Question: do you want to take your wedding invitation game to the next level? Errr yeah, you do! Well, luckily we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about wax seals.
This tiny bit of flair will add a touch of class and sophistication to any stationery that you choose to adorn with them.
In this article, we’re going to equip you with everything you need to know about wax seals. From what each color of wax seal symbolizes to the different pieces of stationery they can be used on.
We’ll also offer some practical tips from our own experiences of using wax seals as well as provide advice about the equipment you’ll need if you fancy undertaking this task yourself.
So grab your tea light, a lighter, and some wax, and let’s get this party started.
Wax Seals Guide: Everything You Need to Know
What are Wax Seals?
Wax seals are a very simple yet effective way of sealing the envelope of important documents.
They’re to be broken by the intended recipient and act as a way of knowing that they’re the first person to open the letter.
Using wax seals in this way dates back to the 13th century but sealing letters in general goes even further back with examples as early as 150 BCE Clay was the first material used.
Often people would have customized stamps used to press into melted wax to make their seals unique.
Within the wedding industry they’re used as a way to add refined charm to stationery items such as save the date, invites, and thank you cards.
As they’re used more as an artistic expression these days they can be crafted in a variety of colors. At the same time, stamps can be personalized or kept simple with floral patterns. It all depends on the individual that’s using them.
What Do Different Colored Wax Seals Symbolize?
Red Wax Seals
Red seals have been used throughout history and are seen as a formal way of sealing important documents. It would often be used by royalty as the color indicates power as well as a certain urgency in which to deliver the document. In the modern day red is much more associated with passion and love and could be an ideal candidate for your wedding invitations.
Green Wax Seals
In the past green wax seals were commonly used to seal letters between friends. Think of them as much more casual than a red wax seal for instance.
Using a green wax seal for your wedding invites would pair brilliantly if you’ve got lots of floral or botanical designs. Set against a white envelope they’ll be in perfect harmony. Equally, if you’re having an outdoor wedding they’ll be a subtle nod to the vibe of your big day
Blue Wax Seals
Pale blue wax seals offer a calming hue that may be more suited to a bridal shower invitation. That’s just our opinion though. If you love the color blue then they’ll be perfect for your invitations. This is particularly true if you’re having a nautical-themed wedding or simply getting married by the coast.
Gold and Silver Wax Seals
Gold and silver wax seals are ideal candidates for wedding stationery. They’re a very popular choice as they exude elegance and opulence. In our opinion, these would be a particularly good choice if you’re having a ballroom soiree.
Pink Wax Seals
Pink wax seals have typically been used for letters of appreciation. However, perhaps it’s just your favorite color and you want to add a little whimsy to your wedding invites. This colored wax seal can be used to hint at your sweet nature or perhaps a subtle clue to some of your floral choices on the wedding day.
White Wax Seals
A white wax seal could emphasize the fact that a wedding is a fresh start, a blank canvas to write your future on to. White is synonymous with weddings, isn’t it? 9 times out of 10 the bride will be wearing a white dress. You can’t go wrong with a white wax seal, they’re timeless. They’d pair brilliantly with a black envelope for a super elegant invite suite.
Black Wax Seals
For those that want to mix things up a little the black wax seal might be an option. In the past, they’ve traditionally been used to signal mourning but we think they can also be used as a stylistic piece of flair for your letter. After all, people rarely use them for their intended purpose anymore and black wax seals just look awesome. It’s much like choosing to wear a black dress over a white wedding gown on your big day. Why not?!
Mix and match colors
One little tip we’ve found is that mixing the colors of wax is super effective. It gives each stamp a unique marbling quality. White wax is a great option to pair with almost any other color. This can be a subtle way to represent your and your partner’s personalities if you each choose your favorite color.
What Wedding Stationery Can Wax Seals Be Used For?
Wax seals and weddings seem to be a match made in heaven. They add that touch of elegance that’s required but seem capable of being dressed up or dressed down to suit the vibe of the day.
They can be used for a variety of the wedding stationery checklist items listed below.
- Save the dates
- Invites
- Belly bands
- Envelopes
- Menu cards
- Thank you cards
- Favors
Let’s Get Personal
One thing that’s cool about wax seals is that you can create a custom one for your wedding.
Perhaps you carve your initials into one or have one created with your dog’s face.
Whatever you choose, it’s a subtle way to step up your wax seal game and let your recipients know that this is an important letter that you’re sending.
