Minted Wedding Invites: The Ultimate Guide To Stuffing

Wedding invitations are an important part of wedding planning, and assembling them can be a fun and creative process. Minted offers a range of customizable wedding invitation options, allowing couples to reflect their unique style and tell their love story. From classic and simple designs to more elegant and luxurious choices, Minted has something for everyone. Assembling wedding invitations involves stacking various elements, such as the main invitation card, vellum liners, reception cards, and enclosure cards, in the correct order. This guide will provide a step-by-step process for stuffing Minted wedding invitations, ensuring that each envelope carries not just information but also the essence of the couple's special day.

How to assemble wedding invitations

Wedding invitations are a great way to give your guests a glimpse of your special day. Assembling your wedding invitations can be a fun and easy process, and here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Firstly, gather all the components of your invitation suite. This includes the main invitation card, any vellum liners, reception cards, enclosure cards (direction or detail cards, map cards, or hotel accommodation cards), RSVP cards and envelopes, and any finishing touches like belly bands, ribbons, or vellum wraps.

Now, you can begin assembling:

Step 1:

Start with the main invitation card, placing it face up. If you have chosen to include a vellum liner, place it on top of the invitation card.

Step 2:

Add the reception card, placing it face up on top of the invitation card (or vellum liner, if included).

Step 3:

Stack the remaining enclosure cards. Place any direction, detail, map, or accommodation cards face up on top of the reception card. If you have a wedding website, be sure to include the website address and password on one of these cards, or even a QR code for easy access.

Step 4:

Add the RSVP card and envelope. Place the RSVP envelope printed side down on top of the stack of enclosure cards, with the envelope flap on the left. Insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible. Remember to pre-stamp the reply envelope for your guests' convenience.

Step 5:

Add any finishing touches, such as a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, to complete the suite.

Step 6:

Address the envelopes. Traditionally, calligraphy was used to address envelopes, but printing the names and addresses directly on the envelopes is a more efficient and modern approach.

Step 7:

Insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the 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 that guests can immediately read the invite when they open the envelope.

Step 8:

Seal the envelope. Use an envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge, being careful not to use too much to avoid soggy envelopes. Place a heavy book on top of the stack of sealed envelopes to ensure they are securely sealed.

Step 9:

Add return address labels to the envelopes, or use a rubber stamp address label.

Step 10:

Finally, take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to determine the exact postage required. Once you have the correct postage, bring your invitations to the post office to be hand-cancelled, ensuring they are handled with care.

Now your wedding invitations are ready to be mailed!

Belly bands, ribbons, and vellum wraps

Belly Bands

"Belly band" refers to a narrow strip of paper, usually around 1-2 inches thick, that wraps around your invitation suite. Minted's belly bands are designed to match your wedding invites and can be personalised with your names, wedding date, or a meaningful message. To assemble your invitations with a belly band:

• Stack your invitation suite with the invitation on the bottom and all cards facing up. The direction or accommodations card should be placed first, followed by the reply card and its envelope.
• Centre the belly band over your stacked suite and place the included clear sticker on one end.
• Flip your suite and band over so everything is face down.
• Fold the non-stickered end of the band around the suite first.
• Wrap the stickered end tightly around the suite and adhere it to the other end.
• Slide your completed invitation into the envelope with the cards facing up.

Ribbons

Ribbons can add a beautiful statement to your wedding invitations. Silk ribbon is a popular choice for its gorgeous raw edges and organic texture. When using ribbons, keep in mind that tying a knot or bow will typically require a "non-machinable surcharge" for your envelope. Here's how to assemble your invitations with a ribbon:

• Use a piece of string to determine the desired length by wrapping it around your assembled invitation stack and tying it in your preferred style.
• Cut the ribbon to the desired length using fabric shears for a crisp, clean cut. Create a polished look by cutting the ribbon ends at a sharp angle or dovetailing them.
• Wrap the ribbon around your invitation stack and secure it with double-sided tape or glue dots.
• Bring a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the exact postage required, as ribbons will increase the weight.

