Do belly bands need to come with my invitation suite, or can I buy them separately?

You can buy belly bands separate from your invitation suite. But Fernandez recommends working closely with your stationer so that they can recommend the best type of belly band and assist you in what to look for.

How do I decide whether to use belly bands or not?

“Belly Bands are great for invites that have any enclosure cards in addition to the invite,” Fernandez said. “If you would like a more organized look, without going the route of a folio or box, belly bands offer that look in a simple and uncomplicated manner.” On the downside, she added, they may add to the bulk and weight of the overall invitation. That could make mailing the suite more costly.

What are some creative belly band ideas?

Some of Fernandez’s favorite belly bands are translucent vellums with wax seals and a floral sprig, leather bands with your monogram or names emblazoned on the front, a fabric with a unique pattern that nods to the florals or region where you’re getting married, or a wooden or brass tag combined with a paper or fabric band. “I always love exploring different mediums to make the initial presentation unique and memorable, even a keepsake, for guests,” says Fernandez.

The 16 Best Wedding Invitation Belly Bands

Brides / Lecia Landis

Belly bands are the accessory you didn’t know your wedding invitation suite needed. They’re a practical way to keep your invites, details card, and RSVP card snug, all while elevating the look. Think of it as an organizational finishing touch.

Typically, belly bands are paper—much like the rest of your suite. But don’t let tradition limit you! You can also use vellum, leather, or twine as your belly band, to name a few alternatives. And if you do opt for paper, consider going for a laser-cut design such as a flower, vine of leaves, or city skyline. Stationers and designers often include belly bands as an option to buy with the invitation suite, which can help you stay in line with your aesthetic. But if they don’t, or if you prefer a mix and match effect, there are plenty of places where you can find complimentary belly bands independently.

You should consider the overall aesthetic to ensure the belly band continues a cohesive look to the rest of the suite, says stationery expert Cristy Fernandez. She also advises considering the size of the belly band to make sure it fits all pieces of the invitation suite. And don’t forget the shipping method—it needs to work well for the entire suite as well as the appropriate postage commensurate with the shipping type, she said.

Read on for the best belly bands for every invitation style.

In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Minted

View On Minted $122

Looking for an updated Art Deco vibe? This contemporary take on classic design elements features foil-pressed starbursts that pop off the page. We love the neutral tones of the champagne and bronze, but the other color themes and foil options are just as dazzling.

XOXOKristen Gold Foiled Vellum Belly Bands

Etsy

View On Etsy $1

Vellum belly bands will slip onto wedding invitation suites with ease, subtly accenting the style of the invites without detracting from its design. It’s the perfect background to make gold foiled lettering shine, but you can opt for a range of different colors for the text, including everything from burgundy to turquoise. There’s bound to be a look that will suit your suite!

Sofia Invitations

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Calling all New York City couples: If you want to bring a dash of city glam to your invitation suite, look no further than this laser-cut belly band. Wrap your invites and RSVP cards inside the magical skyline, which comes in dozens of colors across matte, metallic, and glitter styles.

Minted

View On Minted $54

What’s not to love about a good splash of color? These belly bands revel in watercolor fun, from the "honeysuckle" theme featuring mango and strawberry hues to "lemongrass" (lime and sunshine shades). We’re pretty sure every artsy couple will swoon over these, but you don’t have to get married in a gallery to appreciate them.

Paper Culture

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Modern, minimalist, and playful, there’s a lot to love about this belly band. An oversized ampersand symbolizes the union of two loves, while bright colors promise a fun celebration. They’re also made from recycled paper, meaning they’re eco-friendly to boot!

Zazzle

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This delicate belly band delivers some serious desert-inspired romance. Centered between each king protea flower are your initials and the date of your wedding. It’s so pretty that guests won’t want to slip it off to see the actual invites.

Etsy

View On Etsy $2

If you're looking for something a little more unexpected, a laser-cut belly band may be the perfect choice. This leaf design is ideal for an outdoor wedding, whether it's a springtime garden soiree or a woodland ceremony. Go for a shade of green to mimic nature’s hues, or opt for gold for contrast and a pop of shine. If neither of those feels right, there are plenty of other colors to choose from.

