Choosing The Perfect Ribbon Size For Wedding Invites

When it comes to wedding invitations, adding a ribbon is a great way to add a luxurious finishing touch. The amount of ribbon you'll need depends on how you plan to use it. For example, if you want to wrap your invitation and close it with a wax seal, you'll need around 18 inches of ribbon. Tying it in a knot will require about 20 inches, while a bow will need between 24 and 30 inches. These are just estimates, and it's always a good idea to order extra ribbon if you're close to needing an additional spool.

Invitation wrapped and closed with a wax seal

Wax seals are a beautiful way to elevate your wedding invitations. They add a regal, Old-World aesthetic and can be used in a variety of ways to create a unique invitation suite.

If you're wrapping and closing your invitations with a wax seal, you'll need approximately 18" of ribbon. This length of ribbon will ensure that you can securely wrap and tie your invitations, creating a neat and elegant package.

• Belly Bands: Adding a wax seal to a belly band is a great way to incorporate a seal into your invitation suite. The seal can hold the belly band together, creating a secure closure. This method makes a wonderful first impression when your guests open the envelope.
• Vellum Wraps: A vellum folder is an elegant way to wrap up your invitation suite, keeping everything in place. The semi-transparent vellum teases your guests with a glimpse of the enclosed invitation without revealing all the details. Using a wax seal to close the vellum wrap adds a special touch.
• Ribbons: Wrap your invitation suite with a piece of silk ribbon or velvet and secure it with a wax seal for a stunning, luxurious look. This combination of textures and the shine of the wax seal will definitely impress your guests.
• Inner Envelopes: If you're concerned about the wax seal being damaged or coming off during the mailing process, consider placing your sealed invitation inside an inner envelope. Then, place the inner envelope inside a larger envelope for mailing. This way, your wax seal will remain intact.
• Custom Designs: You can create custom wax seals with your monogram, wedding date, or any other design that reflects your wedding aesthetic. Work with a professional stationer or use pre-made self-adhesive wax seals to achieve the look you desire.

Mailing Tips

When mailing invitations with wax seals, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Non-machinable Surcharge: The bump created by the wax seal may require a "nonmachinable surcharge" for mailing. This is because the raised seal cannot go through the sorting machines at the post office. The additional charge is usually minimal and won't break the bank.
• Protective Outer Envelope: To protect your wax seal, consider using an outer envelope, especially if you're using self-adhesive wax seals. The outer envelope will shield the seal from damage during the mailing process.
• Hand-Sorting: If you want to avoid any potential damage to your wax seals, you can opt for hand-sorting at the post office. This means a postal worker will manually inspect and approve each invitation, ensuring the seals remain intact. However, hand-sorting may incur additional postage and take extra time for the invitations to be sent.

Wax seals add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to your wedding invitations. By following these tips and ideas, you can create beautiful and secure invitation suites that will wow your guests from the moment they receive them.

Tying a knot

To calculate the total amount of ribbon you'll need, multiply the length of ribbon needed per invitation by the number of invitations. For example, if you need 20 inches of ribbon per invitation and you have 50 invitations, you'll need a total of 1000 inches or 27.78 yards of ribbon. Ribbon spools typically contain around 32 yards, so you would need to order at least one spool for this example quantity.

It's important to order extra ribbon if you're close to needing an additional spool. You may also want to consider ordering a variety of widths and colours to add interest and texture to your invitations. Ribbon widths commonly used for wedding invitations range from 1/8 inch to 2 inches. Popular colours include ivory, white, blush, sage, and blue, but you can choose any colour that matches your wedding theme.

Tying a bow

The best type of ribbon to use for wedding invitations is a double-sided satin ribbon. This is because the satin fabric gives the bow a pretty, classic, and luxurious look. The width of the ribbon you use will depend on your wedding style. For example, a 25mm wide ribbon will give a formal and luxurious look, while a skinnier ribbon, such as 10mm, will give a more casual feel.

If you want to add a bow to your wedding invitations, you can follow these steps:

Step 1:

Before you start, make sure you have sharp scissors to cut the ribbon cleanly. You can also heat-seal the ribbon with a flame or brush the ends with Fray Check to prevent fraying.

Step 2:

Take a length of ribbon and fold it into a horizontal concertina with a loop on the right and left-hand sides. The length of ribbon you will need will depend on how you plan to use it. For a bow, you will need approximately 24"-30".

