How many envelopes do you need for mailing your wedding invitations? What's etiquette and what's not? I get it. How could there be so many questions about something as simple as envelopes? Not to worry! I've got you. Here, I'll outline the three envelopes within a wedding suite and how to use them. Read on for some good nuggets on how to mail your wedding invitations.
THE SINGLE ENVELOPE METHOD
The most common way to mail wedding invitations is with a single envelope. If your wedding is laid-back and intimate, or maybe you’re looking to invest your stationery dollars in foil or letterpress printing. Or, perhaps you’re just not looking to use more paper than you have to. Then, single invitation envelopes may be the best option for you.
The single envelope holds the invitation, insert card, response card, and response envelope.
Guest addresses are printed on the front of your single envelope in fonts that match your
overall design. The return address is printed on the back flap. Your name is optional.
For response envelopes, your name and address are printed on the front of the envelope in
fonts that match your chosen design, making it easy for your guest to return their response cards.
THE DOUBLE ENVELOPE METHOD
(OUTER ENVELOPE)
The double envelope method is the traditional and more formal way of addressing and mailing your invitations. Double envelopes include an outer and an inner envelope and a response envelope. The outer envelope has the guest’s mailing address, while the inner envelope indicates precisely who is invited. If your wedding is black tie, classic, or formal, the double envelope method will be the most etiquette-appropriate. This traditional method elevates the tone of your event and offers a stunning presentation of your wedding suite.
The outer envelope is your mailing envelope.
The front of the outer envelope lists the names and addresses of your guests. If desired, your return address is printed on the back flap. It offers an extra layer of protection for your wedding suite.
The inner envelope holds your invitation suite.
Envelope liners and wax seals should be adhered to the inner envelope, and the names of the invited guests are listed on the front. This allows you to intimately state who are the invited guests and, by omission, who is not. This is the perfect and best way to eliminate the awkward “plus one” dilemma, as only the individuals listed on the inner envelope are the invited guests.
The response Envelope.
As mentioned in the single envelope method, for response envelopes, your name and address are printed on the front of the envelope in fonts that match your chosen design, making it easy for your guest to return their response cards.
Professionally Printed Envelopes
Adding a touch of elegance with professionally printed envelopes completes the polished look of your invitation suite. Depending on the style and color of the envelopes you choose, professional envelope addressing is available in black, various colors, or white ink options.
Stop stressing over what goes where and guessing about etiquette. The details found on the Sincerely Heidi blog will ensure your guests are as excited as you are when they pull your beautiful invitation suite from their mailboxes. Stay tuned to the blog at sincerelyheididesigns.com for insight and answers to the many essential details of your wedding stationery presentation. It's not just a cliche; it's true. Your wedding invitations are your guest's first glimpse of your wedding day.