Belly Bands For Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitation belly bands are slim, paper bands that fit snugly around your invitations, holding all the pieces of your set together. They are a great way to add a pop of colour and make your invitations feel like a little present for your guests to unwrap. You can use a custom monogram, couples' names and wedding date, or a crest or wreath design. You can also use a specialty paper like glitter, or add a wax seal for a unique, stand-out design.

Belly band design ideas

Belly bands are a great way to add a special touch to your wedding invitations. They are decorative strips of paper that wrap around your entire invitation suite, keeping everything neatly together. You can choose from a variety of design options to match your wedding theme and style. Here are some belly band design ideas to consider:

Colors and Patterns

Select a solid paper color that complements your wedding color palette. Alternatively, choose a geometric pattern, floral design, or any other pattern that reflects your wedding theme. You can also opt for a translucent vellum belly band, which adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your invitations.

Personalization

Personalize your belly bands by printing your monogram, names, wedding date, or a special message directly on them. This adds a unique and custom touch to your invitations. You can even include your wedding logo or a meaningful quote.

Texture and Material

Belly bands are typically made from paper, but you can explore different textures and materials to add interest. Consider options like shimmery pearly metallic bands, velvet bands, or even wooden engraved belly bands. These unique materials will make your invitations stand out and create a lasting impression.

Custom Designs

If you're feeling creative, design your own custom belly bands. You can upload your artwork or work with a designer to create a truly unique look. This option allows you to incorporate specific elements that reflect your personality and wedding vision.

Matching Suite

For a cohesive look, match your belly bands to your wedding invitation suite, including response cards, reception information cards, and other stationery. This creates a seamless and coordinated experience for your guests. Consider using the same color scheme, theme, or design elements across all your wedding paper goods.

Belly bands offer a fun and versatile way to enhance your wedding invitations. By exploring different design options, you can create a unique and memorable experience for your guests, setting the tone for your special day.

How to assemble belly bands

Belly bands are a great way to add a special touch to your wedding invitations. They are slim, paper bands that fit around your invitations, keeping all the pieces of your set together. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble belly bands for your wedding invitations:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Paper

Select a thinner paper that can easily wrap around your wedding invitations. A 60-70# text weight (roughly 90-100 gsm) works well and is usually available online or at your local office supply store. This type of paper is often used for printing resumes or envelopes, giving your invitations a nice finish.

Step 2: Determining the Size

The size of the belly band will depend on the size of your invitation. For a standard 5 x 7-inch invitation, the belly band should measure 11 x 2 inches. If you have a custom card size, a simple formula is to double the width of your card and add an extra inch for the overlap. This ensures a snug fit that holds the cards together without bending the edges.

Step 3: Cutting the Belly Bands

Print your chosen design on the selected paper. Cut out the individual bands using a paper cutter or an X-acto knife. Ensure your printer settings are set to "No Scaling / 100%" and that you have selected the correct paper size. Typically, you will fit multiple bands on an 8.5 x 11-inch template.

Step 4: Assembling the Invitation Suite

Stack your cards from largest to smallest, with the invitation at the bottom. If you have an RSVP card with an envelope, tuck the card into the envelope flap before stacking. Center the stack on top of the belly band, making sure any design on the band is visible.

Step 5: Securing the Belly Band

Fold one flap of the belly band around the invitation stack. Use a bone folder to create a defined crease, if desired. Apply a small amount of glue to the end of the flap and fold the other flap on top, pressing and holding for a few seconds until the glue dries.

Step 6: Final Checks

Flip the entire stack over so that the invitation is face down, with the belly band at the bottom. Check that the band is centred and that your invitation suite is secure. Your elegant wedding invitation is now ready to be mailed!

Cost-saving tips for belly bands

Belly bands are a great way to keep your wedding invitations neat and organised. They can add a pop of colour and ensure that the invitation doesn't fall apart as your guests pull it out of the envelope.

