Choosing The Perfect Envelope For Your Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are one of the most crucial pieces of mail you will ever send. They set the tone for your special day and are a promise of the celebration to come. With so many textures, colours, and styles to choose from, selecting the right envelope for your wedding invitations can be a daunting task. From luxury envelopes to laser-cut designs, and with various sizes, flaps, and seals to consider, it's important to know your options to ensure your invitations captivate with style and sophistication.

Colour and finish

When it comes to the colour and finish of your wedding invitation envelopes, the options are endless. From classic white and ivory to bold hues like red, blue, and yellow, you can choose envelopes that match your wedding colours or theme. If you want to add a touch of luxury, consider metallic envelopes in gold or silver. For a more subtle shine, pearlescent envelopes are a great option.

If you're looking for something more unique, vellum envelopes offer a soft, romantic look. Vellum is a semi-translucent material that allows a glimpse of the invitation inside. Laser-cut envelopes with a design or pattern cut into the flap are another way to add interest and elegance to your invitations. You can also opt for envelopes with a textured finish, such as linen or hammered effect, for a tactile experience.

For a more traditional look, consider double envelopes with an inner and outer envelope. The inner envelope is usually ungummed and inserted into a larger outer envelope, adding formality and protection for your invitations.

Don't be afraid to mix and match colours and finishes to create a unique suite that reflects your style. Whether you choose classic elegance or bold creativity, your envelopes will set the tone for your special day.

Size and shape

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a variety of envelope sizes and shapes to choose from. The most common sizes include A7 (5 x 7 inches), A6, A2, and square envelopes. You can also find smaller sizes such as RSVP envelopes, which are typically C7 or 62 x 94mm. If you have a unique invitation size, you can opt for square envelopes or custom-made envelopes to ensure a perfect fit.

The standard envelope shapes include square flap, contour flap, pointed flap, and Euro flap. Square flap envelopes are classic and versatile, while contour flap envelopes have a curved edge that adds a touch of elegance. Pointed flap envelopes offer a modern and sleek look, and Euro flap envelopes, with their pointed flap, are popular for their formal feel and extra space for printing return addresses.

If you want to add a luxurious touch to your invitations, consider metallic envelopes or envelopes with foil lining. For a more natural and romantic feel, vellum envelopes are a great choice as they are made of soft, semi-translucent material that allows a glimpse of the invitation inside. Laser-cut envelopes are another option to explore, as they feature a design or pattern cut into the back flap, often paired with a colourful envelope liner.

Additionally, you can opt for double envelopes, which include an inner and an outer envelope. This not only adds formality but also provides extra protection for your invitations during mailing.

Inner and outer envelopes

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of your special day. The envelope you choose will depend on the style and tone you wish to convey, as well as the level of formality.

Using inner and outer envelopes is a traditional way to add a formal touch to your wedding invitations. The outer envelope is the larger of the two and is more formal, usually bearing the full name(s) of the recipient(s), including their personal title(s). Inner envelopes are more informal, and you can leave out elements of the formal name format used on the outer envelope. Traditionally, inner envelopes are A7 size, and outer envelopes are A7.5, but you can find them in other sizes, such as 6.5" square inner envelopes and 6.75" square outer envelopes.

If you're looking for a supplier of inner and outer envelopes, LCI Paper is a popular choice. They offer a range of colours and sizes, and you can order them blank or personalised. Cards and Pockets is another option, with their huge colour selection.

Addressing etiquette

The addressing of wedding invitations is a crucial aspect of wedding planning, as it sets the tone for your special day and ensures your guests feel welcome. Here are some essential guidelines and tips to ensure your envelopes are addressed correctly and elegantly:

Outer Envelope Etiquette:

The outer envelope should be addressed formally. The traditional approach is to write out the recipient's full name, including their personal title(s) (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, Mx., Dr., etc.). This format is versatile as it works for couples of all genders, regardless of whether they share a surname. If you're unsure about a guest's preferred title, it's best to double-check with them beforehand. Alternatively, you can opt for a more modern approach by addressing guests by their first and last names only, excluding any titles.

Inner Envelope Etiquette:

Inner envelopes are more informal, allowing for a more relaxed addressing style. You can choose to include personal titles and last names or opt for a casual vibe by using only first names.

Addressing a Single Person:

When addressing a single guest, always use their preferred title. If you're unsure, it's safer to omit the title altogether. For invitations that include a plus-one, mention both individuals by name if you have that information. If you're unsure about the plus-one's name or are allowing a casual date, "and Guest" on the inner envelope is sufficient.

Addressing a Married Couple:

When addressing a married couple, put their names on the same line. You can choose to include their titles (Mr., Mrs., etc.) or forgo them altogether. If the couple has different last names, list the person you are closest with first, or go in alphabetical order if you're equally close to both. If one person has taken the other's surname, you can address them as "Mr. and Mrs. [Partner's Surname]."

Addressing an Unmarried Couple:

For unmarried couples living together, include both names on separate lines. List the person you're closest with first, or go alphabetically if you have no preference.

Addressing a Family:

When addressing a family with young children (under 18), reserve the outer envelope for the parent(s) or guardian(s)' names. List each child's name on the inner envelope. You can use "Miss" for girls under 18, while boys don't need a title until they're 16, when they can be addressed as "Mr." If you don't include children's names, it implies that they are not invited.

Addressing Children 18 and Older:

If you're inviting a family with children aged 18 or older, each child should receive their own invitation unless they live at home with their parents. You can include titles or opt to use names only.

Addressing Guests with Distinguished Titles:

When addressing guests with distinguished titles, such as doctors, lawyers, judges, or military personnel, use their professional title on the envelope. If both individuals in a couple have distinguished titles, list them alphabetically or with the person you are closest to first.

General Tips:

• Give yourself enough time to organise your address list and double-check details before sending out invitations.
• Individually addressing envelopes by hand adds a nice personal touch, but it's not necessary. You can print guest address labels, buy pre-printed envelopes, or hire a calligrapher.
• When ordering guests' names, some couples choose to list the person they're closest with first, followed by their partner. Others opt for alphabetical order. Ultimately, it's your preference, except in cases of distinguished titles, where the person with the higher-ranking title should be named first.

Printing and sealing

When it comes to printing and sealing your wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll need to decide whether you want to print the envelopes yourself or have them professionally printed. If you choose to print them yourself, you can find printable envelopes in a variety of sizes, colours, and styles from suppliers like Cards and Pockets, Amazon, and Envelopes.com. You can also hire a local calligrapher to address your envelopes for you, adding a personal and elegant touch.

If you're looking to save time and ensure a neat finish, many companies offer a guest addressing service, where you can provide your guest list and they will print the addresses for you. This service is offered by The Knot, as well as LCI Paper, who can also supply the envelopes.

When addressing your envelopes, it's important to follow certain etiquette guidelines, especially when it comes to titles and names. Traditionally, outer envelopes are more formal, with inner envelopes being more informal. On the outer envelope, it's best to use the recipient's full name and title (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, Mx., Dr., etc.). For married couples with the same last name, you can use "Mr. and Mrs. [husband's name] [last name]," and for unmarried couples or couples with different last names, you can list each person's name separately, in the order of who you are closest with or alphabetical order. On the inner envelope, you can be more casual, using only last names or even just first names if you prefer.

Finally, when it comes to sealing your envelopes, you have a few options. Most envelopes will have a gummed or peel-and-seal closure, ensuring a secure seal. You can also add an extra touch of elegance with wax seal stickers or envelope liners, which can be purchased from suppliers like Amazon, Envelopes.com, and LCI Paper.

Frequently asked questions