if needed, and complete your seating chart before the week of the wedding.

If your wedding is around a major holiday, it's a good idea to send out invitations earlier, as people will need more time to plan. The same goes for weddings with many overseas guests—in this case, invitations should be sent out at least nine to ten weeks in advance, or even up to a year.

It's also worth noting that save-the-date cards are typically sent out six to eight months before the wedding, or earlier if it's a destination wedding. This gives guests a heads-up to mark their calendars and plan any necessary travel arrangements.

To ensure your invitations arrive with plenty of time, it's recommended to assemble them at least a week before you want to send them out. This process can be time-consuming, especially if you're adding extras like wax seals or belly bands.

Frequently asked questions