The Art Of Placing Wedding Invites In Envelopes

Wedding invitations are a key part of wedding planning. They are often the first port of call for sharing important details about your big day with your guests. But what's the best way to assemble your invitations? Here's a step-by-step guide to putting your wedding invitations in their envelopes. First, insert the wedding invitation into the envelope with the printed side facing you. Next, place any additional cards, such as reception or accommodation cards, in front of the invitation with the printed side up. If you have a response card, tuck it under the flap of its envelope, stamped side down, and place it in front of the other cards. Finally, once all the pieces are assembled, tuck the stacked invitation into the envelope with the printed sides facing you.

Inserting the invitation, with the printed side facing you

When inserting the invitation, with the printed side facing you, it's important to ensure that all the necessary information is included and that the invitation is properly assembled. Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you with this process:

Firstly, the invitation itself should include key details such as the couple's names, the date and time of the wedding, and the location of both the ceremony and reception. It is also a good idea to include the names of the hosts, usually the parents of the couple, and any relevant title (Ms., Mrs., Dr., or Mr.). The invitation should be kept simple and elegant, with a clear and concise presentation.

Next, place any additional cards in front of the invitation. These cards can include response or RSVP cards, reception cards, direction or map cards, and accommodation cards. Each card should be placed with the printed side facing up. Response cards should be tucked under the flap of their envelope, also with the printed side up, and don't forget to include a stamp on the envelope. If you are including a reception card, place it in front of the invitation. This card provides details about the reception venue and time, especially if it is at a different location or significantly later than the ceremony.

If you have other enclosures, such as map or accommodation cards, place them in front of the reception card, again with the printed side facing up. Finally, once you have assembled all the pieces in the correct order, tuck the stacked invitation suite into the envelope with the printed sides facing you. This ensures that when your guests open the envelope, they will see a neat and organised presentation.

Some additional tips for assembling your wedding invitations:

• Have an assembly party! Invite some friends and family, gather some snacks and drinks, and make it a fun event. It will make the process more enjoyable and go faster.
• Stamp the response cards as a courtesy to your guests.
• Get one fully assembled invitation weighed at the post office to ensure you are using the correct postage.
• Use envelope moisteners instead of licking the envelopes.
• Consider using address labels or stamps instead of hand-addressing the envelopes. It saves time and can look neat and charming.

Placing the reception card in front, printed side up

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few different ways to assemble the various components within the envelope. One popular way is to place the reception card in front, with the printed side facing up. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Prepare the Main Invitation Card

Start by placing the main invitation card at the bottom, with the printed side facing up. This is usually the largest card in the suite, so it serves as the foundation for the rest of the assembly.

Step 2: Add Tissue Paper or Vellum Overlay (Optional)

If your invitation suite includes a sheet of tissue paper or vellum overlay, you can choose to include it or not. Traditionally, this was used to prevent ink smudges, but most modern inks don't require it. If you decide to include it, place the tissue paper or vellum on top of the main invitation card.

Step 3: Place the Reception Card

The reception card goes on top of the invitation card (or tissue paper, if used). Place it face-up, ensuring that the printed side is visible. The reception card typically includes details such as the time, location, and requested dress code for the wedding reception.

Step 4: Add Other Enclosure Cards

If you have additional enclosure cards, such as a map card, accommodation card, or travel information card, place them face-up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards of different sizes, arrange them from largest to smallest.

Step 5: Include the RSVP Card and Envelope

Place the RSVP card under the flap of its envelope, with the printed side facing up. The envelope for the RSVP card should be placed face-down on top of the stack of enclosure cards. Don't forget to pre-address and stamp the RSVP envelope to make it convenient for your guests.

Step 6: Final Assembly and Insertion

Once you have assembled all the components in the correct order, it's time to insert them into the envelope. Tuck the stacked invitation pieces into the envelope with the printed sides facing you. The left edge of the invitation should go in first for a single-card invitation, while the folded edge goes in first for a folded invitation. Ensure that when the envelope flap is opened, your guests will be able to see the printed side of the invitation.

Additional Tips:

• Hosting an assembly party with friends and family can make the process more enjoyable and efficient.
• Always stamp the response cards as a courtesy to your guests.
• Have one assembled invitation weighed at the post office to determine the exact postage required.
• Use envelope moisteners instead of licking the envelopes.
• Consider using printed labels or address stamps to save time and complement your invitations.

Adding enclosures, like map cards or accommodation cards

When it comes to adding enclosure cards, like map cards or accommodation cards, to your wedding invitation suite, here's a step-by-step guide to ensure a polished presentation:

Step 1: Prepare the Basics

Before you begin assembling, it's a good idea to lay out all the necessary pieces. This includes the invitation itself, any enclosure cards, additional envelopes, and adornments like belly bands or wax seals. Create piles of invitations first and then move on to adding the enclosure cards.

Step 2: Start with the Invitation

Place the wedding invitation face up on the table. This is typically the largest card in the suite, so it serves as the foundation for the rest of the pieces.

Step 3: Add Tissue Paper or Vellum Overlay (Optional)

If your invitations include a sheet of tissue paper or vellum, it's your choice whether to include it. Traditionally, this was used to prevent ink smudges, but most modern inks won't smudge. If you decide to keep it, place the tissue paper or vellum on top of the wedding invitation.

