The wax seal is that detail that lets you know, even before you see the invitations, that there is something special inside the envelope. There is no need to exaggerate: just choose the stamp, wax and place to apply it well.
Which stamp to choose
We usually work with 25 mm brass dies; lately also with other shapes, such as oval or square. The classic 25 mm round is clean and versatile, perfect with a small illustration or initials. Larger formats, such as 30 mm, are more dramatic and enhance richer monograms or coats of arms, especially on covers and vellums. If you have a detailed design or are looking for a more prominent look, 30 mm is the right size; for just initials, 25 mm is perfect.
What wax to use.
For invitations we recommend the flexible sealing waxbetter withstands shipping, handling and temperature changes, reducing cracking and chipping. The shades make the difference: white, bronze, gold, copper, champagne and champagne pink are our classics.
Opaque colours, in different shades, have also been very popular recently: we have over 20 to choose from. There is no such thing as a “right” or “wrong” colour: the important thing is to stick to a palette with papers and ribbons.
Tools and method, without technicalities.
With a low-temperature gun, a smooth, clean flow is achieved; a small amount is poured in, a moment is waited for it to opaque, and the stamp is placed upright, without rotating. A few seconds of pressure is enough. If requested by the bride and groom or for special processes, we prepare the seals on a silicone mat and make them adhesive: this way you apply them when needed on envelopes, vellum or tags, with maximum control.
How many wax sticks are really needed.
As a practical reference: with a 25 mm stamp you get on average 8-10 seals per stick; with the 30 mm about 6-8. For 100 25 mm invitations, keep 12-14 sticks plus a small margin on hand: it helps to work calmly and to deal with unforeseen circumstances.
Where to put the seals and how to ship.
The seal on the outside of the envelope is impressive but can be a problem if the invitations are to be sent. If you want maximum security, place it on the vellum wrapping the invitation: the visual impact remains strong and the journey is smoother.
Simple ideas that work.
An essential monogram applied directly on invitations, menus, place cards, a seal stopping a silk ribbon, a veil of vellum printed with a light pattern, or a small sprig of gypsophila for an original and delicate touch. No need for artifice: a few consistent elements give an elegant result.
The questions that come most often.
- What is a sealing wax stamp and what is it used for in wedding invitations? It is a die (usually made of brass) that stamps a mark on the molten wax: it seals envelopes, stops vellum or ribbons and adds an elegant, tactile detail.
- Flexible or traditional sealing wax: which one to choose for invitations? For invitations we recommend the flexiblebetter withstands shipping and handling and reduces the risk of breakage. The envelope is more rigid and delicate: it gives a “vintage” touch, but requires longer processing times and is more prone to chipping.
- What is the best size of wax stamp (25 or 30 mm)? 25 mm for initials and simple signs; 30 mm if you want a more dramatic effect or a detailed coat of arms, especially on covers and vellum.
- How many seals can be made with a wax stick Indicatively: 8-10 25 mm seals and 6-8 30 mm seals per stick. Keep a spare 10%.
- Can you send an envelope with a wax seal? Yes, using flexible sealing wax and a well-protected envelope. For security, many seals are applied to vellum, or the envelope is placed inside another envelope.
- Is it better to have a customised wax stamp or a catalogue stamp? If you want consistency on invitations, menus, tags and booklets, the personalised stamp is ideal. In the catalogue, it is perfect for short lead times and low budgets.
- How to apply the seal to vellum, tape or tags? We often prepare adhesive seals on silicone mat: apply cleanly to vellum, tapes or tags, with maximum control.
- How to clean and preserve the brass stamp? A soft cloth is sufficient; if wax remains, remove it when warm. Keep the stamp dry, away from heat sources.
- Which wax colours to choose for the wedding? Our classicswhite, bronze, gold, copper, champagne, champagne pink. Also very popular are the opaque in palettes with papers and ribbons
- How quickly can customised stamps and seals be produced? Usually a few working days for stamping and production of seals; exact times depend on quantity and season.
It is not as simple as it seems
Making wax seals requires patience and practice: you must dose the wax and control the temperature of both the wax and the stamp (if it gets too hot, it sticks and ruins the edge). To simplify matters, in our shop you will find ready-to-use adhesive seals to embellish envelopes, vellum and tags. You can choose from 6 colours of classic sealing wax and 12 catalogue stamps; Alternatively, order the personalised stamp with your initials and makes the seals independently.
Do you like the photos?
All the photos you see in the blog are photos of newlyweds who chose plumacreativa to take care of their wedding graphics, yours can be so beautiful too!
Photo: Plumacreative
