Vellum Paper For Wedding Invites: A Guide To Using It

Vellum paper is a popular choice for wedding invitations because of its soft, dreamy, translucent quality. It looks chic printed or plain and is incredibly versatile. It is also surprisingly strong, despite its delicate appearance. Vellum paper is available in a range of colours and weights, and can be used in many different ways to create beautiful, unique wedding invitations.

Printing on vellum paper

When choosing a design, opt for something simple without a coloured background and use a single, dark ink colour. Black is the safest choice. Avoid designs with photos or artwork as they use a lot of ink, and vellum is delicate so you don't want to push the paper.

Before printing, get familiar with your printer. Familiarise yourself with the driver, the trays, accepted paper types and weights, and print settings. If you are using a Mac and printing from Adobe Acrobat, make sure you "fit to page" to get the correct sizing.

• Handle the vellum carefully and try to only touch it on the edges as your fingers can leave prints on the paper from the oils in your skin.
• Let your design dry before trimming the paper. The ink can smear and transfer to other pieces of vellum.
• Heat can cause the paper to curl, so let your printer take a break after printing 10 sheets.
• If you are having issues with jamming, paper feed, or smudging, try a different paper tray. A tray that feeds paper as straight as possible is likely best.
• If your printer has a paper type or media type option, switch it to something like photo paper or fine art paper.
• Print vellum in small batches. When printers get hot from extended use, they can start to affect paper quality.
• If you are having issues with printing coverage, feed and jam issues, try turning your vellum 90 degrees and feeding it through your printer in a different direction.
• If you are still having issues, try a different brand or weight of vellum or a different printer.

Using vellum overlays

Vellum overlays are a great way to add a unique layer of dimension to your wedding invitations. Here are some tips and ideas for using vellum overlays:

Choosing a Design

When it comes to choosing a design for your vellum overlays, it's best to keep it simple. Opt for designs without a coloured background and use a single, dark ink colour. Black is the safest choice, but other dark colours can also work well. Avoid designs with photos, lots of artwork, or fully coloured backgrounds, especially if you're printing the vellum overlays yourself, as they can use a lot of ink and delicate vellum paper may not handle the ink well. If you want a more complex design, consider outsourcing the printing to a professional printer.

Printing and Handling Vellum

Before printing your vellum overlays, make sure to check your printer settings and do a test run on a sample sheet of vellum to ensure the sizing and positioning are correct. Handle the vellum carefully, trying to only touch the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints or smudges on the paper. Once your design is printed, let it dry completely before trimming the paper. The ink can smear and transfer, so give it a couple of minutes to be safe.

Assembly

When assembling your wedding invitations, start with the invitation card itself, placing it face up on the table. Then, layer on your vellum overlay. If you're using tissue paper, you'll need to choose between the two as they typically aren't used together. You can also add other enclosure cards, such as a reception card, map, hotel accommodations, and travel information. Finally, place the reply envelope face down on top, with the reply card under the flap, face up.

Vellum Overlay Ideas

There are a few different ways you can use vellum overlays for your wedding invitations:

• Text-only overlay: This type of overlay will lay over a pattern or photo on your invitation, featuring only text.
• Design or pattern-only overlay: This option will lay over the text or photo on your invitation, featuring only a design or pattern.
• Photo overlay: You can choose to have a photo overlay, where your photo lays over the text or design on the invitation.

Vellum overlays are a beautiful and versatile way to enhance your wedding invitations, and with a little creativity, you can design elegant and unique invitations that will impress your guests.

Vellum gatefolds, wraps, jackets and sleeves

Vellum is a great way to add a unique and elegant touch to your wedding invitations. It is a versatile material that can be used in many ways, including creating gatefolds, wraps, jackets and sleeves.

Vellum is a lightweight and translucent paper that is perfect for adding a soft and dreamy touch to your invitations. It can be easily rolled, folded, cut and printed, making it a great choice for DIY wedding invitations. When using vellum for your invitations, consider choosing a simple design with a single dark ink colour, like black. This will ensure that the vellum is not overwhelmed and will give your invitations a chic and modern look.

To create vellum gatefolds, wraps, jackets and sleeves, start by cutting the vellum to the desired size. You can either use pre-folded vellum sheets or cut the vellum yourself. If you are cutting it yourself, be sure to use a paper trimmer to get a clean edge. Then, simply wrap the vellum around your invitation and secure it with a ribbon, seal or adhesive. You can also add a wax seal, ribbon or custom sticker to decorate the wrap and give it a personal touch.

Vellum invitation bands

Choosing the Right Vellum Paper:

• Select a high-quality vellum paper that is translucent and soft, giving your invitations a dreamy and chic look.
• Consider the printing method: If you plan on printing directly on the vellum, choose a vellum-friendly design with a simple, dark ink colour like black. Avoid photos, intricate artwork, and coloured backgrounds as they may use a lot of ink and can be delicate to work with.

Designing and Printing:

• Choose a design that complements your invitation suite. You can feature engagement photos, artwork, or a chic, modern tone.
• Use a vellum-friendly printer that feeds the paper from a tray rather than pulling it up to avoid damaging the paper.
• Always print a sample first and allow it to dry before trimming to ensure proper sizing, colour, and to prevent smudging.
• Be careful when handling the vellum, and try to touch only the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints.

Assembling the Bands:

• Cut the vellum carefully using a paper trimmer. Clear any excess paper from the blade to ensure precise cuts.
• Start with the invitation card, placing it face up.
• Add the vellum band by wrapping it around the invitation and securing it with ribbon, seals, or adhesives.
• You can also include tissue paper or another overlay, but choose either vellum or tissue paper—not both.
• Finish with any additional enclosure cards, maps, accommodation details, and the RSVP card.
• Finally, place the assembled invitation into an envelope, ensuring the text on the invitation is visible when the envelope is opened.

Extra Tips:

• Consider pairing the vellum invitation with cardstock to add thickness and colour to the envelope.
• Bring vellum into your day-of stationery, such as place setting menus.
• If you want more intricate designs or overlays, consider outsourcing the printing to a professional service.

Lining your envelopes with vellum

Choose the Right Vellum Paper:

Select a high-quality vellum paper that is suitable for printing. You can find vellum paper online or at craft stores. Consider the weight and thickness of the paper, as well as the finish (e.g., translucent or opaque).

Design and Print:

Keep the design simple when printing on vellum. Choose a design without a coloured background and use a single, dark ink colour, preferably black. Avoid designs with photos or intricate artwork, as they may use a lot of ink and vellum is delicate.

Prepare Your Materials:

Gather your printed vellum, envelopes, a paper trimmer, and any adhesives you plan to use. Ensure your work area is clean and free of smudges or dirt that could transfer to the vellum.

Cut the Vellum to Size:

Use the paper trimmer to cut the vellum to the desired size, allowing for a small overlap inside the envelope. Always print extras so you can practice and ensure a precise fit. Clear out any paper scraps from the trimmer to prevent crinkling on the next cut.

Assemble the Envelopes:

Place the cut vellum inside the envelopes, securing it with a small amount of adhesive if needed. You can also use ribbon or wax seals to secure the vellum and add a decorative touch. Ensure the vellum doesn't shift or move around inside the envelope.

Insert the Invitation Suite:

Once the vellum lining is in place, insert your invitation suite, starting with the invitation card itself, followed by any tissue paper or vellum overlay, reception card, and other enclosure cards. Finally, add the RSVP card and pre-addressed, stamped envelope.

Seal and Send:

Seal your envelopes and send them to your guests. If you're using wax seals, allow enough time for the wax to dry completely before mailing.

Frequently asked questions