The Art Of Stuffing Wedding Invitations: Top Opening Tips

Wedding invitations are a chance to showcase your signature style while keeping tradition in mind. But assembling them can be a tricky process, especially if you're working with multiple cards and enclosures. The general rule is to assemble your invitations in order of sizing, with the invitation itself – the largest card – placed face up at the bottom, and all other cards stacked neatly on top. This forms the invitation suite, which is then inserted into the envelope.

If you're using an inner envelope and an outer envelope, the process is a little different. The inner envelope should contain the invitation suite, with all wording facing up and towards the opening so that it's immediately visible when the envelope is opened. The guests' names on the inner envelope should face the back of the outer envelope, so that the names are seen first when it's opened.

Invitation first, face up

When assembling your wedding invitation suite, the first step is to gather all the necessary pieces, including the invitation itself, any enclosure cards, envelopes, and adornments like belly bands, vellum or tissue paper overlays, ribbons, and wax seals. It is recommended to create an assembly line to streamline the process.

• Start with the invitation card: Place the invitation card face up on the table, with the printed side facing up. The invitation card is typically the largest card in the suite, so it serves as the base for the rest of the pieces.
• Add the tissue paper or vellum overlay (optional): If you have chosen to include a sheet of 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 more of a stylistic choice.
• Stack the reception card (if applicable): If you have a reception card, place it face up on top of the invitation (or tissue paper/vellum overlay). The reception card usually includes details such as the time, location, and dress code for the wedding reception.
• Add other enclosure cards: Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps, 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.
• Include the RSVP card and envelope: Place the RSVP envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap opening to the right. Then, insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible. Don't forget to pre-address and stamp the RSVP envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.
• Finalise the assembly: At this point, you have the option to add finishing touches like a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap to hold the entire suite together.
• Insert the suite into the envelope: With the invitation package facing printed side up, slide the entire packet into the envelope. Ensure that the text of the invitation is visible when the envelope is opened, allowing guests to easily read the important details.
• Seal the envelope: Use an envelope moistener or lick the flap to seal the envelope closed. If using a wax seal, add it after securing the envelope.
• Address the envelope: Don't forget to add the return address labels or stamps to the envelope. You can print the addresses directly on the envelopes or hire a calligrapher for a more elegant touch.
• Weigh and post your invitations: Before mailing your invitations, take a fully assembled set to the post office to get the correct postage amount. It's also recommended to hand-cancel the invitations at the post office to ensure they are handled with care.

Stack other cards on top

Stacking the cards in your wedding invitation suite is a simple process, but it's important to get it right so that your invitations look neat and are easy for your guests to read. Here's a step-by-step guide to stacking other cards on top of your main invitation card:

• Start with the main invitation card, which should be placed face up on a 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.
• Layer on a sheet of tissue paper or vellum, if applicable. Traditionally, this was used to prevent smudging, and while modern inks are less likely to smudge, some people still choose to include this layer. If you decide to use vellum, it will usually sit on top of the invitation card.
• Place the reception card on top of the invitation card (or the tissue paper/vellum, if you've included it). The reception card should also be placed face up, with the wording facing you. This card includes important information such as the time and location of the wedding reception and the requested dress code.
• Add any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations card, or travel information. These cards should also be placed 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 RSVP envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap opening out to the right.
• Insert the RSVP response card into the envelope, with the wording upright and visible. The flap of the envelope should be folded over the card so that it's tucked into place without being inside the envelope.
• If you have any tags or small cards, these would go on top of everything else. Remember, the suite is assembled from largest to smallest.

Once you have stacked all the cards, you can use a ribbon or belly band to hold them together. If you're using a tag or small card to fasten the ribbon or belly band, assemble it so that the seam of the band is fastened behind the tag, hiding the seam.

RSVP card under envelope flap

When it comes to wedding invitations, the RSVP card is an essential component. Here are some detailed instructions on how to include the RSVP card under the envelope flap for a top-opening invitation:

