Stacking Wedding Invites: A Simple Guide To Layered Elegance

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process for many couples, but it's not rocket science. The general rule for putting wedding stationery together is to assemble your invitations in order of sizing. As the invitation will be the largest card, all enclosure cards should be stacked neatly on top.

The first step is to get the main invitation card. Wedding invitations are usually assembled in size order, with each card placed face up and the largest card at the bottom.

Next, add vellum liners if you want to include them. Traditionally, a thin sheet of vellum was used to prevent the ink from smearing or rubbing off during mailing.

Then, stack the reception card, followed by other enclosure cards such as direction or detail cards, map cards, or hotel accommodation cards.

After that, add the RSVP card and envelope to the suite. Place the envelope for your RSVP printed side down on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left, and insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face up.

Finally, add any finishing touches such as a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap.

Order of stacking

The order of stacking is a crucial part of wedding invitation assembly. Here is a detailed guide on how to stack your wedding invitations:

Step 1: Start with the Main Invitation Card

The first step is to place the invitation card at the bottom, with the printed side facing up. This is typically the largest card in the suite, so it serves as the base for the rest of the stack.

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

Traditionally, a thin sheet of tissue paper or vellum was used to prevent ink smudges. While this is no longer necessary with modern printing techniques, some couples choose to include it for aesthetic reasons. If you decide to use it, place the tissue paper or vellum on top of the invitation card.

Step 3: Stack the Reception Card

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

Step 4: Include Other Enclosure Cards

Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as direction/map cards, accommodation cards, or travel information cards, on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest and work your way to the smallest. These cards provide additional information for your guests.

Step 5: Add the RSVP Card and Envelope

Place the RSVP envelope face-down on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. Insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, face-up, so that the printed side is visible. Pre-address and stamp the RSVP envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Step 6: Belly Band or Ribbon (Optional)

If you want to add a belly band or ribbon to hold the stack together, place your assembled suite face down on a flat surface. Centre the belly band or ribbon over the stack and secure it with a small piece of tape, glue, or the included adhesive. You can also use a vellum jacket and wax seal to secure the stack.

Step 7: Insert into the Envelope

Finally, insert the assembled invitation suite into the envelope. The invitation should face upwards so that the text is legible as the recipient removes it from the envelope. If using a single envelope, insert the suite with the left edge first for a single card or the folded edge first for a folded invitation. If using inner and outer envelopes, place the assembled suite into the inner envelope first, then into the outer envelope.

Using tissue paper or vellum

Tissue paper and vellum are thin, delicate sheets of paper used as invitation inserts. They are placed over the main invitation card and sometimes between each card in the ensemble. The use of tissue paper dates back to when invitations were handwritten, and it was placed over the invitation to prevent smudging. Today, it is more of a tradition and adds a formal touch to the invitations. Vellum, on the other hand, is a more contemporary alternative that offers more translucency and a modern look. It is also available in a variety of colours and sizes and can be printed with custom designs.

• Start with the main invitation card, which is usually the largest card in the suite, and place it face up on the table.
• Layer on the tissue paper or vellum overlay. This step is optional, but if you choose to include it, place the tissue paper or vellum on top of the invitation card.
• Add the reception card. Place the reception card, which outlines the time and location of the wedding reception, face-up on top of the invitation or tissue paper.
• Include other enclosure cards. Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information cards, face up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest and work your way to the smallest.
• Don't forget the RSVP card. Place the reply envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. Insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible. Pre-address and pre-stamp the reply envelope to expedite the RSVP process.
• Stack the invitation suite. If you are using an inner envelope and an outer envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge for a folded invitation. Ensure that the printed side of the invitation is visible when the envelope flap is opened. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope, making sure that the guests' names on the inner envelope are visible when opened. If you are using just one envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite directly into the outer envelope following the same guidelines.

