The Ultimate Guide To Stuffing Wedding Invitations

Wedding planning can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. One of the most important parts of the process is sending out invitations. Wedding invitation assembly is a confusing process for many couples, but it isn't rocket science. The Knot, a popular wedding planning website, offers a simple guide to assembling wedding invitations, from proofreading and confirming guests' names are spelled correctly to placing them in the right order and calculating the right amount of postage. With these tips, you'll be able to create elegant and classy invitations that will build excitement for your big day.

Invitation and enclosure card order

When it comes to the order of your wedding invitation suite, it's important to follow a specific sequence to ensure that everything is presented clearly and elegantly to your guests. Here is a detailed guide on the order in which you should place your invitation and enclosure cards:

• Start with the invitation card: The wedding invitation itself should be the foundation of your suite. Place it face up, as this is typically the largest card and serves as the main attraction.
• Layer with tissue paper or vellum (optional): Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent ink smudges. Nowadays, most inks are smear-free, so this layer is optional. If you choose to include it, place the tissue paper on top of the invitation card. Alternatively, you can use a vellum overlay, which is also a popular choice.
• Add the reception card: Place the reception card face-up on top of the invitation (or tissue paper, if included). This card provides essential information such as the time, location, and dress code for the wedding reception.
• Include other enclosure cards: Any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps, hotel accommodation details, or travel information, should be placed face-up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.
• Place the response card and envelope: Position the response envelope face-down on top of the enclosure cards. Then, insert the response card under the flap of the response envelope, ensuring that the printed side of the card is visible. Stamp the response card and envelope—it's proper etiquette and a thoughtful gesture for your guests.
• Assemble and insert into envelopes: Once you have assembled all the components, it's time to place them into the envelopes. If you're using an inner envelope and an outer envelope, first insert the invitation suite into the inner envelope. Ensure that when the envelope flap is opened, the printed side of the invitation is visible. Then, place the inner envelope into the outer envelope so that the guests' names are visible when they open it. If you're using a single outer envelope, insert the fully assembled suite with the left edge or folded edge going in first, depending on your invitation style.

Proofread and check spelling

Proofreading and checking for spelling errors is an important step in the wedding invitation process. You don't want to send out invitations with mistakes, so it's worth taking the time to review everything carefully. Here are some tips to help you proofread and check the spelling of your wedding invitations:

• Digital proof: Chances are, your stationer sent you a digital proof of your invitations before printing them. However, it's still important to check that everything turned out correctly on the printed invitations. Review all the details, including dates, times, venues, and names, to ensure there are no mistakes.
• Get a second opinion: Ask your significant other or a member of your wedding party to review the invitations as well. Sometimes, it's easy to glaze over your own mistakes, so having someone else take a look can help catch any errors you might have missed.
• Check guests' names: Confirm the spelling of your guests' names, especially if you're using calligraphy or personalised envelopes. It's considered poor etiquette to send an invitation with a guest's name spelled incorrectly. If you're unsure about the spelling, check with a family member or another reliable source to confirm.
• Review all materials: Check not only the invitations themselves but also any other enclosed cards or materials. This includes RSVP cards, direction cards, accommodation cards, and envelopes. You don't want to miss a mistake that was hidden inside an enclosure card!
• Allow enough time: Don't rush the proofreading process. Give yourself enough time to review the invitations thoroughly. This will help reduce the chances of missing any errors. It's also a good idea to order your invitations with enough lead time in case you need to make any corrections and reprint them.
• Consider hiring a professional: If you're worried about missing something or want a more experienced eye, consider hiring a professional proofreader or editor to review your invitations before they're printed. This can give you added peace of mind and help ensure error-free invitations.

Invitation assembly process

Before you begin assembling your wedding invitations, make sure you have all the necessary materials. This includes the invitation itself, reception cards, response cards, response envelopes, direction/map cards, inner and outer envelopes, and tissue paper (optional). It's also a good idea to have stamps, envelope moisteners, and address labels or stamps on hand.

