Stacking Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide To Perfection

Wedding invitations are a fun part of the wedding planning process, but assembling them can be a little confusing. The process is simple: start with the invitation, then add any tissue or vellum paper, followed by the reception card, enclosure cards, and finally, the RSVP card and envelope. The whole suite should then be placed in an envelope, with the text facing up. If you're using an inner envelope, this goes inside the mailing envelope. Seal the envelope with a bottled moistener, or double-sided tape or a glue stick if the adhesive is weak.

Place the main invitation card at the bottom, print side up

When stacking your wedding invitations, it's important to place the main invitation card at the bottom, with the printed/text side facing up. This is because wedding invitations are usually assembled in size order, with the largest card at the bottom. The invitation card is typically the largest card in the suite, so it makes sense for all the other pieces to be built upon it.

The invitation card should include the names of the couple, the date and time of the wedding, and the location of the event. It is the most important piece of the invitation suite. By placing it at the bottom, you ensure that it is the first thing your guests see when they open the envelope, creating a strong introduction to your special day.

After placing the main invitation card, you can add other enclosure cards, such as a reception card, direction or detail card, map card, or hotel accommodations card. These cards should also be placed face up, with the printed side visible. If there are multiple enclosure cards, place them in descending order of size, with the largest card on top of the invitation card and the smallest card on top of the stack.

If you are including a response or RSVP card, place it under the flap of its envelope, with the card facing up and the addressed side of the envelope facing down. The envelope should be placed on top of the stack of enclosure cards, with the flap on the right side.

Finally, if you are using a belly band, vellum jacket, wax seal, or ribbon to secure your invitation suite, assemble these elements now. Belly bands and ribbons are used to wrap around the stack of cards, holding them together neatly. Vellum jackets are folded around the suite, and wax seals can be used to hold the flaps of the vellum closed.

Add vellum or tissue paper

Vellum and tissue paper are thin, delicate sheets that are placed over an invitation card and sometimes between each card in the ensemble. They are usually cut to standard sizes, just enough to cover the wording on an invite.

Vellum is a contemporary alternative to tissue paper, offering more translucency and a more modern look. It is offered in a variety of colours and sizes and can be printed with custom text and designs, whereas tissue paper cannot.

Tissue paper, on the other hand, is a traditional choice, dating back to when invitations were handwritten and served to prevent smudging. It has a soft, cloudy appearance and is usually white or cream.

If you're unsure about whether to include vellum or tissue paper, consider the tone and style of your wedding. If it's a more casual event, you might opt to exclude it, whereas for a formal or church wedding, you may decide to include it.

If you do choose to include vellum or tissue paper, here is how to assemble it with your invitations:

• Place the tissue paper or vellum on top of the invitation card.
• If you are using a reception card, place it face-up on top of the tissue paper or vellum.
• Add any remaining enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards, map cards, or hotel accommodation cards, also face-up on top of the reception card.
• Finally, place the RSVP card and envelope on top of the stack, with the envelope flap on the left, and the reply card under the envelope flap, face-up.
• You can then slide the stack into an inner envelope (if using) and then into the outer envelope, with the text facing up towards the back flap.

Remember, the process of assembling your wedding invitations is less complicated than it seems, and there are many ways to customise your invitations to match your signature style.

Stack the reception card

Stacking your wedding invitation suite is an easy process, but it's important to get it right so that your guests have all the information they need. Here's a step-by-step guide to stacking the reception card:

Start with the Main Invitation Card

The first step is to place the main invitation card face up on your work surface. 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 Tissue Paper or a Vellum Overlay (Optional)

If you've included a sheet of tissue paper or a vellum overlay, place it on top of the main invitation card. Traditionally, this was used to prevent smudging, but most modern inks won't smudge. It's your choice whether to include this layer or not.

Place the Reception Card

Now, it's time to add the reception card. Place it face-up on top of the invitation (or tissue paper/vellum, if you included them). The reception card includes important details such as the time, location, and dress code for the wedding reception.

Include Other Enclosure Cards

If you have any other enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information, place them 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.

Don't Forget the RSVP Card

Place the RSVP card under the flap of its envelope, with the printed side facing up. The envelope should be addressed to you and your partner, and don't forget to include postage. Place this ensemble on top of the stack of enclosure cards.