Adding reception cards

The reception card outlines the time and location of the wedding reception and includes important information such as the requested dress code. If your ceremony and reception are in the same location, you do not need a separate reception card. Instead, your main invitation should include the ceremony location and the words "reception to follow".

If you are using a reception card, place it face-up on top of the wedding invite. If you are using two envelopes (an inner envelope and an outer envelope), insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope. When the envelope flap is opened, you should be able to see the printed side of the invitation. Insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope so that the handwritten guests' names on the inner envelope are visible when opened.

If you are using just one envelope (an outer envelope), insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation, or the folded edge first for a folded invitation. When the envelope flap is opened, the printed side of the invitation should be visible.

If you are using a shuttle service to transport guests to the reception, add a note to the reception card to inform guests. You may not have the exact times figured out before sending your invitations, so just let guests know that a shuttle will be available and that they shouldn't plan to drive to the venue.

Enclosure cards

Types of Enclosure Cards

There are several types of enclosure cards that you can include, depending on the information you want to convey to your guests. Here are some common types:

• Reception Card: This card outlines the time and location of the wedding reception and includes important information such as the requested dress code.
• Direction or Map Card: This card provides guests with directions or a map to the ceremony and reception venues.
• Accommodations Card: This card includes information on guest accommodations, such as recommended hotels or travel instructions.
• Details Card: This card can include any other relevant details about the wedding, such as transportation options, wedding website information, or even a QR code that guests can scan to access the website.

Stacking the Enclosure Cards

When it comes to stacking your enclosure cards, here's the correct order to follow:

• Reception Card: Place the reception card face-up on top of the main invitation card.
• Stack Other Enclosure Cards: Add the remaining enclosure cards, such as direction, map, or accommodations cards, also face-up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards of different sizes, start with the largest and work your way to the smallest.
• RSVP Card and Envelope: Place the RSVP envelope face-down on top of the stack of enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. Then, insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, face-up, so that the printed side is visible. Don't forget to pre-stamp the reply envelope for your guests' convenience.

Additional Tips

• If your main invitation is a folded card, place all enclosures within the folded invitation, rather than on top.
• If you're using a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, assemble it around the stacked invitation suite before inserting it into the envelope.
• When inserting the invitation suite into the envelope, ensure that the left edge goes in first for a single-card invitation, and the folded edge goes in first for a folded invitation. This ensures that when the envelope flap is opened, guests can immediately read the text.

RSVP cards and envelopes

When it comes to RSVP cards and envelopes, the process is relatively straightforward and follows a similar pattern to the rest of the invitation suite. Here are some detailed steps to help you with this part of the assembly process:

• Placement of the RSVP Envelope: Place the RSVP envelope, printed side down, on top of the other enclosure cards. Ensure that the envelope flap is on the left side. This envelope should already be pre-printed with the mailing address.
• Insertion of the RSVP Card: Take the RSVP card, also known as the reply card, and insert it under the envelope flap of the RSVP envelope. The printed side of the card should be facing up so that it is visible.
• Pre-stamping the RSVP Envelope: Don't forget to include postage on the RSVP envelope. Pre-stamping the envelope will make it more convenient for your guests to respond and increase the likelihood of receiving timely RSVPs.
• Inner Envelope (Optional): If you are using an inner envelope and an outer envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite, including the RSVP card and envelope, into the inner envelope. The left edge should go in first for a single-card invitation, while the folded edge goes in first for a folded invitation. Ensure that the printed side of the invitation is visible when the envelope flap is opened.
• Outer Envelope: If you are using just the outer envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite, with the RSVP card and envelope, into the outer envelope. Again, the left edge goes in first for a single-card invitation, and the folded edge goes in first for a folded invitation. The printed side of the invitation should be facing up so that guests can see it immediately when they open the envelope.

Remember, the RSVP card and envelope are essential components of your wedding invitation suite. They provide your guests with a convenient way to respond to your invitation and help you keep track of attendance for your big day.

Frequently asked questions