Elegant Ways To Secure Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

There are many ways to tie wedding invitations together, including twine, a belly band, or a ribbon. A belly band is a strip of paper that is wrapped around the invitation bundle and then sealed with a sticker. Twine can be wrapped around the invitation bundle and then tied in a bow, or it can be used to create an X shape over the invitations for added decoration. Ribbon can also be used to tie a bow around the invitation bundle, and this can be secured with double-sided tape.

Using twine

Step 1: Cut the Twine

First, you will need to cut your twine into pieces that are 2 feet (0.61 meters) long. Make sure to use sharp scissors and cut enough pieces to cover all your invitations. The length doesn't have to be perfect, but it's good to leave some extra twine to work with. If you want to add a bit of colour, you can use coloured twine that has been dyed, or even hemp cord or yarn as an alternative.

Step 2: Stack the Invitations

The next step is to stack your invitation bundle in size order. Place the invitation, or the largest piece of paper, down first. Then, stack the reception card, map, RSVP card, and any other inserts on top in descending order, with the smallest piece on top. Ensure that all the pieces are print-side up for easy reading. If you are concerned about smudging, you can place a thin piece of tissue paper on top of the invitation before stacking the inserts.

Step 3: Position the Twine

Now, take one piece of twine and lay it out on a flat surface. Center a bundle of invitations over the twine, making sure they are aligned lengthwise. Pull the twine to the right, leaving about 6 inches (15 cm) on the left side. This will give you enough twine to work with on the right side.

Step 4: Wrap the Twine

Wrap the right side of the twine once completely around the invitation bundle. Bring it around to the back, ensuring a nice, secure wrap. Then, bring the twine back to the front of the invitation, so you have a length of twine on the right side again. Adjust the invitation bundle if anything shifted during the wrapping process.

Step 5: Tie a Bow

Take the loose ends of the twine and tie them together in a neat bow with large loops. If there is excess twine, you can cut it off with sharp scissors. For a personalised touch, you can hole-punch a small, monogrammed cardboard cut-out and tie it into the twine bow.

Optional: Create an "X"

For added decoration and a stronger hold, you can create an "X" shape with the twine. Simply grab the top piece of twine on either side of the bow and move it upward, then move the bottom piece of twine downward to form an "X" over your invitations.

And there you have it! Your wedding invitations are now beautifully tied together with twine, adding a rustic and elegant touch to your special day.

Creating a belly band

• Cut your chosen paper into strips: Cut your chosen paper, such as kraft paper, cardstock, or construction paper, into strips measuring approximately 11 by 2 inches (27.9 by 5.1 cm). The number of strips should correspond to the number of invitations you have. Use a ruler to ensure straight cuts.
• Assemble your invitation stacks: Place your invitations, RSVP cards, maps, and any other inserts into neat stacks, with the largest piece at the bottom.
• Centre the invitation stack: Lay a single strip of paper on a flat surface and place one invitation stack in the centre, ensuring it is centred both horizontally and vertically.
• Wrap and overlap the ends: Grab the left side of the paper strip and bring it over the front of the invitations. Then, grab the right side and bring it over so that it overlaps the left side.
• Seal with a sticker: Use a personalised sticker, such as a monogrammed sticker with your names or a wedding-themed sticker, to seal the ends of the paper strip together. Ensure that both sides of the paper are securely stuck to the sticker.
• Insert into envelopes: Once your belly bands are complete and securely fastened, insert your invitation stacks into envelopes to keep them safe and neat.

Belly bands are a simple and effective way to tie your wedding invitations together, adding a touch of elegance and ensuring that all the components of your invitation remain together.

Using a ribbon

Using ribbon to tie together your wedding invitations is a great way to add a decorative and practical touch. There are several ways to tie ribbon around your invitations, and the method you choose will depend on the style and effect you want to achieve. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use ribbon to tie your wedding invitations together:

Simple Closure with a Knot:

This method involves simply tying a knot around the envelope. It is a timeless, neutral, and classic option. Measure the ribbon by doubling the width of the envelope and adding an extra 3 inches for the knot.

The Classic Bow:

If you want to add a touch of elegance or romance to your invitations, go for a classic bow. Ensure that the two parts of the bow are balanced, and consider the length of the tails. You can cut them straight for a clean look or go for a diagonal cut to make them more playful. Measure the ribbon by doubling the width of the envelope and adding an extra 5 inches for the bow.

Ribbon and Wax Seal:

For a truly unique and personalised touch, combine a silk ribbon with a wax seal. This method blends formality and informality to create a creative and timelessly elegant invitation. The ribbon length should be slightly more than double the width of the envelope.

Twisting Two Ribbons:

If you're not a fan of bows, you can opt for a simple ribbon knot. You can use two different types of ribbon, such as satin and organza, to create a beautiful effect.

