Licking Wedding Invites: Is It Safe Or Smart?

Licking envelopes to seal them is a common practice, but is it a good idea to do it for your wedding invitations? The short answer is no. While envelope glue is not dangerous by itself, it may be contaminated with anything from dust mites to toxic chemicals. Even if you avoid licking the envelope, the taste of the glue is unpleasant, and you risk getting a paper cut on your tongue. Bacteria and viruses can also be transmitted through surfaces, so it's best to avoid sharing saliva with your guests. Instead, use a sponge, a damp cloth, a glue stick, or self-adhesive envelopes to seal your wedding invitations.

Is it unhygienic to lick wedding invitations?

Licking your wedding invitations may not be the best idea. While the glue on the envelopes is not dangerous by itself, it may be contaminated. According to Dr. Thomas Dwan, "envelope glue may be contaminated. It's best to stick to self-adhesion envelopes. [...] The glue itself is made of gum Arabic, a substance you've already eaten if you've ever had M&Ms. What you can't control, however, is possible contaminants from dust mites to toxic chemicals to a worker who may not wash their hands."

Furthermore, bacteria and viruses can be transmitted through surfaces, and while mail doesn't seem to be a major source of transmission, it's still unhygienic to spread your saliva, which has long been a source of viral transmission and spread in many common colds and flus.

If you're concerned about the hygiene of licking your wedding invitations, there are several alternatives you can consider:

• Using a sponge and some water to dampen the envelope flap.
• Using a small bowl of water and a paper towel, Q-tip, or paintbrush to dampen the envelope flap.
• Purchasing envelope moisteners or glue sticks from office supply stores.
• Using stickers, seals, or wax to seal the envelopes.

What are some alternatives to licking envelopes?

Licking envelopes is not only unhygienic but can also be time-consuming and leave a bad taste in your mouth. If you're looking for an alternative to licking envelopes for your wedding invitations, here are some great options:

Sponge and Water

One popular method is to use a sponge and some water. Simply dampen a sponge and dab it onto the envelope's glue. Be careful not to soak the sponge to avoid dripping water onto the envelope. This method is simple, effective, and much faster than licking each envelope.

Cotton Swab or Finger

Instead of a sponge, you can use a cotton swab or even your finger. Dip the cotton swab into some water and run it across the glue, or use your finger to rub water onto the adhesive. Just be cautious of paper cuts when using your finger!

Glue Stick

A simple glue stick can be used to reinforce the adhesive flap. Run it over the flap and apply a little pressure when closing the envelope. This extra adhesive will strengthen the seal, making it more secure.

Tape, Stickers, or Self-Adhesive Labels

You can bypass the wet adhesive altogether and use sellotape, stickers, or self-adhesive labels to seal the envelope. This method is especially useful if you want to add a decorative touch to your invitations. However, be sure to use enough tape to ensure the seal is secure.

Wax Seal

For a more elegant and traditional option, consider using a wax seal. This method takes longer but is perfect for high-end wedding invitations. You can even customise the wax seal with your initials or a logo.

Self-Seal or Peel-and-Seal Envelopes

Choose envelopes with different types of seals, such as self-seal or peel-and-seal. Self-seal envelopes only require pressure on the flap to activate the adhesive. Peel-and-seal envelopes have a tear-away strip that exposes an adhesive strip.

String and Washer Envelopes

For a unique finish, consider string and washer envelopes. These are fastened with a piece of string wrapped around two circles in a figure-eight pattern. They are reusable and offer a distinctive look.

Commercial Moisteners

Commercial moisteners are convenient plastic bottles with a sponge on top. You simply turn the bottle upside down and run it along the envelope seal. This method is quick and efficient.

Traditional Moistener Wheel

If you're looking for an old-school approach, try a traditional wheel moistener. These are typically made from ceramic with a cylinder wheel perched on a water basin. Run the envelope along the wheel after filling the basin with water, then press and fold the envelope closed.

Combination Moistener/Sealer

If you want to invest in technology, purchase an electric sealer/moistener machine. These devices feed your envelopes through and take care of moistening and sealing. Some machines even automatically feed the envelopes for added convenience.

DIY Moisteners

For a budget-friendly option, create your own moistener by using a bowl of water and some Q-tips. Dip the Q-tip into warm water and swipe it across the seal, then press the envelope shut. Be careful not to over-moisten to avoid soggy paper.

