Want to elevate your wedding invitations? Or maybe you've added a few delicate decorative elements that you want to stay intact in the mail? Whatever your reason, vellum jackets can add that extra touch of elegance and protection to your wedding invitations.
Whether you’re interested in DIYing vellum jackets or buying pre-made ones for your wedding invitations, you’ve come to the right place — read on for insider tips, tutorials, and everything else you need to know to get started.
In This Guide
What Are Vellum Jackets?
Vellum jackets are chic, translucent coats for your wedding invitations. Made from vellum paper, which is known for its smooth, almost frosty appearance, vellum jackets not only protect your invitations but also add a sophisticated layer of intrigue.
Pros of vellum wedding invitations
Elegance: Vellum adds an instant upscale look to any invitation.
Protection: It keeps your invitation safe from smudges and tears.
Versatility: It pairs well with various design themes, from modern to vintage.
Preview effect: Offers your guests a peek at the invitation, building anticipation.
Cons of vellum wedding invitations
Delicacy: Vellum can be delicate and requires gentle handling.
Printing challenges: Not all printers are compatible with vellum paper.
Cost: It can add extra expense to your invitation budget.
Time-consuming: Crafting these jackets can be a bit time-intensive, especially for large weddings.
How to DIY Vellum Jackets for Wedding Invitations
Materials needed
Vellum paper
Scissors or a paper trimmer
Ruler
Pencil
Decorative elements (e.g., ribbons, wax seal, belly band)
Envelope
Wax melting spoon (optional for wax seals)
Double-sided tape
Step-by-step guide
Gather your vellum paper, scissors, a ruler, a pencil, and any decorative elements you wish to include.
Measure the height of your invitation card on a sheet of vellum and add a small margin.
Carefully cut the vellum paper according to your measurements.
Place your invitation card on the cut vellum, aligning them perfectly, and fold both sides of the vellum so that they overlap in the front middle.
Add any decorative touches like ribbons, seals, or dried flowers.
Slide your invitation inside the jacket, and voila!
What Are Vellum Belly Bands?
Don't want to fully wrap your wedding invitations in vellum? Consider going for the vellum belly band route instead. Vellum belly bands are slender, elegant strips of translucent vellum paper that neatly wrap around the middle of your invitation suite.
They serve as a chic and minimalist alternative to full vellum jackets, adding a touch of sophistication without covering the entire invitation.
How to DIY vellum belly bands for wedding invitations
Cut a sheet of vellum into strips of your desired width.
Lay the belly band on top of your invitation card, centering it.
Fold one side to the back, then flip the card over, pull the loose side tight, and fold it against the card.
Seal with tape or a glue dot in the back.
Types of Vellum Paper for Wedding Invitations
When it comes to creating vellum wedding invitations, the type of vellum paper you choose can significantly impact the overall look and feel. Vellum, traditionally made from calf skin, has evolved over time, and now you can find various types suited for different styles and needs.
Here's a breakdown of the types of vellum you might consider:
Synthetic vellum: Made from plastics like polyester, synthetic vellum is the most durable and resistant to tearing. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for something that can withstand a bit of handling.
Translucent vellum: This type is known for its semi-transparent quality, offering a glimpse of the invitation beneath. It's perfect for creating a sense of anticipation and elegance.
Colored vellum: Available in various colors, this vellum can add a unique touch to your invitations. Whether you're looking for a soft pastel or a bold hue, colored vellum can complement your wedding theme.
Printable vellum: Specifically designed for printers, this vellum allows you to print designs directly onto it. It's ideal if you want to add text, patterns, or images to your vellum jackets.
Heavyweight vellum: Thicker than standard vellum, heavyweight vellum is more rigid and offers a more pronounced texture. It’s excellent for creating a more luxurious feel.
Patterned vellum: This vellum comes with pre-printed patterns, from floral designs to geometric shapes, adding an extra decorative element to your invitations.
Where to Buy Premade Vellum Jackets
Not feeling crafty enough to make your own vellum jackets? No worries! There are plenty of places where you can find premade vellum jackets that are just as lovely.
Here's where you can start your search:
Online craft stores: Websites like Etsy and Amazon offer a wide variety of premade vellum jackets in different sizes, colors, and designs.
Specialty paper stores: Check out stores that specialize in fine paper products. They often carry a selection of vellum jackets suitable for wedding invitations.
Wedding stationery suppliers: Many suppliers who provide wedding invitations also offer coordinating vellum jackets as an add-on.
Local craft shops: Don't forget to explore local craft stores. They might have unique options that you won't find online.
Remember, buying premade doesn't mean you have to sacrifice personalization. Many suppliers offer custom options, so you can still add your unique touch!
Wedding Invitation Vellum Jackets: 7 Ideas to Make Them Unique
Vellum wedding invitations don’t have to be boring. Whether you're DIY-ing or buying premade, here are some ideas to make them stand out:
Wax seal: Instead of tape or glue, seal your vellum jacket with a wax seal for a touch of old-world charm. You can even get a custom seal with your initials or wedding logo.
Ribbon ties: Wrap a ribbon around the vellum jacket and tie it in a bow for a classic, elegant look.
Pressed flowers: Place a pressed flower inside the vellum jacket for a romantic, botanical feel.
Metallic foil stamping: Add some glam with metallic foil stamping on the vellum — think gold, silver, or rose gold.
Custom stickers: Create custom stickers with your wedding date or theme to seal the jacket.
Calligraphy: Handwritten calligraphy on the vellum adds a personal and artistic touch.
Print overlay. Print a border design, seal/logo, names, or any minimal design on the vellum paper before trimming, folding, and sealing them.
DIY Vellum Jackets for Wedding Invitations: Insider Tips
Quality matters: Choose high-quality vellum for the best look and feel.
Trial and error: Practice with a few sheets first to get the hang of it.
Keep it clean: Always handle vellum with clean hands to avoid smudges.
Adhesive choices: Use a glue that dries clear and is not too wet to avoid warping the vellum.
Personal touch: Consider hand-writing your guests’ names on the vellum for a personal touch.
Creating vellum jackets for your wedding invitations is not only a way to add a layer of protection but also an opportunity to infuse your personal style into every detail of your wedding. While it may take some time and patience, the end result is truly worth it. Happy crafting! 💌✨
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