How to Make Vellum Jackets for Wedding Invitations

Gisella Tan
Jan 4
6 min read

Want to elevate your wedding invitations? Or maybe you've added delicate decorative elements that you want to protect in the mail? Whatever your reason, vellum jackets add an extra touch of elegance and protection to your invitation suite.

Whether you're interested in DIYing vellum jackets or buying premade ones, you've come to the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know, from jackets vs belly bands, to printing on vellum, to styling ideas that make your invitations stand out.

What Are Vellum Jackets?

Vellum jackets are translucent wraps that encase your wedding invitation, made from vellum paper, which is a smooth, slightly frosty material that creates a sophisticated layered effect. They wrap fully around your invitation suite, protecting the contents while adding visual intrigue.

When guests receive a vellum-wrapped invitation, they get a peek at what's inside before they even open it, building anticipation for your wedding.

Pros of vellum jackets

Elegance: Vellum instantly elevates any invitation with an upscale, refined look.
Protection: Keeps your invitation safe from smudges, tears, and handling during transit.
Versatility: Pairs well with various design themes, from modern minimalist to vintage romantic.
Preview effect: The translucent material lets guests see a hint of the invitation underneath.

Cons of Vellum Jackets

Delicacy: Vellum requires gentle handling and can show fingerprints or smudges.
Printing challenges: Not all printers work well with vellum paper (more on this below).
Added cost: Vellum adds expense to your invitation budget—both materials and time.
Time-intensive: Crafting jackets takes time, especially for larger guest lists.

Vellum Jackets vs Vellum Belly Bands: What's the Difference?

Both vellum jackets and belly bands add elegance to your invitations, but they serve different purposes. Here's how they compare:

	Vellum Jacket	Vellum Belly Band
Coverage	Wraps fully around invitation	Wraps around middle only
Material cost	Higher (more vellum needed)	Lower (less material)
DIY difficulty	Moderate (folding + sealing)	Easy (cut + wrap)
Formality	More formal, luxurious	Elegant but minimalist
Best for	Black-tie, formal weddings	Modern, clean aesthetics

Bottom line: Choose jackets for maximum elegance and protection, or belly bands for a lighter, more minimalist touch.

How to DIY Vellum Jackets for Wedding Invitations

Skill level

Beginner to intermediate. This DIY works best for small-to-medium guest lists and requires patience more than technical skill. If you're comfortable with basic measuring, cutting, and folding, you can do this.

Materials needed

Vellum paper (8.5x11" or larger sheets)
Scissors or paper trimmer
Ruler
Pencil (for light marking)
Double-sided tape or glue dots
Bone folder (optional but helpful for crisp folds)
Decorative elements: wax seal, ribbon, sticker, or belly band

Step-by-step guide

Measure your invitation: Place your invitation card on the vellum sheet. You'll need the vellum to be wide enough to wrap around the card with about 1 to 1.5 inches of overlap in the front.
Cut the vellum: Using your measurements, cut the vellum to size. For clean edges, use a paper trimmer rather than scissors.
Center and fold: Place your invitation in the center of the cut vellum. Fold one side over the front, then fold the other side so they overlap in the middle. Use a bone folder for crisp edges.
Secure the jacket: Use double-sided tape, a glue dot, wax seal, ribbon, or sticker to hold the jacket closed. Choose something that complements your design.
Insert and finish: Slide your invitation suite inside the jacket, add any final decorative touches, and you're done.

Vellum Belly Bands (Also Called Slender Vellum Bands)

Don't want to fully wrap your invitations? Vellum belly bands are slender, elegant strips of translucent vellum that wrap around the middle of your invitation suite. They're a chic, minimalist alternative to full jackets, adding sophistication without covering the entire invitation.

How to DIY vellum belly bands

Cut vellum into strips of your desired width (typically 1.5 to 2 inches).
Center the strip over your stacked invitation suite.
Wrap the band around to the back, pulling it snug.
Seal with a glue dot or small piece of double-sided tape on the back.

Can You Print on Vellum Jackets?

Yes, but not all vellum is printer-friendly, and there are some important considerations.

