The Perfect Order: Stuffing Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are a fun part of the wedding planning process, but assembling them can be confusing. The general rule for putting wedding stationery together is to assemble your invitations in order of sizing, with the invitation as the largest card, and all enclosure cards stacked neatly on top. The invitation should be placed into the envelope facing up so that the text on the main invitation is legible when removed by the recipient. The RSVP card should be placed face up under the flap of the return envelope.

Order of cards and envelopes

Wedding invitations are usually assembled in size order, with the largest card at the bottom and each subsequent card placed face up. This means that the invitation card itself should be placed first, followed by any other cards in descending order of size.

If you are using a tissue paper or vellum overlay, this should be placed on top of the invitation card.

The reception card, if you are using one, should be placed on top of the invitation card (or the tissue/vellum overlay, if you are using one).

Any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations card, or travel information, should then be placed on top of the reception card. If there is more than one enclosure card and they are different sizes, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.

The RSVP card and envelope should be placed on top of the enclosure cards, with the envelope facing down and the card tucked under the envelope flap, face up. The envelope should be pre-addressed and pre-stamped.

If you are using a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, this should be assembled now.

If you are using an inner envelope and an outer envelope, the assembled invitation suite should be inserted into the inner envelope first, with the left edge going in first for a single card, and the folded edge for a folded invitation. The inner envelope is then inserted into the outer envelope so that the guests' names are visible when the envelope is opened.

If you are only using an outer envelope, the assembled invitation suite is inserted directly into this, again with the left edge or folded edge going in first, so that the text is print-side up and legible when the envelope is opened.

RSVP card placement

The RSVP card is an important part of your wedding stationery suite. It is essential to ensure that your RSVP card is placed correctly in your wedding invitation suite to ensure that your guests can find it easily and respond promptly. Here is a detailed guide on the placement of the RSVP card when stuffing your wedding invitations:

Firstly, gather all the necessary pieces for your invitation suite, including the RSVP card and envelope. The RSVP card and its envelope are usually placed together, with the card under the envelope flap. It is crucial to ensure that the RSVP card is placed face-up, so the printed side is visible to your guests. The envelope, on the other hand, should be placed face-down, with the printed side facing the enclosure cards.

When assembling your invitation suite, the general rule is to place the largest card at the bottom, followed by the other cards in descending order of size. The RSVP card and envelope are usually placed on top of the enclosure cards, as they are typically smaller in size. However, if you have a folded-style invitation, all enclosures, including the RSVP card and envelope, are placed within the folded invitation.

It is essential to ensure that the RSVP envelope is pre-addressed and pre-stamped. This makes it convenient for your guests to respond and increases the likelihood of receiving their responses promptly. The return address on the RSVP envelope is usually that of the couple or the person handling the RSVPs, such as a wedding planner or a member of the wedding party.

When inserting the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope, ensure that the text on the main invitation is legible when the recipient opens the envelope. The invitation should be placed face-up, with the text facing the envelope flap. This way, your guests will immediately see the invitation as they open the envelope.

If you are using a belly band or a ribbon to secure your invitation suite, place the RSVP card and envelope on top of the enclosure cards, and then wrap the band or ribbon around the suite. Finally, insert the assembled suite into the envelope, ensuring that the top cards are facing up.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your RSVP card is placed correctly and prominently within your wedding invitation suite, making it convenient for your guests to respond and helping you keep track of your guest list and planning details for your big day.

Tissue paper/vellum

Tissue paper and vellum are both thin, delicate, slightly translucent papers that are placed over an invitation card and sometimes between each card in the ensemble. Tissue paper is usually white or cream, while vellum comes in a variety of colours and can be printed with custom text and designs.

The use of tissue paper dates back hundreds of years to when invitations were handwritten. Tissue was placed over invitation wording to blot excess ink and prevent smudging. This tradition has continued, even though modern inks are less likely to smudge. Tissue paper is also used for aesthetic and practical reasons, offering a nice, organised, formal presentation and protecting invitations with raised print during the mailing and handling process.

If you choose to include tissue paper or vellum, place it on top of the invitation card. If you are using both, choose one or the other, as you only need a single thin sheet to protect the invitation. If you are using vellum, you may also want to consider using it as a belly band, pocket, or jacket for your invitation.

Belly bands

To assemble your wedding invitations with belly bands, follow these steps:

• Stack your invitation suite with the invitation card at the bottom, facing up. Place the largest enclosure card on top, followed by the rest of the cards in descending order of size.
• Place the RSVP card under the flap of the envelope, ensuring it is also facing up.
• Place your belly band next to the stacked suite, face down, on a flat surface. The belly band should have pre-scored lines that allow it to fold easily.
• Flip your stacked invitation suite over and centre it over the belly band.
• Fold the scored flaps of the belly band over the stacked suite and secure it with a small piece of tape.
• Slip the wrapped invitation suite into the envelope with the top cards facing up.

When ordering belly bands, ensure you select the correct size to fit your invitations. They typically come in standard sizes such as A7 (5 1/4 x 1 7/8 inches) or 5 x 1 1/2 inches.

Sealing the envelope

When you're ready to seal, use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of your outer envelopes. Be careful not to use too much, as you don't want soggy, puckered envelopes. After sealing all the envelopes, place a heavy book on top to ensure they are securely sealed. If you're using a wax seal, add it now.

If you're using double envelopes, the inner envelope is usually left unsealed. Traditionally, the inner envelope is placed inside the outer envelope with the guests' names facing the open side, and the invitation suite is inserted into the inner envelope.

Frequently asked questions