Deborah Chan
Wedding planning can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to sending out invitations. One important question that arises is whether to seal the inner wedding envelope. While some couples choose to forgo the inner envelope altogether, others view it as a way to add a personal touch and a sense of formality to their invitations. For those who opt for inner envelopes, sealing them securely is crucial to ensure their invitations arrive intact and in style. Various methods, such as licking, adhesive rollers, wax seals, and stickers, can be employed to achieve this, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Ultimately, the chosen method depends on the couple's preference and the desired level of formality for their wedding.
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What You'll Learn
Using a wax seal on the inner envelope
There are two distinct processes for wax seals: pre-poured with adhesive or hand-poured. Pre-poured seals are ideal if you want a polished and clean look, while hand-poured seals offer a more organic appearance. You can choose from various adhesives, ranging from light to heavy-duty. A lighter adhesive is perfect for gatefold applications, ensuring the wax seal doesn't damage the paper when opened and can be easily resealed. Heavier adhesives are better suited for envelopes to keep them intact during mailing.
When incorporating a wax seal, consider using a ribbon that is not excessively thick to avoid increasing the envelope's thickness, which may lead to parcel pricing. You can also place a coloured wax seal on your menu or place card, offering a practical solution while creating a cohesive and visually appealing presentation.
To avoid unexpected postage costs, it is recommended to weigh your completed envelope with the wax seal. If it's an ounce or less, use regular stamps, and if it's over an ounce, opt for larger stamps. Additionally, request that your invitations with wax seals be hand-stamped at the post office to avoid potential damage from machine processing.
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Weighing the envelope to determine postage
When it comes to wedding invitations, weighing the envelope is crucial to determining the correct postage. While it may seem straightforward, there are a few factors that can impact the postage cost. Firstly, the weight of the envelope and its contents is the primary consideration. Most standard wedding invitations, including the invitation card, RSVP card, and envelope, fall within the normal weight range and can be sent with regular postage stamps. However, it's important to remember that the weight of the envelope itself contributes to the overall weight.
To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to assemble a complete invitation suite, including all inserts and enclosures, and weigh it using a food scale or a postal scale. This will give you an accurate measurement of the total weight. Keep in mind that the weight threshold for standard postage rates varies by country and postal service. In the United States, for example, a standard 73-cent stamp covers a letter weighing up to one ounce. Anything heavier may require additional postage or a different stamp denomination.
Another factor that influences postage cost is the thickness and dimensions of the envelope. Invitations with thicker cardstock, multiple enclosures, or three-dimensional elements like wax seals tend to be bulkier and may exceed standard letter dimensions. Such invitations may be subject to higher postage rates or even be classified as parcel mailings, resulting in significantly higher postage costs. Therefore, it is essential to consider not only the weight but also the overall size and thickness of the assembled invitation when determining postage.
To avoid surprises and additional costs, it is advisable to bring a fully assembled invitation suite to the post office for weighing and postage assessment. A post office professional can provide guidance on the correct postage based on the weight, size, and shape of your invitations. This ensures that your invitations are mailed with the appropriate postage, reducing the risk of delays or "return to sender" issues. Additionally, if you plan to use vintage stamps, keep in mind that they often have lower values, so you may need to use more stamps to cover the postage, which can increase the overall cost.
In summary, determining the correct postage for wedding invitations requires careful consideration of weight, size, and the use of vintage stamps. Assembling a complete invitation suite and seeking guidance from a post office professional will help ensure that your invitations are mailed with the appropriate postage, avoiding potential delays and additional costs.
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Using a sponge and water to moisten the glue
Using a sponge and water is a popular method for moistening the glue on wedding invitation envelopes. This technique is often favoured as an alternative to licking the envelopes, which some may find unhygienic or unpleasant.
To use this method, start by dampening a clean sponge with water. You can use a regular sponge or a makeup sponge, ensuring that it is new or thoroughly cleaned to avoid any colour or smell transferring to the envelopes. After wetting the sponge, lightly dab or run it along the adhesive edge of the envelope flap. You can also use a paper towel or a Q-tip dipped in water for more precision.
Once the glue is sufficiently moistened, close the flap and press firmly around the entire perimeter. For added security, you can apply a small amount of water-soluble adhesive with a paintbrush before closing the flap. This method allows you to carry more water and adhesive, reducing the need for constant dipping.
After sealing, place the envelopes under something heavy while they dry to prevent flap wrinkling and ensure a strong seal. This technique is especially useful when sealing a large number of envelopes, saving you from the tedious task of licking each one.
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Using tape or adhesive rollers
When using tape or adhesive rollers, it is important to consider the type of envelope you are using. Straight flap envelopes work best with this method. If you have angled or baronial flap envelopes, you may find it more challenging to achieve a smooth and secure seal.
To ensure a strong seal, it is recommended to use a tape gun, which is more efficient than manually cutting and applying tape to each envelope. The tape gun allows for quicker and more consistent application of the adhesive. This is especially useful when sealing a large number of envelopes, saving you time and effort.
After applying the double-sided tape or using the adhesive roller, it is a good idea to place the sealed envelopes under something heavy while they dry. This extra step helps reduce flap wrinkling and ensures that the flaps are securely sealed. A smooth and wrinkle-free flap not only enhances the appearance of the envelope but also provides a better experience for your guests when opening their invitations.
Compared to other sealing methods, tape or adhesive rollers offer several advantages. Firstly, they eliminate the need for licking or wetting the envelope flap, which can be time-consuming and unhygienic, especially when sealing multiple envelopes. Secondly, the adhesive provides a stronger and more reliable seal, ensuring that your invitations remain securely closed during mailing. Lastly, using tape or adhesive rollers can improve the "tearing experience" for your guests, making it tidier and more aesthetically pleasing, especially if they plan to keep the envelope as a memento.
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The function of inner envelopes
Firstly, it allows for a more personalised invitation. While the outer envelope may be addressed formally, the inner envelope can include the names of each invited guest, creating a more intimate touch. This also helps to clarify who is invited, especially when children are involved.
Secondly, the inner envelope adds a sense of formality and luxury to the invitation. The experience of opening two envelopes elevates the occasion and communicates to guests that the event is ultra-formal.
Additionally, the inner envelope can help protect the contents of the invitation, such as a wax seal or envelope liner, ensuring they arrive in pristine condition.
Some couples choose to seal their inner envelopes with creative methods like wax seals, stickers, or double-sided tape, adding a unique touch to their invitations. Weighing the envelope with the seal is important to ensure proper postage, as extra weight may require additional postage.
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Frequently asked questions
Some ways to seal the inner envelope for your wedding invitations without licking them include using a damp sponge or paper towel, a thin q-tip, a paintbrush with a dab of water-soluble adhesive, double-sided tape, or wax seals.
Using wax seals on the inner envelopes of your wedding invitations can add a sense of formality and luxury to your invitations. It can also be a way to personalise your invitations and connect with your guests in a loving and intimate way. Additionally, wax seals can help protect the contents of your envelope, ensuring they arrive in pristine condition.
Yes, using wax seals on the inner envelopes of your wedding invitations may result in increased postage costs due to the additional weight. Additionally, there have been reports of issues with delivery and damage to envelopes with wax seals when using certain postal services, such as USPS. It is recommended to weigh your envelopes before purchasing stamps and to consider sending digital invitations as a backup.
