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Choosing a square invitation card is an excellent decision for your event. It is a break from the rectangular norm and shows guests that something special is going on. Your guests will certainly appreciate the fresh style and will look forward to what is inside. Now onto something that is equally important as the card: the envelope. With square envelopes being non-standard sized, picking the ideal home for your card might be more difficult than one might think. It should fit well, protect the card, and build anticipation to be opened. There is a lot to consider to make sure it is the right choice. Let's break it down.
Getting The Size Right The Most Important Step
Even though this is a very important step there is no guess work involved in this step. With a rectangular card, you may have a bit more freedom with this step, but with all other shapes you should do this step precisely. The card here is a square card, and you need an envelope that is meant for square cards. Based on experience, most people buy an envelope that is too tight. The envelope should not make you bend a corner of the card, and you should feel resistance when sliding the card in. For ease of use when sliding the card in, buy an envelope that is approximately; a little less than, half the size of your card. With an example of a square card that is 5 inches by 5 inches, a good size envelope would be 5 inches by 5 inches. That extra space, referred to as an allowance, is important because it's the difference between the envelope being flat and bulging. While shopping, you should always look for product specifications because that's where the most accurate answer is, especially when it comes to the interior dimensions.
Materials You Can Use
The kind of envelope you choose sets the tone for the event. Thick and high-quality cardstock invites require high-quality envelopes as well. You could get an invite envelope that is made of paper that is thinner than your cardstock, which will easily tear. With thinner envelope paper, they tear at the seams, which is not a good look. Depending on the size of the envelope, you may have to get one that is made of thicker paper to maintain the structure. This is one of the areas where you can consider the paper very carefully. For the envelope, you can choose smooth, satin paper for a classic elegant look, and a paper finish that is rough to add a more elegant and classy look. This will be one of the first experiences your guest will have, so you have to make sure, at minimum, that the invites will not be damaged during shipping due to cheaper materials.
Choosing a Color and Style
Now that the hard work is done, let's focus on the fun part, making your envelope look stunning! It sets the tone for your invitation. It stands out in the mailbox and develops excitement about what is inside. Would you like your envelope and invitation to look the same, or do you want them to be different? White or cream envelopes look elegant and go well with any design, but what do you think about a colored envelope? For a fall wedding, picture a rich burgundy envelope with a cream square, and for a spring baby shower, think of a pastel blue envelope. Envelopes can help set the tone of the occasion. Another thing to think about is the envelope liner. It is a detail that can make a big difference. When the envelope is pulled out, the liner is a pop of surprise and luxurious feeling.
Closure Types
How does the envelope close? This is a practical detail that also impacts the appearance and functionality during mailing. These options are also a matter of preference.
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The old-fashioned method is closing the envelope using a glue seal. This method is easy and reliable.
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Then, there are peel and seal envelopes, where the glue is covered with a protective strip that is removed. This method is very convenient, especially if you are sealing a large number of invitations yourself.
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Lastly, there are envelopes that may include a small wax seal for decorative purposes. These closures, however, are usually hand delivered.
For mailing, you need a closure that is secure enough to withstand the rigors of the postal system. A quality glue seal is a must, and you should ensure the seal is flat so it doesn't get caught in sorting machines.
Mailing and Postage Considerations
One of the biggest oversights in this process is mailing and postage. Postal services consider square envelopes nonstandard. They often require more postage square envelopes than a standard rectangular shape. To avoid the mistake of addressing and buying postage for all of your envelopes, bring a sample card with the envelope to the post office first and have it weighed. They can give you a detailed measurement of the postage you need. This gives you peace of mind because less invites will be returned for cancelling postage. And be mindful of additional items, like RSVP cards and belly bands. Be sure it won't look overstuffed and easy to close.
Customizing Your Envelope
Imagination is key when thinking about how to customize these beautiful envelopes. In the time of digital invites, envelopes, and even invites are a tradition and are extremely appreciated. The addition of a custom printed envelope encourages a personal connection to the invite. Additionally, it can elevate your invite to a whole new level. It may be a time saver, and make you look professional to have your return address printed on the back. You may match the font of your printed return address to the font of your charm. For a truly classy look, you may want to consider having the recipients' addresses printed in a beautiful calligraphy font on the front of your envelope. Cohesive and polished are a couple of great descriptions for this style. As you can probably tell, this is what we are attempting to achieve with the offset printing, or even hot stamping, at Yueyou Craft. When considering the custom options the envelope can, and in fact, will, turn into a keepsake.
Finding Harmony and Balance
When deciding the best envelopes for square invitations, it's good to think about harmony and balance. Which envelopes partner the best with the invitations? Give yourself plenty of time to decide. Order samples to touch and see it next to your square card to see if it feels like it. Find and check all the colors next to each other, and see them under different light. Use envelopes with enough weight for your card, and check if your square card is heavy. The entire experience from the design to the delivery is how the right envelopes square invitations start. It's perfect to ask guests to pull the envelopes out of the letterbox. It promises like invites to events and delivers perfect cards. Small details like this show your guests how much time you can spend on your events.