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of assembling your wedding invitations:

• Start by placing the wedding invitation face up on a clean, clear surface. This is usually the largest card in the suite, so it serves as the foundation for the rest of the pieces.
• If you're using tissue paper or a vellum overlay, place it on top of the wedding invitation. Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent ink smudges, but today it's more of a preference. Vellum overlays are also a popular choice for adding a decorative touch.
• Add the reception card, which includes details about the time and location of the wedding reception, on top of the invitation or tissue paper, with the printed side facing up.
• Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as map cards, hotel accommodation cards, or travel information, face up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.
• Place the reply envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards. Then, insert the reply card under the reply envelope flap, ensuring that the printed side of the card is visible. If your invitation is a folded-style invitation, place all enclosures within the folds instead of on top.
• If you're using two envelopes (an inner and an outer envelope), insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope so that the guests' names are visible when they open it.
• If you're using a single envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite with the printed side facing the envelope flap. This allows guests to see the text as soon as they open the envelope.
• Once all the pieces are assembled and stuffed into the envelope(s), seal the envelope(s) using envelope moisteners or stamps.
• Finally, address the outer envelope by hand or using printed labels or address stamps.

That's it! You've now successfully assembled and stuffed your wedding invitations. Remember to proofread all the details, confirm the spelling of guests' names, and calculate the correct amount of postage before sending out your invitations. Enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to make it a fun activity with your partner or friends!

Weighing and postage

Wedding invitations can't be sent without knowing their weight, as a standard stamp may not be enough to cover the cost of postage. Wedding invitation suites have multiple enclosure cards and are heavier than a standard letter. Therefore, it is important to calculate the right amount of postage.

To do this, take a fully stuffed envelope to the post office and ask them to weigh your assembled invitation. Once you know how much it weighs, you can confirm the correct amount of postage needed for each invitation envelope and buy the postage right there at the post office. You can even send a test wedding invitation to a member of the wedding party to ensure it arrives without any issues.

If you are sending your invitations from outside of the US, it is important to check the weight and postage requirements for your specific country. Each country has different postage rates and weight allowances, so be sure to check with your local post office or online.

Additionally, if you are using non-standard envelopes or unique decorations, such as wax seals or ribbons, you may need additional postage. These add weight and bulk to your invitations, so be sure to account for these when calculating postage.

Invitation etiquette

Wedding invitation assembly is a process that can be confusing for many couples, but it's not too difficult. Here are some etiquette guidelines to follow when assembling and sending out your wedding invitations:

Proofread Your Wedding Invitations

Before sending out your invitations, it's important to proofread them for any errors or inaccuracies. Check that the wedding date, time, venue name(s), and your parents' and partner's parents' names (if included) are correct. It's also a good idea to have someone else review the invitations as a second pair of eyes.

Confirm the Spelling of Guests' Names

Ensure that the guests' names and addresses are spelled correctly on both the outer and inner envelopes. It's considered poor etiquette to send an invitation with a misspelled name. If you're unsure about the spelling, verify it with a family member or a close contact of the guest.

Place the Cards in the Right Order

The wedding invitation card, which is typically the largest card, should be placed first, facing up. Then, add the reception card, followed by any other enclosure cards such as map or accommodation cards. The response card should be tucked under the flap of the response envelope, also facing up, so that the printed side is visible. Finally, put the assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope (if using one) or directly into the outer envelope.

Calculate the Right Amount of Postage

Wedding invitation suites with multiple enclosure cards can be heavier than a standard letter, so it's important to weigh a fully stuffed envelope at the post office to determine the correct postage amount. This ensures that your invitations reach their destination without any issues.

Send Out Your Invitations on Time

Wedding etiquette suggests sending out invitations 4-6 weeks before the wedding. However, it's common to send out "save-the-date" cards and provide access to a wedding website with travel and accommodation details in advance. The RSVP card should have a deadline for guests to respond, especially if you need to provide meal choices to your caterer.

Stamp the Response Cards

It is considered proper etiquette to stamp the response cards. This simple courtesy makes it easier for your guests to respond and increases the likelihood of receiving timely RSVPs.

Consider an Assembly Party

Assembling wedding invitations can be more enjoyable with friends and family. Invite them over, provide some snacks and drinks, and create an assembly line to make the process faster and more fun.

Frequently asked questions