Wedding Envelopes 101: Unveiling The Meaning And Significance

Wedding envelopes are used for mailing out invitations to guests. They are addressed with the guest's name(s) and address, and sometimes include the host's return address. The outer envelope is formal and typically includes titles and full names. The inner envelope is more informal and may include first names only. The inner envelope is optional and is used to indicate who is invited, such as plus-ones or children. Wedding envelopes can also include RSVP cards and envelopes, details cards, and other inserts with information about the wedding.

Wedding invitation envelope printing

Wedding envelope printing is an important consideration when planning your big day. The outer envelope, which is stamped and addressed, should complement the overall aesthetic of the invitation and the wedding itself. You can choose from a variety of colours and sizes, such as square flap, contour flap, pointed flap, and translucent envelopes, to match your wedding theme.

When it comes to printing, digital calligraphy is becoming an increasingly popular option, offering a similar feeling to handwritten invites without the time and effort. You can also choose from different types of hand-styled fonts to complement the main invitation. If you're looking for something more unique, consider envelope liners, which add a decorative touch and enhance the tactile experience.

If you want to seal your envelopes with a flourish, wax seals are a great option. They leave a unique imprint that adds a touch of luxury to your invitations, but do require additional postage. Custom stickers are another option for a smooth finish, and they won't require any extra postage.

When addressing your wedding invitation envelopes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Traditionally, the outer envelope includes the guest's name(s) and address, while the inner envelope (which is optional) has the names of the invitees. When addressing married couples, you can use "Mr. and Mrs." or list their names individually. For unmarried couples, list both names with their respective titles. For single guests, use the appropriate prefix ("Mr.", "Ms.", or "Mx.").

With so many options available, you can truly customise your wedding invitation envelopes to set the perfect tone for your special day.

Inner and outer envelopes

Wedding invitations can include an inner and outer envelope, but the inner envelope is strictly optional. The outer envelope is what is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope only contains the names of the invitees and the invitation itself.

The History of the Double Envelope

The use of two envelopes dates back to when mail was delivered via horse and carriage. The outer envelope served to protect the inner envelope from getting damaged during the long journey. Although the mail system has been modernised, envelopes can still get damaged in the post, so the inner envelope provides an extra layer of protection.

Practical Reasons for Using Two Envelopes

The outer envelope is usually addressed only to the heads of the household, while the inner envelope lists the names of everyone from that household who is invited. This can include children or plus ones. This can help to avoid confusion and clarify who is invited. The inner envelope can also protect the outer envelope from smudges and tears if a guest uses a letter opener or tears the envelope.

Formality and Tradition

Using two envelopes is also a way to signal to guests that the wedding will be formal and traditional. A double envelope suggests that the event will be upscale and formal, and guests should dress accordingly.

Addressing a wedding invitation to a single person

When addressing a wedding invitation to a single person, the guest's title and full name are typically used. If the guest is a woman, the title "Ms." is used if she is over 18, and "Miss" if she is younger. For a man, the title "Mr." is used if he is over 18, and no title is necessary if he is younger. Here are some examples:

Example One: Without a Plus-One

On the outer envelope: "Ms. Ali Johnson"

On the inner envelope: "Ms. Johnson"

Example Two: With a Plus-One

On the outer envelope: "Mx. Sam Li"

On the inner envelope: "Sam Li and Guest"

If the guest is a widow, it is polite to ask if she prefers to be addressed using her married name or her late husband's name. For example, "Mrs. George Devereaux" or "Mrs. Blanche Devereaux". Similarly, for a divorced woman, you can use either "Ms." or "Mrs." with either her ex-husband's last name (if she still uses it) or her maiden name, depending on her preference. For example, "Mrs./Ms. Cookie Lyon" or "Mrs./Ms. Cookie Holloway".

If the guest is a judge, use the term "The Honorable" before their full name. For example, "The Honorable Sonia Sotomayor". If the guest is a priest, use the term "Father" before their full name. For example, "Father Damien Karras".

When addressing the inner envelope, it is common to use only the guest's title and last name, or just their first name if you are very close with them. For example, "Ms. Lemon" or "Elizabeth".

Addressing a wedding invitation to a family

When addressing a wedding invitation to a family, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use formal titles on the outer envelope, such as "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the parents' full names. If the couple is married, the outer envelope can be addressed as "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's full name. However, this is considered outdated by some, so you could also address them as “Mr. John and Mrs. Emily Perkins." For a married couple with different last names, list the person you feel closest to first, or use alphabetical order if you are equally close to both.

For the inner envelope, it is common to use first names only, for example, "John and Emily" or "John and Emily Perkins." If you are inviting children under the age of 18, their names are typically included on the inner envelope but not on the outer envelope. List the children's names in order of age, with “Miss” before each girl's name. Boys under 18 do not require a title. For example, the inner envelope might read: "Mr. and Mrs. John and Emily Smith, Michael, Miss Rebecca, and Steven."

If there are children over the age of 18, they should receive their own invitation. If you are not inviting any children, simply omit their names from the invitation, but be aware that some guests may still assume their children are invited. To avoid confusion, it is a good idea to mention on your wedding website that children are not invited, providing a reason if you think it is helpful.

Outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

Inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Peter, Paul, and Miss Mary

Remember to stuff the envelopes carefully, with the inner envelope unsealed and positioned so that the flat side faces the flap of the outer envelope. Place the invitation so that the text faces the flap of the inner envelope, ensuring that the invitees will see the invitation as soon as they open the inner envelope.

Addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple

When addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple, there are a few different approaches you can take depending on the couple's preferences and the level of formality you wish to convey. Here are some options to consider:

Traditional and Formal Approach:

• For heterosexual couples with the same last name, use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's first and last name. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren".
• If you want to include the wife's name, you can write "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren".
• For same-sex couples with the same last name, either name can go first. For example, "Mr. and Mr. Adam Miller".

Modern and Informal Approach:

• For a less traditional approach, remove the titles and include both first names and the joint last name. For example, "Thomas and Michelle Warren".
• If the couple has different last names, write their names on the same line with the person you are closest to first. For example, "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez".
• If one spouse has chosen to hyphenate their last name, the invitation can be addressed as "Mr. Marcus Craft and Mr. Brian Crosby-Craft".

Married Couple with Children:

• If you are inviting a married couple with children under 18, use a two-line format. The first line addresses the couple, and the second line lists the children's names. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Garcia, Isobel and Alex".
• For children over 18, it is recommended to send separate invitations.

Married Couple with Distinguished Titles:

• If one or both spouses have distinguished titles such as doctors, military personnel, lawyers, or judges, include these titles in the address. For example, "Doctor Tami Takata and Mr. Christopher Smith".
• If both spouses have the same title, they can be addressed together as "The Doctors Smith".

Remember, these are just guidelines, and you can adapt them based on your relationship with the couple and the tone of your wedding. The most important thing is to ensure that your guests feel respected and welcomed by your invitation.

Frequently asked questions