Step 4: Include the Reception Card

If you have a separate reception card, place it face-up on top of the invitation (or tissue paper, if used). This card provides details such as the time and location of the wedding reception and the requested dress code.

Step 5: Add Enclosure Cards

Now, it's time to include any remaining enclosure cards, such as map cards, hotel accommodation cards, or travel information cards. Place these face up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest one and work your way to the smallest.

Step 6: Don't Forget the RSVP Card

Place the reply envelope face-down on top of the stack of enclosure cards. Insert the reply card under the reply 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 convenient for your guests.

Step 7: Assemble and Insert into Envelope(s)

If you're using two envelopes (an inner and an outer envelope), insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope first. When the inner envelope flap is opened, the printed side of the invitation should be visible. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope, ensuring that the handwritten guests' names on the inner envelope are visible when opened.

If using a single outer envelope, insert the fully assembled suite with the printed side facing up, so guests can immediately see the text when they open the envelope.

Additional Tips:

• If your invitation is a folded-style invitation, all enclosures should be placed within the folded invitation rather than on top.
• If you have a wedding website, include the URL and password on one of the enclosure cards or the invitation itself.
• Consider having an assembly party with friends and family to make the process more enjoyable and efficient.
• Remember to weigh your assembled invitation at the post office to ensure you apply the correct amount of postage.

By following these steps, your wedding invitation suite, complete with enclosure cards, will be ready to impress your guests.

Tuck the response card, with a stamp, in front of the enclosures

When assembling your wedding invitations, it's important to ensure that all the components are ordered and placed correctly. Here's a detailed guide on tucking the response card with a stamp in front of the enclosures:

• Addressing the Response Card Envelope: The response card envelope should be addressed to yourself, as it will be mailed back to you by the invitees. Include the guest's address as the return address, so they receive the card back if there's an issue. If the response card envelope is small, you can put the guest's address on the back flap, leaving your address on the front.
• Return Address: Decide on the return address based on the event's host. In formal and traditional weddings, this is usually the bride's parents' residence. Alternatively, use the address of the person responsible for collecting RSVPs.
• Addressing the Recipients: The tone of your event can be set by how you address the recipients. A more formal or traditional approach may signal a formal event. Use full names ("John and Kim Washington") or the traditional wording ("Mr. and Mrs. John Smith"). Avoid nicknames and use professional titles (e.g., Dr., Esq.) or appropriate social titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss) if no professional title is used.
• Handling Couples with Different Last Names: For couples with different last names, write out both names ("Mr. Ezra Houston and Ms. Sam Pirkle"). This approach respects each individual's identity.
• Formatting the Response Card: Leave spaces for names, attendance confirmation, and entrée preferences (if offering options). You can also include a space for dietary restrictions.
• Response Card Style: Traditionally, a response card is returned in a stamped envelope. For a more contemporary or less formal event, consider a postcard-style response card to save on printing and postage.
• Printing and Sending: Decide whether to print or hand-letter the response cards. Formal weddings typically call for professional hand-scribing, while semi-formal or informal weddings may use computer-printed labels or the host's penmanship. If printing at home, ensure you have the necessary equipment and supplies.
• Postage: Paying for postage is optional but increases the likelihood of receiving responses. Place a stamp on the top right corner of each response card envelope or postcard.
• Tucking the Response Card: Once you have the response card ready, it's time to tuck it in front of the enclosures. Place the response card, with its envelope or as a postcard, in front of the other enclosures, such as map cards or accommodation cards. Ensure the printed side of the response card is facing up.
• Final Assembly: After placing all the enclosures in the correct order, tuck the stacked invitation pieces into the main envelope, with the printed sides facing you.

Placing the stacked invitation pieces into the envelope, printed sides facing you

When placing the invitation pieces into the envelope, it's important to ensure that the printed sides are facing you. This includes the wedding invitation itself, as well as any additional cards such as the reception card, response card, and their respective envelopes. Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you with this process:

Start by holding the envelope in one hand, with the flap facing away from you. The envelope should be open and facing upwards, ready to receive the invitation pieces. Take the stacked invitation pieces, including the wedding invitation, reception card, response card, and their respective envelopes, and slide them into the envelope. Ensure that the printed side of each piece is facing towards you as you insert them. Smooth out any creases or bends in the paper, making sure that the edges of the invitation pieces align neatly with the bottom edge of the envelope. You may need to adjust the position of the cards to ensure they are all visible and easily removable by the recipient. Once you are happy with the placement, carefully bend the flap of the envelope downwards, ensuring that it does not crease or tear. You may wish to use an envelope moistener or a wax seal to secure the flap, adding a decorative touch while also keeping the contents safe.

It is important to note that the order of the invitation pieces may vary depending on personal preference and the specific details of your wedding. However, a suggested order is as follows: the reception card, followed by the response card and its envelope, and finally, the wedding invitation itself. This way, the recipient will first see the reception details, then the response card, and finally, the main invitation. This creates a logical flow of information and makes it easy for guests to find the information they need.

Some couples also choose to include additional enclosures, such as map cards, accommodation cards, or weekend schedule cards. These can be placed in front of the reception card, with the printed side facing up, following a similar format to the other pieces. If you are including a response postcard, remember to place it with the stamp side down.

Remember to assemble your invitations with care and attention to detail. You may even consider hosting an assembly party, inviting friends and family to help with the process. This can be a fun and efficient way to get your invitations ready while creating a memorable experience with your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions