Wedding invitations are a crucial piece of mail, inviting guests to witness one of the most important days of your life. The perfect wedding starts with the invitations, and there are many ways to make them stand out. One way to elevate your wedding invitations is by using gummed envelopes. Gummed envelopes, also known as moistenable glue envelopes, feature a strip of adhesive along the flap. The envelope is sealed by moistening the adhesive strip and pressing the flap down, creating a secure bond. This traditional sealing method ensures that your invitations remain safe and protected during transit. Gummed envelopes are secure and prevent tampering, protecting your mail from damage or loss. They are also customisable, allowing you to print your guests' names and addresses, saving you time and making your invitations extra special.
What You'll Learn
Gummed envelopes are also known as moistenable glue envelopes
Gummed envelopes, also known as moistenable glue envelopes, are designed with a strip of adhesive along the flap. This traditional sealing method is secure and ensures the contents are protected during transit. The adhesive is made from the hardened sap of acacia trees, or corn, potato, tapioca, sago, and wheat.
To seal a gummed envelope, the adhesive strip is moistened with a damp sponge, bottled envelope moistener, or even saliva, and then pressed down. This method of sealing envelopes is more reliable than licking, and it is also more hygienic.
Gummed envelopes are secure and efficient, and the adhesive is strong enough to prevent tampering and damage to the contents. They are a popular choice for wedding invitations, providing a safe way to send out invites and ensuring they arrive in pristine condition.
A downside to gummed envelopes is that the adhesive may not always stick well, which can be problematic when sending important mail, such as wedding invitations. An alternative to gummed envelopes is double-sided adhesive envelopes, which are easier for recipients to open and can be more aesthetically pleasing.
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Gummed envelopes are safe and secure
For that perfect, secure finish to your wedding invitations, a gummed envelope is an elegant and traditional choice. The 'gum' is a natural adhesive along the envelope flap, which, when moistened, securely seals the envelope shut. This is particularly important for formal occasions, such as weddings, where a smart and tidy presentation is essential. The process of sealing the envelope with moisture adds an extra level of security, ensuring that your invitation arrives intact and unopened, a neat and professional package for your guests to receive.
The benefits of gummed envelopes are numerous and begin with the very moment your guests handle the invitation. The smooth, flat finish of a gummed seal ensures a smart and sleek presentation, free from any unsightly bumps or lumps that may be caused by alternative adhesive methods. The seal also provides a strong and secure closure, meaning your invitation will not accidentally open during transit, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of your special announcement.
The use of gummed envelopes also allows for a more efficient and cost-effective posting of your invitations. The secure seal means you can be confident that your invitations will arrive in the same pristine condition in which they were sent, without the need for additional, costly packaging or protective measures. The natural adhesive is also an environmentally friendly option, often made from natural tree derivatives, it is a sustainable and biodegradable choice, ensuring your wedding preparations are kind to the planet.
The process of sealing a gummed envelope is a simple one. The flap is lifted to reveal the adhesive, which is then lightly moistened with a damp sponge or cloth. The moisture activates the adhesive, and the flap is then lowered and pressed to seal. It is a quick and easy process, and once sealed, the envelope cannot be opened without visible damage to the envelope, providing that extra peace of mind that your invitation will be kept secure and private until it reaches your guest.
A gummed envelope is, therefore, an ideal choice for wedding invitations, offering a secure, efficient, and elegant solution. The traditional method ensures a smart and professional presentation, providing that extra special touch to your wedding stationery. With the added peace of mind that your invitations will remain secure and private during their journey to your guests, you can focus on the many other exciting aspects of your wedding day preparations.
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Gummed envelopes can be sealed with a damp sponge or envelope moistener
Wedding invitations are a crucial piece of mail, inviting guests to witness one of the most important days of your life. The perfect wedding begins with the invitations, and a key part of this is the envelope.
Gummed envelopes, also known as moistenable glue envelopes, feature a strip of adhesive along the flap. Gummed envelopes can be sealed with a damp sponge or envelope moistener, offering a hygienic and hassle-free alternative to licking. The envelope moistener or damp sponge activates the adhesive strip, which then becomes tacky and allows you to seal the envelope securely.
