Wedding Invitations 101

In this blog you will learn the different pieces of a wedding invitation suite, Wedding Invitation Styles and Sizes, different types of Enclosure Cards, and Assembly of your wedding invitations. 

PIECES OF A WEDDING INVITATION SUITE

WEDDING INVITATION

Your wedding invitation is the most important piece within your suite. It provides the names of who is getting married and who’s hosting, when the wedding will occur, what time the ceremony begins, and where the event will be held.

Wedding Invitation Sizes + Details

 Classic Size: 5” x 7” + Envelope
The traditional wedding invitation size is perfect for classic, upscale affairs, and typically come in the widest variety of designs, shapes, and styles.
Petite Size: 4.25” x 6” + Envelope
This invitation size is slightly less grand than the classic invitation size. Generally, this invitation size is great for a modern, savvy bride who like the differentiation of a compact invitation but still wants to include the standard elements of a wedding invitation.
 Four-Panel Size: 4.25” x 6” + Envelope
A more casual format that allows for a more personable, storytelling wedding invitation. This invitation format is most personal of those available due to its traditional greeting card size. 
All-in-One Size: 5.76” x 12.03” (No Envelope); Assembled 5.76” x 4.75”
A modern and unique format that is as convenient as it is interesting. Many brides gravitate to this size and shape when they are looking for break out from the wedding invitation standard. Ultimately this type of invitation is a good option for balling on a budget!
Square Size: 6” x 6” + Envelope
This is truly a differentiated, new-age look that will stand out in any mailbox. Take note however that square formats will require extra postage to send.
​Mini Book Size: 7” x 5” + Envelope
Often described as the offline version of a wedding website, the mini book, is a comprehensive guide for guests.

RESPONSE CARD

Your wedding response card is the second most important piece to your wedding invitation suite. The response card is meant to be sent back to the couple getting married with the accepts or regrets information for each guest invited to the event.
It typically includes a reply by date for when the card needs to be returned, an m-line for the guests to fill in with their name(s), and an accepts/regrets line for which the guest will be able to fill in whether or not they’ll be in attendance. However, there are many variations to this card.
Nowadays, couples are using their wedding websites for their RSVPS. If you choose to go this route, use your response card to direct your guests to the wedding website RSVP link.

ENCLOSURES

These enclosures are great for including additional information for your guests! We typically use them for either accommodation or reception details, but there are many things you can use them for. Below are more examples for each size that are commonly used.

Small Enclosure
A small enclosure is typically used for reception details, but is also great for wishing wells, registries, parking information, proper attire, or websites.
Large Enclosure
As for the large enclosure, we typically see this piece used for hotel accommodations, travel/transportation details, maps, or a schedule of event (may want to consider if there are more than one event happening (for ex. a welcome dinner or post wedding brunch) of if you have a break between ceremony and reception). However, we have also seen it used to combine smaller bits of information together or used as a map. The choice is completely up to you!

ENVELOPES

There are two envelope styles for your wedding invitation suite: single envelopes and double envelopes.

Single Envelope Style
For wedding invitations, the single envelope style is the most common. This style consists of one invitation envelope and one response card envelope. The names of all invited guests should be placed on the front along with the mailing address. Your return address should be placed on the envelope flap.
Double Envelope Style
This style includes an inner and outer envelope for mailing each invitation suite. Double envelopes are more formal and traditional. The outer envelope is meant for mailing and should list the household name and address on the front. The inner envelope is used to hold the invitation suite and list the name of each guest in order to eliminate any confusion as to who’s actually invited. The inner envelope is not gummed since it will not be sent through the mail. It also acts as an additional layer of protection during mailing and allows your guests to have a clean, unmarked envelope for holding their invitation suite.

ASSEMBLYING YOUR WEDDING INVITATIONS

During the assembly stage, we will be bringing every piece of the wedding invitation together!
Let the assembly process begin! Below you will find a list of the exact order of how to assemble your invitation suite.
The proper order for assembly is as follows:

1. Invitation (printed side up)
2.  Large enclosure (printed side up)
3.  Response envelope (printed side up, the flap on the right side)
4. Response card (printed side up)
5. Small enclosure (printed side up)
6. Then, bound it together with a belly band

HOW TO APPLY A BELLY BAND

If you’re using a belly band to wrap your stationery together, please follow the following steps:
1. Lay the belly band over your neatly stacked suite, centering the personalization.
2. Apply pressure with your thumbs to the top of the band and enclosures to hold everything in place.
3. Wrap your index fingers around the back of the invite – you should be able to pick the suite up without anything moving.
4. Flip the suite towards you, so all of your information is face down and carefully pull one end of the band over the back and crease it. Repeat with the other end.
5. Pull both ends of the belly band tight, without bending the sides of your stationery.
6. Adhere together with the included glue dots.
Then viola! You’re finished assembling your first invitation suite.

