Creating Exquisite Wedding Envelopes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding envelopes can be expensive, but there are simple and budget-friendly ways to make them look fancy. From adding envelope liners to stamping the outside, there are many ways to elevate your wedding invitations without breaking the bank. In this article, we will explore several tips and tricks to create beautiful and elegant wedding envelopes that will impress your guests. We will also provide step-by-step instructions for a DIY envelope liner project that you can easily do yourself or with the help of your bridesmaids.

DIY envelope liners

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You will need the following materials:

• A pre-addressed envelope (it's best to address it before inserting the liner)
• A large piece of decorated paper (or any paper of your choice)
• Scissors
• A pen or pencil
• A glue stick or double-sided tape

Step 2: Create Your Template

Start by opening the envelope's top flap. Trace the entire envelope onto your piece of paper using a pencil. This will serve as your template. Remember to trace slightly inside the lines (about 1/8" to 1/4" or 3-6 mm inside) to ensure the liner fits inside the envelope.

Step 3: Cut Out Your Liner

Use sharp scissors to carefully cut out the liner along the traced lines. This will be your liner, so take your time and cut neatly.

Step 4: Insert and Secure the Liner

Slide the liner into the envelope. If the liner covers too much of the adhesive at the top, trim a little off the bottom and adjust as needed. Once you're happy with the placement, fold the envelope flap down to create a crease. Use a glue stick or small pieces of double-sided tape to secure the liner to the flap.

Step 5: Add Your Personal Touch

Envelope liners can be made from various materials, including coloured paper, patterned paper, wrapping paper, or even vintage book pages or wallpaper samples. Get creative and use paper that matches your wedding theme or colours. You can also experiment with different patterns to create unique looks for your envelopes.

Tips:

• If you're making multiple liners, consider investing in an envelope liner template set or creating your own template from heavyweight cardstock or chipboard. This will make the process faster and more consistent.
• Prepare your work area by making a cut-out template for addressing the envelopes. This will help you manage space and write neatly.
• Don't forget to allow for envelope wastage, especially if you're using a calligraphy ink pen. It's better to have a few extra envelopes in case of ink spills or accidents.

Stamping

When choosing stamps, consider your wedding colour palette and theme. You can find unique vintage stamps online, on sites like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, or collector sites. Look for stamps that feature imagery and shapes that tie into your wedding aesthetic, such as flowers, abstract shapes, or iconic artworks. You can also mix and match stamp hues to create a cohesive collection that fits your vision.

Another tip is to double-check the weight and dimensions of your invitation, including any ties, seals, or other accents, to ensure you have the correct postage amount. The layout of your stamps should also complement your envelope's address layout. You can use a small set of stamps to frame the corner or line the top of the envelope, or use more postage in smaller values to offset a block of calligraphed text.

• Use stamps that preview your wedding palette, like a floral stamp in the bride's favourite colour, or stamps featuring local flora and fauna for a destination wedding.
• Include unexpected stamps that hint at your wedding locale, like lemons and grapes for an Italian-themed wedding, or iconic plants and architecture for a wedding in Palm Springs.
• Opt for a single, simple stamp that adds a memorable accent, like a butterfly for a nature-themed wedding.
• Choose stamps that are mini works of art in themselves, such as images of film stars, architecture, or even a stamp honouring someone special to you.
• Create a whimsical design with playful stamps, such as a fringed shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, and cowboy boots for a wedding with a formal invitation but a Western theme.
• For a chinoiserie-inspired invitation suite, incorporate stamps in the same colour palette, using unique placements like a single line across the top of the envelope.

Addressing

Prepare your work area:

You will need a template card, at least twice the size of your envelopes, as well as scissors, pens, and a ruler. Get organised by taking measurements and marking out the area needed for your postage stamp and the space you want to write within. Cut out the rectangle of your "work area" and align the void area with your envelope, creasing the template card so that each envelope will sit right at the crease.

