What You'll Need for Assembly
Before you begin, gather these supplies:
AdTech Tape or Glue Dots: For attaching elements like belly bands, vellum wraps, and envelope liners, and for quickly sealing your envelopes shut
Bone folder: Useful for crisp, clean folds—especially for wrap-around elements like vellum wraps
Fabric scissors: If including ribbon in your suite
Clean, flat workspace: Avoid fabric surfaces that attract lint, dust, or pet hair
A sample suite: Keep one fully assembled suite nearby as your reference
Step-by-Step Invitation Assembly
1. Start with the Main Invitation Card
Lay the main card down first, on the bottom of the stack.
2. Add Enclosure Cards
Layer with protective tissue (if you opt to use it) and stack additional cards (details card, RSVP, map, etc.) on top of it, largest to smallest. RSVP cards should be tucked under or clipped to the RSVP envelope flap, if you have a traditional RSVP card with corresponding envelope. Remember to pre-stamp your RSVP if guests will be mailing it back! In general, 1 Forever stamp will suffice for an A1 or A2-sized RSVP envelope, or 1 postcard stamp for postcard RSVPs, but always check with your local post office first.
3. Use a Belly Band or Wrap (if included)
Carefully wrap any belly band or vellum jacket around the suite, securing with either a ribbon (see our ribbon-tying tutorial here), wax seal, or AdTech tape. Pro tip: I like to wrap belly bands or tie ribbon ONLY around the invitation card so it’s nice and tight once the additional cards have been tucked into the bundle.
4. Add Final Embellishments
Attach wax seals, ribbons, or other adornments as the final touch. Be gentle and consistent in placement for a polished look.
5. Insert Into Envelopes
Slide the assembled suite into the envelope with the text facing outward (toward the flap), with the invitation in back and the smaller cards in front.
6. Double Envelope?
If you're using an inner and outer envelope:
The inner envelope contains the suite, and is not gummed or stamped. Just the guest names are on the front (no address).
The outer envelope holds the inner envelope and includes the full guest addressing.
Make sure the inner envelope is unsealed and faces outward.
Pro Tips
Always Ask About Postage: Bring one fully assembled suite to the post office for them to weigh/assess for required postage (before purchasing any postage!)
Hand-canceling: Consider requesting hand-canceling at the post office to prevent damage from mail processing machines. This normally incurs a special postage stamp at an additional fee.
Schedule Time: Assembly takes longer than you think! Set aside a few hours (or a weekend afternoon) and enlist help if friends or family are up to the task.