Creative Crimping: Embellish Your Wedding Invites With Crimps

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process, as they provide guests with essential information about the big day. While the invitations themselves are key, there are other components that should be considered when putting together your wedding invitation suite. This includes RSVP cards, details cards, and envelopes. When it comes to crimping your wedding invites, there are a few options to choose from. Belly bands, for example, are a great way to hold all the components of your invitation together. These can be made of ribbon, quality paper, or fabric. Another option is to use a vellum inner envelope, which can be sealed with a wax seal. This adds a touch of elegance and personalisation to your invites. If you're looking for something more simple, double-stick tape or glue dots can also be used to secure your invitations.

Belly bands, ribbons, or vellum wraps

Belly bands, ribbons, and vellum wraps are all great ways to add a finishing touch to your wedding invites and make your guests feel like they're opening a gift. They also serve a practical purpose by holding all the pieces of your invitation suite together and preventing them from being lost or damaged during mailing. Here's a closer look at each option:

Belly Bands

Belly bands are narrow strips of paper, typically 1-2 inches thick, that wrap around your invitation suite. They can be made of solid paper, patterned paper, or custom-printed paper. To use a belly band, start by measuring your invitation width, doubling that measurement, and then adding one more inch so that the ends overlap. Place your invitation suite in the centre of the belly band and use glue dots to adhere the band to the back of the suite. You can also use a wax seal instead of glue dots to secure the band. Belly bands are a good option if you want to add a personalised message or design to the outside of your invites.

Ribbons

Ribbons can be made from various materials such as silk, cotton, or chiffon, and come in different widths and colours. When using a ribbon, it's important to cut it to the appropriate length to fit your invitations. For portrait-oriented invitations, a ribbon band should be 13 inches long, a simple ribbon knot should be 22 inches, and a ribbon bow should be 30 inches. For landscape-oriented invitations, a ribbon band should be 16 inches, a knot should be 31 inches, and a bow should be 39 inches. To tie a ribbon around your invitations, place the ribbon on a table, lay your invitation suite on top, and then tie the ribbon in your desired style. Double-sided tape is recommended to secure the ribbon and prevent mess. Ribbons add a romantic and elegant touch to your invites.

Vellum Wraps

Vellum is a soft, romantic material that has become popular for wedding invites as it doesn't detract from the invitation design. It can be used as a full wrap around the entire invitation suite or cut into 1-inch strips to use as a band. Vellum glue dots are needed to secure the vellum without the adhesive showing through. Vellum wraps add a layer of transparency that frames your invitation design.

Wax seals

If you're looking for an easier option, self-adhesive wax seal stickers are also available in a variety of designs and colours. These stickers are a convenient way to add a touch of elegance to your invitations without having to melt and apply the wax yourself.

When applying a wax seal, it's important to follow the correct process. First, you need to melt the wax and apply it to the envelope. Then, press the wax seal stamp into the melted wax and hold it there for a few seconds until the wax hardens. Finally, carefully remove the stamp to reveal the design.

• Melt the sealing wax: You can use a glue gun or a wax melting spoon to melt the sealing wax.
• Apply the wax to the envelope: Drip or spread the melted wax onto the envelope where you want the seal to be placed.
• Press the wax seal stamp into the wax: Gently press the stamp into the melted wax and hold it there for a few seconds.
• Allow the wax to harden: Wait for a few seconds until the wax hardens and becomes firm to the touch.
• Remove the stamp: Carefully remove the stamp by gently lifting it straight up and away from the wax.

With these tips and tricks, you can add a touch of luxury and elegance to your wedding invitations, creating a lasting impression on your guests even before the big day arrives.

Double envelopes

When using double envelopes, it is recommended to also use envelope liners. These are installed inside the inner envelope and can be purchased to coordinate with your invitation design. To assemble, simply slide the liner into the inner envelope, about a quarter of an inch from the top, and press firmly to stick.

If you are using a belly band, vellum jacket, or wax seal, you will need to assemble your invitation suite before placing it into the inner envelope. First, lay the belly band over your invitation suite and centre any personalisation. Apply pressure to hold everything in place, then wrap your fingers around the back and flip the suite over. Pull the band over the back and crease, then adhere the ends together with glue dots.

Envelope liners

If you're looking to add a unique touch to your wedding invitations, consider custom envelope liners. These liners can be tailored to match your wedding theme and colours, creating a cohesive and memorable experience for your guests. Whether you envision a floral, contemporary, or rustic wedding, custom envelope liners allow you to curate a charming first impression.

You can find various envelope liner options online, such as on Etsy, Paper Culture, and Minted. These liners come in different sizes and styles, including floral graphics, rustic designs, and elegant motifs. Some even offer customisation options, allowing you to add a personal touch to your wedding stationery.

Additionally, envelope liners can be paired with belly bands, ribbons, or wax seals to create a neat and elegant invitation suite. This adds a sense of refinement and demonstrates your attention to detail, ensuring your wedding invitations are truly unforgettable.

Overall, envelope liners are a wonderful way to elevate your wedding invitations and create a lasting impression on your guests, setting the tone for the elegance and sophistication of your celebration.

Stamps

If your envelope is heavier or non-standard in shape, you will need to use additional stamps to make up the difference in postage. For example, if your envelope weighs over one ounce, you will need to add a 20-cent stamp to your Forever Stamp. The same goes for envelopes with extra embellishments like ribbons, wax seals, or unusual closures. These will need to be hand-cancelled, which means they are manually sorted by the post office rather than run through a machine. This service costs an extra $0.44 per envelope.

To ensure you are using the correct amount of postage, it is recommended that you take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office and have them weigh it. They will be able to advise you on the correct amount of postage. You can also purchase stamps at the post office, but it is a good idea to call ahead and check that they have the type of stamps you need in stock.

When it comes to RSVP cards, it is considered good etiquette to include a stamped and addressed envelope for your guests to send back their responses. This adds a little convenience and guarantees a faster response time.

Frequently asked questions