Choosing The Perfect Envelope Flap For Your Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are a chance to get creative and make a lasting impression on your guests. The envelope is the first thing your guests will see, so it should inspire excitement and contribute to the entire invitation suite. From paper colour to flap shape, there are many options to choose from. The outer envelope, which carries the address, can be a classic style or feature fun details. Inner envelopes, which contain the actual invitation, can be sealed with a wax seal, adding an extra level of elegance. The shape of the envelope flap can also vary, with common styles including the Euro flap, square flap, and pointed flap. For a unique touch, consider custom dies, die-cuts, or adding a liner to your envelope.

Euro flap: a long back flap with a rounded corner, widely manufactured with many colours, textures and sizes

The Euro flap is a popular choice for wedding invitation envelopes. It features a long back flap with a rounded corner, creating a deep "V" shape that covers most of the back of the envelope. This style is widely available from many manufacturers and offers a vast array of colours, textures, and sizes to choose from. Whether you're looking for a sleek and elegant presentation or something more playful and creative, the Euro flap provides a versatile option.

One of the benefits of the Euro flap is its compatibility with various customisation options. You can add die-cuts, liners, and wax seals to elevate the design and make your invitations stand out. Die-cuts, created by cutting away a piece of the envelope flap, can be anything from fun shapes to monograms or lacey patterns. Envelope liners, on the other hand, add a splash of colour or a fun design, with some couples opting for custom floral liners to match their wedding motifs.

The Euro flap is also a practical choice for wedding invitations. Its long flap provides ample space for printing addresses directly onto the envelope, making it convenient for guests to spot their names and adding a touch of personalisation. Additionally, the Euro flap is considered a universal style, pairing well with almost any invitation design. Whether you prefer a streamlined, classic look or something more whimsical, the Euro flap is a versatile option that can complement your chosen aesthetic.

When selecting Euro flap envelopes for your wedding invitations, it's important to pay attention to the specific size and shape offered by different manufacturers. While the overall style may be consistent, each manufacturer may have slight variations in their Euro flap size and shape. This is especially important to consider if you plan to DIY your own envelope liners or purchase pre-made ones, as you'll want to ensure they fit your chosen envelope style perfectly.

Square flap: a classic, traditional style, commonly made in bulk for higher-end papers

Wedding invitations are the first thing your guests will see, so it's important to make a good impression. There are many options to choose from, but if you're looking for a classic, traditional style, square flap envelopes are the way to go. Square flap envelopes have been around for a long time and are commonly made in bulk for higher-end papers. They are a popular choice for letterpress invitations and are often provided by printers in large quantities at a fraction of the cost of coloured envelopes. This makes them a budget-friendly option without compromising on style.

Square flap envelopes are usually available in classic colours such as white or ivory, making them a timeless and elegant choice for wedding invitations. They have a simple, crisp design that exudes sophistication and refinement. The square flap is also versatile, as it can be paired with a variety of invitation styles. Whether you opt for a streamlined, classic look or something more playful, the square flap envelope will complement your invitation suite perfectly.

The simplicity of the square flap also provides a blank canvas for customisation. You can add a splash of colour or a fun design to the envelope liner, making it even more special. From sweet scallops to notch-shaped flaps, you can get creative and add unique touches that reflect your personal style or wedding theme. For a truly one-of-a-kind look, consider creating a custom die-cut design. This will surely delight your guests and make a lasting impression.

Square flap envelopes are not only classic and elegant, but they are also practical. They are widely manufactured and can be found in various sizes, making them suitable for different types of invitations. Additionally, their straightforward design makes them easy to work with, ensuring that your invitations are secure and well-presented. Whether you're looking for a traditional or modern aesthetic, the square flap envelope is a versatile and adaptable choice.

Pointed flap: a classic style with a twist, a crisp point in the middle

Wedding invitations are the first thing guests will see, so it's important to make a good impression and choose the right envelope. There are many options to choose from, but one elegant and unique option is the pointed flap envelope.