• Choose a simple design: Opt for a straightforward design without any fancy embellishments. This will help keep costs low and also reduce the risk of extra postage costs due to increased thickness or weight.
• Use thinner paper: Belly bands are typically made from thinner paper, such as text weight or resume paper. This type of paper is more affordable and can help keep costs down.
• Consider alternative materials: Instead of paper, you could use lace, twine, or ribbon to wrap around your invitations. These materials can be more cost-effective and add a unique touch to your invitations.
• DIY your belly bands: If you're crafty, consider making your own belly bands. You can purchase paper, lace, or ribbon in bulk and create custom belly bands that match your wedding colours or theme.
• Order in bulk: Look for wholesale or bulk discounts when ordering belly bands. The more you order, the lower the cost per unit may be.
• Compare prices: Shop around and compare prices from different vendors. You may find that some companies offer more affordable options than others.
• Skip the belly bands altogether: If you're looking to cut costs, you may consider skipping belly bands altogether. They are not necessary and some guests may discard them. Use a simple ribbon or twine to tie your invitations together, or opt for a pocket-style invitation instead.

Belly band alternatives

Belly bands are a great way to keep your wedding invitations neat and organised, but they may not be for everyone. If you are looking for an alternative to belly bands, here are some ideas to consider:

• Pockets: Pockets are a popular way to keep invitations tidy, but they may not be suitable for all styles and budgets.
• Stickers: Stickers can be used to close a pocket or wrap around the bottom of an invitation as an accent. They come in various shapes and colours, adding a unique design element.
• Wax seal: For a unique, stand-out design, consider using a wax seal with a plain vellum band or full invitation wrap. You can customise the wax seal with your monogram or crest.
• Calligraphy: If you want to add a formal touch to your invitations, consider hiring a calligrapher to write your guests' names. This can be a great alternative to inner envelopes, which are not as commonly used in modern invitation design.
• Vellum envelope: For a modern take on the inner envelope, consider using a vellum envelope to keep everything together.
• Lace, twine, or ribbon: These materials can be used to secure your invitations and add a rustic or elegant touch.
• Grey ribbon: To keep costs down, you can use a simple grey ribbon tied at the back to secure your invitation suite.
• Embellishments: If you want to add a little embellishment to your invitations, consider ordering a simple grey belly band with your wedding date and initials. This can help pull the whole invitation together without breaking the bank.

Belly band postage considerations

Belly bands are a great way to keep your wedding invitations neat, tidy, and organised. They can add a pop of colour and a touch of formality to your invitations. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to postage.

Firstly, the weight of your invitation suite is important. Most postal services have weight limits for standard postage rates, and if your invitations exceed this limit, you may have to pay extra. A simple way to check this is to use a kitchen scale to weigh your invitation suite with the belly band. If it falls within the standard weight limit, you're good to go. If not, you may need to pay extra postage or look at ways to reduce the weight.

The thickness of your belly band also matters. If your band is extremely thick, it could increase the cost of postage. However, this is usually only the case if the band is as thick as a CD case. Most paper card stock belly bands are thin enough that they won't affect postage costs. If you're unsure, take a sample invitation suite to your local post office and have them weigh it to determine the correct postage.

Another consideration is the use of ribbon or twine as a belly band. While these can add a nice touch, they can also increase postage costs. The post office may consider these items as "lumpy" mail, which can result in higher postage rates. Again, it's best to check with your local post office to be sure.

Finally, if you're using a wax seal in addition to your belly band, this could also impact postage costs. Wax seals add bulk to your invitation suite and may push it into a higher postage category. It's important to consider the overall thickness and weight of your invitation suite, including any embellishments, to ensure you're using the correct postage.

In conclusion, belly bands are a great way to add a special touch to your wedding invitations, but it's important to consider the potential impact on postage costs. By weighing your invitation suite, considering the thickness of your belly band, and being mindful of any additional embellishments, you can ensure that your invitations are mailed correctly and avoid any unexpected costs.

Frequently asked questions