No matter which method you choose, there are plenty of alternatives to licking envelopes for your wedding invitations. These options will not only save you time but also provide a more hygienic and pleasant experience.

Is it a good idea to lick envelopes from a health perspective?

Licking envelopes to seal them is not only unpleasant but can also be unhygienic. The taste of the glue is off-putting, and there is a risk of paper cuts on your tongue. There is also a small chance of contamination from dust mites, toxic chemicals, or a worker who hasn't washed their hands.

While the glue itself is not dangerous, it may be contaminated. Dr Thomas Dwan advises sticking to self-adhesive envelopes. He explains that most scares about glue are just rumours, and the glue itself is made of gum Arabic, a substance found in M&Ms. However, you can't control possible contaminants.

Bacteria and viruses can be transmitted through surfaces, and while mail doesn't seem to be a major source of transmission, it's still unhygienic to spread your saliva, which is a source of viral transmission for many common colds and flus.

There are many alternatives to licking envelopes, such as using a sponge and some water, a damp cloth or paper towel, stickers, or self-adhesive envelopes. Some people also suggest using a small paintbrush and a bowl of water, a glue stick, or a cheap $1 store adhesive stick.

Is it possible to get paper cuts from licking envelopes?

Licking envelopes is a common practice, but it's not without its risks. The traditional way of sealing envelopes has always been to lick the adhesive strip, but this method can be time-consuming and unpleasant, especially when sealing multiple envelopes. The taste of the adhesive can be off-putting, and it can also dry out your tongue.

One of the main concerns with licking envelopes is the potential for paper cuts. Paper cuts on the tongue or inside of the mouth can be extremely painful and increase the risk of infection. This is especially true if the paper is of lower quality or has rough edges. While it may seem like a minor injury, a paper cut in the mouth can lead to soreness, swelling, and even infection if left untreated.

To avoid paper cuts and other potential issues, there are alternative methods to sealing envelopes. One popular method is to use a damp sponge or cloth to moisten the adhesive strip. This way, you avoid direct contact with the envelope and reduce the risk of cuts. Other options include using a cotton swab, your finger, or a glue stick to apply moisture or additional adhesive.

In addition to the risk of paper cuts, there are other health concerns associated with licking envelopes. The adhesive on envelopes may be contaminated with dust, mites, or toxic chemicals. While the glue itself is typically not harmful, it's difficult to control what ends up on the envelope during the manufacturing and shipping process.

Furthermore, sharing saliva with the recipient of the envelope is generally not advisable. Bacteria and viruses can be transmitted through surfaces, and while the risk of infection from mail is low, it's still possible to spread common illnesses like the cold or flu through saliva.

For these reasons, it's generally recommended to avoid licking envelopes, especially when sending out invitations or cards to a large number of people. Using alternative sealing methods ensures a more hygienic and safer experience for both the sender and the recipient.

What are some pop culture references related to licking envelopes?

Licking envelopes has been a common practice since the 1840s, but it has not been without controversy. The "ick factor", as one source puts it, has been a concern since the very beginning.

In popular culture, the practice of licking envelopes has been referenced in various ways over the years. Here are some examples:

• In the TV show "Seinfeld", a character named Susan dies from licking envelopes, specifically from blood poisoning after cutting her tongue on an envelope.
• In 1865, the English magazine "Fun" published a joke about licking envelopes: "Why is an adhesive envelope like a boy who doesn't know his lesson? - Because it is licked and turned down."
• In 1895, a businessman named Sigmund Fechheimer died from blood poisoning after cutting his tongue while licking an envelope. This tragic incident was widely reported and led to various misconceptions about lickable adhesives, such as the urban legend that envelope adhesive contains cockroach eggs.
• In an advertisement from 1941 in "Life" magazine, a solution to the "tedious task" of licking envelopes was offered, acknowledging the annoyance of the practice.
• In more recent times, the direct-mail industry has contributed to the persistence of lickable envelopes due to their use of remoistenable adhesives, which work well with machines that mass-produce sealed envelopes.
• In an article from "The Last Word On Nothing", the author shares their personal experience of trying to write more letters and the challenges of licking envelopes, finding the practice "kind of gross".
• The author of this article also mentions the ritualistic aspect of licking envelopes, viewing it as a sacred moment that seals the letter and shelters its contents for the recipient.

So, while licking envelopes may be convenient and efficient for some, it has also been a source of humour, controversy, and even tragedy in popular culture.

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