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Lisa & Brian
Dedicated November 2009

can I leave the inner envelope blank?

Lisa & Brian, on August 24, 2009 at 10:57 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 11

So I thought I was all set...printed my guests' addresses onto labels, printed our return labels for the response card...then after "googling" etiquette for wedding invitations, I find out that you are supposed to put names on the inner envelope as well. For example, on the outer envelope it could say "Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Smith" and then on the inner envelope would say "Joe and Mary."

Do I have to label the inner envelopes as well? If I don't, do you think people would care? I just see that being very time consuming and had wanted to get my invites out next week.

Looking for opinions.... Smiley smile

11 Comments

Latest activity by Lisa & Brian, on August 25, 2009 at 9:25 AM
  • Crystal
    Expert March 2010
    Crystal ·
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    I dont think it matters. I think the inner envelope is stupid to begin with but that is just my opionion. I know its supposed to protect the invitation or whatever, but its like a waste of ane envelope lol

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  • southerngirl
    Super December 2009
    southerngirl ·
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    The inner envelope is very important (if you have them--which we don't) to help be clear about exactly who is invited. No kids at the reception? Addressing the inner envelope to just the adults makes it clearer. Your cousin isn't going to be allowed to bring his girlfriend? Then only write his name under his parents without her name. That is supposed to clue them in to how many to RSVP for. We decided to skip the inner envelope since our DIY packet didn't have them and we are writing how many seats are reserved for that party on the response card so they don't assume they can bring more guests than I planned for. I'm also strongly encouraging online RSVPs here on WW and only those invited will be in the list for them to reply for. Read through some of the other posts about getting unwanted guests and use that to determine if you want to address the inner envelopes.

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  • Jacqueline Dziadosz
    Jacqueline Dziadosz ·
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    If you decide to use inner envelopes it would be a great idea to write the names of the guests invited from that household. It allows you to be very specific as to whom is invited to the wedding. It is also a great way to communicate to your friend whether she or he is welcome to bring a guest.

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  • 0
    Super May 2010
    05.01.2010 ·
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    The inner envelope is where you would write the childrens names, if you are inviting any, and if there are any guests invited.

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  • sweet_firefly
    Expert November 2009
    sweet_firefly ·
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    I don't think you HAVE TO use them. I'm not, but I'm addressing my outer envelopes less formally than what ettiquete states. As long as you are specific about who is invited on the outer envelope, then I don't think it's necessary. I don't think anyone will miss them.

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  • FMS, the barefoot wife!
    Master August 2010
    FMS, the barefoot wife! ·
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    I think if you really really wanted to get your point across that ONLY the people listed on the invite are invited, I would put it on the inner envelope., but really, It's up to you.

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  • Shell
    Master June 2009
    Shell ·
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    If your not going to label them why even have them? just skip it all together.

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  • Mrs Knight
    Super September 2009
    Mrs Knight ·
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    I second Shell, either address them or don't use them.

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  • JJ
    Master December 2009
    JJ ·
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    It depends if your family and friends are more prone to inviting uninvited guests....the inner envelope lists the guests specifically, including children's names....however, if you don't care or it's not an issue of concern, just send it blank...at least the invitation and the inner envelope will make it look nice and clean, even if it is left blank IMO

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  • Jessica
    Expert November 2009
    Jessica ·
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    I don't think it's a "rule" that you have to use an inner envelope. We are using an inner envelope, however, because typically you hand-write each person's name on that envelope to let them know who is specifically invited. It kind of clears up any questions like, "Are the kids invited?" Hope this helps!

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  • Lisa & Brian
    Dedicated November 2009
    Lisa & Brian ·
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    I appreciate all your advice. For some reason, it became such a concern for me. I was torn because the address on the outer envelope was very specific and I had "stumbled" over it on the Internet that the inner envelope was supposed to be labeled. After looking over my list, I will be labeling the inner envelopes as well. I appreciate all your opinions! Thank you!

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