Sealing Inner Envelope Wedding Invites: To Do Or Not?

Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process. But when it comes to assembling the invitations, should you seal the inner envelope? Traditionally, the inner envelope is left unsealed as a courtesy before being placed inside the outer envelope. This dates back to the days of Bridgerton when mail was delivered by horse and carriage, and the outer envelope would be discarded upon delivery due to dirt from the journey. Today, the inner envelope is a way to add a sense of formality to your wedding invitations and to protect the contents. While it is not necessary to seal the inner envelope, you will want to ensure that the outer envelope is securely sealed before mailing your invitations.

Inner envelopes are unsealed to be courteous and are placed inside the outer envelope, which is sealed

Wedding invitation etiquette can be a complex affair, and assembling invitations with inner and outer envelopes is a precise task. Inner envelopes are an additional envelope that holds the invitation suite and were used many years ago when mail would arrive by horse and carriage. The outer envelope would get dirty and be discarded, with only the pristine inner envelope being handed to the recipient.

The inner envelope is traditionally left unsealed as a courtesy. It is placed inside the outer envelope, which is then sealed. The inner envelope is loaded with the invitation, any response card/envelope, and enclosures, printed side up, so the flap opens away from the sender. The loaded envelope is then flipped so the guest's name is facing outwards and inserted into the outer envelope.

There are a few options for sealing the outer envelope. Traditionally, envelopes were sealed with a lick and stick method, but this is not always popular, especially when sending out a large number of invitations. Some modern alternatives include using a small bottle of envelope sealer or glue, a moist sponge, a Q-tip and bowl of water, a paintbrush with water and water-soluble adhesive, or a clear glue stick. For ease, some envelopes come with an adhesive strip that can be peeled off and sealed.

Inner envelopes are traditionally used to protect the invitation suite and add a sense of formality

Wedding invitation suites can be a complex affair, with many components to consider. Inner envelopes are a traditional element that can add a sense of formality to the invitation suite and are a great way to protect the contents.

History of Inner Envelopes

The use of inner envelopes dates back to the days of horse-drawn carriages, when the outer envelope would often get dirty during delivery and would be discarded upon arrival, with only the pristine inner envelope being handed to the recipient.

Benefits of Inner Envelopes

Formality and Luxury

The use of double envelopes communicates a sense of formality and luxury to your guests. The experience of opening two envelopes elevates the occasion and adds a touch of opulence.

Protection

With the unpredictability of mail services, the outer envelope can sometimes arrive damaged. Inner envelopes protect the invitation suite, ensuring that any envelope liner, wax seal, or other embellishments arrive in pristine condition.

Clarifying Guest List

Inner envelopes also serve a practical purpose in clarifying who is invited to the wedding. Traditionally, the outer envelope is addressed to the "heads of household", while the inner envelope lists each guest by name, making it clear who is and is not invited. This can be especially useful when children are not allowed or only older kids are invited.

Personalisation

Addressing the inner envelopes provides an opportunity to be more personal with guests. For example, you could use formal addressing on the outer envelope and a more intimate greeting on the inner envelope, such as "Aunt Sadie and Uncle Mikey."

Assembling the Invitation Suite

When assembling your invitation suite, it is recommended to start with the invitation card, which is usually the largest card, and place it face up. If you are using a sheet of tissue paper or vellum to protect the ink from smudging, place it on top of the invitation card. Next, add the reception card, followed by any other enclosure cards such as maps or accommodation details. Finally, add the RSVP card and envelope.

If you are using an inner envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge for a folded invitation. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened. The inner envelope is traditionally left unsealed and then placed into the outer envelope, with the guests' names visible when they open it.

Sealing the Envelopes

There are several ways to seal your envelopes, from the traditional method of licking the envelope to using a glue stick, double-sided tape, or a paintbrush with water and water-soluble adhesive. You can also use a Q-tip with water to moisten the glue more precisely.

Final Thoughts

When deciding whether to use inner envelopes, consider your budget, wedding style, and the level of formality you wish to convey. Inner envelopes can add a touch of elegance and ensure your invitation suite arrives in perfect condition.