Printable vellum vs standard vellum

Standard vellum is slick and may not hold ink well. Look specifically for "printable vellum" or "inkjet/laser vellum" which has a coating designed to accept ink without smearing.

Inkjet vs laser printers

Inkjet printers work best with inkjet-specific vellum. Allow extra drying time; ink takes longer to set on vellum than regular paper. Laser printers can work with laser-compatible vellum, but be careful: some vellum can melt or warp from the heat. Always test first.

What to print on vellum

Keep designs minimal. Because vellum is translucent, heavy printing can look cluttered or muddy once layered over your invitation. Best options include a border design, your names or monogram, the wedding date, or a simple logo. Think "accent" rather than "full coverage."

Opacity considerations

Remember that vellum is see-through. Dark or heavy printed areas will show through to the invitation beneath, which can create visual noise. Test your design with the actual invitation card underneath before committing to a full print run.

Types of Vellum Paper for Wedding Invitations

The type of vellum you choose affects the look, feel, and durability of your jackets. Here's a breakdown:

Translucent vellum: The classic choice—semi-transparent with a frosty appearance. Perfect for the "peek-through" effect.
Synthetic vellum: Made from polyester, this is the most durable option and resists tearing. Good for handling and transit.
Printable vellum: Specifically coated for inkjet or laser printing. Essential if you want to add text or designs directly to the vellum.
Heavyweight vellum: Thicker and more rigid than standard vellum, offering a more luxurious feel. Folds less easily but looks impressive.
Colored vellum: Available in pastels or bold hues to complement your wedding palette.
Patterned vellum: Pre-printed with florals, geometrics, or other designs for added visual interest.

Where to Buy Premade Vellum Jackets

Not feeling crafty? Premade vellum jackets are widely available:

Etsy: The largest selection of custom and premade vellum jackets in various sizes, colors, and designs. Many sellers offer customization.
Amazon: Good for basic, budget-friendly options in standard sizes.
Specialty paper stores: Paper Source, Cards & Pockets, and similar retailers carry vellum jackets designed for invitations.
Wedding stationery suppliers: Many invitation suppliers offer coordinating vellum jackets as add-ons.
Local craft shops: Worth checking for unique options you won't find online.

7 Ideas to Make Your Vellum Jackets Unique

Wax seal: Seal your jacket with a wax stamp for old-world elegance. Custom seals with your initials or monogram add a personal touch.
Ribbon ties: Wrap a silk or satin ribbon around the jacket and tie in a bow for a classic, romantic look.
Pressed flowers: Slip a pressed flower inside the vellum for a botanical, romantic feel.
Metallic foil stamping: Add gold, silver, or rose gold foil to the vellum for glamorous shine.
Custom stickers: Create stickers with your wedding date, names, or logo to seal the jacket.
Calligraphy: Hand-lettered names or details on the vellum add an artistic, personal touch.
Print overlay: Print a minimal design—border, names, or monogram—directly onto the vellum before folding.

DIY Tips for Vellum Jackets

Quality matters: Cheap vellum shows every flaw. Invest in quality paper for the best results.
Practice first: Make a few test jackets before committing to your final materials and technique.
Handle with clean hands: Vellum shows fingerprints easily. Consider wearing cotton gloves for assembly.
Use the right adhesive: Choose glue that dries clear and isn't too wet, as excess moisture warps vellum.
Personalize it: Hand-write guest names on the vellum for an extra-special touch.

Mailing vellum jackets safely

Vellum can smudge or get damaged in transit if you're not careful. A few tips:

Use inner envelopes: An inner envelope protects the vellum from rubbing against the outer envelope during transit.
Allow ink to fully dry: If you've printed on the vellum, wait 24+ hours before assembling to prevent smearing.
Consider thickness: Vellum jackets add bulk. Weigh a completed invitation at the post office to ensure you have correct postage.

Final Thoughts

Creating vellum jackets for your wedding invitations is a beautiful way to add elegance and protection to your stationery suite. Whether you go full jacket or opt for slender belly bands, the translucent layered effect makes a memorable impression.

Because vellum jackets focus on presentation rather than conveying information, many couples rely on their wedding website or text-based tools like Daisy Chat to handle details and guest questions.