The Art Of Stuffing Wedding Invites: Response Cards Included

Stuffing wedding invitations can be a fun activity to do with your wedding party, close friends, or family members. It's a great way to get everyone involved in the wedding preparations and create a memorable experience. While it may seem daunting at first, assembling and stuffing wedding invitations is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Invitation order

The order in which you place your wedding invitation, response card, and other enclosures in the envelope is important. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to stuff your wedding invitations:

• Invitation: Place the invitation face up on the table. This is usually the largest card in the packet, so it serves as the base for the other enclosures.
• 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. Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent ink smudging, but it is more of an optional aesthetic choice nowadays.
• Reception Card: If you are including a reception card, place it face up on top of the invitation (or the tissue paper, if you are using one). This card contains important details such as the time and location of the wedding reception and the requested dress code.
• Enclosure Cards: Any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps, accommodation cards, 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.
• RSVP Envelope and Response Card: Place the RSVP envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards. Insert the response card under the flap of the RSVP envelope, with the printed side facing up. Make sure the envelope is pre-addressed and stamped to make it easier for your guests to respond.
• Inner Envelope (optional): If you are using an inner and outer envelope, insert the assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope. For a single-card invitation, insert it with the left edge going in first; for a folded invitation, insert the folded edge first. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened.
• Outer Envelope: Finally, insert the inner envelope (if using) or the assembled invitation suite into the outer envelope, following the same guidelines as for the inner envelope. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope is opened.

Some additional tips to keep in mind:

• If you have multiple enclosure cards, you can place them in any order as long as they are stacked from largest to smallest.
• It is recommended to assemble your invitations in a single day to avoid losing track of items or getting off track with wedding planning.
• Create an assembly line with your friends and family to make the process more efficient and enjoyable.

RSVP card placement

The RSVP card is an essential component of a wedding invitation suite. Here are some tips for placing the RSVP card to ensure a neat and functional invitation package:

Placement within the suite:

• The general rule for assembling wedding invitations is to order the cards by size, with the largest card at the bottom. As the wedding invitation is typically the largest card, the RSVP card is usually placed towards the top of the stack.
• Place the RSVP envelope vertically on top of the reception card, with the flap opening to the right.
• Place the RSVP response card onto the response envelope with the wording upright and visible. Tuck the flap of the reply envelope over the RSVP card without inserting it inside.
• If your invitation is a folded style, place all enclosures, including the RSVP card, within the folds of the invitation.

Assembly and insertion into the envelope:

• When assembling your invitation suite, start by placing the wedding invitation face-up on a table.
• Add the RSVP card and envelope on top, maintaining the orientation mentioned above.
• If you are using an inner envelope, insert the assembled suite into it, ensuring the left edge goes in first for a single-card invitation, and the folded edge 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, making sure the guests' names on the inner envelope are visible when opened.
• If using only an outer envelope, follow the same process, inserting the assembled suite directly into it.

Additional considerations:

• Ensure the reply envelope is pre-addressed and stamped to make it convenient for your guests to respond.
• Consider using a belly band or ribbon to secure the invitation suite and give it a neat, finished look.
• If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can include a sheet of tissue paper on top of the wedding invitation to protect the ink from smudging. However, this is optional, as modern printing techniques have made this less necessary.

Envelope orientation

The orientation of the envelope is an important consideration when stuffing wedding invitations with response cards. Here are some detailed steps and tips to ensure your envelopes are properly oriented:

• Start by placing the envelope flat in front of you with the flap open, so the interior is visible. The area where the address would be written should be facing down on the table.
• Turn the envelope 90 degrees clockwise, so the opening is on the right. This orientation will allow you to slide the invitation packet into the outer envelope from right to left.
• When inserting the invitation packet, ensure that the top edge of the invitation and subsequent inserts align with the left edge of the envelope.
• The invitation should be placed face up, with the text legible to the recipient when they remove it from the envelope.
• In the past, it was considered polite to orient the invitation so that a right-handed person would see it facing up when opening the envelope. However, this is no longer a strict rule, and you can decide whether to follow it based on your preference.
• If you have 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, while the folded edge goes in first for a folded invitation.
• When inserting the inner envelope into the outer envelope, ensure that the guests' names written on the inner envelope are visible when they open it.
• If you are using only one envelope, follow the same steps as above, but insert the invitation suite directly into the outer envelope.
• Once the invitation suite is in the envelope, check that you can still see a portion of the invitation text before sealing the flap.
• Lick the envelope and press the flap down firmly using your index and middle fingers to create a tight seal.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your wedding invitations with response cards are properly oriented within the envelopes, making it easy for your guests to remove and read the contents.

