The Art Of Stuffing: Wedding Invitation Essentials

Stuffing wedding invitations can be a daunting task, but it's an important part of the wedding planning process. The good news is that it's less complicated than it seems, even with multiple cards and enclosures. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you stuff your wedding invitations like a pro:

First, create an assembly line by clearing off a table and laying out all the necessary pieces. This includes the invitation, any enclosure cards, envelopes, and adornments like belly bands, vellum or tissue paper overlays, ribbons, and wax seals.

Next, start with the invitation itself, placing it face up on the table as it's usually the largest card in the suite. If you're using a tissue paper or vellum overlay, place it on top of the invitation.

Then, add the reception card, followed by any other enclosure cards such as maps, hotel accommodations, or travel information. Place these cards face-up on top of the reception card, with the largest cards on the bottom.

Don't forget to include the RSVP card. Place the reply envelope face-down on top of the enclosure cards, and insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face-up. Pre-address and stamp the reply envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Finally, stuff 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. The text on the invitation should be facing up so that your guests can read it immediately upon opening the envelope.

If you're using inner and outer envelopes, insert the assembled suite into the inner envelope first, and then place it into the outer envelope. The inner envelope is usually left unsealed.

Order of assembly

The order of assembly for wedding invitations is important to get right. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your invitations are assembled correctly:

Firstly, lay out all the pieces you will need, including the invitation, any enclosure cards, envelopes, adornments, and tissue paper or vellum overlays (if applicable).

The first step is to place the invitation face up on the table. This is the largest card and will form the base for the rest of the suite.

Next, add the tissue paper or vellum overlay. This is optional and is used to protect the invitation and prevent smudging. Place it on top of the invitation.

Then, add the reception card, which outlines the time and location of the wedding reception. Place this face-up on top of the invitation or tissue paper.

Now, add any other enclosure cards, such as maps, hotel accommodation cards, and travel information. Place these face-up on top of the reception card, with the largest cards first, followed by the smaller ones.

The RSVP card and envelope are added next. 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.

At this point, you can add any finishing touches, such as a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap.

Finally, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope. 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. The text on the invitation should be facing up, so that it is visible when the recipient opens the envelope.

Your wedding invitation is now ready to be sealed and mailed!

Envelopes

When addressing your envelopes, you can use calligraphy, print the names and addresses directly on them, or use address labels or stamps. If you're using a calligrapher, be sure to get your envelopes to them at least two to three weeks before you need them.

If you're using double envelopes, the inner envelope is not sealed or gummed. The invitation is placed inside the inner envelope with the front of the invitation facing the open flap. The inner envelope is then slipped into the outer envelope with the names facing the back flap.

If you're using a single envelope, the invitation is placed inside with the left edge going in first for a single card or the folded edge for a folded invitation. The invitation should be placed face up so that the text is legible when the recipient removes it.

When using an RSVP card, the envelope should be placed face down on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. The RSVP card is then tucked under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible. The envelope should be pre-addressed and stamped.

Finally, seal your envelopes using a bottled moistener or a wax seal. Place a heavy book on top of the stack to ensure they're securely sealed. Add any return address labels or stamps, and your invitations are ready to be mailed!

Tissue paper

The use of tissue paper in wedding invitations dates back hundreds of years to when invitations were handwritten. Tissue was placed over invitation wording to blot excess ink and prevent smudging. Although modern printing methods have made this practice unnecessary, the tradition has endured for aesthetic and practical reasons. Tissue paper offers a nice, organised, formal presentation, and can also serve as a protective layer to prevent smudging, scratching, or damage during mailing.

If you choose to include tissue paper in your wedding invitations, here's how to assemble them:

Start by placing the wedding invitation face-up on a table. This is typically the largest card in the suite. Then, place the tissue paper on top of the invitation.

Next, add any additional cards, such as a reception card, map card, hotel accommodations card, or any other enclosure cards. Place these cards face-up on top of the tissue paper, with the largest cards on the bottom and the smallest on the top.

Finally, 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.