Add Embellishments (Optional)

If you're using any embellishments, such as a belly band, ribbon, or wax seal, now is the time to add them. Belly bands and ribbons can help keep your invitation suite neatly bound together.

Insert into the Envelope

Once you have your complete stack, it's time to insert it into the envelope. The invitation should be placed face up so that the text is legible when the recipient removes it from the envelope.

Stack other enclosure cards

Now that you've gathered all the necessary pieces and created an assembly line, it's time to stack your wedding invitation enclosures. This process is quite straightforward, but it's important to pay attention to the order and orientation of each card to ensure a neat and elegant presentation. Here's a detailed guide on stacking other enclosure cards:

Stacking the Enclosures:

• Direction or Detail Card: Start by placing the direction or detail card face up on top of the reception card. This card provides essential information such as directions, a map, or other relevant details for your guests' convenience.
• Map Card: If you have a separate map card, place it face up on top of the direction or detail card. This ensures that your guests can easily find their way to the wedding venue.
• Hotel Accommodations Card: For guests who need accommodation, include a hotel accommodations card face up on top of the other enclosure cards. This card should provide information about nearby hotels or accommodation options.
• Other Enclosures: Depending on your specific needs, you may include additional enclosure cards such as travel information, dress code, or wedding website details. Place these cards face up, following the order from largest to smallest. If all the enclosure cards are the same size, the order doesn't matter as much.
• RSVP Card and Envelope: Finally, add the RSVP card and its envelope to the stack. Place the RSVP envelope face down, with the flap on the left, on top of the enclosure cards. Then, insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, ensuring it is face up so that the printed side is visible. Don't forget to pre-address and pre-stamp the RSVP envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Remember to place all the enclosure cards face up, creating a neat stack on top of the reception card. This ensures that your guests can easily access and read each card without having to shuffle through the stack.

Additional Tips:

• Website Information: If you have a wedding website, include the URL and password info on one of the enclosure cards. Alternatively, you can include a QR code that guests can scan to access the website directly. Ensure that your website is updated and ready before sending out the invitations.
• Folded Invitation: If your main wedding invitation is a folded card, place all the enclosures within the folded invitation rather than stacking them on top. This creates a neat and compact package for your guests to unfold and explore.
• Belly Bands and Ribbons: If you're using belly bands, ribbons, or other adornments to hold your enclosures together, assemble them now. Place your stacked enclosures in the centre of the belly band, securing it with glue dots or clear stickers. For ribbons, consider using double-sided tape instead of glue to achieve a flat and mess-free finish.

Add the RSVP card and envelope

When it comes to adding the RSVP card and envelope to your wedding invitation suite, there are a few steps to follow to ensure it's done correctly. Here is a detailed guide to help you:

• Place the RSVP envelope: The envelope for your RSVP card should be placed printed side down on top of any other enclosure cards you may have. Ensure that the envelope flap is on the left. This envelope should be pre-printed with the mailing address and include appropriate postage.
• Insert the RSVP card: The RSVP card, also known as the reply card, should be placed under the envelope flap, face up. This means that the printed side of the card will be visible when the envelope flap is opened.
• Pre-address and pre-stamp the RSVP envelope: It is important to take the time to pre-address the RSVP envelope to yourself and your partner. This will make it easier for your guests to respond, and you are more likely to receive the responses promptly. Don't forget to add postage to the envelope as well.
• Order matters: If you have multiple enclosure cards, including the RSVP card and envelope, it is important to stack them in the correct order. The general rule is to place the cards in size order, with the largest card on the bottom. So, if your RSVP card is larger than the other enclosure cards, place it directly on top of the invitation card. If it is smaller, place it above the other enclosure cards.
• Belly bands or ribbons: If you are using a belly band or ribbon to hold your invitation suite together, make sure to add this element now. Place the band or ribbon around the stacked cards and secure it with adhesive or a knot.
• Final checks: Before placing the entire suite into the outer envelope, double-check that the RSVP card is placed correctly under the envelope flap and that the envelope is pre-addressed and pre-stamped. This will ensure your guests can respond easily and you receive the responses without delay.

By following these steps, you will have a beautifully assembled wedding invitation with the RSVP card and envelope included. Your guests will appreciate the attention to detail, and you are more likely to receive timely responses to your special day.

Frequently asked questions