Assemble an invitation suite by stacking its contents from largest to smallest, keeping each piece face-up and placing the response card in its addressed, stamped return envelope. Insert the completed stack into the inner envelope if used, then into the outer envelope; address and weigh the finished piece before mailing.
What to gather before assembly
- Main invitation or announcement
- Response card and addressed return envelope, if included
- Direction, accommodation or reception inserts
- Inner envelope, if the suite uses two envelopes
- Outer mailing envelope and postage
Wedding invitation assembly order
- Place the invitation face-up as the base.
- Add optional tissue or vellum if included, then arrange inserts from largest to smallest.
- Place the response card inside its return envelope, with the return address and postage prepared.
- Stack the pieces neatly. If using an inner envelope, insert the stack face-up.
- Place the inner envelope into the outer mailing envelope according to the suite’s folding and enclosure design.
- Address the outer envelope and add the return address and sufficient postage.
Graduation announcement assembly
For a single announcement, place it neatly in the envelope and seal it. For a layered suite, arrange the announcement and inserts from largest to smallest, and follow the design’s directions for any inner envelope, name card or tissue. Address the outer envelope clearly and include a return address.
Check postage and mailing format
Weigh the fully assembled invitation, not just the empty envelope. Decorations, uneven thickness, rigid items or nonstandard dimensions can affect postage or processing. Ask USPS to review a sample if you are unsure. If the envelope has wax seals or other raised elements, check whether special handling is appropriate before mailing. See current USPS rates for current postage information.
When to use Certified Mail
Most social invitations do not need Certified Mail. It may be useful when you specifically want USPS mailing and tracking records, but it is not a substitute for ordinary event planning or a guarantee that a guest will respond. For one or many event-related notices, Certified Mail Labels supports online label creation, electronic Return Receipt and a free 10-Year Compliance Archive. Teams mailing large invitation or announcement lists can use Excel/CSV processing, API or SFTP. For printed and inserted letters, Print & Mail provides same-business-day USPS handoff for orders received by 5:00 PM Eastern, with a notarized affidavit of mailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct order for a wedding invitation suite?
Place the invitation face-up first, add inserts from largest to smallest, include the response card in its prepared return envelope, and place the stack into inner and outer envelopes if used.
Does the response envelope need postage?
If you want guests to mail the response card back, prepare the return envelope with the correct return address and sufficient postage.
How do I know how much postage an invitation needs?
Weigh and measure the fully assembled invitation and check current USPS postage requirements. Thick, rigid or unusually shaped suites may need additional postage or handling.
Should I send wedding invitations by Certified Mail?
Most invitations do not need Certified Mail. Consider it only if you want USPS mailing and tracking records, and do not treat it as a guarantee that a guest will respond.
Can wax seals affect mailing an invitation?
Raised decorations can affect processing or postage. Ask USPS to review a sample envelope and confirm current handling requirements before mailing the full set.