When it comes to choosing your wedding invitation envelope style, the envelope isn't just the packaging—it’s part of the first impression.

One of the most common questions we hear is whether to use single or double envelopes. While both are beautiful options, there are a few key reasons couples lean toward one over the other for their wedding invitations. Let’s walk through what makes each style unique, and when double envelopes are especially worth it.

When to Use Double Envelopes for Your Wedding Invitations

Double envelopes are rooted in tradition and instantly elevate the presentation of your suite. You’ll receive:

• An outer envelope for mailing
• An inner envelope that holds your suite and can showcase who is personally invited

This envelope style is ideal if you’re going for a more formal, elegant wedding invitation look, or planning a thoughtful, detail-driven celebration.

Double envelopes make the most sense when:

You're inviting families or guests with plus-ones

With a double envelope, you can keep the outer envelope formal and use the inner envelope to clearly list exactly who’s invited.

For example:

Inner Envelope
Mr. and Mrs. Barnett
Amy, Marie, and Timothy

This approach helps eliminate any confusion and ensures your guests know who’s included—without crowding the front of your envelope.

Another common example? Addressing a single guest with a plus-one:

Outer Envelope
Ms. Rebecca Ellis
1352 Overlook Drive
Boston, Massachusetts 02108

Inner Envelope
Ms. Ellis and Guest

Designer Tip: Having your addressing printed on the envelopes is not required, but can be a great way to save time during the assembly process! If you’re interested in having us print your addressing, be sure to include guest addressing, name printing, and/or return addressing, depending on what you’d like included on your outer and inner envelopes.

Your wedding invitations include wax seals, ribbon, letterpress printing, or double-thick cardstock

Double envelopes help provide an added layer of protection during mailing, especially for suites with delicate or elevated details like ribbon, double-thick cardstock, or letterpress printing. The outer envelope helps shield the inner envelope and invitation from the abuse of the mail system, giving your suite the best possible presentation upon arrival.

Designer Tip: If you're ordering a letterpress suite or incorporating silk ribbon, your order with Shine will automatically include double envelopes. These materials require the added protection and structure to preserve their look from press to mailbox.

You want a more elevated guest experience

There’s something special about opening the outer envelope, and then seeing your name on an inner envelope. Double envelopes offer that subtle pause—the moment your guests know this invitation was carefully crafted, just for them.

When to Use Single Envelopes for Your Wedding Invitations

If your wedding style leans a bit more casual or modern, single envelopes are a great choice. They're clean, streamlined, and cost-effective—both in postage and printing.

Single envelopes are most commonly used when:

• You're comfortable with a more minimal presentation
• You don't feel the need to be highly specific about exactly who is invited
• Your suite doesn’t include letterpress printing, double thick stock, or embellishments

No matter what envelope option you choose, your suite will still be printed on high-quality cardstock with timeless design and thoughtful details.

FAQs: Wedding Invitation Envelope Style

Do I really need double envelopes for my wedding invitations?

Not necessarily! Double envelopes are formal, elegant, and ideal for couples who are prioritizing traditional etiquette or weddings with large or complex guest lists. But if your suite is simple, and your guest list straightforward, single envelopes work beautifully.

Are double envelopes required for certain suites?

Yes—at Shine, double envelopes are required for orders that include ribbon or are letterpress printed. These suites need the added structure and protection that double envelopes provide. For all other designs, double envelopes are optional—but are highly recommended for a more formal presentation or additional protection in the mail.

What should I write on the inner vs. outer envelopes?

The outer envelope includes the full mailing address and typically uses the most formal version of your guests’ names—like Mr. and Mrs. Steven Johnson. The inner envelope is where you can be a little more personal or specific, depending on your style. Some couples keep it formal (Mr. and Mrs. Johnson), while others use first names (Steve and Marie) for a warmer touch.

There’s no one right way—it’s all about the tone you want to set for your day.

Are double envelopes more expensive to mail?

Not necessarily. Postage is based on the overall weight, thickness, and shape of your suite—not the envelope style itself. While your designer will be able to give you more guidance based on your suite after your order is placed, we always recommend taking a fully assembled suite to the post office before purchasing stamps so they can confirm the exact postage you'll need.

Still Unsure? Take a Closer Look.

Whether you choose single or double envelopes, the most important thing is selecting a wedding invitation envelope style that suits your celebration and your preferences. If you’d like to explore more details, we’ve put together a more in depth guide on the differences between single and double envelopes, along with information on all of our addressing options.

You can also take our styling quiz to find the perfect suite and envelope style for you or order a sample to see your options in person. Sometimes, holding it in your hands is the best way to know.