Franklin Dean
Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process, but it isn't rocket science. It is important to remember that the invitation suite is more than just paper and ink — it's the first glimpse guests have into your special day. The assembly process involves gathering the necessary materials, such as envelopes, postage, and enclosure cards, and then stacking and inserting them into the envelopes in a specific order. The invitation card typically goes at the bottom, followed by any reception cards and enclosure cards such as maps, directions, or accommodation details. The process can be made more efficient by setting up an assembly line and working in batches. With a little patience and planning, couples can create beautiful invitations that set the tone for their celebration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people required | 2-3 people |
| Time required | 2-3 hours with helpers, 4-5 hours solo |
| Workspace | Clean, flat surface with good lighting |
| Materials | Envelopes, postage, RSVP cards, tissue paper, envelope moistener, adhesives, etc. |
| Invitation order | Invitation card, reception card, enclosure cards (direction/detail card, map card, accommodation card), RSVP card and envelope |
| Envelope stuffing | Place invitation and inserts in the envelope so they are right-side-up when pulled out with the right hand |
| Inner envelope | Unsealed, usually without adhesive, placed inside the outer envelope |
| Outer envelope | Sealed with adhesive, addressed first to avoid confusion |
| Mailing time | 8-10 weeks before the wedding, 10-12 weeks for destination weddings |
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What You'll Learn
- Prepare your workspace: Gather materials, clear a table, and protect invitations from debris
- Assemble the invitation suite: Stack cards in size order, with the largest card on the bottom
- Include enclosure cards: Add map, direction, and
- Add a response card: Include a traditional paper RSVP card or a QR code
- Seal and send: Use an envelope moistener, double-sided tape, or glue
Prepare your workspace: Gather materials, clear a table, and protect invitations from debris
Preparing your workspace is an important first step in assembling your wedding invitations. It will ensure that the process goes smoothly and efficiently. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Firstly, choose a clean, flat workspace away from food, drinks, and potential spills. Good lighting is essential, so make sure your workspace is well-lit. If your table or surface is prone to crumbs or debris, consider covering it with a clean white sheet or paper to protect your invitations. This will also create a nice, neutral background for your assembly process.
Next, gather all the materials you will need for assembly. This includes the invitations, envelopes, enclosure cards, adornments, and any adhesives or supplies required to assemble the invitation suite. Having everything within reach will streamline the process and ensure you are organized. It is also a good idea to double-check that you have all the pieces of your invitation order and that they are in the correct order.
Before you begin, ensure your hands are clean and dry. Wash your hands to remove any dirt or oil that could show up on the paper. If you have nail polish, be mindful that it may rub off on the paper, especially if it is cotton. Now, you are ready to start assembling!
A team of 2-3 people is ideal for efficiency. One person can be in charge of assembling the invitations, another can stuff the envelopes, and the third can be responsible for checking the quality and consistency of the assembly. It is a good idea to create a sample invitation first and keep it nearby as a reference. This will ensure that each invitation is assembled correctly and consistently.
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Assemble the invitation suite: Stack cards in size order, with the largest card on the bottom
Wedding invitations are traditionally assembled in size order, with the largest card on the bottom. This means that the invitation card itself should be placed at the bottom of the stack, with the printed side facing up.
If you are using a reception card, this should be placed on top of the invitation card, with the text and design facing up. If you are including a tissue liner or a sheet of vellum, this should be placed on top of the invitation card, underneath the reception card.
Next, place any enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards, map cards, or accommodation cards, on top of the reception card, again with the text and design facing up. If your invitation is a folded card, place these enclosure cards inside the folded invitation, rather than on top. These enclosure cards should be stacked in size order, from largest to smallest.
Finally, if you are including a traditional paper RSVP card and envelope, place the envelope flap facing down on top of the stack of enclosure cards, with the RSVP card tucked inside, facing up. If your invitation is a folded card, place the RSVP card and envelope inside the folded invitation, rather than on top.
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Include enclosure cards: Add map, direction, and accommodation cards
Enclosure cards are a great way to include extra details about your wedding day while keeping your invitations neat and simple. They are small pieces of paper that typically go inside your wedding invitations. The number of enclosure cards you include depends on your wedding and there is no right or wrong number. Here are some ideas for enclosure cards to include:
Map and Direction Cards
Providing a map and direction card is a good idea, especially if your wedding venue is hard to find or if you have older guests who may not have modern navigation systems. If you are already including a direction card, you may not need a map. However, if you have multiple events at different locations, a map highlighting each event's location can be helpful.
