The Art Of Stuffing Wedding Invitations With Tissue Paper

Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process, but they can also be a little tricky to put together. Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent ink from smearing, but now it's more of a stylistic choice. If you want to include tissue paper in your wedding invitations, here's how to do it. First, place the invitation card face-up on a table. Then, add the tissue paper on top of the invitation card. You can also place it between each card for added protection. Next, add the reception card, followed by any other enclosure cards such as maps or accommodation details. Finally, insert the stack of cards into the envelope with the text facing up, so your guests can read the invitation as soon as they open it.

Why use tissue paper?

Wedding invitation tissue paper is thin, delicate, and slightly translucent, usually white or cream, and cut to standard sizes. It is placed over an invitation card and sometimes between each card in the ensemble.

There are three main reasons to use tissue paper in wedding invitations: tradition, aesthetics, and practicality.

Tradition

The use of tissue paper in wedding invitations dates back hundreds of years to when invitations were handwritten. Tissue was placed over the invitation wording to blot excess ink and prevent smudging. While modern printing methods have made this step unnecessary, the tradition has persisted.

Aesthetics

Placing tissue paper over and between cards offers a nice, organized, and formal presentation. It gives the invitation suite a cohesive look and adds a touch of elegance.

Practicality & Protection

In some cases, tissue paper can serve as a protective layer for wedding invitations. Certain printing methods and designs are more prone to smudging, scratching, or damage during mailing. Tissue paper can act as a barrier between cards, reducing the risk of smudging or damage caused by embellishments such as crystals, ribbons, or string.

Tissue paper is particularly recommended when using inkjet printing, including multiple cards or embellishments, or creating pocket invitations, as these factors increase the risk of smudging or damage.

While the use of tissue paper in wedding invitations is optional, it can add a traditional, aesthetic, and practical touch to your invitation suite.

How to arrange invitations with tissue paper

Arranging invitations with tissue paper is a simple process, but it can elevate the look of your wedding invitations. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, you need to decide whether you want to use tissue paper or vellum. Vellum is a more contemporary alternative, offered in a variety of colours and sizes, and can be printed with custom text and designs. Tissue paper, on the other hand, is more traditional, usually white or cream, and slightly translucent. It is also more practical if you are concerned about ink smudging, as vellum may make the smudging worse.

Now, to the assembly process. Start with the invitation card, which should be placed face up on a table. If you are using tissue paper, place it on top of the invitation card. If you are using vellum, it usually sits on top of the invitation card as well, unless you prefer the look of tissue paper.

Next, add the reception card, placing it face-up on top of the invitation card or tissue/vellum. This card includes the time and location of the wedding reception, as well as other important information like the dress code.

Then, add any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, and travel information. Place these 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.

Finally, add the reply envelope and card. The envelope should be placed face down on top of the enclosure cards, with the reply card tucked under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible.

And there you have it! Your wedding invitations are now stuffed and ready to be sent out to your guests.

How to assemble wedding invitations with tissue paper

Wedding invitations can be a fun DIY project, but assembling them can be tricky. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble wedding invitations with tissue paper:

Firstly, gather all your materials. This includes the wedding invitation itself, any enclosure cards such as reception cards, response cards, direction cards, and hotel accommodation cards, as well as envelopes, stamps, tissue paper, and any adornments like belly bands or ribbons.

Before you begin assembling, clear a table and give it a wipe down to ensure your invitations stay pristine. Then, create an assembly line with all the necessary pieces in neat piles.

Now you're ready to start assembling! The general rule is to start with the largest card first and work your way down. So, begin by placing the invitation card face up on the table.

Next, you can add the tissue paper. This is optional and was traditionally used to prevent ink smudging. If you want to include it, place the tissue paper on top of the invitation card.

Then, add the reception card, placing it face-up on top of the invitation or tissue paper.

Now, add any remaining enclosure cards, placing them 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.

Finally, add the reply envelope and 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.

Once your invitation suite is assembled, it's time to stuff it into the envelope. If you are using inner and outer envelopes, insert the assembled suite into the inner envelope first, with the front of the invitation facing the open flap. Then, slip the unsealed inner envelope into the outer envelope, ensuring the guests' names are visible when they open it. If you are only using an outer envelope, insert the assembled suite directly into it.

And that's it! Repeat these steps for all your invitations, and your wedding invitations will be ready to send out in no time!

How to stuff wedding invitations with tissue paper

Wedding invitations can be a fun and creative task, but assembling them can be a little tricky. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to stuff wedding invitations with tissue paper:

Firstly, gather all the necessary materials. This includes the wedding invitation itself, tissue paper, reception cards, response cards, response envelopes, direction/map cards, inner and outer envelopes, and any other enclosure cards you wish to include. It is recommended to have all your envelopes addressed and stamped before assembling to avoid any unwanted indentations on the wedding invitation.

Now, let's begin assembling! Place the wedding invitation, face up, on a clean and clear table. If you are using a sheet of vellum or tissue paper, place it on top of the invitation. Traditionally, this was used to prevent ink smudging, but it is now more of an aesthetic choice.

Next, add 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 other important details such as the dress code.

Then, add any remaining enclosure cards, such as direction or map cards, and hotel accommodation cards, also face-up, on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest and work your way to the smallest.

After that, place the reply envelope, face-down, on top of the stack of enclosure cards. Insert the reply card under the envelope flap, ensuring it is face-up so that the printed side is visible.

Finally, if you are using both inner and outer envelopes, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope, ensuring the front of the invitation faces the open flap. Then, slip the unsealed inner envelope into the outer envelope, with the guests' names facing the back flap. If you are only using an outer envelope, insert the assembled suite directly into it.

And there you have it! A beautifully stuffed wedding invitation with tissue paper. Remember, you can always add your personal touches and creative flair to make your invitations unique and memorable.

How to seal the envelope

Sealing the envelope is the final step in assembling your wedding invitations. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to seal the envelope:

Step 1: Use a Bottled Envelope Moistener

Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of your outer envelopes. Be careful not to use too much, as you don't want the envelopes to become soggy and puckered. Take your time with this step, as it is important to ensure that the adhesive is evenly distributed and not excessive.

Step 2: Seal the Envelopes

After moistening the envelopes, carefully seal each one by pressing the flap down onto the body of the envelope. Ensure that the flap adheres securely to the envelope. You may use a bone folder or a similar tool to achieve a crisp, smooth fold on the envelope flap.

Step 3: Place a Heavy Object on the Envelopes

Once all the envelopes are sealed, place a heavy book or two on top of the stack to ensure that the seals are secure. This step will help weigh down the envelopes and prevent them from popping open.

Step 4: Add Wax Seal (Optional)

If you have chosen to include a wax seal as part of your wedding invitation suite, now is the time to add it. Carefully apply the wax seal to the envelope flap, following the manufacturer's instructions. The wax seal adds a touch of elegance and can be customized with your initials, the wedding date, or a symbolic design.

Step 5: Finalize with Return Address

Before sending out the invitations, make sure that your envelopes have address labels. You can opt for a printed return address label, a rubber stamp, or even a sophisticated SkinnyWrap™ address label. This step ensures that any invitations that cannot be delivered will be returned to you.

Now that your wedding invitations are assembled and sealed, it's time to weigh them and apply the correct postage. It is recommended to bring a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to determine the exact postage required. Finally, hand-cancel your invitations at the post office to ensure they are handled with care and reduce the risk of damage during mailing.

Frequently asked questions