The Art Of Stuffing Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process for couples, but it's not rocket science. It's essential to know how to stuff wedding invitations properly to ensure that your special day is set off on the right foot. The general rule is to assemble invitations in order of sizing, with the largest card at the bottom. Face each card upwards and stack them neatly, from the invitation card to the reception card, response card, and any enclosure cards. If you're using an inner envelope, place the assembled invitation suite inside with the text facing up, before inserting it into the outer envelope. For a luxurious touch, add a belly band, vellum jacket, or wax seal.

Order of cards

The order of the cards is important when assembling wedding invitations. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Start with the invitation card: Place the main invitation card at the bottom, with the printed side facing up. This is usually the largest card in the suite.
• Add a tissue paper or vellum overlay (optional): 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 most modern inks don't require it.
• Add the reception card (if applicable): Place the reception card, which includes the time and location of the wedding reception, on top of the invitation card or tissue paper.
• Include other enclosure cards: Add any additional enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, travel information, or other details. Place these cards face up on top of the reception card, starting with the largest and working your way to the smallest.
• 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. Don't forget to pre-address and pre-stamp the RSVP envelope.
• Optional: Use an inner envelope: If you are using an inner envelope 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, and the folded edge for a folded invitation. The printed side should be facing up so that when the envelope flap is opened, the text is visible. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope.
• Insert into the outer envelope: If you are using only an outer envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope. Again, the left edge goes in first for a single-card invitation, and the folded edge for a folded invitation. The printed side should be facing up, so guests can immediately read the invitation when they open the envelope.

Once your invitations are assembled, you can add finishing touches like belly bands, ribbons, or wax seals. Then, you're ready to seal and send your invitations!

Envelopes

The envelope is a key part of your wedding invitation suite. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to stuff your envelopes properly:

The Inner Envelope

If you are using an inner envelope, place 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 first for a folded invitation. The invitation should be facing up, so that when the envelope flap is opened, the text is visible. The inner envelope is usually left unsealed.

The Outer Envelope

If you are using a single envelope, or after you have placed the inner envelope into the outer envelope, you will need to seal the envelope. Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of the envelope, being careful not to use too much to avoid a soggy result. Place a heavy book on top of the stack of envelopes to ensure they are securely sealed.

Return Address

Make sure your envelopes have address labels. You can use a skinny wrap, rubber stamp address label, or handwrite the address.

Postage

Before mailing your invitations, take a fully assembled set to the post office to be weighed so you know how much postage you will need. Ask about international rates if applicable. Bring all your completed invites to the post office to be hand-cancelled, to ensure they are handled carefully.

Tissue paper/vellum

Tissue paper or vellum is a common addition to wedding invitations. It is a thin, delicate, slightly translucent paper that is placed over the invitation card and sometimes between each card in the ensemble. Tissue paper is usually white or cream, while vellum comes in a variety of colours and sizes.

If you want to include tissue paper or vellum in your wedding invitations, here is a step-by-step guide:

• Place the wedding invitation face up on a table. This is usually the largest card in the invitation suite.
• Layer on the tissue paper or vellum overlay. This is optional, but it is traditionally used to keep the ink from smudging and adds a formal touch to the invitation. If you decide to use an overlay, choose between tissue paper or vellum—you will only want to use one.
• Place the reception card face-up on top of the invitation or tissue paper. This card includes the time and location of the wedding reception and any other important information such as the dress code.
• Add any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, and travel information, 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.
• Place the reply envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards. Insert the reply card under the reply envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible.
• If you are using a folded-style invitation, place all enclosures within the folded invitation rather than on top.
• If you are using two envelopes (an inner 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, and the folded edge first for a folded invitation. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened.
• 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, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope following the same guidelines as above.

Some additional tips to consider:

• If you are using tissue paper to prevent smudging, it is recommended over vellum as vellum does not work well for ink absorption.
• Assemble your invitations at least a week before you plan to mail them to allow for any unexpected delays.
• Create an assembly line to speed up the process and ensure a smooth workflow.
• Make sure to pre-address and stamp your reply envelopes to increase the chances of receiving timely RSVPs.
• If you prefer not to assemble the invitations yourself, you can ask your stationer or wedding planner about assembly services, which may be available for an additional fee.

RSVP cards

RSVPs are an important part of your wedding stationery suite. They are a way to prompt guests to respond to your invite in a timely manner and help you organise the seating chart, menu and even music playlist.

• Place the RSVP envelope face down: Place the RSVP envelope, printed side facing down, on top of the enclosure cards. The envelope flap should be on the left. This envelope should be pre-printed with the mailing address and pre-stamped.
• Insert the reply card: Insert the reply card (RSVP card) under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible.
• Stack in size order: If you are using a single envelope, place the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation, and the folded edge first for a folded invitation. The text should be print-side up, so that when the envelope flap is opened, guests can immediately see the text.
• Inner envelope (optional): If you are using two envelopes (an inner and an outer envelope), insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope first. The left edge goes in first for a single-card invitation, and the folded edge first for a folded invitation. When the inner envelope flap is opened, the printed side of the invitation should be visible.
• Outer envelope: Insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope, making sure that the guests' names on the inner envelope are visible when opened.

• RSVP deadline: Set an RSVP deadline of around four weeks before your wedding date and feature it prominently on the card.
• Attendance line: Include an attendance line for guests to accept or decline your invitation. This could be in the format of checkboxes, circling or fill-in-the-blank lines.
• Food preferences: If you are serving dinner, mention the meal type and leave a fill-in-the-blank line for guests to detail their dietary restrictions.
• Special request line: Include a special request line, such as song requests, drink preferences or a favourite memory of the couple.
• Response card format: You can choose to include a pre-printed response card, a card without a pre-printed response, or no response card at all. If you include a pre-printed response card, guests can write their names and the number of guests attending. If there is no pre-printed response card, guests can write a personal message.
• RSVP card wording: Traditional RSVP wording includes phrases such as "The favour of a reply is requested" or "Please reply". You can also include meal options or a song request on the RSVP card.

Belly bands

• Lay the belly band over your neatly stacked invitation suite, centring any personalisation.
• Apply pressure with your thumbs to the top of the band and enclosures to hold everything in place.
• Wrap your index fingers around the back of the invite – you should be able to pick the suite up without anything moving.
• Flip the suite towards you so that all the information is face down, and carefully pull one end of the band over the back and crease it. Repeat with the other end.
• Pull both ends of the belly band tight, without bending the sides of your stationery.
• Adhere the band together with the included glue dots or a clear adhesive sticker.

Frequently asked questions