Vellum Wraps

Vellum has become popular for its soft, romantic feel, adding a layer of semi-transparent design to your invitations. You can use a whole piece of vellum to wrap the entire suite or cut it into 1" strips to use as a band. When using vellum, use vellum glue dots to avoid the adhesive showing through. Here's how to assemble your invitations with a vellum wrap:

• Place the vellum sheet or strip on top of your invitation card.
• Secure the vellum with glue dots on the back of the suite, ensuring they are not visible.

RSVP cards and envelopes

When it comes to RSVP cards and envelopes, there are a few steps to follow to ensure they are properly included in your wedding invitation suite. Here is a detailed guide:

Preparing the RSVP Card and Envelope:

• If you have chosen a traditional mailed RSVP card, start by preparing the RSVP envelope. It should be printed side down, with the envelope flap on the left. Ensure that the mailing address is pre-printed on the envelope.
• Insert the RSVP card, also known as the reply card, under the envelope flap. The printed side of the card should be facing up so that it is visible when the flap is opened.
• Don't forget to pre-stamp the RSVP envelope. This saves your guests the hassle of searching for postage and increases the likelihood of receiving timely responses.

Assembling the Invitation Suite:

• Place the RSVP card and envelope on top of the other enclosure cards, such as the direction or detail card, map card, or hotel accommodations card. The order of these cards usually doesn't matter unless they vary in size. In that case, arrange them with the largest card on the bottom and the smallest on top.
• If your invitation is a folded card, place the enclosures within the fold rather than on top.

Inserting into the Main Envelope:

• Once your invitation suite is assembled, it's time to insert it into the main envelope. Place the suite with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge first for a folded invitation.
• Ensure that the text on the invitation is print-side up, so guests can immediately read it when they open the envelope.

Final Steps:

• Seal the envelope using an envelope moistener or adhesive. Be careful not to use too much liquid, as it can cause the envelope to become soggy and puckered.
• Add any final touches, such as a wax seal, return address label, or vintage stamps.
• Bring a fully assembled invitation suite to the post office to determine the exact postage required, especially if you've included embellishments like ribbons or belly bands.
• Consider hand-cancelling your invitations at the post office instead of dropping them into a mailbox. This ensures that the envelopes are manually sorted, reducing the risk of damage during mailing.

Addressing the envelopes

When addressing the envelopes for your wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, Minted has shifted towards sustainability and simplicity by using only a single outer envelope, rather than both inner and outer envelopes. This means that only outer envelopes are included with your invitations. Traditionally, calligraphy was used to address envelopes, but you can also print the names and addresses directly on the envelopes for an efficient and polished look. Remember, when you print your invitation suite with Minted, guest addressing and custom envelopes are free!

If you're hiring a calligrapher, be sure to get your envelopes to them at least two to three weeks before you need them. When addressing the envelopes, the general format is to write the guest's name and address on the outer envelope. When the envelope is opened, the guest should be able to read the invitation as they take it out with their right hand, without having to turn the card.

Once you have addressed the envelopes, it's time to insert the fully assembled invitation suite. If you have purchased slip-in envelope liners, slide these into your envelopes first by peeling off the adhesive strip on the back of each liner and pressing firmly to secure it in place. Then, insert the invitation suite with the left edge first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge first for a folded invitation.

Finally, seal the envelope using a bottled envelope moistener, being careful not to use too much to avoid soggy, puckered envelopes. Place a heavy book on top of the stack of sealed envelopes to ensure they are securely sealed.

Sealing and mailing the envelopes

Sealing the Envelope:

• Use an envelope moistener to wet the adhesive edge of the envelope. Be cautious not to use too much moisture, as you don't want the envelopes to become soggy and puckered.
• After sealing all the envelopes, place a heavy book on top of the stack to ensure the envelopes are securely sealed.
• If you're using a wax seal, now is the time to add it.

Return Address:

Ensure your envelopes have address labels. You can opt for a SkinnyWrap™ or a rubber stamp address label.

Mailing:

• Before mailing, bring a fully assembled invitation to the post office and ask them to weigh it. This will help you determine the exact postage required, including international rates if needed.
• Once you have the correct postage, bring your invitations to the post office to be hand-cancelled. This means they will be manually sorted instead of going through machines, reducing the risk of damage during mailing.

Final Checks:

• Double-check that your invitations are correctly addressed and have the correct postage before dropping them off at the post office.
• With these steps complete, your wedding invitations are ready to be mailed!

Frequently asked questions