Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Seal Inner Envelope?

Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process, but they can also be a little complicated. One of the most common questions asked by couples is whether or not to seal the inner envelope of a wedding invitation. The answer is no—traditionally, the inner envelope is left unsealed and placed inside the outer envelope, with the guests' names facing out. This dates back to the days of Bridgerton when mail was delivered by horse and carriage, and the outer envelope would be discarded upon delivery due to dirt. The inner envelope, which holds the invitation suite, would then be handed to the recipient. Today, the use of inner envelopes is less common, but they can add a sense of formality and luxury to your invitations. If you're using two envelopes, simply insert the assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope, then place the completed inner envelope into the outer envelope and seal it.

History of inner envelopes

The tradition of using inner envelopes for wedding invitations dates back to the days when mail was delivered by horse and carriage. Due to the dust, mud, and rain that came with this mode of transportation, the outer envelope of a wedding invitation would often get dirty or damaged during delivery.

To ensure that the invitation itself remained pristine, it was placed inside an inner envelope, which was then tucked within the outer envelope. Upon delivery, the messenger would remove the outer envelope, revealing the clean inner envelope to be presented to the recipient. This practice helped to maintain the elegance and formality of the occasion, even before guests arrived at the wedding.

The inner envelope also served a practical purpose in households. In the past, a footman would deliver wedding invitations to the home of the addressee. A servant would receive the package and remove the outer envelope, before delivering the inner envelope to the appropriate member of the household, as indicated by the title and last name on the inner envelope.

Today, the use of inner envelopes for wedding invitations is not as common, as mail is no longer delivered by horse or carriage. However, some brides choose to include them as a nod to tradition and to add a sense of luxury and formality to their invitations. Inner envelopes can also help clarify who is invited to the wedding, especially when children are involved, and provide an opportunity for a more personal connection with guests by using informal names or relations.

Addressing inner envelopes

Addressing the inner envelopes of a wedding invitation is a great way to add a personal touch and a sense of formality to your invitations. Here are some tips and guidelines for addressing inner envelopes:

• Traditionally, inner envelopes are addressed with the names of each guest invited to the event. This helps to clarify who is and is not invited to the wedding. For example, you can address the outer envelope to "Mr. and Mrs. John Shannon" and the inner envelope to "John Shannon/Sarah Shannon/John Shannon Jr./Emma Shannon". This is especially useful if you are having a wedding where only older children are allowed or if children are not allowed at all.
• Another benefit of using inner envelopes is the opportunity to be more personal with your guests. For example, you can use formal addressing on the outside and something more intimate, such as "Aunt Sadie and Uncle Mikey" on the inside.
• If your main objective in using inner envelopes is to protect the contents of your invitation, you can choose not to address them to save money.
• Inner envelopes are typically left unsealed for courtesy.
• When placing the invitation suite inside the inner envelope, ensure that the printed side is facing up and the flap of the envelope opens away from you.
• After inserting the invitation suite into the inner envelope, flip the envelope so that the guests' names are facing out, and then slide the inner envelope into the outer envelope.
• If you are using a single envelope instead of an inner and outer envelope, simply insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the outer envelope with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge first for a folded invitation.
• Remember that the use of inner envelopes is not necessary and is becoming less common. If you are looking to cut costs or reduce the amount of work involved, you can choose to omit the inner envelope.

Benefits of inner envelopes

Wedding invitations are a special kind of correspondence, and assembling them is an art. While the use of inner envelopes is not as common as it once was, there are still many benefits to including them.

The first benefit of using an inner envelope is that it clarifies who is invited to the wedding. The outer envelope can include the full mailing address and the names of the "heads of household," while the inner envelope lists each guest invited, without an address. This is a clear way to indicate who is and is not invited, especially if you are having a wedding where only older children are allowed, or no children are allowed.

The second benefit is that it allows you to be more personal with your guests. You can use formal addressing on the outside and something more intimate on the inside, such as "Aunt Sadie and Uncle Mikey."

The third benefit is that it adds a sense of formality to your invitations. Double envelopes were once the norm, and they are now associated with luxury and ultra-formal events. If you are having a black-tie or white-tie affair, this may be a good option.

The fourth benefit is that it protects your invitation suite. Mail service can be unpredictable, and even the prettiest mail can arrive damaged. Inner envelopes can help ensure that your envelope liner or wax seal arrives in pristine condition. Inner envelopes are not usually sealed, so you don't have to worry about guests tearing them open.

Finally, assembling your invitations with inner envelopes ensures that your guests are greeted with a professional-looking invitation, and that all the information is presented in a logical manner.

Inner envelopes and formality

The use of inner envelopes in wedding invitations is a matter of formality and personal preference. Historically, inner envelopes were used when mail was delivered via horse and carriage. The outer envelope, which was exposed to the elements, would be discarded upon delivery, and only the inner envelope, which protected the invitation, would be presented to the recipient.

Today, inner envelopes are not as common but can add a sense of formality to your wedding invitation. They are especially suitable for ultra-formal black-tie or white-tie affairs. The experience of opening two envelopes can give your guests a sense of luxury.

Inner envelopes can also serve a practical purpose by protecting the contents of your invitation. With the unpredictability of mail services, your carefully curated invitation suite may arrive damaged or dirty. An inner envelope can ensure that your invitation, envelope liner, or wax seal remains in pristine condition.

Additionally, inner envelopes can help clarify who is invited to the wedding. Traditionally, the outer envelope lists the "heads of household," while the inner envelope lists each guest invited by name. This can be especially useful if you are having a wedding where only older children are allowed or if children are not permitted at all.

If you choose to include an inner envelope, it is traditionally left unsealed but closed. This allows your guests to easily open the envelope without destroying any beautiful liners or seals.

When addressing inner envelopes, you can be more personal with your guests. For example, you can use formal addressing on the outside and write "Aunt Sadie and Uncle Mikey" on the inside. It's a thoughtful detail that can make your guests feel connected to you in a loving and intimate way.

In conclusion, the use of inner envelopes in wedding invitations is a matter of personal preference and the level of formality you wish to convey. Inner envelopes can add a touch of luxury and elegance to your invitation suite while also serving practical purposes such as protecting your invitation and clarifying guest names.

Sealing methods

There are several ways to seal your wedding invitation envelopes. The traditional method is to simply lick the envelope, but this is not always practical, especially if you have a large number of envelopes to seal. Here are some other options:

• Use a glue stick to seal the envelopes.
• Purchase an envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of the envelope.
• Use a Q-tip and a bowl of water to moisten the glue, then press firmly around the flap.
• Try a paintbrush, water, and a water-soluble adhesive.
• Apply double-sided tape with a roller, which works well for straight flap envelopes.
• Place a wax seal on the envelope.
• Use a tape gun or liquid adhesive.
• If your envelopes have an adhesive strip, peel off the paper and seal.

Remember, if you are using an inner envelope, it is traditionally left unsealed. However, you will need to seal the outer envelope. Once you have sealed your envelopes, place a heavy book on top of them to ensure they are securely sealed.

Frequently asked questions