Tissue Paper Placement In Wedding Invites: The Inside Guide

Tissue paper has been traditionally used in wedding invitations to prevent ink from smudging or bleeding. However, with modern ink, tissue paper is no longer necessary and is now more of a stylistic preference. If you choose to include tissue paper in your wedding invitations, it is typically placed on top of the invitation card, with any other enclosure cards placed on top of the tissue paper.

The history of tissue paper in wedding invitations

To prevent smudging, tissue paper was placed over the invitation wording to blot excess ink. This tradition continued even after the invention of the printing press, as the ordinary printing techniques of the time did not produce elegant enough results for stylish invitations. The invention of metal-plate engraving in 1642 brought higher-quality wedding invitations within reach of the emerging middle class, and the use of tissue paper continued to protect the engraved invitations from smudging.

Today, tissue paper in wedding invitations is mostly traditional and aesthetic, adding a formal and organised presentation to the invitation suite. It is also practical, providing protection for invitations with raised prints or embellishments during the mailing and handling process.

Regarding the placement of tissue paper in wedding invitations, it is typically placed over the main invitation wording and, if necessary, over each card for protection. The tissue-covered invitation is then stacked with any other inserts, such as maps, reception cards, and the RSVP card, before being placed into an inner envelope. The inner envelope is then placed inside an outer envelope for mailing.

Tissue paper vs vellum

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process. They set the tone and style of the wedding and are a special gift to be cherished by the recipient. The use of tissue paper or vellum as inserts in wedding invitations is a common practice and choosing between the two depends on various factors.

Traditional wedding invitation tissue is a thin, delicate, slightly translucent paper that is placed over an invitation card and sometimes between each card of the ensemble. It has a soft, cloudy appearance and is usually white or cream. Tissue is often cut to standard sizes, just enough to cover the wording on an invite.

Vellum is a contemporary alternative to tissue, offering more translucency and a modern look. It is also thin and delicate but comes in a variety of colours and sizes, making it a popular choice for DIY brides who want to create unique invitations. Vellum can also be printed with custom text and designs, which tissue paper cannot.

There are several reasons why tissue paper or vellum inserts are used in wedding invitations:

• Tradition: The use of tissue paper dates back to when invitations were handwritten, and tissue was used to blot excess ink and prevent smudging. Although modern inks don't usually smudge, the tradition has continued.
• Aesthetics: Tissue paper or vellum adds a nice, formal presentation to the invitation suite.
• Practicality and Protection: Tissue paper or vellum can protect the invitation from smudging, scratching, or damage during mailing, especially if the invitation has raised print, embellishments, or multiple cards.

When assembling your invitation suite, start with the invitation card, which is usually the largest card. If you choose to include tissue paper or vellum, place it on top of the invitation. Then, add any other enclosure cards, such as the reception card, map, or accommodation card. Finally, place the reply envelope face-down, with the reply card under the flap, face-up.

In conclusion, the choice between tissue paper and vellum depends on the style and tone of your wedding, as well as the practicality of protecting your invitations. Tissue paper is more traditional and commonly used for formal weddings, while vellum offers more customisation options and a contemporary look.

Do you need tissue paper in wedding invitations?

Wedding invitation tissue paper is a thin, delicate, slightly translucent paper that is placed over an invitation card and sometimes between each card in the ensemble. It is usually white or cream and is cut to standard sizes, just enough to cover the wording on an invite.

The use of wedding tissue dates back hundreds of years when invitations were handwritten. Tissue was placed over the invitation wording to blot excess ink and prevent smudging. Although this is no longer necessary, the tradition has remained. Tissue paper also offers a nice, organised, formal presentation. In some cases, it can also serve as a protective layer, preventing smudging, scratching, or damage during mailing.

You may need tissue inserts in your wedding invitations if:

• You have used inkjet printing, which is more likely to smudge in the mail.
• You have multiple cards in your envelope, which may rub against each other and smudge or scratch.
• You have used embellishments such as crystals, string, or ribbon, which may damage other cards if no protective layer is between them.
• You have pocket invitations, which are at higher risk of smudging or scratching without inserts.

How to arrange wedding invitations with tissue paper

Wedding invitations are a very important part of the wedding planning process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to arrange wedding invitations with tissue paper:

Firstly, it is important to note that the use of tissue paper in wedding invitations is optional and is more of a preference than a requirement. Tissue paper is traditionally used to prevent ink from smearing or smudging. However, with modern ink, this is less of a concern, and the use of tissue paper has become more of a nod to tradition.

If you choose to include tissue paper in your wedding invitations, here is how to arrange them:

• Start by placing the wedding invitation face up on a table. This is usually the largest card in the invitation suite.
• Layer the tissue paper on top of the invitation. The tissue paper should be slightly larger than the invitation, just enough to cover the wording.
• Add the reception card, face-up, on top of the tissue paper. The reception card includes information about the time, location, and dress code of the wedding reception.
• Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information cards, face-up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.
• Place the reply envelope face-down on top of the enclosure cards. Insert the reply card under the reply envelope flap, face-up, so that the printed side is visible.
• If using an inner envelope, insert the assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge first for a folded invitation. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened.
• Finally, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope, with the guests' names visible when they open it up.

By following these steps, you will have a beautifully arranged wedding invitation suite with tissue paper that adds a touch of tradition and elegance to your special day.

How to assemble wedding invitations with tissue paper

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble wedding invitations with tissue paper:

Firstly, gather all the necessary materials, including the wedding invitations, tissue paper, reception cards, enclosure cards such as maps or accommodation details, reply cards, and envelopes. It is recommended to create an assembly line to speed up the process. Clear and wipe down a table to ensure your invitations remain pristine.

Secondly, start with the wedding invitation itself. Place it face-up on the table, as this is the largest card in the suite and will form the base for the other pieces.

Thirdly, add the tissue paper. This is optional and is a nod to the traditional use of tissue paper to prevent ink from smudging. If you choose to include it, place the tissue paper on top of the wedding invitation.

Fourthly, add the reception card. Place it face-up on top of the tissue paper (or directly on top of the invitation if you chose not to use tissue paper). The reception card includes details such as the time, location, and dress code for the wedding reception.

Next, include any other enclosure cards. Place these face-up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.

Then, add the reply card and envelope. Place the reply envelope face-down on top of the enclosure cards. Insert the reply card under the envelope flap, ensuring the printed side is visible. The reply card should not be placed inside the envelope.

Finally, insert the assembled invitation suite into the envelopes. If you are using an inner and outer envelope system, place the assembled suite into the inner envelope first, ensuring the printed side of the invitation is visible when the envelope flap is opened. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope so that the guests' names are visible when they open it. If using a single envelope, insert the assembled suite directly into the outer envelope with the invitation facing up.

Your wedding invitations with tissue paper are now ready to be sent out to your guests!

Frequently asked questions