Step 3:

Pinch and gather the centre, securing it with a small piece of wire.

Step 4:

Twist the ribbon and shape the loops on each side.

Step 5:

Bring the ribbon tails into shape.

Step 6:

Create a centre loop from a small length of ribbon and glue it into place.

If you don't like big bows, you can try a simple bow-style knot or a Dior bow, which is a popular choice for wedding invitations. These types of bows can also be made with a bow maker or a fork, which is a good option for thinner ribbons.

Invitation card colour

When it comes to wedding invitations, the colours you choose should capture and evoke the mood you want for your nuptials. The colours should also tie in with your wedding narrative and theme, as well as set the mood for your event.

A popular choice is to use soft peach and pear colours, which evoke the dream-like quality of garden nuptials and intimate gatherings. A combination of contemporary and vintage tones, such as steely tones, earthy browns, and warm, creamy hues, captures the Old South charm without looking dated.

Classic complementary colours like orange and green are always a good choice, especially when paired with creamy tones of rose and ivory. Perky tones of pink and blue can also brighten up any design, but be careful not to overwhelm the design with too many bright colours. Offset the vibrancy of blues and pinks with lighter tones or white.

Deep red is another elegant option, especially when paired with analogous tones and deep green accents. Using light pastel hues with this colour scheme will create a stark contrast without being too overwhelming.

If you're having a spring wedding, a combination of greens and pinks is a perfect way to match your invitations to the season. Yellow, deep green, and light taupe also come together beautifully for a summer wedding, as seen in a design by Breanna Rose of Rowan Made.

Unconventional colours can also be used to modernise a design, such as green-toned felines on a wedding invitation. Gold and silver are classic choices for a traditional wedding, and gold can be paired with a contrasting colour to emphasise its tone.

Peach tones are a popular choice for weddings, and they can be paired with a black pearl tone for an upscale twist, as seen in a wedding invitation kit. For an upbeat and bright combination, consider summer tones of orange, yellow, and green, softened with white.

Coral and pastel blue are another elegant combination, with the metallic bronze text standing out beautifully. Pink and red roses also look stunning against a charcoal-coloured background, creating a playful yet elegant design.

Finally, gold tones and dark blue evoke a sense of royalty and are perfect for traditional weddings.

Invitation card material

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are endless options for customisation and personalisation. From the card material to the ribbon, every aspect can be tailored to reflect your unique style.

The material of your invitation card sets the tone and feel of your wedding invitation. It is important to choose a material that is durable, high-quality, and compatible with your printing method. Here are some popular options for invitation card materials:

• Cardstock is a popular choice for invitation cards as it is thick and durable. It comes in various colours, such as white, cream, ivory, and coloured cardstock. It also offers different textures, including linen and shimmer. Cardstock is usually available in standard sizes like 8.5" x 11" or 5" x 7", and weights ranging from 65 lb to 250 lb.
• Paper is a thinner option, better suited for casual invitations. It is available in various colours, including white, cream, and ivory. Paper also offers different textures, such as vellum, which is a semi-transparent paper that can be used for invitation wraps or overlays.
• Specialty Materials such as silk, chiffon, or velvet can be used for more luxurious and elegant invitations. These materials are often paired with ribbon or wax seals for a sophisticated finish.

Additional Invitation Accessories

To enhance the presentation of your wedding invitations, you can utilise various accessories, such as:

• Envelopes in complementary colours or unique textures, such as vellum or linen.
• Belly bands or wraps to secure the invitation suite together. These can be made from paper, cardstock, or specialty materials like silk or chiffon.
• Wax seals add a traditional and elegant touch to your invitations. They can be customised with monograms, initials, or symbols that reflect your wedding theme.
• Ribbons made from materials like silk, chiffon, or satin can be used to tie the invitation suite together or as decorative accents. Popular ribbon sizes range from 1/2" to 3", and the length depends on how you plan to use it (e.g., wrapped and closed with a wax seal, tied in a knot, or tied in a bow).

DIY or Professional Printing

When creating your wedding invitations, you can choose to design and assemble them yourself or utilise professional printing services. DIY invitations allow for more creative freedom, while professional printing ensures a seamless and elegant finish.

Whether you opt for DIY or professional printing, there are endless options for customising your wedding invitation cards to make your special day unforgettable.

Frequently asked questions