Types of Sealing Waxes
So you want to have a go at creating wax seals? Well, you’ll first need to familiarize yourself with the different types of sealing waxes out there. They all do a very similar job but have different methods of getting results. Not only that but some are much less messy and safer to use. Let’s take a look at them.
Wax Sticks with Wicks
Traditional yet timeless, wax sticks with wicks are very simple to use. Essentially all you’re doing is burning a candle and letting the wax melt on the area of the envelope you want to seal. They can be a little messy as there is the potential for drips. At the same time, you’ll perhaps need somewhere to holster your lit candle whilst you use your stamp.
Wax Beads with a Spoon
Another popular method is to use wax beads. You heat these up on a spoon over a flame. This method ensures you’ll use the same amount of wax each time. When we were practicing we found that two beads of wax was the ideal amount. There’s less chance of drips with this method and it’s super easy to mix two colors for that marbling effect we talked about earlier.
Glue Gun Sealing Wax
If you need to produce a lot of wax seals we think that a glue gun with sealing wax sticks is the way to go. With one or two pulls of the trigger, you’ll have a small puddle of wax to press your stamp into. Not only that but you’re also not using flames so it should be much safer.
Other Equipment You’ll Need to Use Wax Seals
Stamp Head
You’ll need a stamp head. This is the metal engraved device that ultimately produces your chosen pattern in the melted wax. As we’ve touched on, we’d recommend getting a personalized one to add that touch of elegance to your wedding stationery.
Interchangeable Stamp Head Handle
Most stamp head handles are interchangeable. You simply unscrew them and replace the head. Perhaps you want to use a more playful wax seal design for those invited to the Stag and Hen Do than you do for your Nan and Grandad.
A Bowl of Ice
If you’ve got to make a lot of wax seals then ice is going to be your friend. Stick the metal head of your stamp in the ice for a few seconds before stamping. This will make it much easier to remove the stamp head as it prevents sticking. You’re usually good for three stamps before you need to stick it back in the ice.
Envelopes
Thick envelopes always look great with wax seals. Try to choose ones that sit well with the design and color of your wax seal.
Heat
You’ll need a source of heat to melt your wax. This will of course depend on the method you’ve chosen above. Tea lights work great for melting the pellets of wax on your spoon.
The 4-Step Process to Wax Seal Perfection
Preparation is Key
Preparing your equipment and surroundings is important for a stress-free wax seal-making process. Make sure you have everything you need.
- A bowl of ice cubes
- Tealights, wax stick, or glue gun (whichever method you’ve chosen
- Plenty of wax
- Something to protect your surface
- A cup of tea and some relaxing music
Heat Your Wax
Choose the color or colors of wax you want to use. You can now begin to heat your wax. You want it all to go gooey. If you’re using the spoon method you’ll place it over your tealight at this point. BEWARE the spoon gets very hot! I found out the hard way so you don’t have to.
Pour Your Wax
Now pour your wax over the seal of the envelope. It will naturally create a circular shape if you do it carefully.
The Fun Stamping Part
Now comes the fun part. Your stamp has hopefully been cooling off in the ice cubes. Simply press your stamp into the wax and hey presto you’ve done your first wax seal! WOOP WOOP! Carefully peel it off to reveal your masterpiece.
Batching for Greater Accuracy and Less Pressure
Now, if you’ve got to make a lot of wax seals, let’s say 100 or so it might be a better idea to attempt batching the process.
This is where you create say three blobs of wax at a time and then press your stamp into them. You could do this on a large piece of card. Then carefully scrape off all your wonderful creations. You’ll later stick these onto your envelopes using double-sided sticky tape.
This can be a quicker and more efficient way of creating wax seals. At the same time, you haven’t got the pressure of potentially ruining envelopes if you get it wrong.
Conclusion
So there you have it, hopefully, you now know everything you need to know about wax seals.
We’ve covered everything from what each color traditionally symbolizes to the course of action you need to take to create your very own.
In our experience creating wax seals is a very therapeutic experience but it won’t be for everyone. It also requires a certain degree of care and attention to produce the best results.
That being said, we think you should give it a go as it’s a fun activity but also adds a touch of elegance and style to any of the items on your wedding stationery checklist.
So whether you purchase them online or create your own we know your invites, menu, whatever, and wherever you choose to use them are going to look fab!