Assembly line

The assembly line method is a tried-and-true way of stuffing wedding invitations with response cards. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create an efficient assembly line:

Step 1: Gather Your Team

The first step is to gather a group of helpers. The more hands you have, the faster and easier the process will be. You can enlist the help of your friends, family, wedding party, or anyone else who is willing to lend a hand.

Step 2: Create a Fun Environment

Make the invitation-stuffing process a fun event for your helpers. Provide drinks and snacks, play some music, and create a festive atmosphere. You can even turn it into a game by dividing your helpers into teams and offering a prize for the fastest team.

Step 3: Assign Tasks

Once you have your team assembled, divide them into different tasks. Some people can be in charge of placing the invitation, while others can handle the response card, envelope stuffing, sealing, or stamping. Assigning specific tasks to each person will streamline the process and make it more efficient.

Step 4: Provide Clear Instructions

Make sure everyone understands the correct order of the invitation suite and how each piece should be placed. Provide clear and gentle directions to your helpers. Remember to express your gratitude and appreciation for their help.

Step 5: Set Up a Workstation

Clear a large table or surface to work on. Lay out all the necessary pieces in neat piles, including the invitations, response cards, envelopes, stamps, and any other enclosures or adornments. This will ensure a smooth workflow and prevent any mishaps.

Step 6: Assembly and Stuffing

Now it's time to start assembling and stuffing the invitations. Start by placing the invitation face-up, followed by the response card, and any other enclosure cards. Place the reply envelope face-down, and insert the reply card under the flap, ensuring the printed side is visible. Finally, carefully insert the entire suite into the envelope, making sure the text on the invitation is legible when the recipient opens it.

By following these steps and creating an efficient assembly line, you'll be able to stuff your wedding invitations with response cards in no time! It's a fun and rewarding process, especially when you have a great team of helpers by your side.

Invitation assembly

The first step in assembling your wedding invitations is to gather a group of friends or family members to help with the process. Creating an assembly line will make the task more manageable and efficient. Clear off a large table and be sure to wipe it down to avoid any smudges or stains on the invitations.

Next, organise all the necessary pieces into neat piles. This includes the invitation, enclosure cards, envelopes, and any adornments like belly bands, vellum or tissue paper overlays, ribbons, and wax seals.

Now, it's time to start assembling the invitation stacks. Begin by placing the invitation face up on the table, as this is typically the largest card in the suite.

If you're including a tissue paper or vellum overlay, place it on top of the invitation. Vellum overlays are a popular choice and sit above the invitation card.

Add the reception card, if applicable, face-up on top of the invitation or tissue paper. This card provides details about the wedding reception, including the time, location, and dress code.

Next, place any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps, accommodation cards, and 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.

Don't forget to include the RSVP card. Place the reply envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards, and insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible. Pre-addressing and stamping the reply envelope will increase the chances of receiving prompt RSVPs.

Finally, if you're using an inner envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into it, ensuring the printed side of the invitation is visible when the envelope flap is opened. For a single-card invitation, insert the left edge first; for a folded invitation, insert the folded edge first. 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 assembled suite with the left edge or folded edge first, depending on the invitation style. Again, the printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened.

Some additional tips for invitation assembly include:

• Try to assemble and stuff all the invitations in a single day to maintain consistency and avoid losing track of the process.
• Avoid having food or drinks near the invitations to prevent any spills or stains.
• Keep each piece of the invitation suite in separate stacks to facilitate seamless assembly.
• Leave the stamps for last, especially if you're working alone. If you have an assembly line, assign someone to this task.

Frequently asked questions