Keep Or Remove: The Wrap-Around For Wedding Invites

Wedding invitation wraps are a great way to tie your suite together and create a luxurious feel for your guests. They are not meant to be kept on and are usually removed by the recipient. There are many ways to wrap your wedding invitations, including using vellum, ribbon, thread, twine, string, or a belly band. These options can be customized with wax seals, stickers, or custom shapes and designs. Assembling your wedding invitations with a wrap can be a fun and creative process that adds a personal touch to your special day.

Belly bands, a thin strip of paper or cardstock, can be customised with a monogram or wax seal

Belly bands are a great way to add a finishing touch to your wedding invitations, making your guests feel like they're opening a present. They are thin strips of paper or cardstock, usually around 1-2" thick, that wrap around your invitation suite. They can be customised in many ways to add a personal touch to your invitations.

Firstly, you can choose the material for your belly band. While solid paper is the most common option, you can also use patterned paper or cardstock. Vellum is another popular choice for belly bands, as it has a soft, romantic feel and adds a fun layer of semi-transparent design. This can be an especially good option if you want to showcase a custom watercolour crest or monogram.

Secondly, you can customise the design on your belly band. You can print a custom design, monogram, or other aspects of your wedding onto the belly band. You can also choose different paper types, such as vellum or cardstock, to add texture and visual interest.

Thirdly, you can fasten your belly band with a wax seal, adding another layer of customisation and elegance to your invitation suite. Wax seals come in a variety of colours, shapes, and designs, and can even be customised to include a monogram or other design. They can be pre-made with an adhesive sticker for easy assembly, or custom-poured right onto each invitation for a more organic look.

Finally, you can play around with the shape of your belly band. Instead of a traditional rectangular band, consider a custom shape to create a visual focal point. You can utilise layered shapes, a custom-edged belly band, or combine shapes with printed designs to really impress your guests.

Vellum jackets, a delicate semi-translucent paper, can be custom printed with designs, text, or patterns

Vellum jackets are a great way to add a delicate and romantic feel to your wedding invitations without detracting from the design. Vellum is a semi-transparent paper that can be used to fully enclose and protect your invitation suite while still allowing a glimpse of the design through the paper.

Vellum jackets can be customised with designs, text, or patterns that complement your wedding's theme and style. They can also be used in conjunction with a wax seal to hold the flaps closed and add another layer of design. You can choose to have a floral pattern printed on the front, or leave the translucent vellum as is.

Vellum is typically used as a whole piece to wrap the entire invitation suite, or cut into strips to use as a band around the middle. When using vellum, it is important to use glue dots to adhere the paper together, as regular adhesive may show through the semi-transparent layers.

Vellum jackets are a perfect choice if you are looking for a way to elevate your wedding invitations and make your guests feel like they are opening a present. They add a touch of luxury and elegance to your invitation suite while also serving the practical purpose of keeping all the pieces together and in order.

Wax seals can be used in place of glue or tape to fasten the wrap

Wax seals are a great way to elevate your wedding invitations and make your guests feel like they're opening a gift. They are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, as they can be used in place of glue or tape to fasten the wrap. Here are some tips and ideas to incorporate wax seals into your wedding invitations:

Types of Wax Seals

Wax seals come in a variety of styles, including pre-made stickers and custom-poured seals. Pre-made wax seal stickers with an adhesive backing are perfect for easy DIY assembly and are available in various colours, shapes, and designs. Custom-poured wax seals offer a more organic and unique look and can be made to match your wedding theme and colours. You can choose from 36 colours and 8 size/shape options from some suppliers.

Using Wax Seals with Different Wraps

Wax seals are versatile and can be used with different types of invitation wraps. For example, you can use a wax seal with a belly band, which is a thin strip of paper or cardstock that goes around your invitation. Vellum, a delicate semi-translucent paper, is another popular option for a romantic and soft look. It can be used as a full jacket or cut into strips to create a band around the middle. Ribbon is another option that makes a statement while adding texture and a tactile experience. When using wax seals with wraps, ensure that the seal has something to adhere to, such as a belly band, ribbon, string, or vellum.