Dividing your work area:

Divide your work area into 3 to 4 lines, marking the side of the working area with a pencil.

Writing tips:

Always scan the entire line of the address first to make sure you can gauge the spacing and not run out of space. If there is extra space at the end, add some fun swirls to fill it out. Write as you normally would, and allow your personality to show through.

Practical tips:

Allow for 20-30% envelope wastage if you are using a calligraphy ink pen, as accidents happen. Take breaks in between to regain your concentration and spread the task over a few days or weekends. Be creative with your ink colours; whites and metallics on dark envelopes can be very sophisticated.

Final steps:

Do not stick down your stamps until you have addressed the envelope to avoid wasting a stamp if you make a mistake. Once you are happy with the alignment, trim the edges of your template to the exact width of your envelope to ensure consistency.

Choosing envelope colour

The colour of your wedding envelopes can be a great way to add a touch of personality and creativity to your invitations. There are a few things to consider when choosing the right colour for your envelopes.

First, think about the overall colour scheme of your wedding. If you have specific colours that you are using for your flowers, bridesmaids' dresses, or decor, you may want to choose an envelope colour that complements these. For example, if your wedding colours are blush and gold, you could choose a blush pink envelope with a bronze lining, or a cream envelope with gold borders or gold stickers. This will help to tie your invitations in with the rest of your wedding aesthetic.

Another thing to consider is the time of year and the theme of your wedding. For instance, if you are having a festive winter wedding, you might opt for dark green envelopes with a gold lining or stamps, or red envelopes for a traditional Christmas colour scheme. If you are having a spring or summer wedding, you might choose a light, bright colour like sage green or ivory. You could also consider adding a floral liner or stamp to your envelope, which would be perfect for a summer garden wedding.

If you want to add a luxurious touch to your invitations, consider using dark envelopes. White, cream, or metallic ink stands out against dark envelopes, and can give a very sophisticated look. Colours like dark green, navy, or black can be a stylish and elegant choice for a formal wedding.

Finally, don't be afraid to mix it up! You could choose a few different colours for your envelopes, or even add patterned liners or stamps to create a unique and playful look. Ultimately, the colour of your envelopes is a fun way to express your personal style and add a special touch to your wedding invitations.

Using gold stickers

Gold stickers are a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding envelopes. Here are some ideas on how to use gold stickers to create fancy wedding envelopes:

Choosing the Right Gold Sticker

Gold stickers come in various shapes, sizes, and finishes. For a subtle and elegant look, opt for matte gold stickers with a dull finish and a slight sheen. If you want your envelopes to shine and stand out, go for gloss gold stickers with a brilliant and reflective appearance. You can also find brushed gold stickers, which have a slight sheen and very fine strokes or lines. Consider the overall look you want to achieve and choose the finish that best suits your style.

Sealing the Envelope

A simple yet effective way to use gold stickers is to seal your envelopes. Place a gold sticker on the flap of the envelope to ensure it stays closed during its journey through the postal service. This adds a touch of elegance and also provides peace of mind. You can find custom gold stickers in any shape and size to match your envelope design.

Monogram or Personalized Stickers

Personalize your gold stickers with your initials or monogram to create a custom look. You can also add your names and wedding date to the stickers for a unique touch. These personalized gold stickers can be used to seal your envelopes or even as decorative labels for your wedding favors.

Combining with Other Elements

Combine gold stickers with other decorative elements to create a cohesive look. For example, use gold stickers with sage green envelopes, gold border envelopes, or floral liners. You can also pair gold stickers with a monogram stamp or a return address stamp for a neat and elegant way to dress up the outside of your envelopes. The contrast of the gold against the envelope color will create a sophisticated and fancy appearance.

Adding a Pop of Color

Gold stickers can also be combined with colorful envelopes to create a vibrant and festive look. Try using gold stickers with blush pink, cream, or dark green envelopes to add a pop of color. This combination will make your envelopes stand out and create a cheerful and elegant appearance.

Frequently asked questions