• Orientation of the RSVP card: The RSVP card should be placed under the flap of the envelope, not inside it. This makes it easier for the recipient to find and read the card. The printed side of the RSVP card should be facing up, so that your guests can immediately see the relevant information when they open the envelope.
• Addressing the envelope: Ensure that the RSVP envelope is addressed to you and your partner. This is an important step, as it ensures that your guests know where to send their responses. Don't forget to include appropriate postage on the envelope as well.
• Assembly order: When assembling the entire invitation suite, the order is usually based on the size of the cards. The wedding invitation, being the largest card, should be placed at the bottom, followed by the RSVP card, and then any additional enclosure cards. If there are multiple enclosure cards, arrange them from largest to smallest, with the largest card just below the RSVP card.
• Consider liners: If your wedding invitation suite includes liners, you will need to assemble them correctly. Choose liners that fit your envelope size. Insert the liner into the envelope until it reaches the bottom. Hold it in place, fold the flap, and then run your fingers along the top edge of the envelope to create a firm crease. Open the envelope flap, apply glue to the liner's top edges, and then refold the flap to secure the liner.
• Inserting into the envelope: Once you have assembled the invitation suite, including the RSVP card under the flap, it's time to insert everything into the envelope. Place the envelope in front of you with the flap open and the interior facing up. Turn the envelope 90 degrees clockwise, so the opening is on the right. Slide the invitation suite into the envelope from right to left, ensuring that the text on the invitation is legible when removed by the recipient.
• Sealing the envelope: After inserting the invitation suite, check that you can still see a portion of the wording on the invitation and RSVP card. Then, seal the envelope using the adhesive provided or a bottled envelope moistener. Be careful not to use too much liquid, as it can cause the envelope to become soggy.

Belly band, ribbon or vellum wrap

Belly bands, ribbons, and vellum wraps are a great way to add a finishing touch to your wedding invitations. They can make your guests feel like they're opening a present and give your invitations a luxurious feel. Here's how to use them:

Belly Bands

"Belly band" refers to a piece of paper that's usually around 1-2 inches thick and wraps around an invitation suite. It can be made of solid paper or patterned paper, and you can even print a custom design on it. To assemble your invitations with a belly band, follow these steps:

• Stack your invitation suite with the invitation on the bottom and all cards facing up.
• Center the belly band over your stacked suite and place a clear sticker on one end.
• Flip your suite and band over so that everything is face down.
• Fold the non-stickered end around the suite first, then wrap the stickered end around and adhere it to the other end.
• Slide your completed invitation into the envelope with the cards facing up.

Ribbon

Ribbon will make a bolder statement than string or vellum. When choosing a ribbon, consider the width you want—ribbons can range from 1/8 inch to 2 or 3 inches wide. To assemble your invitations with a ribbon, follow these steps:

• Use a piece of string to determine the length of ribbon you'll need. Wrap the string around your fully assembled invitation stack and tie it in the style you want.
• Cut the ribbon to the desired length.
• Wrap the ribbon around your invitation stack and tie it.
• Bring a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the correct postage, as ribbons typically require a "nonmachinable surcharge."

Vellum Wrap

Vellum has become a popular choice for invitation wraps because of its soft, romantic feel. It can add a layer of semi-transparent design that serves as a beautiful frame for your invitations. You can use a whole piece of vellum to wrap the entire invitation suite or cut it into 1-inch strips to use as a band around the middle. To assemble your invitations with a vellum wrap, follow these steps:

• Use vellum glue dots to adhere the vellum to the back of your invitation suite.
• If using a whole piece of vellum, wrap it around the entire suite. If using strips, wrap them around the middle.
• Finish with a wax seal, ribbon, or both for a sophisticated look.

Seal, address and mail

Now that your wedding invitations are assembled, it's time to seal, address, and mail them.

Sealing

There are several ways to seal your wedding invitations. You can use a wax seal, a belly band, a ribbon, or simply the gummed edge of the envelope. If you're using a wax seal, be sure to expose the adhesive on the back of the seal before placing it on the envelope. Belly bands are narrow strips of paper that wrap around your invitation suite and are secured with stickers or tape. Ribbons are tied around the suite and then placed inside an envelope. If you're using the envelope's gummed edge, be careful not to use too much moisture, as you don't want the envelope to become soggy and puckered.

Addressing

When addressing your wedding invitations, the general rule is to place the guest's name and address on the front of the envelope. If you're using inner and outer envelopes, the outer envelope should include the guest's name and address, while the inner envelope should list the names of the individual guests invited to the wedding. It's also important to include your return address on the envelope, usually on the envelope flap. Nowadays, calligraphy is not necessary, and you can simply print the names and addresses directly on the envelopes.

Mailing

Before mailing your wedding invitations, it's essential to weigh them at the post office to ensure you have the correct postage. Wedding invitations can vary in weight depending on the number of enclosures and embellishments, so it's best to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the exact postage required. It's also recommended to hand-cancel your invitations at the post office instead of dropping them in a mailbox. Hand-cancelling ensures that the post office will manually sort the envelopes, reducing the risk of damage during mailing.

Frequently asked questions