Wedding etiquette question- no inner envelope?

[musincy]

I''m thinking about purchasing my invitations from Target and printing them myself. The kit I was looking at has no inner envelope, though. What is the proper etiquette for notifying one of your guests that they may invite a date if you only have an outer envelope? I know it may be possible to find envelopes that would be slightly bigger and could serve as outer envelopes, but if I can''t, I would like to know my options without confusing anyone!

Thanks for your help!

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

I think separate inner and outer envelopes, while a nice traditional touch, are not necessary in this day and age. You could either address the outer envelope the same way you would the inner envelope, or you could add names to the RSVP cards so it''s clear who is invited.

 

[Cleopatra]

We didn''t have inner envelopes - our invites were fairly modern, so we wanted the "packaging" to reflect that - inner envelopes are very traditional, but unnecessary.

We simply addressed to each person on the outter envelope and included guests on the outter envelope also.

 

[neatfreak]

We addressed it on the outside too. No one complained about our lack of inner envelopes!

 

[Cleopatra]

Date: 10/7/2008 8:33:55 AM
Author: neatfreak
We addressed it on the outside too. No one complained about our lack of inner envelopes!

You know, I was worried that some might find the lack of inner envelope "tacky" or "cheap" - but, to my surprise, so many people commented on how lovely my invites were, and, to quote, "those double envelope things are so stupid!"

So, people DID notice that there wasn''t an inner envelope, but no one cared in the first place...

Oh and Musincy, we simply addressed the invites to "Ms. Jane Smith and Guest" on the outter envelope. Plain and simple.

 

[sunnyd]

BF and I just got an invite that addressed to him and guest. No inner. Nobody died. It''ll be fine.

 

[Haven]

Rather than addressing the outer envelope to "and guest" I would either include a handwritten note, or call the guest up (or better yet--speak to him in person) to inform them that they are welcome to bring a guest.

I also like the idea to somehow add the guest to the response card.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

We also didn''t have an inner envelope.

 

[musincy]

Okay, I think you all convinced me I really like the invitations, and for $35 + printing, I can''t pass that up. Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[musincy]

Date: 10/7/2008 7:09:05 AM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
I think separate inner and outer envelopes, while a nice traditional touch, are not necessary in this day and age. You could either address the outer envelope the same way you would the inner envelope, or you could add names to the RSVP cards so it''s clear who is invited.

How would you suggest wording it on the RSVP card?

 

[oobiecoo]

Date: 10/7/2008 4:10:55 PM
Author: musincy
Okay, I think you all convinced me I really like the invitations, and for $35 + printing, I can''t pass that up. Thanks for your suggestions!

Yes... definitely go with them! We didn''t have the inner envelope and just wrote "and guest" on the outside envelope. That''s a really great price!

 

[marchswallowbird]

My etiquette book (YES, I actuallly have two of those things) says the same thing Hudson Hawk said. If you know the guest''s full name, put it on the outside envelope. If you don''t, instead of putting "and guest" on the envelope, tuck a personal note inside. They suggest wording the note "...and of course ''Robert'' is also invited." That makes it clear he is invited and ALSO makes clear that not just ANY guest is invited -- just ''Robert''. Good, if that is an issue for you, as it has been for others.