Minted Wedding Invitations: A Guide To Assembling Yours

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, but Minted is here to help. Minted offers a wide range of elegant and customizable wedding invitations, with unique designs from independent artists. You can tailor every detail, from the paper type to the printing style, to create a stunning suite that reflects your style and tells your unique love story.

Minted also provides comprehensive guides on wedding invitation etiquette, including how to assemble your invitations, how to address envelopes, and what information to include. With their easy-to-use customization tools, responsive designers, and free consultation services, you can create elegant invitations that perfectly set the tone for your special day.

How to assemble your wedding invitations

Each element in the wedding invitation suite, from the intricate event details to the finishing touches, comes together to create a stunning introduction to your special day. Due to the amount of information, a wedding invitation suite usually consists of multiple cards in different sizes.

Step 1: Get the main invitation card

For the most part, wedding invitations are assembled in size order, with each card placed face up and the largest card at the bottom. Start with the invitation card at the bottom, with the printed side facing up.

Step 2: Add vellum liners

If your invitations include a thin sheet of vellum, it’s your choice whether to include it or not (traditionally, this was used to prevent the ink from smearing or rubbing off during mailing). If you’d like to include it, place the sheet of vellum on top of the invitation card.

Step 3: Stack the reception card

If you are using a reception card, place it face up on top of the wedding invite.

Step 4: Stack other enclosure cards

Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards, map cards, or hotel accommodations cards, face up on top of the reception card.

If you have a wedding website, include the website address and password info on one of the enclosure cards. Many couples also opt for a QR code that guests can easily scan to visit the website. Make sure to have your website updated before sending out the invitation suite.

Pro Tip: If the main wedding invitation is a folded card, place enclosures within the folded invitation (not on top).

Step 5: Add a RSVP card and envelope to the suite

If you have chosen a traditional, mailed RSVP card, place the envelope for your RSVP—printed side down—on top of the enclosure cards, with the envelope flap on the left. The envelope should be pre-printed with the mailing address, and the reply card (another term for your RSVP card) should be inserted under the envelope flap, face up so the printed side is visible. Don’t forget to pre-stamp the reply envelope.

Step 6: Time for the finishing touch

If you have chosen to add a belly band, a ribbon, or a vellum wrap to your suite, assemble this now. Belly bands are narrow strips of paper that are designed to wrap around your wedding suite and come with clear stickers to seal them in place. Ribbons can be tied in a variety of ways, such as a wraparound band, knot, or bow.

Step 7: Recipient addressing

While more formal invitation suites may include inner and outer envelopes, Minted has shifted toward sustainability and simplicity by using just a single outer envelope. For this reason, only outer envelopes are included with Minted invitations. Traditionally, calligraphy was used to address envelopes, but you could also print the names and addresses directly on the envelopes for an efficient and polished look.

Step 8: Insert the whole suite into the envelope

If you purchase slip-in envelope liners with your invitations, slide these into your envelopes before inserting your suite. Insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope (left edge first for a single-card invitation; folded edge first for a folded invitation). The text should be print-side up, so when the flap is opened, guests can immediately read the invite.

Step 9: Seal the envelope

Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of your outer envelopes, being careful not to use too much to avoid soggy, puckered envelopes. After sealing all the envelopes, place a heavy book on top to ensure they are securely sealed. Add the wax seal after securing your envelope if you opt for one.

Step 10: Return address

Make sure your envelopes have address labels. You can apply a SkinnyWrap™ or a rubber stamp address label at this point.

Step 11: Mail and done

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Before mailing your wedding invitations, bring a fully assembled set to the post office and ask them to weigh it so you know exactly how much postage you’ll need. Be sure to also ask about international postage rates, if applicable. Once all your envelopes are stamped with sufficient postage, bring them to the post office to be hand-canceled (instead of dropping them in a mailbox) to reduce the risk of your invites being damaged in the mail.

