The Art Of Stuffing Wedding Invitations Perfectly

Stuffing wedding invitations is a fun and exciting part of the wedding planning process. It can be a little confusing, especially if your invitation suite involves multiple cards and pieces, but it's less complicated than you might think. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you stuff your wedding invitations like a pro:

Step 1: Create an Assembly Line: Clear a table and gather all the necessary pieces, including the invitation, enclosure cards, envelopes, and any adornments like belly bands or ribbons. Create piles of invitations and stuff them into the envelopes, or assemble each invitation and stuff it into the envelope one by one.

Step 2: Start with the Invitation: Place the invitation face up on the table. This is usually the largest card in the suite, so it makes sense to build the rest of the suite on top of it.

Step 3: Add Tissue Paper or Vellum Overlay (Optional): If you have a sheet of tissue paper or vellum, it's your choice to include it or not. Traditionally, this was used to prevent ink smudges, but most modern inks don't smudge. If you decide to include it, place it on top of the invitation.

Step 4: Add the Reception Card: Place the reception card, if applicable, face-up on top of the invitation. This card includes the time and location of the wedding reception and any other important information for guests.

Step 5: Include Other Enclosure Cards: Add 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, place them in size order from largest to smallest.

Step 6: Don't Forget the RSVP Card: Place the RSVP envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards. Insert the RSVP card under the flap of the envelope, face up, so that the printed side is visible. Pre-address and stamp the RSVP envelope to make it easier for guests to respond.

Step 7: Assemble the Suite: If you're using an inner and outer envelope, insert the assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope first, with the left edge or folded edge going in first. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope. If you're using a single envelope, insert the fully assembled suite into the envelope. Ensure the text on the invitation is facing up and can be read as the envelope is opened.

Step 8: Seal and Address the Envelopes: Use envelope moisteners or wax seals to seal your envelopes. Consider using address labels or stamps to save time and add a nice touch to your invitations. Don't forget to include return addresses on the envelopes!

Step 9: Weigh and Postage: Take one fully assembled and stuffed invitation to the post office to have it weighed. This will help you determine the correct amount of postage needed for each invitation. You can also do a test send to ensure your invitations arrive safely and on time.

Step 10: Enjoy the Process: Stuffing wedding invitations can be a fun activity to do with your partner, family, or friends. Put on some music, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy this special moment as you prepare for your big day!

Order of cards

When it comes to wedding invitations, the order of the cards is essential to ensuring that your guests have all the information they need. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you assemble your wedding invitations like a pro:

Step 1: Start with the Main Invitation Card

The first card in your wedding invitation suite should be the main invitation card. This card typically includes the essential details of your wedding, such as the full names of the couple, the date and time of the ceremony and reception, and the names and locations of the wedding venues. Place this card at the bottom of your stack, with the printed side facing up.

Step 2: Add Vellum Liners (Optional)

Vellum liners are thin sheets of translucent paper that were traditionally used to prevent ink from smearing. If you choose to include them, place the vellum liner on top of the main invitation card. This adds a delicate and elegant touch to your invitation suite.

Step 3: Stack the Reception Card

If you are having a separate reception venue or want to include additional details about the reception, include a reception card. Place this card face up on top of the main invitation card. This ensures that your guests have clear information about the reception, including the time and location.

Step 4: Include Other Enclosure Cards

Depending on the complexity of your wedding and the information you need to convey, you may have additional enclosure cards. These could include direction or detail cards, map cards, accommodation cards, or any other relevant information for your guests. Place these cards face up on top of the reception card, with the most important cards on top.

Step 5: Add the RSVP Card and Envelope

The RSVP card and envelope are crucial components of your wedding invitation suite. Place the RSVP envelope printed side 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 your guests can easily read and fill it out. Don't forget to pre-stamp the reply envelope to make it convenient for your guests.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Now is the time to add any final embellishments to your invitation suite. This could include a belly band, a ribbon, or a vellum wrap to hold all the cards together. These add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your invitations.

Remember, the key to assembling your wedding invitations is to ensure that all the cards are facing up and that you follow a logical order, with the most important cards on top. By following these steps, you will create a beautiful and informative wedding invitation suite that your guests will adore.

Envelopes

When it comes to wedding invitations, the envelope is of utmost importance. It is the first thing your guests will see, so it should create a beautiful first impression. Here is a comprehensive guide to wedding invitation envelopes:

The Envelope Type

The first thing to consider is the type of envelope you will use. Traditionally, wedding invitations are sent in double envelopes. This means there is an inner envelope and an outer envelope. The outer envelope is for mailing and includes the household name and address on the front. The inner envelope holds the invitation suite and lists the names of the invited guests, eliminating any confusion about who is invited. The inner envelope is also ungummed and acts as an extra layer of protection during mailing.

However, in modern times, it is also acceptable to use a single envelope. This consists of one invitation envelope and one response card envelope. The names of all invited guests, along with the mailing address, are placed on the front, and the return address goes on the envelope flap.

