Making Invitations? Avoid Disappointment; Choose Your Envelopes First

When ordering invitations in preparation for an event, it is common to think that the first step should be to decide on the invitation card itself, and find envelopes for it later. After all, it is the invitation that sets the tone for the event and provides guests with a formal first impression, not the envelope it arrives in. However, while this hasty reasoning is initially sound, it all too often leads to frustration and disappointment.

Unfortunately, those planning an event often fail to consider the fact that a suitable envelope for that perfect invitation may never be found. Of course, in the wake of a big event, with approaching deadlines and extensive “to do” lists, no one wants to be spending several frustrating hours searching for particularly sized envelopes. Worse, if a suitably sized envelope can not be located, then that ideal invitation can not be used at all, and the lesson is learned the hard way as the disappointed planner starts from scratch.

The best way to remedy this potential disaster is to always follow the standard advice: Always decide upon envelopes first, and invitations after.

When following this simple advice, please keep the following tips in mind:

• While invitation card stock can always be cut to specific dimensions to fit into an envelope, an envelope can not be altered to fit an invitation.

• Envelopes are typically manufactured in best-selling sizes, perhaps making it difficult to find a suitable envelope for invitations with unique dimensions.

• Even if a suitably sized envelope is discovered, it may not be available in a double envelope, or in the color or lining initially desired.

• A heart may be set on an ideal invitation, but an invitation that can not be mailed is never ideal, regardless of how perfect for the event it may be.

• An easy way to follow this advice is to shop for envelopes and invitations together. This is the simplest way to match invitations and envelopes by dimension and color, thus making it easier to obtain the desired look and omitting potential anxiety, frustration, and disappointment down the road.