Guide To Stuffing Pocket Wedding Invitations Perfectly

Pocket wedding invitations are a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your big day. They are more elaborate and decorative than traditional invitations, and their protective pockets ensure that the cards and inserts remain undamaged during mailing. If you're wondering how to stuff these invitations, here's a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, clear a table and lay out all the necessary pieces in neat piles. This includes the invitation, any enclosure cards, additional envelopes, and adornments like belly bands or ribbons.

Next, start assembling the invitation stacks. Place the invitation card, which is usually the largest, face up on the table. 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 or accommodation details.

After that, add 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. Remember to pre-address and stamp the reply envelope.

Finally, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope. The invitation should be facing up, with the text legible as the recipient removes it from the envelope. If you're using an inner envelope, place the assembled suite into it first, ensuring the text is visible when the envelope is opened. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope.

The order of cards and envelopes

The Order of Cards:

• Start with the main invitation card, which is typically the largest card in the suite. Place it face up on the table.
• If you have chosen to include a tissue paper or vellum overlay, place it on top of the invitation card. Traditionally, this was used to prevent smudging, but it is now optional, depending on your preference.
• Add the reception card, if applicable. Place it face-up on top of the invitation (or tissue paper, if you included it). This card includes important information such as the time, location, and dress code of the wedding reception.
• Include any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps, hotel accommodation cards, or travel information. Place them face up on top of the reception card, with the largest enclosure card first, followed by the others from largest to 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 make it easier for your guests to respond.

The Order of Envelopes:

• If using two envelopes (an inner and an outer envelope), insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope first. The left edge should go in first for a single-card invitation, while the folded edge goes in first for a folded invitation. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened.
• Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope. The handwritten guests' names on the inner envelope should be visible when the outer envelope is opened.
• If using a single envelope (an outer envelope only), insert the fully assembled invitation suite directly into it, following the same guidelines as above for the left edge or folded edge. Again, ensure that the printed side of the invitation is visible when the envelope is opened.

Using tissue paper or vellum overlays

Step 1: Prepare the Main Invitation Card

Start by placing the main invitation card, face up, on a clean table. This is usually the largest card in the suite, so it makes sense to build the rest of the suite upon it.

Step 2: Add the Tissue Paper or Vellum Overlay

If you've chosen to use a tissue paper or vellum overlay, place it on top of the main invitation card. Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent ink from smudging, but it has now become more of an aesthetic choice. Vellum, a more contemporary alternative, offers more colours, sizes, and customisation options. Remember, you'll only want to use one or the other—tissue paper or vellum—so choose the one that best fits your preferences and wedding theme.

Step 3: Stack the Reception Card

If you have a reception card, place it face up on top of the main invitation card (or the tissue paper or vellum overlay, if you've chosen to include one). The reception card typically includes the time, location, and other important details of the wedding reception, such as the requested dress code.

Step 4: Add Other Enclosure Cards

Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards, map cards, or hotel accommodation cards, face up on top of the reception card. If there is more than one enclosure card, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest. If you have a wedding website, be sure to include the website address and password information on one of these cards.

Step 5: Include the RSVP Card and Envelope

If you're including a traditional mailed RSVP card, place the RSVP envelope face down on top of the stack of enclosure cards, with the envelope flap on the left. Then, insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible. Don't forget to pre-stamp the reply envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Step 6: Finalise and Insert into Envelope

At this point, you can add any finishing touches, such as a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap. Once you're happy with the suite, insert it into your envelope. For a single-card invitation, insert the left edge first; for a folded invitation, insert the folded edge first. Ensure that the text is print-side up, so your guests can immediately see it when they open the envelope.

Adding a reception card

When it comes to adding a reception card to your wedding invitation suite, the process is relatively straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Place the reception card on top of the invitation card: The reception card outlines important details such as the time and location of the wedding reception, dress code, and any other relevant information for your guests. Place it face-up directly on top of the main invitation card, which is typically the largest card in the suite.
• Include other enclosure cards: If you have additional enclosure cards, such as maps, hotel accommodation details, or travel information, place them 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 down to the smallest.
• Consider the order and sizing: It's important to assemble your wedding invitations in order of sizing. The invitation card, being the largest, goes on the bottom, with the reception card and other enclosures stacked neatly on top.
• RSVP card placement: Don't forget to include the RSVP card and its envelope. Place the RSVP envelope face-down on top of the stack of enclosure cards, with the flap facing left. Insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face-up, so that the printed side is visible.
• Inner and outer envelopes: If you're using both an inner and outer envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope first. Ensure that the text on the invitation is facing up and visible when the envelope is opened. Then, place the inner envelope into the outer envelope so that the guests' names written on the inner envelope are visible when opened.
• Single envelope: If you're using just one envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite with the left edge of the invitation going in first. Again, ensure that the text on the invitation is facing up and can be read immediately upon opening.

Including RSVP cards

When it comes to including RSVP cards in your wedding invitations, there are a few steps to follow to ensure they are properly assembled and stuffed. Here is a detailed guide:

Preparing the RSVP Card and Envelope:

• Address the RSVP envelope to yourself and your partner. This will make it easier for guests to respond, and you can also add postage to make the process more convenient for your guests.
• Place the RSVP card under the flap of the envelope, ensuring it is face up so that the printed side is visible. This makes it easy for guests to locate and fill out the card.

Assembling the Invitation Suite:

• Start with the main invitation card, which is typically the largest card in the suite. Place it face up on a clean, flat surface.
• If you are using a tissue paper or vellum overlay, place it on top of the invitation card. Traditionally, this was used to prevent ink smudges, but it is now optional.
• Add the reception card, if applicable, placing it face up on top of the invitation or tissue paper.
• Include any other enclosure cards, such as maps, accommodation details, or travel information. Place them face up, with the largest cards at the bottom and working your way to the smallest.
• Place the RSVP envelope with the card under its flap on top of the stack of enclosure cards.

Finalising the Invitation:

• If you are using a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, add it now. These can be customised with your names, the wedding date, or a special message. Wrap it around the stacked invitation suite and secure it with adhesive.
• Insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope. The invitation should be placed face up so that the text is legible as soon as the recipient opens the envelope.
• Seal the envelope using an envelope moistener or a wax seal.
• Add return address labels or stamps to finalise your invitations.

Inner and outer envelopes

Wedding invitations traditionally included an inner envelope to protect the invitation suite during transit. However, this is no longer common practice, and couples may opt to use just an outer envelope to simplify the process and reduce costs.

If you choose to include an inner envelope, it should be unsealed and contain the entire invitation suite, with all wording facing up and towards the opening of the envelope. This includes the invitation, any extra enclosures (such as reception cards and maps), and the response card, which should be tucked under the flap of its stamped and addressed envelope. The inner envelope is then placed inside the outer envelope, with the guests' names on the inner envelope visible when the outer envelope is opened.

If using only an outer envelope, the invitation suite is assembled in the same way, but placed directly into the outer envelope. The invitation should be at the bottom of the ensemble as it is the largest piece, followed by any extra enclosures and the response card. The invitation should face upwards so that it is immediately legible upon removal, with the text facing the envelope flap.

Frequently asked questions