Wedding Envelope Etiquette: Lined Or Unlined?

Wedding invitation envelopes are an important aspect of wedding planning, and there are several factors to consider when deciding whether to use envelope liners. Firstly, liners add a unique and delightful touch to your invitations, allowing you to incorporate your wedding theme and colours. They also serve a practical purpose by providing extra protection for your invitations during mailing, ensuring they arrive in pristine condition. While some consider envelope liners unnecessary, they can enhance the unboxing experience for your guests and elevate the overall presentation of your invitations. Additionally, double envelopes, with an outer and inner envelope, have traditionally been used to ensure the inner envelope and its contents remain clean and elegant. Ultimately, the decision to use envelope liners depends on your personal preference, wedding theme, and budget.

The history of double envelopes

The use of double envelopes for wedding invitations is a tradition that has been practiced for many years, and it is often a source of confusion for modern couples. So, why do we use double envelopes, and where did this custom originate?

The outer envelope also served a functional purpose, providing a space to include additional information or instructions for guests, such as dress codes, RSVP details, or even maps and directions to the venue. This was especially important before the widespread use of telephones and the internet, when conveying such details verbally was more difficult.

As for the lining of envelopes, this practice also has its roots in history. Lined envelopes became popular in the 1700s, when envelopes were made from thin, delicate paper that could easily tear. The lining added a layer of protection, ensuring the envelope's contents remained hidden and secure. Over time, the lining became more decorative, with intricate designs and colorful patterns, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to the invitation.

Today, the use of double envelopes is often seen as a sign of formality and tradition, and it can be a beautiful way to present your wedding invitations, especially if you choose elegant liners or personalized designs that coordinate with your wedding theme or colors. While it is not a necessity, many couples choose to continue this custom, adding a touch of old-world charm to their special day.

The purpose of envelope liners

Envelope liners are a fun and unique way to surprise your wedding guests. They are more than just a pretty paper, as they help protect your invitation suite during mailing. Envelope liners give extra stiffness to your envelope to ensure your paper doesn't get bent or torn. They also help protect your envelope from smudges and dirt.

Envelope liners are usually made of paper or other flexible materials and can be designed in many ways. They can be solid-coloured, patterned, or custom-printed. You can add artwork, a wedding monogram, or even a photo. They are a great way to bring in an additional colour or add a pop of personality to your wedding invitations.

In many cases, envelope liners are an optional upgrade. However, they are recommended if you have invitations printed on double-thick paper or if you have attachments such as ribbons or brads that bulk up the envelope. Envelope liners can also be useful if you want to ensure that your invitations arrive in pristine condition.

The choice of using envelope liners or double envelopes is ultimately up to the couple. It can depend on their wedding theme, budget, and personal preference.

Are envelope liners necessary?

Envelope liners are not necessary, but they do serve a few purposes. Firstly, they can delight your guests as they open their mail, adding a unique and fun detail to their invitation. Secondly, envelope liners can help protect your invitation suite during mailing by providing extra stiffness to the envelope, ensuring the paper doesn't get bent or torn.

If you're using double envelopes, the outer envelope will help protect the inner envelope from smudges, and a liner can make this protection even more effective. Liners can also be used to bring in an additional colour or a pop of personality to your invitations.

However, liners are totally an optional upgrade and are unnecessary if you're looking to save money, time, or paper. Some people also believe that liners are pointless because most people use letter openers to open envelopes, which would cut off the top of the liner and make it unseen.

Inner envelopes and clarity

The use of inner envelopes in wedding invitations is a great way to provide clarity on who is invited to the wedding. This is especially important when inviting families with children, as the names of the children can be included or excluded from the inner envelope to indicate whether or not they are invited. For example, the outer envelope could be addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. David Wilson/The Wilson Family", while the inner envelope would specify "Mr. and Mrs. Wilson/David and Sarah", indicating that only the parents are invited and not their children. This helps to eliminate any potential confusion or awkward questions regarding the guest list.

The use of inner envelopes also allows for a more traditional and formal presentation of the wedding invitation. Historically, mail was delivered by hand, and envelopes could get dirty during transit. The inner envelope ensured that the contents of the invitation remained pristine and untouched. Today, the inner envelope is still useful as it provides an extra layer of protection for the invitation, especially if it includes ribbon, a brad attachment, or other bulky elements. It also gives guests a sneak peek into the style and theme of the wedding, as it can be designed with colours, patterns, artwork, monograms, or photos.

While the use of inner envelopes is not necessary, it is a great option for couples who want to add a unique and personal touch to their wedding invitations. It allows for a more elegant and upscale presentation, and can be especially useful for formal or traditional weddings. Ultimately, the decision to use inner envelopes depends on the couple's preferences, the level of formality they want to convey, and their desire to provide clarity on the guest list.

Some couples may choose to use both inner and outer envelopes to adhere to traditional wedding etiquette, while others may opt for only one envelope to save costs, time, and paper. It is worth noting that the inner envelope is usually not sealed, allowing guests to easily access the invitation without damaging any decorative elements, such as envelope liners. By using two sets of envelopes, couples can also ensure that their invitations arrive safely and in pristine condition.

Outer envelopes and protection

The outer envelope is the first line of defence for your wedding invitation. It is addressed to the individual or couple at their home address and has a postage stamp placed in the upper right corner. This envelope is sealed for safe mailing.

The outer envelope serves as a protective layer, shielding the inner envelope and its contents from dirt, smudges, and potential damage during the mailing process. It ensures that your invitation arrives in pristine condition, especially if you've invested in a custom envelope liner or intricate design.

While the outer envelope provides protection, it also sets the tone for your wedding. A double envelope suggests formality and tradition. It hints at the upscale nature of the event, encouraging guests to pause and take notice.

The outer envelope is also an opportunity to showcase your wedding theme and style. You can choose to line the envelope with colourful paper, patterns, or even a custom print featuring artwork, a wedding monogram, or a photo. This adds a unique touch and delights your guests as they open their mail.

However, it's important to note that using only one envelope is also common, especially for more casual weddings or to save on costs and paper. Ultimately, the decision to use a double envelope or a single envelope depends on your personal preference and the level of formality you wish to convey.

If you opt for a double envelope, the outer envelope plays a crucial role in ensuring your invitation's safe arrival and creating a memorable first impression for your guests.

Frequently asked questions