Tying the Knot (Literally!): Perfecting Linen Ribbon on Your Invitation Suites

Linen ribbon. It's the whisper of whimsical charm, the soft touch of organic texture, and the perfect finishing detail for invitation suites that deserve a little something extra. But, as beautiful as it is, tying ribbon around a stack of precious paper goods can feel a little daunting. Fear not! This guide will walk you through the best practices for securing your invitations with linen ribbon, ensuring they arrive at your guests' mailboxes looking absolutely picture-perfect.

Why Linen Ribbon?

Linen ribbon brings a unique, organic feel to your invitations. Its natural texture and subtle fraying add a whimsical touch that's hard to replicate with other materials. It's ideal for couples seeking a less formal, more heartfelt aesthetic, whether it's for a garden party, a whimsical fairy-core wedding, a laid back tropical destination wedding or a french countryside affair.

Gather Your Supplies:

• Linen Ribbon: Choose a width and color that complements your invitation design.
• Sharp Scissors: Precision is key, but don't worry about perfectly clean cuts – the linen's natural fray is part of its charm! Pro tip: Sharp scissors are great but Fabric Scissors are even better! 
• Your Invitation Suite: Main card, RSVP, details, and any other enclosures.
• Optional: Wax Seal Supplies: Wax beads or sticks, melting spoon or hot glue gun, and a stamp.

The Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the Ribbon:

   • Cut a length of ribbon that allows you to wrap around the entire suite comfortably, with enough left for a neat knot. Measure twice, cut once! (When in doubt, measure three times!) 
   • Embrace the fray! Linen's natural tendency to fray adds to its organic appeal. Sharp scissors will give you a clean start, but don't stress about perfect edges.

2. Wrap the Main Card First:

   • Start by wrapping the ribbon around the main invitation card. This creates a stable foundation for the rest of your suite. Double thick stock is best!
   • Keep the ribbon snug, but avoid pulling it too tight, which could crease your cards.

3. Tuck in the Enclosures:

   • Carefully slide your enclosure cards (RSVP, details, etc.) under the ribbon, neatly aligning them behind the main card.
   • Wrapping the main card first, ensures all enclosure cards are held securely.
   • Opt for a simple, flat knot. A basic square knot or a tight single knot works perfectly.
   • Bows can work too but keep in mind, they will get flattened by the envelope and will arrive to your guests with a flat crease.
     

     Tie a Neat, Flat Knot:

   • Crucial Tip: Avoid bulky knots! Thick knots can cause problems with USPS sorting machines, potentially damaging your invitations or causing them to be returned.  

4. Hand-Dripped Wax Seals:

   • For an extra touch of elegance, consider a hand-dripped wax seal to secure the ribbon.
   • This method requires some wax seal knowledge and a bit of trial and error to perfect.
   •  Another good option for this would be to opt for a pre-dripped wax seal with a sticky back:
   • Remember, the same rules about bulkiness apply! Keep the wax seal as flat as possible to avoid issues with mailing.

    

5. Trim and Tidy:

   • Trim the ribbon ends to your desired length.
   • Allow a small amount of fray for added texture, if that is the style that you are going for.
   • Pro Tip: You can pull at the shorter horizontal threads to induce an intentional fray!
   • Double check that the knot is flat, and that all cards are aligned. The cards will naturally shuffle during mailing so don't worry about them being perfect here. 

The USPS Factor: A Word of Caution

• Weight Matters: Linen ribbon, while light, adds to the overall weight of your invitation suite. This can significantly impact postage costs.
• Post Office Visit is a Must: Highly recommended: Before mailing, take a completed, ribbon-tied invitation suite tucked into the (unsealed) envelope to your local USPS post office to have it weighed. This will ensure you apply the correct postage and avoid any delays or returns. It is always better to over prepare for postage.
• Flat is Your Friend: Again, a flat knot is crucial! Bulky knots can get caught in sorting machines.

With these tips, you'll be tying beautiful linen ribbon knots that add a touch of organic whimsical charm to your invitation suites, and ensure that they arrive to your guests in perfect condition. 

Still Feeling Overwhelmed?

If the thought of assembling and tying ribbons for all your invitations feels a bit too daunting, don't worry! Talk to us about our assembly services when booking your invitations. We're happy to take the stress off your plate and ensure your invitations are perfectly presented.

Happy tying!