The Low Down on Double Envelopes and Lining

As a wedding invitation consultant, the subject of double envelopes sometimes raises issues.  It has become customary to use envelope lining in social invitations, and this begs the question of which of the two envelopes to line.

The true purpose of the tradition of using double envelopes is historical. Mail was originally delivered by horse and carriage. Due to the primitive nature of “pony express”, the outer envelope ran the risk of getting soiled.  The job of the inner envelope was to keep the contents of the wedding invitation package pristine.

The outer envelope is addressed to the individual or couple at their domicile. A postage stamp is placed in the upper right corner. The inside of the flap of this envelope is gummed, and will be sealed for safe mailing.

The inner envelope will list the names of all the invitees and does not have any addresses on it. The inner envelope houses the invitation, reception card, response set, direction card, website card and any other wedding enclosure.  The inside of the flap is not gummed and can be lined for decorative purposes. (If you are using black ink and the traditional folded wedding invitation, I would suggest skipping liner altogether or using a neutral colored one in your inners.)

As the world becomes less formal, and the social conventions of the past are called into question, I always recommend looking at your entire wedding mailing and determining what looks most elegant.  IMHO lining both envelopes is overkill.  If you want to use envelope liner with double envelopes, line the inner envelope and make sure it coordinates nicely with the invitation.  Enough said…that’s all she wrote.