The Tissue Tradition: Wedding Invitation Etiquette Explained

Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process, but they can also be a little confusing to assemble. One of the most common questions couples have is where to place the tissue paper. Traditionally, tissue paper is placed over the invitation card to prevent smudging, with an additional sheet of tissue placed between each card for protection. However, with modern printing methods, tissue paper is no longer necessary and is instead used as a decorative element. Couples can choose to include it on top of the invitation card or leave it out entirely. Ultimately, the decision to use tissue paper or not depends on personal preference and the desired look and feel of the invitation suite.

The tissue is placed over the main invitation wording

Wedding invitation tissue paper is a thin, delicate, slightly translucent paper that is placed over an invitation card. It is usually white or cream, with a soft, cloudy appearance, and is cut to standard sizes—just enough to cover the wording on an invite.

The use of wedding tissue dates back to when invitations were handwritten, and the tissue was placed over the invitation wording to blot excess ink and prevent smudging. Today, the tissue is no longer necessary but remains a tradition, adding a formal touch to the invitation.

When arranging invitations with tissue, the tissue is placed over the main invitation wording. If needed, additional cards can be placed on top of the tissue for protection. The invitation ensemble is then stacked from largest to smallest, with the invitation card at the bottom and the reply card at the top.

The tissue adds a layer of protection, especially if there are multiple cards or embellishments that could rub against each other and cause smudging or damage during mailing. It is a way to ensure that the invitation arrives in pristine condition and sets the tone for a formal wedding.

Some couples may choose to use vellum instead of tissue, as it offers more translucency and a more contemporary look. Vellum also comes in various colours and sizes and can be printed with custom designs. However, if smudging is a concern, tissue is a better option than vellum.

It's used to protect the ink and prevent smudging

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

The tissue paper is used to protect the ink and prevent smudging. This tradition dates back to when invitations were handwritten, and the tissue was used to blot excess ink and prevent smudging. Even though modern ink dries quickly and no longer requires tissue to prevent smudging, the tradition has persisted. In some cases, tissue inserts can still serve as a pretty and practical addition to wedding invitations. For example, if you are printing your invitations at home using an inkjet printer, the ink may smudge, especially if it gets damp. In this case, a tissue insert can help to safeguard the ink during the mailing and handling process.

If your main concern is ink smudging, tissue inserts are recommended over vellum inserts. While vellum can help to prevent damage from embellishments, scratching, and rubbing, it does not work well for ink absorption and may even make smudging worse due to its hardened, almost plastic-like feel.

To arrange your invitations with tissue inserts, simply place the tissue over the main invitation wording and then stack any additional cards on top, from largest to smallest. Typically, the invitation card goes on the bottom, and the reply card and envelope go on the top.

It's a tradition that dates back hundreds of years

Wedding invitations often include a thin, delicate piece of translucent paper, known as tissue, placed over the invitation card and sometimes between each card in the ensemble. This tradition dates back hundreds of years, to a time when invitations were handwritten with quill pens and ink. The tissue served the practical purpose of blotting excess ink to prevent smudging and ensure the invitation remained legible.

As printing technology evolved, invitations began to be produced using printing presses, but the ink would still be wet and prone to smearing. Printers began placing squares of tissue over the invitations to prevent the ink from smearing onto the card placed on top. The tissue was intended to be removed before mailing the invitation; however, over time, brides began sending out wedding invitations with the tissue intact, thus normalising its inclusion.

Today, wedding invitations are typically printed with quick-drying ink or using thermography, which creates raised ink effects by subjecting the ink to heat, eliminating the need for tissue. Nonetheless, the tradition of including tissue in wedding invitations has persisted, even if it is no longer necessary for practical reasons. The tissue adds a formal and elegant touch to the invitation suite and is still considered standard in formal wedding situations.

When arranging wedding invitations with tissue, the tissue is placed over the main invitation card, followed by any enclosure cards, such as maps, reception cards, and RSVP cards. The tissue is not placed between each enclosure card. The complete stack, with the invitation card at the bottom and the reply card and envelope at the top, is then inserted into the envelope.

It's usually white or cream, and cut to standard sizes

Wedding invitation tissue paper is usually white or cream-coloured, and is cut to standard sizes. It is thin, delicate, and slightly translucent, with a soft, cloudy appearance. Tissue paper is often cut to just the right size to cover the wording on an invite.

The use of tissue paper in wedding invitations dates back to when invitations were handwritten. Tissue was placed over the invitation wording to blot excess ink and prevent smudging. Today, with modern printing methods, tissue paper is no longer necessary for this purpose, but it has become a tradition. It adds a nice, formal touch to the presentation of the invitation.

Tissue paper can also serve a practical purpose in protecting the invitation during mailing. If you are using a raised print or embellishments such as crystals, ribbons, or string, tissue paper can help prevent smudging, scratching, or damage during the mailing process.

When arranging your wedding invitations with tissue paper, place the tissue over the main invitation wording. If necessary, you can also place tissue over each card for added protection. Then, stack your invitation ensemble from largest to smallest, with the invitation card at the bottom and the reply card at the top.

It's placed between cards for a formal presentation

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 cut to standard sizes—just enough to cover the wording on the invite.

The use of tissue paper in wedding invitations dates back to when invitations were handwritten, and the tissue was used to blot excess ink and prevent smudging. Although this is no longer necessary, the tradition has continued, and tissue paper is still considered standard in formal wedding invitations.

Tissue paper is placed over the main invitation wording, and if necessary, over each card for protection. It is placed between cards for a formal presentation, adding a nice, organised touch to the invitation. This is especially important if there are multiple cards in the envelope, as they are more likely to rub against each other and smudge or scratch.

To arrange invitations with tissue paper, stack the invitation ensemble from largest to smallest, with the tissue on top of the invitation card. The reception card is placed on top of the tissue, followed by any other enclosure cards such as maps, accommodation cards, or travel information. The response card is then placed under the flap of the response envelope, with the printed side visible, and the envelope is placed on top of the stack.

Tissue paper adds a formal and elegant touch to wedding invitations, and while it may not be necessary for practical reasons anymore, it is still a beautiful tradition that adds a special detail to the overall presentation of the invitation.

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