Sealing The Deal: Inner Envelope Etiquette For Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the planning process, but they can also be a little complicated. One of the most common questions asked by couples is whether to seal the inner envelope of a wedding invitation. The short answer is no—traditionally, the inner envelope is left unsealed and placed inside the outer envelope, with the guest's name facing out. This is a hangover from the days of horse-drawn carriages, when an outer envelope would become dirty and an inner envelope would protect the invitation itself. Nowadays, the inner envelope is simply a way to add a sense of formality and luxury to your invitations.

Inner envelopes are unsealed to allow for a clear view of the invitation upon opening the outer envelope

Wedding invitation suites are a special way to introduce your wedding to your guests. The process of assembling and stuffing the envelopes can be a fun and straightforward task. Inner envelopes are an additional envelope that holds the invitation suite and were used in the past when mail would arrive via horse and carriage. The outer envelope would get dirty and be discarded, leaving only the pristine inner envelope for the recipient.

Today, inner envelopes are not sealed to allow for a clear view of the invitation upon opening the outer envelope. This is a thoughtful touch, ensuring guests are greeted with a beautiful invitation and all the information presented logically. The process is simple: place the invitation suite, printed side up, within the inner envelope, with the flap opening away from you. Then, flip the envelope so the guests' names are facing out and slide the inner envelope into the outer envelope. Seal the outer envelope, and your invitation is ready to be sent.

Leaving the inner envelope unsealed is also a practical choice. Guests won't need to wrestle with opening it and risk damaging the beautiful invitation suite inside. This is especially important if you've included a wax seal or intricate envelope liner, which you'll want to arrive in perfect condition.

There are many ways to seal the outer envelope, from the traditional lick-and-stick method to using a Q-tip and water, a paintbrush with a water-soluble adhesive, or clear glue sticks. For ease, consider double-sided tape or a glue roller, and always finish by placing the envelopes under a heavy book to ensure they are securely sealed.

Inner envelopes are optional and can be costly

Wedding invitation suites can be a complex affair, with many components to consider. Inner envelopes are an optional part of the invitation suite, and they can be costly.

The use of inner envelopes dates back to the days of Bridgerton, when mail was delivered by horse and carriage. The outer envelope would become dirty and was discarded, with only the inner envelope being handed to the recipient. Today, they are used to add a sense of formality and luxury to the invitation. They can also serve a practical purpose, protecting the contents of the invitation from damage during transit. However, they are not necessary, and there are other ways to protect your invitations, such as using a slip-in envelope liner or belly band.

If you are considering inner envelopes, it is important to note that they are typically left unsealed. This is out of courtesy to the recipient and is the traditional way to present an inner envelope. Sealing the inner envelope may also cause practical issues, as guests may struggle to open it without damaging the contents.

The cost of inner envelopes can add up quickly, especially if you have a large guest list. The price of the envelopes themselves, as well as the additional postage required for heavier invitations, can be a significant expense. If you are working with a tight budget, it may be wise to forgo the inner envelopes and opt for a single outer envelope instead. This is a more modern approach and can save you both money and time in the assembly process.

Ultimately, the decision to include inner envelopes is a personal one and will depend on your wedding style, budget, and the level of formality you wish to convey. If you choose to omit them, you can still achieve a formal and elegant look with carefully curated outer envelopes and invitation suites.

The inner envelope is placed inside the outer envelope with the guest's name facing out

When assembling wedding invitations, it is recommended to have an assembly line to make the process faster. Clear off a table and lay out all the necessary pieces in neat piles. This includes the invitation itself, any enclosure cards and additional envelopes, and adornments like belly bands, vellum or tissue paper overlays, ribbons, and wax seals.

The inner envelope is traditionally left unsealed and placed inside the outer envelope with the guest's name facing out. The outer envelope is then sealed. This is done for courtesy and to ensure that your guests are greeted with a professional-looking invitation.

• Start by gathering and assembling all your invitation materials, including the invitation card, reception card, direction or detail card, map card, hotel accommodations card, and RSVP card with an envelope.
• Place the invitation card on the bottom, print side up.
• If you are using a thin sheet of vellum or tissue paper, place it on top of the invitation card. Traditionally, this was used to prevent the ink from smearing or rubbing off during the mailing process.
• Stack the remaining cards on top of the invitation card, with the print side facing up. Place the largest card on the bottom and the smallest card on top.
• Add the RSVP card and its envelope to the suite. Place the envelope for your RSVP, printed side down, on top of the stack of cards, with the envelope flap on the left. Insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible.
• Place the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope. Insert the left edge first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge first for a folded invitation. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened.
• Flip the loaded inner envelope so that the guest's name is facing out.
• Slide the inner envelope into the outer envelope and seal it.

By following these steps, you will have a professional-looking invitation that presents all the information in a logical and organised manner.

The inner envelope is traditionally addressed with the names of each invited guest

The use of inner and outer envelopes for wedding invitations is a tradition that dates back to the days of Bridgerton, when mail was delivered by horse and carriage. The outer envelope would get dirty during delivery and would be discarded by servants upon arrival at the recipient's household, who would then deliver the inner envelope to the appropriate member of the household.

Today, the inner envelope is smaller than the outer envelope and is used to clarify who is and is not invited to the wedding. Traditionally, the outer envelope is addressed with the full name and title of the recipient(s), while the inner envelope lists out each guest invited. For example, the outer envelope might be addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. John Shannon", while the inner envelope would list "John Shannon / Sarah Shannon / John Shannon Jr. / Emma Shannon". This is particularly useful if you are having a wedding where only older kids are allowed, or no kids are allowed.

The inner envelope can also be used to be more personal with guests. For example, you could have formal addressing on the outside, and "Aunt Sadie and Uncle Mikey" on the inside. Using both inner and outer envelopes also communicates a sense of formality and luxury to your guests.

It is important to note that inner envelopes are traditionally left unsealed before being placed in the outer envelope, with the guest's name facing out.

The inner envelope can be left unaddressed if its main purpose is to protect the contents

Wedding invitation envelopes can be a complex affair. Inner envelopes are an additional envelope that holds the invitation suite. In the old days, when mail was delivered by horse and carriage, the outer envelope would get dirty and be discarded, with only the inner envelope being handed to the recipient.

The inner envelope is traditionally addressed, listing each person invited to the event. However, if the purpose of the inner envelope is to protect the contents, it can be left unaddressed. This is a way to save money on your wedding stationery. Inner envelopes are not usually sealed, so guests don't have to worry about opening them in a particular way.

The inner envelope can also be used to clarify who is invited to the wedding. The outer envelope would traditionally have the full mailing address and the "heads of household", while the inner envelope lists each guest invited with no address. This is a clear way to show who is and is not invited, especially if you are having a wedding where only older children are allowed, or no children at all.

If you want to add a personal touch, you can have formal addressing on the outside and something more intimate on the inner envelope. For example, "Aunt Sadie and Uncle Mikey". Double envelopes were once the norm and still communicate a sense of formality and luxury.

With the unpredictability of mail services, an outer envelope can ensure your invitation arrives in pristine condition. Inner envelopes can protect your contents, especially if you have a wax seal or envelope liner.

Frequently asked questions