Photography: Lena Kozhina
Wedding invitation is the very first touch point between you and your guests so it is essential that it looks beautiful. It's not just what's inside the envelope that counts though, the packaging also matters. Wax seal stamps add that personal and elegant touch to any stationery and it will definitely elevate your guests' experience when opening the invitation.
A lot of invitation vendors provide additional wax seal stamp services. But if you have the time and will, doing these little details yourself is an experience you don't want to miss out on. It will be like adding your own personal touch to each and every invitation. But if you're planning to send out 1,000 invites and are running out of time, this move will not be the best way. However, if you are planning to do it yourself, keep reading to see the simple steps to choose and create the perfect finishing to your invitations.
Photography: Thecablookphotolab - Mike Cassimatis
Step #1: Choose your color, size and logo
Before deciding on the three things above, it's best to look at your invitation design first. Yes, a rose gold seal is beautiful indeed and trending too. Yet it wouldn't work well if the color palette of your invitation and the whole wedding is dominated by only blue and green. Nowadays you can get multiple colors of wax. Metallic colors like silver, gold, copper and rose gold evoke a sense of elegance, while classic colors like red, black, white, or brown brings more depth and edge to your invites.
After choosing your color, next decide the size of the seal. Some like it small, others like it big. Again, consider your invitation size as well. A large seal will definitely overpower a small-sized invite and vice versa. Last but not least, choose your logo. A lot of couples customize their own wax seal logo with their initials and it sure looks mighty fine. If you don't have enough time and budget for a custom stamp, you can always buy a ready-made one. Remember to pick a logo that matches your overall theme. A crown logo for a fairy-tale wedding or a twig logo for a botanical wedding would be good examples of matching wax seal logo to the theme.
Photography: doc. Waxseals.com
Step#2: Choose the stamping method
Some likes to do the seals first, then stick it to the envelope. This would create a very neat invitation and the envelope won't tear when you open the stamps. It does take twice the time as you have to do the stamps first, and then stick it on. Some others like to do it directly, pouring wax to the envelope and then stamping it to seal the envelope. It saves time, but is more likely to be messy and when you open it, there's a high chance of tearing the envelope.
If you choose the first method, work on the seals in a non-stick surface like glass. Rub oils to make it even more non-stick if necessary. Pour the melted wax on the glass then stamp. After waiting for it to cool a bit, lift the stamp then peel the wax off the glass. Different types and colors of wax have different characteristics. So if the seals curl, put big, heavy books on top to flatten it out.
For the second method, the key is to work quickly but neatly. After pouring melted wax over the envelope seams, stamp quickly and let dry first before lifting. Wait until completely dry before inserting the invites in plastic wraps to prevent mess. Making sure you have a cold stamp really helps to lift the stamp without blemish and helps to dry the wax even quicker. Before each stamping, dip the stamp in iced-water to restore it to its initial temperature.
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Photography: Laura Gordon Photography - Tenth & Grace
Step #3: Personalize!
Wax seal stamps can be too easy to copy, this is where personalization comes in. You can create a seals with a lot of or little wax. More wax means fuller, thicker seals while little wax create rustic looking sealsthat is edgy yet beautiful. For a more refined feeling, aim for centered and rounded stamps. For a more natural look, let your wax trail over to the sides.
You can also play with embellishments. The cross-strings packaging look perfect stamped in the middle. If you wish you can also stamp ribbons to seal your envelope. Another idea is to add some dried flowers or a sprig of greeneries to the wax seal stamps. It would look absolutely gorgeous and your guests are going to love it a great deal!
Photography: Abby Jiu Photography - Natalie Watson
There you have it! Quite simple is it? Before you get started we have some extra tips to give you. First, pay attention to your invitation timeline. Be sure that you have all the invitations ready when you need them, especially for destination weddings. It would be such a waste of a pretty-looking invitation if you don't send them out in time. Next, don't stress over it too much if you don't always get perfect results. Start with some trial & error and stamp away! If it's a little dent on the side, you don't have to start over. Chances are, your guests wouldn't mind as well.
If you want you can also have wax seal stamps somewhere else, like on these favor boxes, escort cards even mini cakes! They're great alternatives that will also leave a lasting impression on your guests. Last but not least, make it as a fun occasion with your bridesmaids. Arrange a meeting to work on the seals and don't forget to provide music as well as good food! It would be the perfect time to catch up on life, especially if you've been too swamped with the wedding planning. Good luck!
