Sealing Envelopes For Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

There are many ways to seal your wedding invitations, from the traditional wax seal to stickers, glue, and tape. The method you choose will depend on the time and budget you have available, as well as the aesthetic you're aiming for.

If you're looking for a quick and easy solution, you might want to consider using pre-made stickers, clear glue sticks, or double-sided tape. These options are simple, effective, and inexpensive.

However, if you want to add a decorative touch to your invitations, you could try using wax seals, ribbons, or twine. Wax seals are a popular choice for weddings, offering a range of designs to suit any theme. You can even customise your wax seal with a symbol, monogram, or your wedding date. Ribbons and twine are also a great way to secure your invitations while adding a rustic or elegant touch.

For a unique and crafty approach, you could create your own stickers or use pressed flowers, dried leaves, or vintage brooches to seal your envelopes.

Whatever method you choose, remember to pay attention to the sealing process to ensure your invitations don't open up during mailing. Bulky invitations with multiple enclosures or embellishments can be more challenging to seal securely, so take extra care with those.

Wax seals

Today, wax seals are a popular way to add a unique, personal touch to your wedding invitations. They can be used to secure the flaps of your envelopes, or directly on the invitation itself. You can also use them on belly bands, vellum wraps, or even ribbon tied around your invitation suite.

There are a few different methods for creating wax seals:

The Old-Fashioned Way: This involves melting wax over a flame into a special spoon and then pouring it onto your surface before pressing the seal into it. This method can be messy and time-consuming, but it's good for mixing colours or small quantities.

The Glue Gun Way: Using a low-heat glue gun and specially-shaped glue gun wax, you can direct the wax more easily and quickly.

Pre-made Self-Adhesive Wax Seals: You can buy pre-made wax seals with custom or standard designs, which are great for flat surfaces like envelopes.

• Assemble everything before melting the wax, especially if using the glue gun method, as the wax heats quickly.
• Use quality wax to avoid gunking up your tools and creating sloppy seals.
• Keep your metal seal cool by placing it on an ice pack between uses. Dry it with a paper towel to avoid water droplets.
• Use parchment paper as a surface to make wax seals on, as they're easily removable once dry.
• If your wax is sticking to the seal, try using a small amount of grape seed oil on a cotton swab to dab the stamp.
• If using wicked wax sticks, don't invert the stick too far, or you'll get soot in the wax.
• Practice your wax seals on extra envelopes or scrap paper to perfect your technique before starting on your invitations.
• Visit your local post office to check if your invitations with wax seals can be mailed, and if they can be hand-cancelled to avoid a machine process.
• Expect to pay extra postage for wedding invitations with wax seals, due to the extra weight and the need to skip the postal machines.

Stickers

Wax Seal Stickers:

Wax seal stickers are a popular choice for wedding invitations as they offer a regal, elegant look. You can choose from a variety of designs, including:

• Classic wax seal shapes like circles, hearts, or monograms.
• Botanical or floral themes, such as eucalyptus, rosemary, or laurel.
• Antique gold or metallic colours like gold, silver, or rose gold.
• Custom designs with your initials, wedding date, or monogram.

Customisation Options:

Custom wax seal stickers allow you to add a personal touch to your invitations. You can customise the design, colour, and shape to match your wedding theme. Many online stores, like Etsy, offer customisation options, allowing you to create unique stickers with your desired logo or motif.

Self-Adhesive Stickers:

Self-adhesive stickers are a convenient option, ensuring a secure seal without the mess of traditional wax. They are also a time-saving alternative, as you don't need to melt and apply wax.

Online Sources:

You can find a wide variety of wedding envelope seal stickers online. Websites like Amazon, Etsy, VistaPrint, and specialty wedding stationery stores offer an array of options to suit different styles and budgets.

Final Thoughts:

When choosing stickers to seal your wedding invitation envelopes, consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Customisation options allow you to create unique seals that reflect your personal style. Whether you opt for elegant wax seals or modern self-adhesive stickers, your invitations will surely make a lasting impression on your guests.

Ribbons

Using ribbons to seal your wedding invitations is a great way to add a unique and crafty touch to your special day. It's also an affordable option, allowing you to combine different types and colours of ribbon to match your wedding theme.

Choosing the Right Ribbon

The type of ribbon you choose can elevate the elegance of your invitations. For instance, a satin ribbon or any shiny ribbon can add a classy touch. You could also consider silk ribbons, which come in various colours and can be frayed for a unique, handmade look.

Measuring the Ribbon

The amount of ribbon you need depends on the type of knot or bow you want to tie. For a simple knot, a shorter length will do, whereas a bow will require a longer ribbon. For a ribbon band, a 13-inch length is recommended for portrait-oriented invitations, and 16 inches for landscape-oriented invitations.

Tying the Ribbon

There are several ways to tie the ribbon around the envelope to achieve different effects. A simple knot is a timeless, chic, and minimal option. For a more elegant or romantic event, a bow might be preferable. Just be sure to balance the two parts of the bow and avoid letting the tails exceed the envelope's length. You can cut the tails straight or at a bias cut for a cheerful look.

Combining with Other Elements

You can also combine the ribbon with other sealing methods for a more creative or timeless look. For instance, you could pair the ribbon with a wax seal, which adds a magical and regal touch. Alternatively, you can use double-sided tape to secure the ribbon, ensuring a flat and mess-free finish.

Weight Considerations

Remember to consider the weight of your invitations when mailing them, as additional elements like ribbons will increase postage costs. It's a good idea to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to get an accurate weight and postage estimate.

Using ribbons to seal your wedding invitations is a fun and creative way to add your personal touch. With the right combination of ribbon type, length, and tying style, you can achieve an elegant and secure finish.

Sponge and cotton swab method

Wedding invitations are a very special kind of mail, and you want to make sure they are securely sealed before they hit the mailbox. Here is a detailed description of the sponge and cotton swab method to seal your wedding invitation envelopes:

The Sponge Method

This method is simple, effective, and can be used by anybody. Take a new, clean sponge and wet it with water. Be careful not to soak the sponge, as you do not want water dripping onto the envelope or its contents. Lightly dab the sponge onto the glue on the flap, then seal the envelope.

The Cotton Swab Method

This method is very similar to the sponge method but offers more control. Take a cotton swab or Q-tip and dip it into some water. Lightly run the swab across the glue on the flap, then seal the envelope. This method is great if you want to seal multiple envelopes, as it is hygienic and efficient. It is also a good alternative to using your tongue, as you do not risk getting a paper cut.

Tips

• If you are sealing a large number of envelopes, you can pour some water into a small bowl and dip the swab into it each time.
• Press firmly around the entire perimeter of the flap two or three times to ensure the envelope is securely sealed.
• Place the sealed envelopes under something heavy while they dry to reduce flap wrinkling.
• If you want to seal your envelopes without using water, you can use a glue stick.

Glue sticks

Using glue sticks is a quick, easy, and effective way to seal your wedding invitation envelopes. It is also a common method used by businesses for sending out important mail. This method is also recommended by stationers, especially if you have high-quality card stock envelopes, as the glue stick provides a stronger seal than the traditional method of moistening the envelope's adhesive strip.

To use glue sticks to seal your envelopes, simply apply the glue to the adhesive strip of the envelope and press the flap firmly onto the envelope body. Be sure to use just enough glue to seal the envelope. Applying too much glue can cause wrinkling.

After sealing, place the envelopes under something heavy, such as a book, while they dry. This will ensure that the flaps are securely stuck and reduce any flap wrinkling.

Frequently asked questions