Once you have assembled the invitation suite, you can insert it into the envelope. If using an inner envelope, place the invitation suite inside with the front of the invitation facing the open flap. Then, slip the unsealed inner envelope into the outer envelope, ensuring the guests' names are visible when they open it up. If using only an outer envelope, insert the invitation suite with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge first for a folded invitation.

RSVP cards

Preparing the RSVP Cards

Before stuffing your wedding invitations, it is important to prepare the RSVP cards. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Pre-address and stamp the RSVP envelopes: It is important to pre-address the envelopes for the RSVP cards and include a stamp. This makes it easier for your guests to respond and increases the likelihood of receiving timely responses.
• Include a printed or digital response card: Traditionally, RSVP cards are mailed back. However, you can also customise the RSVP postcard as a digital response card, information card, or accommodations card. You can adjust the wording accordingly and include information about hotel blocks or your wedding website. You can even add a QR code for easy access.

Assembling the Wedding Invitation Suite

When assembling your wedding invitation suite, here's how you can include the RSVP cards:

• Place the RSVP envelope face-down: Place the RSVP envelope printed side down on top of any other enclosure cards, such as maps or accommodation cards.
• Insert the RSVP card: Tuck the RSVP card under the flap of the RSVP envelope. Ensure that the printed side of the card is visible.
• Stack the invitation suite: Once you have assembled all the components, stack the invitation suite neatly, with the invitation card at the bottom, followed by any tissue paper or vellum, reception card, and finally, the enclosure cards and RSVP card with its envelope.
• Insert into the main envelope: If using a single envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope with the left edge going in first for a single card or the folded edge for a folded invitation. The printed side of the invitation should be facing up so that guests can immediately read it when they open the envelope.

Additional Tips

• Use envelope moisteners: Instead of licking the envelopes, use envelope moisteners to seal them. It's more hygienic and saves you from the unpleasant taste.
• Consider the timing: Plan to assemble your wedding invitations at least a week before you intend to mail them. Stuffing the invitations can be time-consuming, especially if you're adding extras like wax seals or belly bands.
• Weigh the assembled invitation: Once you've assembled one complete invitation suite, take it to your local post office to have it weighed. This will help you determine the exact postage required, and you can also purchase some themed stamps to match your invitations.

Weighing and postage

Weighing Your Invitations:

• The weight of your wedding invitations will determine the postage required. Basic invitation suites, including the mailing envelope, invitation, RSVP card, and RSVP envelope, typically weigh under one ounce and can be sent with a regular First-Class Stamp or Forever Stamp.
• If your invitations include additional enclosure cards, ribbons, wax seals, or thicker paper, they may exceed one ounce. Weighing a fully assembled invitation at home using a food scale can give you an estimate.
• It is recommended to bring a fully assembled invitation to your local post office for an accurate weight measurement. They can advise on the necessary postage, including any additional charges for unusual shapes, thickness, or international rates.

Postage Tips:

• Simple invitation suites with a single invitation card, RSVP card, and envelopes typically require a Forever Stamp or a $0.50–$0.66 stamp.
• More complex invitation suites with multiple enclosure cards, ribbons, wax seals, or thicker paper may require additional postage. A $0.90 stamp is often needed for invitations exceeding one ounce but under two ounces.
• Square-shaped envelopes are considered irregular and usually require extra postage, approximately $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce. Always check with your local postal service for current rates.
• If you are using two envelopes (an inner and an outer envelope), the assembled invitation goes into the inner envelope first, with the left edge or folded edge facing the flap. Then, the inner envelope is inserted into the outer envelope so that the guests' names are visible when they open it.
• For a single outer envelope, insert the assembled invitation with the left edge or folded edge facing the flap. The printed side should be visible when the flap is opened.
• Pre-stamping the RSVP envelopes is proper etiquette and ensures a faster response.
• After sealing your envelopes, consider hand-cancelling by bringing them to the post office instead of using a mailbox. This ensures they are manually sorted and reduces the risk of damage during mailing.

Frequently asked questions