Tissue Paper: Enhancing Wedding Invites With Delicate Detail

Tissue paper is a thin, delicate, slightly translucent paper that is placed over a wedding invitation card to prevent ink smudging during mailing. It is usually white or cream, and cut to standard sizes. Tissue paper is also used for aesthetic reasons, separating layers and cards, and keeping invitations neat and elegant. Although tissue paper is not necessary with modern printing methods, it is still considered a standard in formal wedding invitations.

The history of tissue paper in wedding invitations

Tissue paper has been used in wedding invitations for hundreds of years, dating back to when invitations were handwritten. Quill pen and ink were used to write invitations, which had a tendency to smudge if not completely dry, or if they got damp during transport. Tissue paper was placed over the invitation wording to prevent smudging and blotch excess ink.

Tissue paper is thin, delicate, slightly translucent, and usually white or cream in colour. It is placed over the invitation card and sometimes between each card in the ensemble. It is cut to standard sizes, just enough to cover the wording on the invite.

Although modern inks do not usually smudge, the use of tissue paper in wedding invitations has remained as a tradition. It is also used for aesthetic reasons, as it offers a nice, organised, and formal presentation. In some cases, tissue paper can also serve as a protective layer, preventing damage during the mailing process.

How to assemble wedding invitations with tissue paper

Wedding invitation tissue paper is a thin, delicate, slightly translucent paper that is placed over an invitation card and sometimes between each card in the ensemble. It is usually white or cream, and it is cut to standard sizes—just enough to cover the wording on the invite.

• Make sure that all of your envelopes (both inner and outer) are addressed and stamped accordingly before assembling. This way, there won't be any awkward writing-mark indentations on the wedding invitation.
• Insert the wedding invitation into the inner envelope, with the front of the invitation facing the open flap of the envelope. If you are using tissue paper, now is the time to place it between each layer.
• Place the reception card face-up on top of the invitation. If the invitation is folded style, enclosures will be placed within the folded invitation and not on top.
• Place the remaining enclosure cards (e.g., map card and hotel accommodations card) face-up on top of the reception card. If there are separate directions for the ceremony and the reception, make sure that the directions to the ceremony are on top.
• Place the reply envelope on top of the enclosure cards. The reply card itself should be tucked under its envelope's flap, face-up, so that the printed side of the reply card is visible. Do not place the reply card inside the reply envelope.
• After inserting all these elements into the inner envelope, slip the unsealed inner envelope into the outer envelope with the names facing the back flap.

The different types of tissue paper

Tissue paper is a soft, lightweight, and highly absorbent paper product. It is called tissue because of its soft texture, which resembles cloth. Tissue paper is now widely used, with the average North American using about 25 kg per year.

There are many different types of tissue paper, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Here are some of the most common types:

Toilet Tissue

Toilet tissue is the most commonly purchased type of tissue paper. It can be rippled, perfumed, coloured, or patterned, and is also used for nose care and removing makeup.

Paper Towels

Paper towels are the second most consumed tissue product. They are durable and highly absorbent, making them ideal for cleaning and wiping surfaces.

Facial Tissues

Facial tissues are soft, thin, and absorbent, and are usually sold in boxes. They are used for cleaning the face and removing makeup. They also help to reduce the spread of infections and diseases.

Table Napkins

Table napkins are another type of tissue paper used in dining settings. They can be made from one to four plies and come in various colours, patterns, folds, and sizes.

Wrapping Tissue

Wrapping tissue is a thin and translucent type of tissue paper used for wrapping fragile items such as glass or ceramics. It is also used for wrapping gifts and clothes.

Specialty Tissues

Specialty tissues are used in the packaging industry for cushioning fragile items and as a substitute for air bubble pouches. They are also used as stuffing in bags, shoes, and garments to keep them wrinkle-free.

These are just a few examples of the different types of tissue paper available. Tissue paper has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering convenience and hygiene in various applications.

The benefits of using tissue paper

Tissue paper is a thin, delicate, slightly translucent paper that is placed over an invitation card and sometimes between each card in the ensemble. It has a soft, cloudy appearance and is usually white or cream. Here are some benefits of using tissue paper for wedding invitations:

Tradition

The use of tissue paper in wedding invitations dates back hundreds of years to when invitations were handwritten. Tissue paper was placed over the invitation wording to blot excess ink and prevent smudging. Although modern inks don't usually smudge, the tradition of using tissue paper has remained, adding a touch of elegance and formality to the invitation suite.

Aesthetics

Tissue paper enhances the visual appeal of wedding invitations by providing a nice, organized, and formal presentation. It separates layers and cards, keeping the ensemble neat and elegant.

Protection

Tissue paper also serves a practical purpose by protecting the invitation cards from smudging, scratching, or other damage during mailing and handling. This is especially useful for invitations with raised print, embellishments, or multiple cards that are more prone to rubbing against each other.

Customization

Tissue paper can be customized to match the size and colour scheme of your wedding invitations. It can be cut to standard or custom sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for your invitation suite.

Cost-effectiveness

Tissue paper is an affordable option, with 50 sheets typically costing around $5. It is a cost-effective way to add a touch of elegance and protection to your wedding invitations.

Tissue paper alternatives

Tissue paper is a thin, delicate, slightly translucent paper that is placed over an invitation card to prevent ink smudging during mailing. It is also used for aesthetic reasons, to separate layers and cards, and to keep invitations neat and elegant.

• Vellum: Vellum is a contemporary alternative to tissue paper. It is a translucent paper that is thicker and heavier than tissue paper. It is offered in a variety of colours and sizes, and can be printed with custom text and designs. Vellum is a good choice if you want to protect embellishments on your invitations, such as ribbons or rhinestones. However, it is not as effective as tissue paper for ink absorption and smudge prevention.
• Cardstock: Cardstock is a type of paper that is thicker and more durable than regular paper. It can be used as an alternative to tissue paper to separate the layers of your invitation suite. You can choose from a variety of colours and textures to match your wedding theme.
• Wax paper: Wax paper is a thin, translucent paper that is coated with a layer of wax. It can be used as an alternative to tissue paper to protect your invitations from moisture and smudging. It has a similar appearance to tissue paper but is more durable.
• Glassine: Glassine is a type of smooth, translucent paper that is often used for food packaging. It can be used as an alternative to tissue paper to give your invitations a unique, modern look. Glassine is available in a variety of colours and can be printed on, making it a versatile option for wedding invitations.

Frequently asked questions