Design Ideas

When designing your invitations, consider using a custom watercolour crest or monogram that can be incorporated into the wax seal design. You can also match the wax seal colour to your wedding theme or choose a complementary shade. For a garden-themed wedding, you might opt for a eucalyptus or floral wax seal design.

Suppliers

There are various suppliers that offer wedding wax seals, including Artisaire, Amazon, and Minted. Artisaire provides custom-made wax seals, while Amazon offers a wide range of options, including wax seal stickers, stamps, and kits. Minted also has a collection of wax seals in different styles and colours.

Budgeting

Wax seals can be a budget-friendly option, especially if you're willing to assemble them yourself. Pre-made wax seal stickers can start as low as $0.77 per seal, while custom-made seals may be more expensive. You can also save money by cutting your belly bands from paper you already have or using embroidery thread from a fabric store for a more affordable wrapping option.

Incorporating wax seals into your wedding invitations is a beautiful way to add a personal touch and create a memorable first impression for your guests. With so many options available, you can definitely find a combination that suits your style and budget.

Ribbon, string, or twine can be used to wrap the invitation, with different materials creating different textures and vibes

Ribbon, string, or twine can be used to wrap wedding invitations, creating different textures and vibes. The type of material chosen will depend on the desired look and feel of the invitation. For a minimalistic look, consider using thread, twine, or string. A delicate thread wrapped several times around the invitation suite and knotted at the back can give a modern feel, while twine or jute tied in a bow at the front is perfect for a rustic event.

For a more luxurious and romantic feel, ribbon is a popular choice. Silk ribbon, with its gorgeous raw edges and organic texture, makes a beautiful statement. Chiffon ribbon with its frayed edges and slight transparency lends itself to an ethereal vibe, while velvet is perfect for autumn/winter weddings. When using thicker ribbons, consider the size of your envelope, as it may require a "non-machinable surcharge" to accommodate the bulk created by the knot.

The amount of ribbon needed will depend on how it is used. If wrapping once around the centre, measure the width of the invitation suite, double it, then add three inches for a knot or five for a bow. If wrapping both ways like a parcel, measure both dimensions, add them together, double it, and then add three inches for a knot or five for a bow.

When assembling wedding invitations with ribbon, it is recommended to use fabric shears for a crisp, clean cut and to prevent fraying. Cut the ribbon ends at a sharp angle or dovetail both ends for a polished look. For portrait-oriented invitations, a ribbon band of 13 inches, a simple ribbon knot of 22 inches, or a ribbon bow of 30 inches is recommended. For landscape-oriented invitations, a ribbon band of 16 inches, a simple ribbon knot of 31 inches, or a ribbon bow of 39 inches is suggested.

In addition to ribbon, string, and twine, other creative options for wrapping wedding invitations include vellum jackets, belly bands, and wax seals.

Double envelopes are more formal and traditional, with the outer envelope for mailing and the inner envelope holding the invitation suite

Double envelopes are a formal and traditional way to present a wedding invitation. The outer envelope is for mailing purposes, with the recipient's address and postage, while the inner envelope holds the invitation suite, keeping it pristine and ensuring all pieces arrive together.

The outer envelope is the more formal of the two, with the recipient's full name and title included. This envelope is stamped and addressed, and its primary purpose is to ensure the invitation arrives safely and securely. The inner envelope is more informal, often including the couple's title and last name, or first names only. This envelope is placed inside the outer envelope and holds the invitation and any other enclosures.

The use of double envelopes dates back to the days when the postal service was less reliable, and invitations were often delivered by courier or family servant. The outer envelope would protect the inner envelope, ensuring the invitation remained in pristine condition during transit.

Today, the use of double envelopes is a matter of personal preference, and many couples opt for single envelopes or other presentation methods such as pocketfolds or ribbons. However, double envelopes can be useful for clarifying who is invited, especially when children or plus-ones are not included. Ultimately, the decision to use double envelopes depends on the couple's preference, the level of formality desired, and the overall wedding theme and style.

Frequently asked questions