Inner envelopes can be left unaddressed if their purpose is solely to protect the contents

Wedding invitation suites can be a complex affair, with many components to consider. Inner envelopes are an additional envelope that holds the invitation suite. Traditionally, they are used to protect the contents of the outer envelope and are left unsealed.

If you are using an inner envelope solely to protect the contents of your wedding invitation, you can leave it unaddressed. This is a way to save money on your wedding stationery. However, if you want to use the inner envelope to clarify who is invited to the wedding, you will need to address it. This is a clear way to indicate who is and is not invited, especially if you are having a wedding where only older children are allowed, or no children are permitted.

The inner envelope is placed inside the outer envelope, with the guest's name facing out. The outer envelope is then sealed, and you are done!

There are many ways to seal your envelopes, from the traditional licking method to using a q-tip and water, a paintbrush and adhesive, glue sticks, or double-sided tape.

So, if your inner envelopes are simply to protect the contents, you can leave them unaddressed, but if you want to use them to provide additional information for your guests, you will need to address them.

Inner envelopes can be used to clarify who is and is not invited to the wedding

Wedding invitation envelopes can include an inner and outer envelope, but the inner envelope is strictly optional. The outer envelope is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope lists the names of the invitees.

The inner envelope can be used to clarify who is and is not invited to the wedding. The outer envelope is typically addressed to the heads of the household in a formal manner, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Wagner". The inner envelope then lists everyone from that household who is invited in a more informal way, such as "Justin, Maxine, Rob, and Faye". This helps to alleviate the stress of forming the guest list by making it clear to the recipients exactly who from each household is invited to the wedding in a non-confrontational way.

For example, if you are having an adult-only wedding and inviting a family with both teenagers and young children, the outer envelope would be addressed to the heads of the household, while the inner envelope would specify which of the children are invited. Similarly, if you are inviting a single friend and want them to bring a guest, the outer envelope would be addressed to your friend, and the inner envelope would state "Catherine and guest".

Using inner envelopes is a great way to provide clarity around your guest list and ensure that your recipients understand exactly who is invited to your wedding.

Inner envelopes allow for a more personal address to guests

Wedding invitation etiquette can be a complex affair, with many traditions and customs to consider. One such custom is the use of inner envelopes, which can serve multiple purposes. While they are not necessary, inner envelopes can be a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding invitations.

Firstly, inner envelopes allow for a more formal and intimate address to your guests. While the outer envelope may be addressed formally, the inner envelope can be more creative and affectionate. For example, you could address your guests as "Aunt Sadie and Uncle Mikey" on the inner envelope, creating a warmer and more inviting tone. This small detail can help you connect with your guests on a more personal level, making them feel valued and special.

In addition to facilitating a more personal address, inner envelopes also enhance the sense of formality and luxury of your wedding invitation suite. The experience of opening two envelopes elevates the unboxing moment for your guests, creating a sense of anticipation and sophistication. This can be especially impactful if you are hosting an ultra-formal black-tie or white-tie affair.

Moreover, inner envelopes can help clarify who is invited to the wedding. Traditionally, the outer envelope is addressed to the "heads of household", while the inner envelope lists the names of each individual guest, including children. This is a subtle way to indicate whether older children are invited or if it is an adults-only event. While there are other ways to communicate this information, inner envelopes provide the clearest indication of who is and is not invited.

Finally, inner envelopes serve a practical purpose by offering additional protection for your invitation suite. The outer envelope may become dirty or damaged during delivery, but the inner envelope ensures that your invitation remains pristine. This is especially important if you have invested in beautiful envelope liners, wax seals, or other embellishments that you want to showcase intact.

In conclusion, inner envelopes provide an opportunity to add a personal touch to your wedding invitations. They allow for a more intimate address to your guests, enhance the formality and luxury of your invitation suite, clarify who is invited, and provide additional protection for your carefully curated contents. When deciding whether to use inner envelopes, consider your budget, wedding style, and the overall experience you want to create for your guests.

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