Placing Wedding Stamps: Inner Envelope Etiquette

Wedding invitations can be a tricky business. There are so many elements to consider, from the invitation itself to the enclosures, and, of course, the all-important envelope or envelopes. The outer envelope is the one that is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope contains the names of the invitees and the invitation itself. But where does the stamp go on the inner envelope for a wedding invitation?

Well, the short answer is that it doesn't. The inner envelope is placed inside the outer envelope and is typically left unsealed. The outer envelope is the one that requires postage, so that's where your stamp should go.

Inner envelopes are optional

The inner envelope is used to address the invitee in a more informal way and includes the names of every person invited to the wedding, such as the children's names or additional family members. The outer envelope, on the other hand, is addressed only to the heads of the household. Using both envelopes can help clear up any confusion about who is (or isn't) invited. For example, for an adults-only wedding, the older teenagers in the family would be listed on the invitation, while any small children would not.

However, some couples choose to forgo the inner envelope to save money and postage costs. Additionally, it can be more environmentally friendly to use only one envelope. Couples who choose to use only an outer envelope can specify who is invited by saying "and family" or "and guest" on the mailing envelope.

Stamp the outer envelope

The outer envelope is the envelope that is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope only contains the names of the invitees and the invitation itself. The outer envelope includes all the information the postal service needs for delivery.

The outer envelope is usually more formal and traditionally includes the recipient's full name(s), including their personal title(s). This format is foolproof, as it works for couples of all genders who may or may not share a surname. If you feel personal titles might feel restrictive and exclusive for your guests, you can forgo them and use first and last names only.

The amount of postage required depends on the weight, size, and thickness of the envelope. Generally, wedding invitations are either less than an ounce or more than an ounce. If the envelope is thinner than 1/4" thick at its thickest point, then it can go through the sorting machine. Most wedding invitations are 5"x7" because this size is suitable for the standard postage rate. Square invitations automatically require a higher rate, as they cannot be processed through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled.

It is recommended that you take your invitation sample to the post office to find out which stamps to buy. You can also buy stamps online, where you will find a wider range of designs.

Include RSVP card and envelope

When it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, RSVP cards and their accompanying envelopes are crucial. Here are some instructive and focused paragraphs on including RSVP cards and envelopes in your wedding invitations:

The Importance of RSVP Cards

A well-crafted RSVP card serves multiple purposes. It provides a quick and easy way for guests to respond to your invitation, communicates the number of attendees, sets a clear deadline for responses, allows guests to select their meal preferences, and collects other helpful information. Ordering your RSVP cards alongside your wedding invitations ensures that you are ready to mail them together.

What to Include on the RSVP Card

The essential elements of an RSVP card include space for the number of guests attending, their names, and an attendance line where they can accept or decline the invitation. It is also good etiquette to include a space for a short personal note to the couple. If you are serving a plated meal, it is helpful to allow guests to select their entrées on the RSVP card. Be sure to include an RSVP deadline, usually no less than one month before the wedding date, and feature it prominently on the card.

Formatting the RSVP Card

The names of the guests are typically the first item on the card. For formal invitations, the line may begin with an "M" to indicate that guests should include courtesy titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss). The attendance line follows, with guests marking their response, such as "accept with pleasure" or "decline with regret." If there are multiple guests per household, consider wording that eliminates confusion. An entrée selection instruction line is included if guests are choosing their meals.

Addressing the RSVP Envelope

Print the address to which you want the RSVP cards mailed on the front of the envelope. Traditionally, guests are addressed using courtesy titles. When addressing the soon-to-be-married couple, only use their first names. Include postage on the envelope as a courtesy to your guests. It is also common to send RSVP cards with pre-printed response cards or without any response cards, instead directing guests to a wedding website.

Timing and Stamping

It is standard etiquette to ask guests to RSVP around one month before the wedding. This provides an accurate headcount for vendors such as caterers and transportation providers. Remember to include a stamped and addressed RSVP envelope with your wedding invitation for convenience and to guarantee a faster response time.

Assemble the invitation suite

Now that you've addressed your wedding invitation envelopes, it's time to assemble the invitation suite. This includes the invitation itself, as well as any other enclosures, such as RSVP cards, reception cards, or maps. Here's a step-by-step guide to assembling your wedding invitations:

• Start with the main invitation card, which should be placed face up. If you're using a folded invitation, place any enclosures within the folds of the invitation. Otherwise, stack the enclosures on top of the invitation, with the smallest on top.
• If you're using a vellum liner, place it on top of the invitation card.
• Add the reception card, placing it face up on top of the invitation.
• Stack any other enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards, face up on top of the reception card. If you have a wedding website, include the URL and password info on one of these cards.
• If you're including an RSVP card, place the RSVP envelope on top of the stack, printed side down, with the flap on the left. The envelope should be pre-printed with the mailing address and pre-stamped. Then, insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, face up.
• Add any finishing touches, such as a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, to secure the stack together.
• Insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope, with the print side up, so that guests can read the invitation as they take it out. If you're using a single-card invitation, insert the left edge first; for a folded invitation, insert the folded edge first.
• Seal the envelope using an envelope moistener or a wax seal.
• Add a return address label, stamp, or skinny wrap to the envelope.
• Bring a fully assembled invitation suite to the post office to determine the correct postage, especially if your invitation includes embellishments that make it heavier or bulkier.

By following these steps, you'll be able to assemble elegant and informative invitation suites that your guests will be delighted to receive.

Hand-cancelling prevents damage

Hand-cancelling is a process where a postal worker uses a hand stamp to mark ("cancel") each stamp on your envelope instead of a machine. This process is important for wedding invitations as it helps ensure that the envelopes don't get damaged, smudged, or bent during processing.

The machine used to cancel stamps can be rough on envelopes, especially if they are bulky or uneven. This can result in torn envelopes and damaged contents. By hand-cancelling your invitations, you can prevent this from happening.

Additionally, hand-cancelling can help ensure that the address on your envelope is read correctly. The machine sometimes has difficulty deciphering calligraphed script, especially if the ink is metallic or there are a lot of flourishes. By hand-cancelling, a postal worker will read the address, ensuring an accurate and timely delivery.

To hand-cancel your wedding invitations, you will need to:

• Assemble a mock-up of your invitation, complete with all inserts and accoutrements.
• Bring the mock-up to the post office to be weighed and checked by a postmaster or USPS employee. They will be able to tell you if your envelope is too bulky for machine cancelling and how much postage you will need based on its weight.
• Purchase the correct postage. The postage will depend on the weight of your invitation and whether it needs to be hand-cancelled. For example, an envelope that weighs up to 1 oz. may only require a $0.63 first-class stamp, but if it needs to be hand-cancelled, it would require additional postage (currently $0.24).
• Bring your sealed, stamped, and addressed invitations to the post office and specifically request that they be hand-cancelled. Do not drop them in the mailbox, as this will result in them being processed by the machine.
• If you are unable to hand-cancel the envelopes yourself, a postmaster or post office employee will be able to do it for you. It is recommended to go to the post office during off-hours so you can discuss your needs with the staff.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your wedding invitations arrive safely and on time, creating a good first impression for your guests.

Frequently asked questions