Accommodation Cards
If you have guests travelling from out of town, it is a good idea to reserve a block of rooms at a nearby hotel. You can include this information on an accommodation card, along with the hotel name and address. If you don't have a wedding block reserved, you can list 2-3 recommended hotels in the area.
Reception Cards
If your reception is at a different location from the ceremony, you can use a reception card to provide details such as the venue name and address. You can also include a general timeline of key events, such as cocktail hour and dinner.
Itinerary Cards
An itinerary card can be used to list all your wedding-related events, such as a welcome brunch or post-wedding gathering.
Attire Cards
If you have a specific dress code, you can include an attire card to give your guests context and dress code details.
Wedding Website
You can include a separate enclosure card dedicated to your wedding website, listing what guests can find on the site.
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Add a response card: Include a traditional paper RSVP card or a QR code
Wedding invitations are an important part of the planning process, as they inform your guests about the details of your event. In addition to the invitation itself, your invitation suite will also feature envelopes, postage, and RSVP cards. Nowadays, most couples include a QR code for invitees to respond digitally. However, some still opt for the traditional paper RSVP card, or a combination of both.
If you are going for the traditional paper RSVP card, place the envelope for your RSVP, print side down, on top of the enclosure cards (or inside a folded invitation), with the envelope flap facing outwards. You can also include a QR code on a separate insert or RSVP card. This way, your invitees can scan the code and visit your wedding website to respond. To create a QR code, you need to know the URL you want to link to and then plug that into a QR code generator.
If you want to include a QR code but are worried about some of your guests not being tech-savvy or not having a smartphone, you can include the full URL to your wedding website in addition to the QR code. This way, your guests can choose the method they prefer.
The choice between a response card with a QR code and a traditional response card depends on the couple's preferences and the atmosphere they want to create for their wedding. Traditional response cards offer a tangible keepsake and exude a timeless elegance, while QR codes are modern, efficient, and eco-conscious.
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Seal and send: Use an envelope moistener, double-sided tape, or glue
Wedding invitations can be assembled in several ways, depending on the number of enclosures and the type of envelope used. If you have chosen to seal and send your invitations, here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Firstly, prepare your workspace. Choose a clean, flat surface away from food, drinks, and potential spills. Cover your workspace with a clean white sheet or paper to protect your invitations from any surface debris. Ensure you have all the necessary materials, including envelopes, postage, and any adhesives or supplies you need to assemble the invitations.
Next, create an assembly line for a more efficient and organised process. Start by laying out your invitations, followed by the envelopes. If you are using inner and outer envelopes, separate them and work with one set of envelopes at a time to avoid confusion when addressing them.
Now, it's time to assemble the invitations. Place the invitation card face-up, followed by any enclosure cards, such as a map card, direction card, or accommodation card. If you are using a reception card, place it on top of the invitation card, with the text and design facing up. If you have additional enclosures, such as a details card or itinerary card, put them on top of the reception card, following the size order from largest to smallest.
Finally, seal the envelopes. Use an envelope moistener to activate the glue on the mailing envelope flap. You can also use a damp sponge or even saliva, but be careful not to over-wet the adhesive. Press down firmly to seal the envelope, or place it under a heavy book. If your envelopes don't stay closed, try using double-sided tape or a glue stick.
By following these steps, you can ensure your wedding invitations are properly assembled and ready to be sent to your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
First, prepare your workspace and gather all the necessary materials. Choose a clean, flat surface away from food, drinks, and potential spills. Cover your workspace with a clean white sheet or paper if needed to protect the invitations from any surface debris.
A team of 2-3 people is ideal: one person to assemble, one to stuff envelopes, and one to check the quality.
Wedding invitations are usually assembled in size order, with each card placed face up and the largest card on the bottom. Start with the invitation card on the bottom, print side up. If you are using a reception card, place it face up on top of the wedding invite. Place any remaining enclosure cards (direction or detail card, map card, or hotel accommodations card) face up on top of the reception card.
Place the invitation and inserts in the envelope so that they are right-side-up when pulled out with your right hand. Inner envelopes should be left unsealed and often don’t have adhesive on the flap. The front of the inner envelope should face the back of the outer envelope.
Wash and dry your hands before you begin. Nail polish may rub off on cotton paper, so be mindful of your manicure when handling your stationery. Working in batches is key for keeping things organized and efficient.