Minted

View On Minted $122

This belly band is a dream for a classic wedding with a modern twist. A pair of sleek stripes on each side frame scripted initials in the center in a chic style that’s traditional, yet contemporary. Choose from five different basic background colors and eight different foil accent colors to give it a little jazz.

Etsy

View On Etsy $5

With soft and airy vibes, these vellum belly bands emit a romantic and dreamy feel. Watercolor eucalyptus illustrations peek out of the corners, making this design a great fit for an outdoor wedding, or even an indoor wedding with a botanical feel. Each belly band is customized with your names on it.

Zazzle

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For a more rustic touch, opt for a belly band on kraft paper. The raw simplicity of the material evokes wooden barn doors, earth tones, and a more laid back vibe. Plus, their neutral hue means they’ll go with nearly any invitation suite, whether it’s a bright color or a sweet photo. Customize it with your names and your wedding date—the calligraphy dresses up the band and elevates the overall look.

Paradise Invitations Elegant and Romantic Belly Bands

Amazon

View On Amazon $8

Baby blue, we see you. This color is looking sweet and romantic as a belly band, especially when paired with a white script. Unlike many belly bands that abbreviate the date, this one spells it out, letting the big day take center stage. Note that this is a digital file, which you can print out at home or the local printer, but the designer will provide instructions on what paper to use.

Minted

View On Minted $54

A black and white palette has never looked so good. Featuring a sketch of hibiscus flowers is delicately placed above the script, it's a chic belly band choice for a tropical destination wedding. Of course, there are plenty of color combinations to choose from if a more minimalist palette isn’t your thing.

Paper Culture

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Your belly bands don’t have to say anything at all—let the design itself make the statement. A bold rose pattern does all the talking in this one. In addition to the blush tone, it's also available in five other colors from grey to orange. If your wedding decor is all about the flowers, then this belly band may be the one for you.

Sofiainvitations Monogram Wedding Invitation Belly Bands

Etsy

View On Etsy $2

A monogrammed belly band brings a personal touch to your wedding invitation suite, especially when the design is laser cut rather than printed onto the band itself. The detail makes it look more expensive and luxurious—and we all love a good look for less, don’t we?

Zazzle

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Autumnal brides, this belly band might make your heart sing. The design features branches lush with green leaves turning gold—the overall look give off some serious fall vibes. Your guests will be eager to add your wedding to everything they love about the season.

Minted

View On Minted $54

Minimalism is at its finest in the form of two names scrawled effortlessly across a belly band. The white font pops against any of the eight jewel tones available to choose from as a background color. The back of the band brings some unexpected flair with a leaf print climbing up the band.

What to look for in a wedding invitation belly band

Think about the overall look of your wedding suite. Is the design minimal and monochromatic, or bright, colorful, and textured? If you want to add contrast, go for a bold belly band on a quiet suite or something more understated on an already busy set.

Before you seek out belly bands, check first with your stationer to see if they have suggestions or offer coordinating bands to the suite you're sending out. They can help guide you in finding the right fit for your particular design and style.

FAQ

Do belly bands need to come with my invitation suite, or can I buy them separately?

You can buy belly bands separate from your invitation suite. But Fernandez recommends working closely with your stationer so that they can recommend the best type of belly band and assist you in what to look for.
How do I decide whether to use belly bands or not?

“Belly Bands are great for invites that have any enclosure cards in addition to the invite,” Fernandez said. “If you would like a more organized look, without going the route of a folio or box, belly bands offer that look in a simple and uncomplicated manner.”

On the downside, she added, they may add to the bulk and weight of the overall invitation. That could make mailing the suite more costly.
What are some creative belly band ideas?

Some of Fernandez’s favorite belly bands are translucent vellums with wax seals and a floral sprig, leather bands with your monogram or names emblazoned on the front, a fabric with a unique pattern that nods to the florals or region where you’re getting married, or a wooden or brass tag combined with a paper or fabric band.

“I always love exploring different mediums to make the initial presentation unique and memorable, even a keepsake, for guests,” says Fernandez.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Hillary Hoffower has over seven years of experience writing for the wedding industry, covering everything from bridal fashion trends to wedding decor. She loves to draw and doodle in her spare time, which has helped her develop an eye for design. That’s why she most appreciates belly bands that feature delicate illustrations.