Wedding Envelope Etiquette | Affectionate Digitals

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HANDMADE INVITATIONS AND FINE STATIONERY

Wedding invitations have traditionally included inner and outer envelopes. The outer envelope includes the return address, mailing address and postage and is gummed on the flap for sealing. The inner envelope is slightly smaller than the outer envelope and does not have a gummed flap. The invitation and other items are first inserted into the inner envelope. The inner envelope is then inserted into the outer envelope that is sealed for mailing.

More about inserting contents is at:The Wrap on Invitations - Stuffing the Envelope

Today, the inner envelopes are often being excluded for a variety of reasons. The wording etiquette guidelines for using inner envelopes is included below along with guidelines when the inner envelope is not used.

The names of those who are invited to the wedding are printed or written on the inner envelope. For example, the inner envelope for a married couple is addressed "Mr. and Mrs. Klein", with neither the first names nor the address appearing on the envelope. The inner envelope allows you to be very specific as to who is invited to the wedding. It is the best way to let your friend know whether she or he is welcome to bring a guest.

When a guest is invited but his or her name is unknown, it is proper etiquette to address the outer envelope to your friend "Miss Klein" and address the inner envelope to your friend and her guest "Miss Klein and Guest". If the inner envelope is addressed to "Miss Klein", it indicates that she should not bring a guest.

For your close friends and family, it is acceptable to address the inner envelope in informal or familial terms, like "Nana" etc.. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your invitation.

If there is no inner envelope, use the inner envelope etiquette rules on the outer envelope.

NEXT - Envelope Mailing Address - Guest Name

Wording Etiquette

Wedding Inner and Outer Envelopes