Invitation Envelopes

Whenever you get down to creating your invitations it is best to think about the envelope first. The invitation envelope is typically 5.25 x 7.25 size. They are called Baronial Lee or A7 A-Style envelopes. Another popular size that is traditionally used is the 4 3/4 x 6 1/2 A6 envelopes. (I personally think these are a bit too small for invitations). There are plenty of other sizes being used these days though. Whenever it comes to wedding invitation envelopes there is a huge variety of sizes and styles to choose from. You can pick from many different sizes. Some people may choose to go with an A9 size which is 5 3/4” x 8 3/4”. This is the perfect size for a half sheet of paper.

Colored invitation envelopes are something that should be considered. If you do decide to do this try to find envelopes that match the theme of your event. Also, keep in mind how you plan on printing on these envelopes. If you bought black invitation envelopes this could pose real problems whenever you sit down to address them because printers do not print white. IF you plan on hand addressing them a silver or white paint pen could be a solution. Remember that you will still have to put the return addresses on them, but this could be done with a custom stamp and white ink.

Some people may like the new modern style of envelopes that are available. There are envelopes that are called pochettes. These envelopes have four corners the close down around the invitations. A lot of the time they are also put into a normal envelope so that they are more secure in transit. Many modern brides are using pocket folder envelopes for their invitations. This usually includes a flap on one side that displays the invitation and a pocket on the other side that holds all of the enclosures such as maps and the RSVP cards. All of these have somewhat different shapes. Some of them will need square envelopes and will require more postage to send because of this.

If you are considering going the traditional route, there are still a lot of decisions that you will have to make. One is whether you want to use inner and outer envelopes. The reason why most people use these is because they have received invitations like this so they think they have to, to be proper, which is not the case. The reason why you would want to use them is because the outside envelope will protect the inner envelope from any kind of marks and dirt that it will get through the mail. This is really important to some people because they want their guests to be able to save the invitations in a scrapbook to remember the wedding.

Having the inner and outer envelopes is also good because it gives you a bit more space whenever it comes to the addressing. You are suppose to address the person you want to invite on the front with their full name and on the inside you can add any of the guests that you want them to bring. You should also list any children that they have on this envelope as well. 

Lined Envelopes

You will also want to think about if you want lined envelopes or not. This is not necessary but it is a way to dress up a plain white envelope so that it seems a little fancier. People may also want lined envelopes because it should help from being able to see the invitation through the envelope. It is pretty difficult to find envelopes with different weight paper, it is pretty much the same across the board so if this is a concern for you the lined envelopes may be the way to go.

Envelope Sizes

You will also want to have some idea of what type of flap you will want. There are a few standard flaps. The ones that have a pointed flap are called Baronial envelopes. The envelopes that have a square flap are called A-Style envelopes. There are even some envelopes that have square flaps with rounded corners.

You may decide that you would like an envelope that is clear. These are called plastic envelopes and they come in all sorts of colors and sizes. They could be a lot of fun with the right design on your invitation. There are even some envelopes like this that are made out of vellum or glassine. 

Whenever you are trying to pick out the pieces for your wedding invitations it is best to try to have some sort of visual representation of it. Try to get sample envelopes and sample invitations before you buy them so that you can put the entire ensemble together. It is very easy to make mistakes and you want to try your best to keep it from becoming a costly mistake. It doesn't even have to be because of you for this to happen.

You should also keep in mind whether you want to include envelopes for an RSVP or not. Make sure that you envelopes are not smaller that 3.5" x 5" because if they are they will not be put through the US mail. You can also get stamps for these that cost less, so this is a good way to save some money. They are called 1 ounce stamps. 

Make sure to weight your envelope so that you know for sure that it does not weight more than 3 ounces. You can put quite a good amount of stuff in an envelope before it gets too heavy. As long as the envelope is at least 3.5" x 5" small and no larger than 6 1/8" high by 11 1/2" long and no thicker than 1/4" thick you will be fine with a first class stamp. Most envelopes fall within these specifications. These are the most commonly used invitation envelopes that can be mailed with a first class stamp:

• A2 Envelopes (4 3/8" x 5 3/4")
• A6 Envelopes (4 3/4" x 6 1/2")
• A7 Envelopes (5 1/4" x 7 1/4")
• A8 Envelopes (5 1/2" x 8 1/8")
• A10 Envelopes (6" x 9 1/2")
• Slimline Envelopes (3 7/8" x 8 7/8")
• 4 Baronial Envelopes (3 5/8" x 5 1/8")
• 5 Baronial Envelopes (4 1/8" x 5 1/2")
• 5 1/2 Baronial Envelopes (4 3/8" x 5 3/4")
• 6 Baronial Envelopes (4 3/4" x 6 1/2")
• Baronial Lee Envelopes (5 1/4" x 7 1/4")