HOW TO APPLY A VELLUM JACKET AND WAX SEAL

If you have purchased a vellum jacket and wax seal please follow these steps on how to elegantly wrap your wedding invitation suite with the finest embellishments.
1. Typically when you order vellum jackets, they are shipped flat and are ready for assembly when they arrive. We recommend folding the left side of the jacket along the pre-scored line to make it easier to slide your assembled suite into.
2. Slide your suite into the folded area of the jacket and pinch with your left hand.
3. After your suite has been centered within the vellum jacket, you may fold the right side along the other pre-scored line.
4. Once both folds have been made and your jacket slightly overlaps on the front of your invitation, you may place your wax seal to hold the flaps closed. Please note, you will need to expose the adhesive on the back of the wax seal before placing in place.

HOW TO TIE YOUR RIBBON AROUND YOUR WEDDING INVITATION

Adding a silk ribbon around your wedding invitation will make your wedding invitation more romantic and elegant. If you decide to use this method to elevate your wedding invitations, there are a few things you should know.
Tying your wedding invitations with any ribbon, whether that be by itself or accompanied by a belly band, it can be a little frustrating and challenging for the first few tries. Also, due to the delicacy of the wedding invite suite contents, the ribbon will have a little bit more room for your pieces to move around.

Here is a step by step process of how to tie your wedding invitation suites with perfection:
1. Place your cut ribbon piece on the table in front of you, matte side up. You can then place your invitation suite in the middle on top.
2. Fold both ends across the front of the invitation suite and tuck the left end under the right end.
3. Pull both ends tight and place your right middle finger in the middle of the twist to prevent the tie from coming loose.
4. While you continue to apply pressure to the twist, use your left hand to fold the bottom piece upward, so it is parallel to the other end piece.
5. Next, fold the left end over top of the right and tuck it through the hole in the middle, like you’re tying your shoe.
6. Continue applying pressure to the twist while pulling the two ends tight.
Please note, if you plan on using ribbon to tie around your wedding invitation suites, we highly recommend also using double envelopes. This will better protect your stationery when traveling through the mail to your guests. The beautifully tied invitation can be placed inside in the inner envelope, which is then put inside the outer envelope. This gives the beautifully tied invitation the protection that it needs. If you are using a vellum folder this would be considered as your inner envelope.

Ribbon Purchasing Pro Tips:

• Typical Ribbon Types for a wedding Invitation Suite: Cotton, Satin, Silk or Velvet
• Usually look wooden ribbon spools with for 4.5 yards in length with a width of 1.75”
• For a Portrait Oriented Invitations, it is recommended that your ribbon be cut into 22” pieces. For Landscape Oriented Invitations, it is recommended that your ribbon be cut into 31” pieces.
• When cutting your ribbon use fabric shears or scissors that have not been used to cut paper before. By using the right shears/scissors this will ensure a clean straight cut.

BEST WAY TO ASSEMBLE ENVELOPE LINERS + DOUBLE ENVELOPES

ENVELOPE LINERS

1. Grab the two things needed for this part of the process – inner envelopes (the ones without gumming on the inside of the flap) and your envelope liners. If your inner envelope flaps are closed, start by opening all of them up so they lay semi-flat to your table surface.
2. Stuff one of the envelope liners into the inner envelope (tape strip side towards the top). Before peeling off the glossy paper protectant, slide the liner into place (about a quarter inch from the top). Once in place, peel off the backing of the adhesive. Press firmly to stick the envelope liner to the envelope and fold flap over to crease liner in envelope. Please note, you may need to use your thumbs to hold the liner close the to flap, so the fold is made in the right location.

Now that you have your envelope liners/inner envelopes are assembled, its time to put the finishing touches on your wedding invitation suite and get them in the mail!

FINAL TOUCHES + ASSEMBLY

1. Make separate piles of all the things you need – invitation suites, assembled inner envelopes, and outer envelopes.
2. Rotate one of your suites to the left and stuff into an inner envelope.
3. Once the suite has been placed all the way to the bottom of the inner envelope, you may fold the flap closed. This image also shows what the front of the inner envelope should looks like. This is where the guests, actually invited to the wedding ceremony/event, will be printed.
4. Next you will place the inner envelope into the outer envelope. Each of your outer envelopes will have the gumming strip at the edge of the flap for sealing purposes.
5. Slide each inner envelope all the way to the bottom of the outer envelope.
6. Lastly, you may fold over the flap and seal it for mailing.
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Now, take a moment, and pause, while you look at your first fully assembled and sealed wedding invitation suite. Know that the next time this envelope is opened, it will be by a loved one who feels absolutely delighted to be receiving an invite to your amazing milestone. Congratulations! It’s smooth sailing from here.

Wedding Invitation FAQ

hOW DO i CHOOSE MY WEDDING INVITATION SUITE?

Your wedding invitation suite should feed into your overall wedding design aesthetic, so when selecting your wedding invitation suite, think about all the design elements, the wedding feel overall.
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When would I use a Four-Panel or Mini Book Wedding Invitation?

 Maybe you want to include other details or engagement photos on your wedding invite. If this is the case and you would like to include these items, I would recommend using a four-panel or mini book wedding invitation.

Who do you want to feature on the host line?

Think about who you want to feature on the invite while keeping in mind that the more names you feature on your wedding invitation the smaller the font will need to be. Typically the featured names on the host line are either the following: both sets of parents, one set of parents, or just the names of the bride and groom. ​

Written By: Ariel Anderson