Creating the perfect wedding invitations is truly one of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding. Selecting colours, finding the right words, finding your style, picking your wedding invitation envelopes and sealing them with a gorgeous wax stamp is a wonderfully ceremonial practice; one not to be underestimated. So if you've designed your dream invitations, and you're looking for the finishing touch to your invites - your envelopes - you've come to the right place. In this article, you'll dive into the realm of wedding envelopes! While they might appear insignificant, rest assured; they possess the power to elevate your wedding stationery to new heights of elegance.
Creating the wedding invitations of your dreams
You've selected the perfect wedding invitations and crafted them flawlessly down to the smallest detail. Next up, you'll want to finish them off in style. In other words, it's time to select the ideal wedding invitation envelopes for your unique invites.
Whilst they might not be in the forefront of mind when it comes to your wedding planning to-do list, wedding invitation envelopes play a significant role in the overall presentation and experience of your wedding stationery. Don't underestimate them!
Not only providing a protective covering for your precious invitations - ensuring that they arrive in pristine condition to your guests' mailboxes - your envelopes make a big statement. They'll serve as the first glimpse your guests will have of your special day, setting the tone and creating anticipation for the event. What's more, a beautifully addressed envelope can evoke a sense of excitement and intrigue, leaving a lasting impression.
So that being said, paying attention to the design and presentation of your wedding envelopes can go a long way; demonstrating your commitment to every aspect of your wedding.
What to consider when choosing wedding invitation envelopes
Read on to learn a little more about your wedding envelopes. Together, let us ensure that every element of your wedding ensemble harmoniously aligns with the awe-inspiring aesthetic you envision.
No detail is too small!
Choosing a colour
Depending on where you decide to purchase your invitations and envelopes, the process to pick a colour for your envelopes might differ. Having said this, one important thing to keep in mind is your colour scheme.
Which colours have you used in your wedding invitations? What colour scheme are you choosing for your overall event (for example your flowers, bridesmaids and other stationery items)? Choose something that matches your wedding and style as a whole.
On top of this, you might also want to consider what kind of impact you'd like to make upon your invites arriving at guests' houses. Hoping to pack a punch? Perhaps opt for black and white, or some other contrasting colours. Otherwise, if you're more interested in symbolising your romance and love story, choose paler colours; perhaps pink, lilac or shades of red.
Handwritten or printed envelopes
With colour options chosen, the other most important aspect of your wedding invitation envelopes is the written words on them. When it comes to choosing between handwritten or printed envelopes for your wedding invitations, there is an ongoing debate.
However, traditional wedding etiquette suggests that it is proper to handwrite wedding envelopes. Why? It is thought that handwriting offers a sense of personalisation. Since social correspondence is typically written by hand, and business correspondence is printed, handwritten might be more fitting and elegant fo the occasion.
Having said this, we now live in 2024, anything is possible, and there are some alternatives to handwritten envelopes that are widely accepted! Printed addressed envelopes certainly provide a convenient and efficient option, especially for larger guest lists. And if your wedding stationery provider offers this service, you'll find that they might have all kinds of styles and fonts up their sleeves. Opting for a service like this can help you to emulate the look and feel of handwritten invites, without the added stress and time commitment.
Ultimately then, the choice between handwritten and printed envelopes depends on your personal preference and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve for your wedding invitations. Just remember, that if you prefer a more streamlined and efficient approach, and a more seamless looking envelope, printed wedding invitation envelopes can save lots of time and effort.
Addressing your envelopes
You may have thought your wedding invitation envelopes would be the most minor part of your wedding planning. In some ways they are, but there are certainly some additional details to consider if you want to create cohesive and aesthetically pleasing invites.
When addressing your wedding invitation envelopes, there are a few guidelines to consider. But remember, these are only guidelines! As the organisers of your event, you are free to address envelopes in a way you see fit for your guests, your style and the level of formality you've chosen to move forward with.
Here are some general and more traditional tips for addressing your wedding invitation envelopes:
Married Couple with the Same Last Name
Use "Mr./Mrs" and "Mr./Mrs." followed by the first and last name. For example, "Mr. John and Mrs. Susan Smith".
Unmarried Couple
List both names on separate lines, using "Mr." and "Ms." or their preferred titles. For example, "Mr. John Smith" on one line and "Ms. Susan Johnson" on the next line.
Family
Address the envelope to the parents, using "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by their full names. If the children are under 18, you can include "and Family" after the parents' names. For example, "Mr. John and Mrs. Susan Smith and Family" or you can list the children's names individually if you like.
Usually, you'll want to remember to use proper titles and full names when addressing the envelopes. So, if you are unsure about the preferred titles or names of your guests, it's always a good idea to reach out and confirm.
Wax or paper seals
Undoubtedly, a wax seal is a gorgeous and luxurious addition to your wedding invitation envelopes. Originating from medieval times, wax seals used to be pressed into hot wax to close a letter as a form of signature and to prevent tampering of important letters. They have been around for centuries, however as the years have passed, the use of wax seals has changed from security to aesthetics.
Made from hot wax, these seals today are attached to the back of envelopes as a sign of personalisation and to signal the importance of a letter before it is opened. Wax seals are a very lavish touch to an invite, and one that won't go unnoticed.
However, if wax seals aren't for you, then that's absolutely fine. Paper seals, or otherwise no seal at all, are two other options you can opt for when it comes to your wedding invitations envelopes.
If you prefer a sleek, modest or hassle-free aesthetic, paper seals can provide a polished and precise appearance and can also be bought at a more affordable price point.
Should I use envelope liners for my wedding invitations?
Sending out an ordinary letter is pretty simply. You pop your letter in an envelope and send it off. But during your research into wedding invitation envelopes, you may have come across some information about wedding invitation liners, as well as the idea of doubling up on your envelopes.
Naturally, the decision to use envelope liners or two envelopes for your wedding invitations is a matter of personal preference. What you choose to do can have an impact on the overall aesthetic you want to achieve, plus it can also result in some practical differences.
Not sure which direction to go in? Here's a little information to help you on your way:
Envelope Liners:
- They add an extra touch of elegance and glamour to your wedding invitation suite.
- Liners provide an additional layer of protection for your invitations, helping to prevent any damage or smudging during transit.
- You'll have a choice of designs, colours, and patterns, allowing you to customise the look and feel of your envelopes.
Two Envelopes:
- Using two envelopes, an outer and an inner envelope, is a traditional and formal approach to wedding invitations.
- The outer envelope serves as a protective covering and is typically addressed to the guest or household, whilst the inner envelope contains the invitation itself and is addressed to the specific individuals invited.
- Two envelopes can provide an added layer of tradition, elegance and formality to your invitations.
- You'll also enjoy an added layer of protection to your beautifully designed envelope.
Wedding invitation envelopes with Peppermint Press
When you opt for wedding invitations with Peppermint Press, you are also provided with the option to purchase envelopes. Select your envelopes from a range of expertly designed colour palettes, and then top this off with our personalised envelope printing service.
Save time and your hands by having us print your guest names and return address on your envelopes. Available in standard or white ink depending on your envelope colour, envelope printing adds a stylish arrival for your guests to receive their stationery.
Browse our envelopes, taken from our beautiful design collections here.