How to address your wedding invitation envelopes

Wedding invitations can include an inner and outer envelope, but the inner envelope is strictly optional. The outer envelope is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope only has the names of the invitees and contains the invitation inside. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to address your wedding invitation envelopes:

How to Address a Wedding Invitation to a Married Couple with the Same Last Name

Traditionally, the man’s full name is written out, with the titles "Mr. and Mrs." included. You can also opt to include both first names individually for a less traditional spin.

How to Address a Wedding Invitation to a Married Couple with Different Last Names

For married couples with different last names, simply write out their full names with "Mr." or "Mrs." on the stationery. Either the man or woman can be mentioned first.

How to Address a Wedding Invitation to a Single Person

For single persons, whether male, female, or non-binary, the proper prefix should be used in addressing your guests. For male guests, use "Mr." then his full name. For female guests, use "Ms." then her full name. For non-binary guests, use the abbreviation "Mx." then their full name.

How to Address a Wedding Invitation to a Single Guest that Gets a Plus One

For a single guest that gets to bring a plus one, it’s best to know the name of the person your invitee will bring. If not, simply include “& Guest” or “and guest,” following the full name of the invitee.

How to Address a Wedding Invitation to an Unmarried Couple

For an unmarried couple that lives together, the full names of each guest should either be listed on one or two lines on the stationery, with the appropriate titles placed. It’s best to open the starting line with the person you are closer to. The same goes for same-sex couples. Conversely, couples that don’t live together and aren’t married should receive separate invitations.

How to Address a Wedding Invitation to an Engaged Couple

For engaged couples, it can be tricky to know how to address wedding invitations to them. If you want to opt for a more formal route, it’s best to address both people as unmarried. However, if you want to be casual, you can lean into the idea of the couple being future newlyweds.

How to Address a Wedding Invitation to a Family

If you want to be general, you can simply address the envelope to the whole family or include “& children” following the names of the married couple. In contrast, if you want to be specific about which family members are invited, list the names of the children (in order of birth) in separate lines after addressing their parents in the opening line. Same-sex families should follow the same format.

How to Address Wedding Invitations to Those with Distinguished Titles

For those with distinguished titles, there are several ways these individuals can be inscribed, married or not. When inviting two married doctors, the couple should be addressed as "The Doctors," which can be spelled out or abbreviated. For married couples where one is a doctor, the order of addressing can vary depending on who is the doctor. In a heterosexual couple, if the woman is the doctor, her name should be listed with the title "Dr." before her husband's full name. For other married couples with distinguished titles, the same rule applies. Whichever partner holds a "higher" title is listed first.

How to Address Wedding Invitation Envelope Home Addresses

Their home addresses should be placed a line below their names. Make sure to avoid abbreviations if you prefer a more formal invitation. If not, abbreviations such as St., Rd., and CA (for California) should suffice.

How to customise your wedding invitations

Minted offers a wide range of customisation options for your wedding invitations. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to customise your wedding invitations:

Step 1: Choose a Design

Firstly, browse the various wedding invitation designs offered by Minted. You can filter your search by style, such as foil-pressed, formal, simple minimalist, rustic boho, or floral and botanical. Once you've found a design you like, you can further customise it to match your vision.

Step 2: Customise Your Design

Minted provides easy-to-use customisation tools that allow you to adjust various elements of your chosen design. Here are some changes you can make yourself:

• Select a colour (including custom colours)
• Choose a unique silhouette shape
• Choose your paper type
• Update the text (change the tone or type of information)
• Add custom foil text
• Add a back-of-card design and enclosure cards in different shapes

If you need to make changes beyond these standard options, you can submit a design request with your order. A design associate will make the edits and send you unlimited proofs until your design is perfect. Here are some additional changes a design associate can make:

• Match your wedding colours
• Adjust text layout and add or remove text boxes
• Incorporate symbols, illustrations, crests, or QR codes that you provide
• Find a font for your language

Step 3: Consult a Stationery Expert

If you need help customising your design, Minted offers free consultations with their stationery experts. They can guide you through the customisation process and ensure that your invitations reflect your unique style.

