Dumb question: What is the point of an inner envelope?

Yes, that is what you do. I think the idea is that the outer envelope is for mailing, and the inner envelope has the names of the invitees, e.g. "John Smith and guest." To be honest, I haven't seen an inner envelope in years and don't know who still does them. I'm putting "and guest" directly on the outer envelope. Good way to save on extra envelope and postage cost.

I'm not using an inner envelope. It's too formal for my wedding :-) I still see no point tho.

I'm sure there are ladies on here who could tell you what they're for...but personally, I never saw the point. It will add to your expenses, and unless you are having a tuxedo and black dress affair, I doubt anyone will care.

I think the main reason people use them is so guest still get a nice, crisp, clean envelope with your invitation, since the outer one can get mangled by the post office. I didn't plan on using them but they came free with my invitations - so two envelopes it is.

Def agree with Milwaukee_Bride. I ordered my invitations from Ann's Bridal Bargain. It can with an inner and outer envelope. Luckily it can with a card letting you know which envelope to address and what to include on inner envelope.

And what Beth said is correct. This way when they open it they'll know exactly whose invited.

I didn't use it.

It's a an old tradition.

The outer envelope was addressed to the invitees and mailed (or hand delivered to a butler). The butler would then remove the outer envelope and present the head of household with the crisp inner envelope with just their names (more personal and formal).

That's the history of it anyway, and for formal events tradition has carried down through the ages. Same principle, even if you don't have a butler. I had to fire mine last week. Economical hardship :-)

I'm not using all these envelopes. In my opinion, it just adds to the price of postage. I don't even have a belly band or whatever all those other fancy invite things are. Just three cards in a plain envelope. I even bought forever stamps with flags on them.

Can't remember the last time I examined all these details when I received an invite, so I'm saving myself the stress, time, and money.

They are a waste of paper.

I'm not doing one only b/c when you order from VP they don't include them. Plus it seems like a waste of money/paper. They are nice but just not something I am doing.

I am using an inner and outer envelope I think they look more formal