The pointed flap envelope is a classic style with a twist. It is just as timeless as the traditional square flap but features a crisp point in the middle of the flap, creating a triangle shape. This style is perfect for couples who want to stick to tradition while adding a subtle modern touch. The pointed flap is also a great option for couples who want to stand out without going too far outside the box. These envelopes are readily available and made in bulk, but fewer print houses stock them, making them a little more unique than the standard square flap.

When it comes to the overall aesthetic of your wedding invitations, the pointed flap is a versatile option. They are often paired with more formal designs, as they are commonly used for ceremonial invitations. The pointed flap can also be dressed up with additional details such as die-cuts, liners, or wax seals to elevate your invitations and make them even more special. For example, adding a custom floral liner that matches your wedding bouquet is a beautiful way to surprise and delight your guests.

Creating your own pointed flap envelopes is also an option for ambitious couples who want something truly unique. Making your own envelopes allows you to choose the perfect colour, pattern, and weight of paper to match your wedding invitations. It can be a tedious process, but the stunning results will be worth the extra effort. You can find envelope templates online and use heavy card stock to create a stencil, or print the template directly onto your chosen card stock.

Overall, the pointed flap envelope is a sophisticated and elegant choice for wedding invitations, offering a classic style with a modern twist. Whether you choose to purchase them or make them yourself, these envelopes will surely make a lasting impression on your guests.

Straight flap: a formal style, usually paired with formal designs

Wedding invitations are the first thing guests will see, so it's important to make a good impression. The outer envelope, carrying the address and protecting the contents inside, should inspire excitement. The shape of the envelope flap can vary and contribute to the unique style of your invitation.

A straight-flap envelope is a formal style, usually paired with more formal designs. It offers a different style, with one flap that closes straight across the back of the envelope. Straight-flap envelopes typically do not have additional details such as die-cuts, liners, or wax seals. They are more commonly found on Euro-flap styles, which have a deep "V" shape covering the majority of the back of the envelope and are considered a universal style.

Straight-flap envelopes are also available in a variety of materials and colours. For a timeless texture, linen envelopes with a straight flap are available in classic white, cream, and black. Felt envelopes, with a soft texture and a timeless white and cream colour palette, are another option for a straight flap. If you're looking for a modern and intriguing option, translucent vellum envelopes with a straight flap are slightly see-through.

When selecting a straight-flap envelope for your wedding invitations, consider the overall vibe and formality of your event. This style of envelope is perfect for those who want a streamlined, classic look without too many additional details.

Custom flaps: from sweet scallops to notch-shaped flaps, you can create a unique envelope

When it comes to wedding invitations, the envelope is the first thing your guests will see, so it's worth putting some thought into it. While there are many classic options, such as the square flap, pointed flap, and euro flap, you may want to opt for a custom flap to make a unique impression.

Custom flaps offer a wide range of possibilities, from sweet scalloped edges to notch-shaped designs. If you're feeling creative, you can even add die-cuts to your envelope flap by cutting away a piece to create a fun shape, monogram, or lacey pattern. This technique allows the underlying layer to show through, adding a unique touch to your invitations.

If you're looking for a more subtle customisation, consider adding an envelope liner. This extra detail can elevate your envelopes by adding a splash of colour or a fun design. Many couples choose to include a custom floral liner that matches their wedding bouquet or overall motif.

Creating your own custom envelopes can be a fun project, but it can also be tedious. You'll need heavier weight paper or card stock, decorative paper or scrapbooking paper, a glue runner or adhesive, and a paper trimmer with a scoring attachment. It's important to choose the right tools and materials to ensure your envelopes are both beautiful and functional.

With custom flaps, the sky's the limit, and you can truly make your wedding invitations one-of-a-kind. Whether you opt for a sweet scalloped edge or a unique notch-shaped flap, your guests are sure to be impressed by your attention to detail.

Frequently asked questions