Elegant Wedding Invites: Wax Seals And Ribbons

Wax seals are a unique and elegant way to embellish your wedding invitations. They can be used in a variety of ways, such as on the envelope, belly band, or invitation itself, adding a special touch to your wedding stationery. When combined with ribbon, wax seals create a refined and creative look. The length of the ribbon should be slightly more than double the width of the envelope, and there are several ways to tie it, including a simple knot or a classic bow. To ensure your invitations arrive safely, consider placing the wax seal on the inner envelope and then putting it in a larger envelope for mailing, as the raised seal may be damaged by postal sorting machines. Alternatively, use wax seals with adhesive backing for a simpler application.

Using a wax seal on the inner envelope

Before you start, it's important to choose the right type of wax. There are two main types: traditional wax and supple wax. Traditional wax is what was used by royalty in the past, but it is brittle and not suitable for mailing. Supple wax is more flexible and can withstand the rigours of the postal system. It comes in various forms, such as wax sticks with or without wicks, wax sticks for glue guns, and wax sealing beads. For wedding invitations, supple wax is the better choice.

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Chill Your Stamp

Chilling your wax seal stamp will help you achieve a better impression. You can fill a sandwich bag with ice and water, place it in a bowl, and then put the stamp face down onto the ice to cool the metal.

Step 2: Melt the Wax

You have a few options for melting the wax. You can use a traditional melting spoon over a tealight or small flame, or you can opt for a standard glue gun. If you're using wax beads, you can melt them in a melting furnace or spoon over a flame.

Step 3: Pour the Wax

The amount of wax you pour will depend on the size of your seal and the look you want to achieve. If you want a messier, more organic look, pour the wax in a less controlled manner.

Step 4: Blot and Press

Take your chilled stamp off the ice, blot it with a clean paper towel or washcloth to remove any water, and then place it in the centre of the melted wax. Gently pull on the stamp after the wax has cooled. If the wax moves at all, let it cool for a little longer before removing the stamp.

Step 5: Admire Your Work!

You've now created a beautiful wax seal impression! Repeat this process for all your inner envelopes, and your wedding invitations will surely stand out.

A few additional tips:

• If you're mailing your invitations, consider using a second, outer envelope to protect the wax seal.
• Be patient and take your time when stamping. It takes practice to get consistent results.
• To clean your sealing spoon, wipe away the wax with a tissue while it's still hot.
• You can re-melt the wax and try again if you don't like the impression.
• Consider using metallic markers to outline the design of your stamp, making it stand out even more.

With these instructions, you're well on your way to creating elegant and sophisticated wedding invitations with inner envelope wax seals.

Combining a silk ribbon with a wax seal

Step 1: Choose Your Materials

Select a silk ribbon that complements your wedding colour palette and theme. Consider the width and length of the ribbon as well; a standard width is 1/2" or 1", and the length will depend on the size of your invitation suite. You can also choose a custom-designed wax seal that coordinates with your wedding invitation. Decide on the shape, colour, and design of the wax seal.

Step 2: Prepare the Ribbon

Cut the silk ribbon to the desired length, allowing for enough ribbon to wrap around your invitation suite comfortably. You can cut the ribbon to a standard length of 13"-14" for each suite, intending to cross it at the front. If you prefer a more natural and elegant look, you can also fray the edges of the ribbon.

Step 3: Wrap the Invitation Suite

Wrap the silk ribbon around your invitation suite, crossing it at the front. You can tie a simple knot or a bow, depending on your preference. Ensure that the ribbon is securely tied but not too tight, as you want to avoid creasing your invitations.

Step 4: Apply the Wax Seal

Now it's time to add the wax seal! If you're using a wax seal kit, follow the instructions provided. Place the adhesive-backed wax seal at the centre of the knot or bow, pressing down gently to secure it in place. If you're using a traditional wax seal, melt the wax and carefully drip it onto the centre of the knot or bow, then quickly press the seal into the hot wax and hold it in place until the wax hardens.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once the wax has completely dried, your invitations are almost ready to mail! Double-check that everything is securely attached and that your invitations are not too bulky. Consider the additional weight of the ribbon and wax seal when choosing your envelopes and postage. You may need to use larger envelopes or additional postage to ensure your invitations arrive safely.

Combining silk ribbon with a wax seal is a beautiful way to elevate your wedding invitations. This DIY project adds a personal and elegant touch to your wedding stationery, creating a lasting impression on your guests.

Using a wax seal on a belly band

Wax seals on a ribbon belly band is a popular trend in the wedding industry. It is a great way to impress your guests and keep your invitations in an orderly and presentable fashion. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a beautiful wax-sealed ribbon belly band for your wedding invitations:

Step 1: Gather Supplies

You will need the following supplies: wax paper, ribbon, sealing wax, a wax stamp, a lighter, and a palate knife. Choose a ribbon that is wide enough to allow the wax to create a bond between the overlapping ribbon, such as a Carta wide weave ribbon.

Step 2: Prepare the Wax Paper

Cut the wax paper slightly smaller than the size of your invitation or card. This will protect your invitation from the wax sealing directly to the paper. You can reuse the wax paper, so prepare about 20 torn sheets.

