Choosing The Right Envelope Quantity For Your Wedding Invites

Wedding envelopes are an important part of the wedding planning process. They are used to send out invitations, save-the-dates, and thank-you cards to guests. When choosing envelopes, it is essential to consider the size, style, and colour to ensure they complement the wedding invitations. Standard envelope sizes include A7, A9, and C5, among others, with A7 being the most popular for invitations. Envelopes can also be customized with address printing or different fonts to add a personal touch. Double envelopes, which include both an inner and outer envelope, are another option for formal weddings.

Double envelopes for formal weddings

Double envelopes are a more formal and traditional approach to wedding invitations. This method dates back to the Industrial Revolution, when the postal service was unreliable and the invitation could become damaged during the oftentimes rugged journey. The use of two envelopes served to protect the inner envelope from the rigors of travel.

The outer envelope is used for mailing and is formally addressed with the recipient's name and address. It is also used to protect the inner envelope from scuffs, dirt, and debris. This envelope is often lined and includes a gum seal for closing.

The inner envelope is slightly smaller and is left unsealed and ungummed as a courtesy to the recipient. It is addressed informally, including just the names of the invitees and any additional guests or children, if applicable. This envelope holds the invitation, response items, direction cards, and any other relevant information.

When using double envelopes, it is important to properly arrange and address them. Place the invitation and any accompanying items inside the inner envelope, close it, and then place it into the outer envelope, ensuring that the informal address on the inner envelope is facing out.

The use of double envelopes adds class and flair to your wedding invitation suite, ensuring it matches the formality of your event. It is also a practical way to list the names of all invited guests, providing clarity on who is invited and eliminating any confusion.

Printing options for envelopes

When it comes to printing options for envelopes, there are a few different ways to go about it. If you're looking to print envelopes for your wedding invitations, here are some things to consider:

Printing Software

Microsoft Word is a popular option for printing addresses on envelopes. It has a dedicated tab for printing labels and envelopes, and you can customise the envelope size, font and address position. You can also save your return address in Word so that you can reuse it for future envelopes or other documents.

Printing Method

The trickiest part of printing an envelope is knowing which way to feed it into your printer. Word can help with this, as it gets information from your printer and shows you the right feed option. You can also verify the printing options before running a batch of envelopes through your printer, to ensure the text doesn't end up upside down.

Customisation

If you want to add a personal touch to your wedding invitations, you can look into custom printing options for your envelopes. This could include printing your guests' names and addresses on the envelopes, or choosing a specific font, size, style and colour. You can also print RSVP and thank-you envelopes to match your invitations.

Double Envelopes

For a formal wedding, you might consider double envelopes, which include both an inner and outer envelope for your wedding invitation cards. The outer envelope can be printed with the return address on the back flap and your guests' names on the front, while the inner envelope can be lined with a colour that matches your printed pieces or in black ink.

Printing Services

If you're unsure about printing your own envelopes or want a more professional finish, you can look into envelope printing services. These services can help you create custom envelopes with your own design or with your guests' names and addresses. They may also offer other wedding stationery, such as favour boxes, wedding scroll boxes, place cards and envelope seals.

Popular envelope sizes

Wedding invitations are usually sent in envelopes that come in a variety of sizes. The most common size for wedding invitation envelopes is A7 (5.25 x 7.25 inches), which fits a standard 5 x 7-inch invitation. However, there are many other sizes available to accommodate different card sizes and design preferences.

• A1 (3 5/8 x 5 1/8 inches): This size is commonly used for RSVP cards. It is also suitable for small invitations or cards.
• A2 (4 3/8 x 5 3/4 inches): A popular choice for RSVP, thank you, and note cards.
• A6 (4 3/4 x 6 1/2 inches): Great for photos, cards, invitations, and save-the-dates.
• A7 (5 1/4 x 7 1/4 inches): The most popular invitation and card envelope size. It fits standard 5 x 7-inch cards.
• A7.5 (5 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches): Perfect for bulky 5 x 7-inch invitations or as outer envelopes for A7 envelopes.
• A8 (5 1/2 x 8 1/8 inches): A common straight flap option for invitations and greeting cards.
• A9 (5 3/4 x 8 3/4 inches): A common invitation envelope size, fitting A9 half-sheet or 5 1/2 x 8 1/2-inch cards.
• A10 (6 x 9 inches): Suitable for larger, distinguished cards and mailings.

When choosing envelope sizes, it is important to ensure that the envelope is slightly larger than the card, typically by about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch. This allows for a neat presentation without excessive wiggle room. Additionally, for a cohesive look, consider using different envelope colours for cards that require a response, such as RSVPs.

