Wedding invitation belly bands are small strips of paper or vellum that wrap around the middle of a wedding invitation, keeping everything neatly together. They are a great way to add a pop of colour or a personalised touch to your invitations. Belly bands are usually made from thinner paper, often referred to as text weight, and can be customised with your initials, wedding date, a crest or wreath design, or even your guests' names. You can also use a specialty paper like glitter, or add a wax seal for a unique, stand-out design.
What You'll Learn
Belly bands to add a pop of colour
Belly bands are a great way to add a pop of colour to your wedding invitations. They are small strips of paper or vellum that wrap around the invitation suite, keeping everything neatly organised and held together. They are the ultimate finishing touch, adding a bit of flair to your invitations and making them feel like a little present for your guests to unwrap.
When it comes to colour, you have endless options to choose from. You can opt for a bold and vibrant shade, such as navy or red, or go for something more subtle and understated. If you want to keep things classic, black and white belly bands with initials can be a timeless choice. For a touch of glamour, consider adding gold foil or gloss accents. You can even include your wedding date or initials for a personalised touch.
If you're feeling creative, you can make your own belly bands using decorative paper from your local craft store. For a standard 5 x 7-inch invitation, the belly band should measure 11 x 2 inches. This will ensure a snug fit that holds all the cards together neatly. When assembling, use a glue stick or double-sided tape to adhere the ends securely.
If you're short on time or prefer a more convenient option, you can also buy belly bands from stationery providers or your invitation stationer. These usually come with clear stickers for easy application. With so many designs available, you can easily find belly bands that match your wedding theme or colour palette.
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Custom monograms, couples' names and wedding dates
Adding custom monograms, couples' names, and wedding dates to belly bands for wedding invitations is a great way to add a personalised touch. Belly bands are a slim paper band that fits around your invitations, keeping all the pieces together neatly and adding a stylish finishing touch.
There are a few different ways to style your monograms, depending on your preference and surname situation. If one member of the couple is taking the other's surname, a single initial monogram can be used, featuring the first letter of the shared surname. For example, Johnson and Smith could become 'J' or 'S'. If both partners are keeping their original surnames, a two-letter monogram can be used, with the first letter of each surname. For example, Johnson and Smith could become 'JS'.
If one partner is taking the other's surname, a three-letter monogram can be used, with the first letter of the shared surname in the centre, in a slightly larger font, and bracketed by each partner's first initials. For example, Johnson and Smith could become 'IJS' or 'SJI'. If both partners are keeping their original surnames, the same format can be used, but with the first initials of both partners in the centre, in larger font. For example, Johnson and Smith could become 'JSI' or 'ISJ'.
Traditionally, the woman's first initial would come first in the case of a heterosexual couple, but this is not a hard-and-fast rule. Same-sex couples can follow any of the above formats, and may also choose to use a two-letter monogram with the last name initials together, or a four-letter monogram with both surnames in the centre.
When it comes to the practicalities of adding these details to your belly bands, you can either make them yourself or buy them ready-made. If you're feeling creative, you can buy decorative paper from your local craft store and cut out your own belly bands. You can also find editable templates online, which you can print at home or at a local print shop, depending on the ink heaviness and quantity. If you'd rather buy ready-made belly bands, you can find a range of designs from independent artists, including options to add initials and wedding dates.
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Crests, wreaths or stickers
Belly bands are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding invitations. They can be customised with your initials, wedding date or a special message. You can also add motifs or themes, gold foil or gloss, and pops of colour.
If you're looking for a belly band with a crest, wreath or sticker design, there are a few options available. One idea is to choose a belly band with a monogram crest design, such as the Timeless Vines Monogram Crest Dusty Blue Invitation Belly Band from Zazzle. This belly band features a minimalist monogram crest with a dusty blue background. Another option is the Botanical Crest Monogram Wedding Invitation Belly Band, also from Zazzle, which features a more intricate crest design with botanical elements.
If you're looking for a simpler design, you could choose a belly band with a wreath or floral design. For example, the Emerald Green Gold Leaf and Confetti Quinceanera Invitation Belly Band from Zazzle features a simple green wreath with gold confetti. Or, for a more colourful option, the Wildflower Cowgirl Rustic Elegance Quinceanera Invitation Belly Band features a bright and bold wildflower wreath.
