Why You Should Avoid Licking Wedding Invitations

Licking envelopes to seal them is a common practice, but it's not always the best idea, especially when it comes to wedding invitations. While some people opt for licking their wedding invitation envelopes, others prefer using sponges, wet towels, glue sticks, or even stickers to seal them. Licking a large number of envelopes can be tedious and unpleasant, and there are concerns about the taste and potential chemicals in the glue. Additionally, there are stories and urban legends about people getting sick or injured from licking envelopes, such as the famous Seinfeld episode where George's fiancée dies from licking cheap glue on wedding invitations.

Alternative methods: use a sponge, a damp cloth, stickers, or an envelope moistener

There are several alternative methods to licking wedding invitations to seal them. Here are some of the most effective methods:

Using a Sponge or a Damp Cloth

This is a simple and effective method. Wet a sponge or a cloth with water and dab it onto the glue. Make sure not to soak the sponge or cloth to avoid dripping water onto the envelope. Layering the flaps of the envelopes and wetting all the seals in one go can also increase efficiency.

Envelope Moisteners

Envelope moisteners are hand-held devices that contain liquid glue or water. They dispense the liquid onto the glue portion of the envelope, and you simply press it closed.

Stickers or Envelope Seals

Stickers or envelope seals can be used to bypass wetting the gum of the envelope. You can use self-adhesive labels, envelope seals, or sellotape. Ensure you use enough tape to make the seal secure, especially if you are mailing the invitations.

Glue Sticks

A simple glue stick can be used by running it over the adhesive flap and applying pressure when closing. This may even strengthen the seal, making the envelope more secure.

These methods will allow you to seal your wedding invitations without having to lick them, providing a more efficient and pleasant experience.

Health risks: there are stories of people dying from licking envelopes

While the raw materials used to produce envelope adhesives are generally not harmful to your health, there are several reasons why you may want to reconsider licking envelopes. Firstly, the surface of an envelope may be contaminated with bacteria from being handled, shuffled, or stored in less-than-ideal conditions. By licking an envelope, you risk introducing these harmful bacteria into your body.

Secondly, while most envelope adhesives are made from gum arabic, a natural substance derived from acacia trees, some manufacturers may add additional non-food-grade chemicals to improve performance, which could be harmful if ingested. Ingesting small amounts of these chemicals may not be an issue for most people, but they could potentially accumulate in the body over time for those who handle a lot of paperwork. Furthermore, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the adhesive components, ranging from mild tingling to severe symptoms like swelling or difficulty breathing.

The risk of paper cuts is another concern, as the edge of an envelope can be surprisingly sharp. A paper cut on the tongue not only causes pain but also provides a direct route for bacteria and pathogens to enter the bloodstream.

Although not a health risk, the unpleasant taste and smell of envelope adhesive are also good reasons to avoid licking envelopes. Many people find the flavour off-putting due to its strange mix of bitterness and chemical undertones. The strong smell of the glue can linger in the mouth and nose long after sealing the envelope, which can be bothersome for those sensitive to smells or with a keen sense of taste.

While there may be no direct stories of people dying from licking envelopes, there are urban legends and pop culture references, such as the "Seinfeld" episode, where George's fiancée dies after licking toxic adhesive on cheap wedding invitations. Additionally, an 1895 New York Times article mentions a case of Mr. Fechheimer, who died from blood poisoning after cutting his tongue while licking an envelope.

To avoid potential health risks and unpleasant sensory experiences, it is recommended to use safer alternatives to seal envelopes, such as a sponge or a glue stick.

Etiquette: it is only appropriate to lick envelopes that will be handled by strangers

Wedding invitations often come with two sets of envelopes, with only one of them gummed. This is because envelopes are only sealed when they will be handled by strangers, such as the postal service. In this case, the outer envelope is sealed, while the inner envelope is left unsealed.

Sealing an envelope is a sign that it will be handled by strangers. If an envelope is handed directly from the sender to the recipient, or via a friend, the flap is only tucked in. The latter is a sign of trust that the intermediary will not peek inside.

Therefore, it is only appropriate to lick and seal envelopes that will be handled by strangers.

Assembly line: how to make sealing envelopes more fun with friends

Sealing envelopes can be tedious, but with a fun assembly line and some creative ideas, you and your friends can turn this task into a memorable experience. Here are some tips to make the process more enjoyable:

Create a Fun Work Space

Invite your friends over and set up a dedicated workspace. Put on some upbeat music, offer snacks and drinks, and create a festive atmosphere. The more fun the environment, the more enjoyable the task will be. You can even make it a themed party, with decorations and costumes to match.

Divide and Conquer

Divide your friends into teams and assign specific tasks to each team. For example, one team can be in charge of stuffing the envelopes, while another team seals them. You can also have a team for adding stamps and return address labels. This assembly line approach will make the work more efficient and engaging for everyone involved.

Make it a Game

Introduce some friendly competition by turning the envelope sealing process into a game. For instance, you can challenge your friends to see who can seal the most envelopes in a certain amount of time. Offer prizes for the fastest team or the team with the neatest work. This will add an element of fun and motivation to the task.

Explore Alternative Sealing Methods

Instead of licking envelopes, which can be tedious and unpleasant, explore alternative sealing methods. You can use a damp sponge, a wet paper towel, or a glue stick. There are also envelope moistening devices available at office supply stores. These tools will make the process more efficient and reduce the risk of paper cuts or unpleasant tastes.

Personalize with Stickers or Wax Seals

Add a touch of personality to your envelopes by using cute stickers or wax seals instead of licking. This will not only make the process more fun but also add a unique and creative element to your invitations. You can find various designs and colors to match your wedding theme.

Take Breaks and Celebrate

Finally, remember to take breaks and celebrate your progress. Sealing envelopes can be monotonous, so take time to stretch, chat with your friends, and celebrate your accomplishments. You can even plan a special outing or treat after you finish to mark the occasion.

By following these tips, you can make sealing envelopes a fun and memorable experience with your friends. So, gather your crew, create an assembly line, and enjoy the process of preparing your wedding invitations!

Order of invitation materials: the order in which to place the invitation, reception card, RSVP envelope, and more

When it comes to wedding invitations, the order in which you place the various components is important to ensure a neat and professional-looking suite. Here is a guide to help you achieve that:

Start with the Main Invitation Card:

Place the invitation card at the bottom of the stack, with the printed side facing up. This is usually the largest card in the suite, providing a base for the other pieces.

Add Vellum Liners (Optional):

If you have received a thin sheet of vellum, it is your choice to include it or not. Traditionally, this was used to prevent ink smudges. If you wish to include it, place the vellum on top of the invitation card.

Stack the Reception Card:

If you are providing a separate reception card, place it face-up on top of the wedding invitation. This card typically includes the time and location of the wedding reception, along with any dress code requests.

Add Other Enclosure Cards:

Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as direction/detail cards, map cards, or hotel accommodation cards, face-up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.

Include the RSVP Card and Envelope:

Place the RSVP envelope, printed side down, on top of the stack of enclosure cards, with the envelope flap on the left. Insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, face-up, so that the printed side is visible. Don't forget to pre-stamp the reply envelope to make it convenient for your guests.

Finish with Adornments:

If you have chosen to include belly bands, ribbons, or vellum wraps, assemble them now. These add a nice touch to your invitation suite.

Now, you are ready to insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge for a folded invitation. Ensure that the text is print-side up, so your guests can immediately see the invitation when they open the envelope.

Frequently asked questions