Step 3: Cut and Prepare the Ribbon

Measure and cut the ribbon, allowing for a few inches of overlap. Cut one piece for each invitation. Place the wax paper on top of your invitation or card, and wrap the ribbon around, holding it snug and allowing for the ribbon to overlap in the centre.

Step 4: Apply the Wax

Using a lighter, light the sealing wax and allow it to drip onto the ribbon. The size of the wax pool will determine the size of your seal, so practice a couple of times to get the right amount of wax. Count to five before applying the seal to the wax.

Step 5: Let it Cool and Remove the Seal

Allow the wax to cool for about 10 seconds, then gently rock the seal back and forth to free it from the wax.

Step 6: Free the Wax from the Wax Paper

While the wax is still warm, use your palate knife to break the bond between the ribbon and the wax paper.

Step 7: Trim the Ribbon

Finish off your invitation by trimming the tails of the ribbon to your desired length.

Additional Tips:

If you are concerned about mailing your wax-sealed invitations, consider placing them inside envelopes or using vellum jackets to protect the seals. You may also need to pay extra postage for larger or heavier invitations. Alternatively, you can use self-adhesive wax seals or wax seal stickers, which are available from various online sellers.

Using a wax seal on a vellum wrap

Vellum Wax: Vellum wax is a great medium to create a soft and elegant aesthetic for your wedding invitations. Compared to traditional wax beads, vellum wax requires more product to create an impression with your wax seal stamp. For a standard 25mm stamp, use one full spoon of vellum wax. Vellum wax also requires a longer heating time and has a slower pour due to its higher viscosity. This can make the process messier, so be sure to have extra kitchen towels on hand!

Wax Seal Stamps: When using vellum wax, consider using blank sealing stamps. The semi-transparency of the vellum wax allows you to add items underneath the wax, such as dried flowers, leaves, or postage stamps, that will peek through the wax. To ensure your design stays in place, use glue to secure the items before pouring the wax. You can also try pouring a small amount of wax first, placing your design, and then pouring the remaining wax on top. Alternatively, you can pour the wax first and then place your design before sealing.

Vellum Envelopes: Vellum wax pairs beautifully with vellum envelopes, creating a soft and delicate look. If you prefer a bolder statement, consider pairing vellum wax with darker-coloured envelopes.

Enhancements: To highlight the details of your wax seal, consider using gold ink or powder. You can also create a marble effect by mixing half a sealing wax bead with a full spoon of vellum wax. Experiment with different amounts of wax and colours to achieve your desired look.

Mailing: When mailing your vellum-wrapped invitations with wax seals, be aware that modern mail processing machines may damage the seals. Consider placing the sealed invitation inside another envelope to protect it during mailing. You may also need to pay extra postage due to the increased weight. Some couples have had success mailing their wax-sealed invitations without issues, but it is a risk to consider.

Using a wax seal on the wedding invitation

Wax seals are a unique and elegant way to elevate your wedding invitations. They can be used in a variety of ways to create a refined and creative look. Here are some tips and ideas for incorporating wax seals into your wedding invitation design:

Wax Seals on Envelopes

The traditional way to use a wax seal is on the envelope. However, it is recommended to place the wax seal on an inner envelope, especially if you are using a vellum envelope, and then place it in a larger envelope for mailing. This is because the raised seal could be damaged or fall off during the mailing process as it goes through sorting machines.

Wax Seals on Belly Bands

Adding a wax seal to your belly band is a great way to incorporate one into your invitation suite. The seal can be used to hold the belly band together, creating a unique and elegant look when your guests open the envelope.

Wax Seals Directly on the Invitation

A more modern trend is to place a wax seal directly on the invitation itself. This can be done by itself at the top of the invitation or paired with a piece of ribbon on the side. This adds a special touch and creates a one-of-a-kind invitation suite.

Wax Seals on Vellum Wraps

Using a vellum folder to wrap up your invitation suite is an elegant way to keep everything in place, while still giving your guests a sneak peek of the enclosed invitation. Using a wax seal to close the vellum wrap adds a magical touch to your invitation design.

Wax Seals with Ribbon

Combining wax seals with ribbon is a stunning way to secure your invitation suite. Simply wrap your invitation with silk ribbon or velvet and secure it with a wax seal. This creates an elegant and refined look that your guests will surely admire.

Mailing Considerations

When using wax seals, it is important to consider the potential challenges of mailing your invitations. Some people have reported success with mailing wax-sealed invitations by using non-machinable stamps, hand-cancelling, or placing the invitations in larger envelopes. However, others have experienced issues with the wax seals being damaged or torn off during the mailing process. It is recommended to do a small test to see if your local post office can handle the wax seals, or consider using adhesive wax seal stickers as an alternative.

Customization Options

Wax seals can be customized with your initials, wedding crest, or other personal touches. You can choose from a variety of colours and designs to match your wedding theme. Etsy, Elegant Wedding Invites, and Ashley Triggiano are great sources for finding wax seal kits, ribbons, and custom designs.

Incorporating wax seals into your wedding invitations adds a timeless and creative element that will impress your guests. Whether you choose to use them on envelopes, belly bands, or directly on the invitation, wax seals are a versatile way to elevate your wedding stationery.

Frequently asked questions