You can also find belly bands with sticker designs, such as the Custom Wax Seal Stickers from Etsy, which can be personalised with your initials or monogram. These stickers can be used to seal your wedding invitations, adding a decorative touch.
When choosing a belly band design, consider the overall style and theme of your wedding, as well as the colour and design of your invitations. You can find belly bands in a variety of colours, patterns and textures to match your wedding theme.
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Wax seals with a monogram or crest
A wax seal with a monogram or crest is a perfect way to add a personalised touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding invitations. It is a timeless way to elevate your wedding stationery and create a luxurious feel.
You can opt for a custom wax seal stamp with your initials, monogram, or family crest to create a unique impression. You can also choose from a variety of fonts, such as Garamond, Harrington, or Old English, to name a few, to match your wedding theme and style. Consider a classic or chic monogram, or perhaps a rustic or botanical design to complement your wedding aesthetic.
If you're feeling extra creative, you can even design your own wax stamp, ensuring it perfectly captures your vision. You can also incorporate a motif or theme, add a pop of colour, or include gold foil or gloss accents to make your invitations truly stand out.
When it comes to the wax itself, there are various colours and types to choose from, including traditional sealing waxes, glue-gun format waxes, and vegan options. You can also find wax seals that come premade, making the process even more convenient.
By adding a wax seal with a monogram or crest to your belly bands, you'll create a sophisticated and polished look that will certainly impress your guests. It's a wonderful way to add a personal touch and make your invitations feel like a special gift for your guests to unwrap.
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Formal invitations with guests' names
Belly bands are a great way to add a special touch to your wedding invitations and keep the contents neatly organised. They are slim paper bands that fit around your invitations, holding all the pieces together. You can buy belly bands separately or as part of a complete suite of invitations. They can be customised with initials, foil or gloss accents, motifs, themes, and colours.
Bride's Parents Host the Wedding
Doctor and Mrs. James Stuart Evans, Jr.
Request the honour of your presence
At the marriage of their daughter
Mr. Brian Charles Jamison
Saturday, the twentieth of June
[year]
At half after three o'clock
First Congregational Church
Spring Hill, Minnesota
And afterward at the reception
Spring Hill Golf Club
Bride's Parents, Who Are Divorced and Remarried, Host the Wedding Together
Mr. and Mrs. Allen Jones and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Levy request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Rachel Lynn Levy and Doctor Michael Brandon Smithson Saturday, the twenty-second of March, year, at six o'clock Temple Sinai Granville, Ohio
Bride's Mother and Stepfather Host
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Denoyer request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of her daughter Francine Anne Colby to Mr. Jonathan Baker Hamilton Friday, the seventeenth of May, year, at seven o'clock Viansa Winery 25200 Arnold Drive Sonoma, California
Groom's Parents Host
Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Diaz request the honour of your presence at the marriage of Ms. Latoya Kenisha Armond to their son Mr. Carlos Delapaz Diaz Friday, the fourteenth of November, year, at six o'clock St. Thomas Cathedral Spokane, Washington
Bride and Groom Host
Ms. Andrea Jane Brigante and Mr. Robert Holden White request the honour of your presence at their marriage Saturday, the tenth of July, year, at half after four o'clock First Congregational Church Richmond, Virginia
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Frequently asked questions
Belly bands are small strips of paper (or vellum) that wrap around the middle of a wedding invitation, keeping everything neatly together. They are a great way to add a pop of colour or a personalised touch to your invitations.
For a standard 5 x 7-inch invitation, your belly band should measure 11 x 2 inches. If you are cutting your own for a custom card size, double the width of your card and add an extra inch for overlap.
You can buy belly bands from a range of online retailers, or you can make them yourself. If you have already ordered your invitations, you can buy belly bands separately and add them to your existing invites.
There are lots of options for belly band designs. You can use a custom monogram, couples' names and wedding date, a crest or wreath design, or a specialty paper like glitter paper. You can also add a personalised touch by including your guests' names on the belly band.