The Envelope Addressing

You have a few options when it comes to addressing your envelopes. Traditionally, calligraphy was used, and this is still a popular choice for a formal, elegant look. However, printing the names and addresses directly on the envelopes is also a common and efficient option. If you want something in between these two options, consider using address labels or stamps, which can be a charming complement to your invitations.

The Envelope Assembly

Now it's time to assemble the envelopes. If you are using double envelopes, start by placing the invitation suite under the flap of the inner envelope with the text facing up. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope so that the guests' names are visible when they open it.

If you are using a single 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. Again, ensure that the text is facing up so that guests can immediately read the invitation when they open the envelope.

The Final Envelope Touches

There are a few final touches you can add to your envelopes. Consider including a return address label, stamp, or skinny wrap on each envelope. You can also add a wax seal for a luxurious touch. If you want to add envelope liners, simply insert them into the envelope until they hit the bottom, crease them along the top edge of the envelope, and then use a glue stick to adhere them securely.

Once your envelopes are fully assembled, use an envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge and seal them shut. Place a heavy book on top of the stack to ensure they are securely sealed.

And that's it! You now have beautifully assembled wedding invitation envelopes ready to be mailed out to your guests.

Tissue paper/vellum

Tissue paper and vellum are both thin, delicate, slightly translucent papers used in wedding invitations. Tissue paper is a traditional, formal choice, while vellum is a more contemporary option. Here's a step-by-step guide to stuffing your wedding invitations using tissue paper or vellum:

• Prepare your workspace: Clear a table and ensure it's clean. You don't want any smudges or stains on your invitations.
• Gather your materials: Lay out all the necessary pieces, including the invitation, tissue paper or vellum, any enclosure cards, additional envelopes, and adornments like ribbons or wax seals.
• Start with the invitation: Place the invitation face up on the table. This is usually the largest card in the suite.
• Add the tissue paper or vellum: If you're using tissue paper, it's your choice whether to include it. If you decide to use it, place it on top of the invitation. If you prefer vellum, it will also sit atop your invitation card. Remember, choose either tissue paper or vellum; you'll only want to use one.
• Layer on the reception card: If applicable, place the reception card face-up on top of the invitation (or tissue paper, if included).
• Include other enclosure cards: Add 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.
• Add the RSVP card and envelope: Place the reply envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards. Insert the reply card under the reply envelope flap, face up, so the printed side is visible.
• Assemble the invitation suite: If you're using an inner and outer envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope first, making sure the printed side of the invitation is visible when the envelope flap is opened. Then, place the inner envelope into the outer envelope, ensuring the guests' names on the inner envelope are visible when opened. If you're using just one envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite directly into the envelope.

• Tissue paper: Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent ink from smudging on handwritten invitations. Nowadays, it's mostly used for formal weddings and can add a nice, organised, formal presentation to your invitations.
• Vellum: Vellum is a more modern alternative to tissue paper and offers more colour and size options. It can also be printed with custom text and designs. Vellum is particularly useful if your invitations include raised embellishments like ribbons or rhinestones, as it helps protect these elements during mailing.

RSVP cards

RSVPs are an important part of your wedding invitation suite. They are a polite way of requesting that your guests indicate whether they will attend your wedding or not. Here are some tips for including RSVP cards in your wedding invitations:

Assembly

When assembling your wedding invitation suite, the RSVP card and envelope are usually placed on top of the other enclosure cards. The RSVP card is tucked under the flap of its envelope, printed side up, so that guests can immediately read the text when they open the envelope. The envelope, meanwhile, is placed printed side down, with the flap on the left.

Design and Wording

Envelopes

It is recommended that you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your RSVP card so that guests can easily send their responses back to you. This envelope can be placed inside the main invitation envelope, with the RSVP card tucked underneath its flap.

Timing

Wedding invitations with RSVP cards should be sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. If you are still waiting for some RSVPs around two weeks before the wedding, you can start sending out gentle reminders. For destination weddings, it is advisable to mail the invitations at least three months in advance.

Weighing and postage

Weighing your wedding invitations is an important step in the process of sending them out. It is recommended that you take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed, so you know the exact postage required. This is because the weight of your invitation will depend on several factors, including the thickness of the paper, the number of cards, the use of a pocket-fold, and any embellishments included.

Basic wedding invitation suites (including a mailing envelope, a flat single-layer invitation, an RSVP card, and an RSVP envelope) will typically require just a regular First Class Stamp. However, if your invitation weighs more than one ounce, you will need additional postage. For example, if your invitation weighs more than one ounce but less than two ounces, you will need a 2-ounce stamp. Square wedding invitations are also considered irregular and will require additional postage.

To save time, you can also weigh your invitations at home using a food scale. This will give you a good estimate of the weight, but it is always best to double-check with the post office to ensure you have the correct postage.

Once you know the weight of your invitations, you can purchase the appropriate stamps. Forever Stamps are a popular choice for wedding invitations, as they are valid for any First-Class Mail letter regardless of price changes. You can also add a unique touch to your invitations by choosing stamps with beautiful designs or those that match your wedding theme.

Frequently asked questions