Step 4: Order Samples

Before finalising your design, you can order free samples to see the paper types and printing techniques in person. This will help you make informed decisions about the paper, printing, and colours for your invitations.

Step 5: Finalise Your Design

Once you're happy with your custom design, submit your order, and Minted will create your invitations, incorporating your feedback along the way.

Step 6: Assemble Your Invitations

After receiving your invitations, it's time to assemble them. Minted provides a step-by-step guide on how to assemble your wedding invitations, including the order of the cards, adding finishing touches like belly bands or ribbons, and inserting them into the envelopes.

By following these steps, you can create beautiful, customised wedding invitations that set the tone for your special day.

How to add finishing touches to your wedding invitations

Wedding invitations are a prelude to one of the most memorable days of your life. Adding finishing touches to your wedding invitations can make all the difference. Here are some ideas to elevate your wedding invitations and give them the royal treatment they deserve:

Belly Bands, Ribbon, or Vellum Wrap

Belly bands, ribbons, or vellum wraps are a great way to add a finishing touch to your wedding invitations. These can be made from different materials such as paper, vellum, or fabric and can be tied in various ways, such as a wraparound band, a knot, or a bow. When using ribbons, consider using double-sided tape instead of glue for a neater finish. Don't forget to include clear stickers to secure the bands in place.

Wax Seals and Custom Stickers

Add a touch of elegance to your wedding invitations with wax seals or custom stickers. Wax seals come in various designs and leave a unique imprint, while custom stickers provide a smooth finish. If you opt for wax seals, keep in mind that they will require additional postage.

Envelope Liners

Envelope liners add a pop of colour or pattern to your invitations. They come in different materials such as foil or paper and can be slipped into the envelope easily using the adhesive strip. Envelope liners are a great way to surprise your guests and elevate the overall aesthetic of your invitation suite.

Custom Stamps and Vintage Postage

Custom stamps and vintage postage are a fun way to add a unique touch to your wedding invitations. Choose stamps that match your wedding theme or colour palette to tie everything together. Using vintage postage stamps adds a bit of charm and makes receiving your invitation feel extra special.

Invitation Jackets and Pockets

Invitation jackets and pockets are like a dress for your invitations. They come in various materials such as lace, velvet, or paper and can be customised with your names, monogram, or wedding date. These exquisite designs will surely impress your guests and elevate the presentation of your invitation suite.

Remember, you can mix and match these finishing touches to create a unique and personalised invitation suite that reflects your dream wedding. Happy crafting!

How to correctly word your wedding invitations

The wording of your wedding invitations is an important part of the process. You want to make sure you include all the necessary information, while also ensuring the tone and style match your wedding's theme. Here are some tips to help you correctly word your wedding invitations:

Include all the essential details

Be sure to include the date, time, and location of the wedding and reception. It's also important to mention the names of the people getting married and, if applicable, who is hosting the wedding. Don't forget to include an RSVP card with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to make it easy for your guests to respond.

Consider the level of formality

The wording of your invitation can vary depending on the level of formality you want to convey. For a traditional or formal wedding, you may want to use titles such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", and "Ms." when addressing your guests. For a more casual or modern wedding, you can deviate from tradition and use first names or even just the first initial of the guest's name.

Choose the right titles for your guests

When addressing married couples, you can use "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the shared last name. For same-sex couples, simply indicate the appropriate prefix for each person. If the couple has different last names, list their full names with the appropriate title. For unmarried couples who live together, list both names with their respective titles.

Provide clear information about the guest list

If you are inviting families, you can address the envelope to the whole family or specify the names of the children if you want to be more specific. If a single guest is invited to bring a plus one, include "and guest" after their name.

Customise your invitation

Minted offers highly customisable templates, allowing you to change colours, shapes, fonts, and even add foil options. You can also work directly with a designer to create a completely custom design that matches your vision.

Order samples

Before finalising your design, take advantage of Minted's free sample kits to see the different paper types and printing techniques in person. This will help you make an informed decision about the quality and style of your wedding invitations.

Frequently asked questions