Ribbon Wedding Invitations

What Are Ribbon Wedding Invitations?

Ribbon wedding invitations are a stylish and thoughtful way to elevate the look and feel of your wedding stationery. Instead of sending out just paper, you add a soft ribbon that wraps, ties, or bands around your invitation suite. It gives guests something beautiful and tactile to hold onto—something they’ll likely remember and keep.

These invitations typically include a main card, a ribbon accent, and extra pieces like RSVP cards, maps, or detail sheets. Depending on the design, the ribbon might simply serve as decoration or hold everything together in a neat bundle.

Why Choose Ribbon Wedding Invitations?

Ribbon adds a layer of elegance and creativity to your invitations that printed designs alone can’t offer. It makes the whole suite feel more complete and polished. Whether you’re planning a chic downtown wedding or a romantic vineyard ceremony, ribbons help express your style in a subtle but powerful way.

• Elegant presentation: Ribbons add texture and movement to an otherwise flat design.
• Flexible for any theme: You can match the color and fabric to any wedding style.
• Custom finishing options: Add wax seals, tags, or personal messages for flair.
• Keeps everything together: Wraparound or bow-tied ribbons help hold all inserts in place.

Common Ribbon Styles for Invitations

Bow-tied ribbons

A hand-tied bow instantly adds softness and romance. Chiffon and organza are popular choices because they tie neatly and look lovely with longer tails.

Wraparound ribbons

These wrap horizontally or vertically around the card. They can be left loose or glued flat. Satin and velvet work best here.

Vertical or horizontal placement

Vertical ribbons look sleek and contemporary, while horizontal ones give off a classic, traditional vibe.

Belly bands with ribbon accents

Add a ribbon over or under a paper belly band to create a layered look with extra texture.

Popular Ribbon Materials and Their Effects

• Satin ribbons: Shiny and smooth, satin is a timeless favorite that looks good with nearly any invitation style. It ties clean bows and comes in countless colors.
• Chiffon and silk ribbons: These materials are light and slightly sheer, giving a soft, romantic feel. Silk with frayed edges adds a rustic or fine-art touch.
• Velvet ribbons: Thick and luxurious, velvet is ideal for fall or winter weddings. It adds weight and richness but works better as a flat band than a tied bow.
• Tulle, twine, and lace: Perfect for rustic or vintage themes. Twine pairs well with kraft paper, lace feels sweet and nostalgic, and tulle adds a whimsical finish.

Matching Ribbon Colors to Wedding Themes

Blush or champagne

Adds a romantic, soft glow—great for garden or spring weddings.

Navy or emerald green

Ideal for formal events or evening ceremonies.

Dusty blue or sage

Suits beach weddings, natural venues, or minimalist themes.

Rust or burgundy

Complements autumn color palettes or wine country weddings.

If you’re incorporating metallics, you can match your ribbon tone to gold or copper foil on the card for a cohesive look.

Customization Tips for Ribbon Invitations

There are countless ways to personalize ribbon wedding invitations to match your personality and wedding theme.

• Monogrammed tags or wax seals: Tuck a tag under the ribbon or stamp your initials onto a wax seal for a custom finish.
• Slot die-cuts: These pre-cut slits in the card let you thread the ribbon through, keeping it snug and stylish.
• Ribbon width and length: A thin ribbon feels dainty and sweet, while a wide one adds drama and presence.
• Matching envelopes: Add an envelope liner, seal, or color that ties back to your ribbon choice.

DIY vs. Professional Printing

Deciding whether to DIY or go pro depends on your time, budget, and comfort level.

• DIY pros: Total creative control, more budget-friendly for small weddings, and can be fun for craft-loving couples.
• DIY cons: It’s time-consuming, mistakes can add up, and it’s tricky to make every invite look consistent.
• Professional pros: Designers offer clean, polished results, use high-end materials, and take the pressure off your plate.

If you’re torn, consider printing the invitations professionally and adding the ribbon touches yourself for a personal finish without the full workload.

Cost Considerations

Ribbon invitations tend to cost more due to the materials and extra work involved. Here’s what can affect your final price:

• Ribbon quality: Silk and velvet cost more than satin or twine.
• Assembly time: Hand-tying bows or wrapping ribbons adds labor costs.
• Number of pieces: More inserts in your suite mean more to wrap.
• Printing method: Letterpress and foil stamping are pricier than digital printing.
• Postage needs: Bulky or layered invites may require extra stamps or special handling.

To save money, consider simplifying your design or using ribbon on just the main card instead of the whole suite.

Final Touches That Complete the Look

Small finishing details can pull your whole invitation suite together and make it feel complete.

• Envelope liners: Choose a color or pattern that complements your ribbon.
• Wax seals: These secure the ribbon and add a custom, romantic detail.
• Custom stamps: Use designs that match your theme, like florals or elegant fonts.
• Mailer sleeves or boxes: Protect your invitations, especially those with delicate bows or frayed ribbons.

For eco-conscious weddings, you can also explore biodegradable materials and recycled paper to keep your invitations beautiful and planet-friendly.

Conclusion

Ribbon wedding invitations add charm, personality, and style to your wedding stationery. Whether you prefer a tied bow, a velvet wrap, or a simple satin band, there’s a ribbon style out there that fits your wedding perfectly. It’s not just about how your invitations look—it’s also about how they feel in your guests’ hands. The right ribbon turns your invite into something memorable, personal, and truly reflective of your big day.

Key takeaway: Ribbon invitations bring more than elegance—they help set the tone, tell your story, and show your guests that every detail matters.

FAQs

Can ribbon invitations be mailed using standard postage?

Yes, but it depends on the weight and thickness. Heavier or bulky invitations may need extra postage or non-machinable handling, so it’s best to have a sample weighed at the post office.

Are ribbon invitations practical for destination weddings?

They are! Just opt for lighter ribbons like satin or twine and use protective mailers or sleeves to keep them safe during shipping.

Are there eco-friendly ribbon options?

Definitely. You can find ribbons made from organic cotton, bamboo, or plant-dyed fabrics that are both beautiful and sustainable.

What’s the best way to store ribbon invitations before mailing?

Store them flat in a cool, dry place, and don’t stack too many to avoid creasing or flattening the ribbons. 

Can I include digital RSVP options with ribbon invitations?

Yes. You can print a QR code or website link on a small details card, combining the charm of paper invitations with the convenience of online responses.