This method involves using a ribbon punch to create a decorative flare. First, use a 1/4 inch ribbon stitch punch to punch holes through all the invitation layers. Then, thread a 1/4 inch double-faced satin ribbon through the holes and tie it into a knot or bow.

When choosing your ribbon, consider using double-sided satin ribbon, as it is the best option for making bows. Wired ribbons will give structure to the bow and hold their shape, while non-wired ribbons are less structured. Remember to use sharp scissors for clean cuts, and if you want to prevent fraying, you can heat-seal the ribbon with a flame or brush it with Fray Check.

Using a vellum wrap

Vellum wraps are a great way to add a luxurious and elegant touch to your wedding invitations. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a vellum wrap to tie your wedding invitations together:

Step 1: Prepare the Vellum Wrap

Before you start assembling your invitations, make sure you have all the necessary materials. You can purchase vellum wraps from various online stores, such as Amazon or Etsy. These wraps usually come in standard sizes, but you can also find pre-cut wraps that fit specific invitation sizes, such as 5" x 7" cards.

If your vellum wrap doesn't come pre-folded, you will need to fold it yourself. Most vellum wraps have pre-scored lines that make it easier to fold. Fold the left side of the vellum wrap along the pre-scored line. This will create a pocket for your invitation suite.

Step 2: Assemble the Invitation Suite

Gather all the components of your invitation, including the main invitation card, response card, reception card, and any other enclosure cards. Arrange them in descending size order, with the largest card at the bottom. Make sure all the cards are facing print-side up.

Step 3: Insert the Invitation Suite into the Vellum Wrap

Now, carefully slide your assembled invitation suite into the folded area of the vellum wrap. Hold it in place with your left hand while you fold the right side of the vellum wrap along the other pre-scored line. Ensure that the vellum wrap slightly overlaps on the front of your invitation.

Step 4: Secure the Vellum Wrap

There are several ways to secure the vellum wrap and add a decorative touch to your invitations:

• Wax Seal: Place a wax seal on the front of the vellum wrap to hold the flaps closed. You can find matching wax seals with your vellum wraps or choose a different colour or design to add a pop of colour.
• Ribbon: You can also use a ribbon to tie your vellum wrap together. Place your invitation suite in the middle of the ribbon, pull both ends tight, and tie them into a bow. You can cut off any excess ribbon at an angle to create a neat finish.
• Sticker: If you prefer a simpler approach, you can use a sticker to secure the vellum wrap. Look for monogrammed stickers with your and your spouse's names or choose a wedding-themed sticker, such as a cake or a dress.

Step 5: Finalize and Mail Your Invitations

Once your invitations are assembled, take a moment to admire your handiwork! Then, carefully place each invitation into an envelope, making sure the text is print-side up and can be easily read when the envelope is opened.

Before mailing your invitations, bring a fully assembled set to the post office to determine the correct postage. You may need to use additional postage if you're including ribbons or other bulky embellishments. Ask the postal staff to hand-cancel your invitations instead of dropping them into a mailbox. This ensures that your invitations are handled with care and reduces the risk of damage during transit.

Using a wax seal

Step 1: Prepare Your Wax Seal

Before you start sealing your invitations, make sure you have all the necessary materials, including a wax seal stamp, sealing wax, a low-temperature glue gun, and any desired embellishments such as dried flowers or glitter. You can choose between traditional wax seals or self-adhesive wax seal stickers for convenience.

Step 2: Melt the Wax

If you're using traditional wax, cut the sealing wax into small pieces and melt it using a low-temperature glue gun. Be careful not to overheat the wax, as it can burn easily. You can also use a wax melting spoon and a candle to melt the wax if you prefer.

Step 3: Apply the Wax

Once the wax is melted, carefully drip or spread it onto the desired area of your invitation. If you're using a wax seal stamp, quickly stamp the wax before it hardens. Hold the stamp in place for a few seconds to ensure a clear impression. If you're using self-adhesive wax seal stickers, simply peel and stick them onto your invitations.

Step 4: Embellish (Optional)

To add a touch of nature to your invitations, consider pressing dried flowers or herbs into the soft wax before it hardens. You can also sprinkle glitter or confetti onto the wax for a sparkly effect. Get creative and choose embellishments that reflect your wedding theme or colour palette.

Step 5: Let the Wax Dry

Allow the wax to dry completely before handling the invitations further. This usually takes a few minutes, but you can speed up the process by placing the invitations in the refrigerator for a few seconds. Make sure the wax is fully hardened before stacking or mailing the invitations.

Step 6: Repeat for Each Invitation

Continue the sealing process for each invitation, taking care to apply the wax evenly and consistently. If you're using self-adhesive wax seal stickers, be sure to space them out correctly on the envelopes or cards.

Step 7: Mail Your Invitations

Once all the wax seals are dry and secure, your invitations are ready to be mailed! Place each invitation into an envelope, add postage, and send them off to your guests. Your invitations will surely make a lasting impression with their elegant wax seals.

Frequently asked questions