Envelope colour options

When it comes to choosing envelope colours for your wedding invitations, there are a variety of options to consider. The most popular and traditional choices are white or cream-coloured envelopes, which brides often prefer to coordinate with their invitations. These neutral shades can complement a range of bolder colours or photos featured on the invitations themselves. White or cream envelopes are also commonly included for free with invitation orders from certain suppliers.

However, if you're looking for something more unique, there are several other colour options available, including:

• Black
• Blue
• Brown
• Burgundy
• Gold
• Gray
• Green
• Ivory
• Orange
• Pink
• Purple
• Red
• Silver
• Yellow

Some companies, such as The Invitation Maker, offer coloured envelopes in various shades, including nine colour options with their Poptone A7 envelopes and four colour choices with their Gourmet Flavours A7 envelopes.

It's important to note that choosing a coloured envelope can impact the delivery of your invitations. As shared by a user on Reddit, using coloured envelopes may cause delays in the mail system if there isn't enough contrast between the envelope colour and the address written or printed on it. This issue is due to USPS machines being unable to read the addresses, resulting in manual processing, which can take much longer. To avoid this problem, consider using white address labels on coloured envelopes or opt for lighter envelope shades like blush or sage.

Envelope seal options

When it comes to sealing your wedding invitation envelopes, there are several options to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a detailed guide to help you decide on the best sealing option for your wedding invitations:

Gummed Envelopes:

• Gummed envelopes, also known as \"gum seal\" envelopes, have a strip of water-soluble glue on the flap.
• To seal, you can lick the glue, use an envelope moistener, or use a mailing machine to moisten it.
• Gummed envelopes are traditional, widely available, and cost-effective.
• They are also suitable for bulk mailing machines, making them a convenient choice for sending out multiple wedding invitations.

Self-Seal Envelopes:

• Self-seal envelopes, also known as peel and seal, strip seal, zip seal, or super seal, have a sticky latex glue band covered by a protective strip.
• To seal, simply peel off the strip and press the flap closed.
• These envelopes are convenient and avoid the unpleasant taste of licking glue.
• However, they are not recommended for bulk mailing machines due to the protective strip.

Flip and Seal Envelopes:

• Flip and seal envelopes have latex adhesive strips on both the top and bottom flaps, which are pressed together to seal.
• They offer the convenience of self-sealing without the waste of a protective strip.
• However, they should be used within 6-12 months of purchase, as latex sealant can lose its adhesive properties over time.

Metal Clasp Gummed Envelopes:

• These envelopes feature a gummed seal and a reusable metal clasp with prongs, providing two methods of closure.
• They are often used for larger envelopes, such as booklet or catalog envelopes, and are suitable for secure hand delivery.

Button and String Envelopes:

• This type of envelope has a string that wraps around buttons on the envelope's edges, creating a tie closure.
• They are commonly used for larger catalog-size envelopes and interoffice communication.
• While they can be mailed, there is an additional hand-canceled charge as they cannot be processed by automated mailing machines.

Ungummed Envelopes:

• Ungummed envelopes have no adhesive and are typically used for filing and transporting documents.
• They are also used for formal stationery, such as wedding invitations, where the outer envelope is sealed and mailed, while the inner envelope containing the invitation remains unsealed for a pristine presentation.

Snap or Hook-and-Loop Tape Envelopes:

• These envelopes are usually made of polypropylene (\"poly\") and feature snap closures or hook-and-loop tape (similar to Velcro).
• They are often found in larger sizes and are reusable, making them ideal for offices or classrooms.
• Poly envelopes are also available in various colors, allowing for a fun and functional organization system.

Wax Seals:

• Wax seals are a traditional method dating back to the Middle Ages, enjoying a resurgence for wedding stationery.
• Wax is melted and dripped onto the envelope flap, hardening to form a seal that can be peeled or snapped open.
• While elegant, this method is time-consuming and may require additional envelopes for secure mailing.

Stickers:

• Stickers are a quick and easy way to seal your envelopes, adding a touch of personality.
• However, they may not leave a professional impression and might not provide the most secure closure.

Tape or Glue:

• Using tape or glue is a straightforward option to seal your envelopes without moisture.
• Double-sided tape or glue sticks provide a neater finish than standard tape.

Nail Polish:

• Applying clear nail polish along the inside of the envelope flap creates a strong and secure seal.
• This method adds an unconventional touch but may result in an odd color on the envelope's seal.

Ultimately, the choice of envelope seal depends on your personal preference, the level of convenience you desire, and whether you intend to use mailing machines.

Frequently asked questions