The traditional sealing method ensures that the contents of the envelope remain safe and protected during transit. The adhesive strip is made from hardened sap found in acacia trees, or corn, potato, tapioca, sago and wheat. It comes dry, and the sticky consistency is activated by water or another liquid substance.
When using a damp sponge or envelope moistener, be careful not to use too much water, as this can cause the envelope to become soggy and puckered. Once all the envelopes are sealed, place a heavy book on top of the stack to ensure they are securely sealed.
Using a damp sponge or envelope moistener is a more efficient and tidier way of sealing envelopes, creating a better "tearing experience" for your guests.
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Double-sided adhesive is an alternative to gummed envelopes
Wedding invitations are a special kind of correspondence that deserves an extra touch of elegance and care. When it comes to sealing your envelopes, you may consider the traditional method of using gummed flaps, but there is an alternative option: double-sided adhesive. This method offers a stronger bond, ease of use, and a tidier "tearing experience" for your guests.
Gummed envelopes have flaps coated with a natural adhesive, typically derived from the sap of acacia trees or other starch sources like corn or wheat. While this method has been used for ages, it may not always provide a reliable seal, especially for important wedding invitations. The adhesive needs to be activated with water or moisture, which can be messy and inconvenient.
On the other hand, double-sided adhesive provides a modern and efficient solution. These adhesives, often in the form of tapes, offer a strong bond that can securely mount items to various surfaces, including paper, wood, and even steel. The tape is easy to use and can be applied with a tape gun for efficiency, making assembly a breeze.
One of the most significant advantages of using double-sided adhesive is the "tearing experience" it offers. Unlike gummed envelopes that can be tedious to open and often result in shredded edges, double-sided adhesive allows for a cleaner and more satisfying opening. Your guests will appreciate the ease of opening and the ability to reseal the envelope if needed.
Additionally, double-sided adhesive tapes come in various sizes and strengths, making them versatile for different envelope types and ensuring a secure seal. They are also invisible, adding to the elegance of your wedding invitations without any visible distractions.
When it comes to your special day, it's the little details that matter. Opting for double-sided adhesive for your wedding invitation envelopes ensures a neat and reliable seal, enhancing the overall presentation of your correspondence. It's a small touch that makes a big difference and creates a positive first impression for your guests.
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Inner envelopes are optional
Wedding invitations can include an inner and outer envelope, but an inner envelope is strictly optional. The outer envelope is what is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope only has the names of the invitees and contains the invitation inside.
The inner envelope is smaller than the outer envelope and has traditionally been marked only by the titles and last name(s) of the guest(s). However, this is no longer necessary due to the proper handling of the outer envelope by automated readers.
The choice of inner and outer envelopes can be beneficial for a few reasons:
- By having two sets of envelopes, you can be super clear about who is invited to your wedding—and, by omission, who is not.
- The inner envelope makes it perfectly clear who is (or isn't) invited to the festivities.
- Two envelopes ensure that the inner envelope is kept pristine and flawless.
- Another benefit is the ability to clarify who else is invited, such as plus-ones or children.
However, there is no rule that requires you to use multiple envelopes. Using both is more traditional and formal, and can help set the tone for your event. But it can also be seen as a waste of paper, and there isn't much else to gain from using two envelopes.
Ultimately, it's up to you whether to include an inner envelope or not. Maybe your wedding is laid-back and intimate, or perhaps you're looking to invest your stationery budget in other areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Gummed envelopes have a sticky adhesive flap that is activated by water, whereas other envelopes may use a peel-and-seal method, or button and string.
To seal a gummed envelope, use a small amount of water along the gummed edge of the envelope. You can use a sponge or a bottled envelope moistener to apply the water. Be careful not to use too much water, as this can cause the envelope to become soggy and puckered.
Gummed envelopes are traditional and can be more aesthetically pleasing, but envelopes with double-sided adhesive are more efficient and provide a better "tearing experience" for your guests.
After assembling your invitation suite, insert the fully assembled invitation into the envelope with the left edge first for a single-card invitation, or the folded edge first for a folded invitation. Then, use a small amount of water to activate the gummed adhesive and seal the envelope.