2nd Envelope?

rirvi335

Having a second envelope included in an invitation seems like just one of those things that is the "norm" for whatever reason. I'm sure it holds some sort of purpose, but for me and my very very low budget wedding it's just an extra cost. I'm sure I may get replies saying it's good etiquette and such, but can I also get some replies as to why people may get offended if I don't include a second envelope? For me, I could care less about the envelope... and I have a feeling most people wouldn't even notice... But what are some other thoughts out there. If there is anyone out there who would like to receive 2 envelopes in their invitation, please (I'm not trying to sound sarcastic, I'm really asking for real!) why should an invitation include 2?

mandi195

It's a formality, and while it does add to cost and time, I personally like it.
The outer envelope is obviously for the address and such, the inner envelope has the individuals names written on it again, and is more formal. (though, for wedding invitations, the outer envelope should be formal as well).
I am honestly not sure the reasoning behind it, or when/why it started; I just know that is how it is supposed to be done, and I like the added formailty. I'm sure other ladies on here will be able to give more info on it, just thought I'd throw my 2 cents in.

catloverd

We didn't do the two envelopes since we made our own invitations. We're also very eco friendly. One of my cousin did it though. She had a pretty formal wedding though. The other two wedding invites I had gotten didn't do two envelopes (they are also eco friendly people though). 

I personally find it odd and a waist of paper.  

jls522

I've received invitations with 2 envelopes and invites with one and never really thought much about it. I think it matters if you are inviting kids to your wedding. On the inside envelope, if you just write the parents' names, that is an indicator that the kids aren't invited.

Katred08

I'm not having them, but since you were curious about the reason, I believe it's because in the "old days" the outer envelope might get tattered/dirty in the mail, and since servants opened the mail for wealthy people, they could pull the pristine inner envelope out of the tattered outer envelope and just give the inner envelope to the person it was addressed to....or something like that!  Usually it signifies a more formal wedding.  The primary convenient thing I can see it being used for today is that you can list the names of everyone who is invited on the inner envelope....so if you're inviting John Smith with a guest, but he lives alone, you'd address the outer to Mr. John Smith, but the inner could be John and Guest, or John and Mary (if you know the name of the person he's bringing).

But if you don't care either way, ditch them.  It's certainly nothing anyone would be offended over, and its a waste of paper. 

rirvi335

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_invites-paper_2nd-envelope?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:cd062f89-8272-496a-b0ab-225e1f87acecDiscussion:6bf4341a-dd85-4598-9d78-bf12390c665cPost:944f6db4-9d22-40bb-8c7a-f4517b437807">Re: 2nd Envelope?</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm not having them, but since you were curious about the reason, I believe it's because in the "old days" the outer envelope might get tattered/dirty in the mail, and since servants opened the mail for wealthy people, they could pull the pristine inner envelope out of the tattered outer envelope and just give the inner envelope to the person it was addressed to....or something like that!  Usually it signifies a more formal wedding.  The primary convenient thing I can see it being used for today is that you can list the names of everyone who is invited on the inner envelope....so if you're inviting John Smith with a guest, but he lives alone, you'd address the outer to Mr. John Smith, but the inner could be John and Guest, or John and Mary (if you know the name of the person he's bringing). But if you don't care either way, ditch them.  It's certainly nothing anyone would be offended over, and its a waste of paper. 
Posted by Katred08[/QUOTE]

I really liked this post! Thanks for the fun fact. And since I'm not having a formal wedding, I think I'm going to be following your example and ditching them.

maggieandrey

I consider my wedding to be fairly formal, and I am not using a second envelope. I did all my invites myself (with the help of a couple bridesmaids) to save a lot of money. I just addressed the outer envelope to whoever it's intended for (Mr. & Mrs. Whoever, childrens names, etc.) 

I feel like if anyone judges me for not having a second envelope, then honestly, I hope they don't even bother coming to my wedding. I'm putting a lot of work into a lot of details, is it really worth my time and money for something that's immediately going in the trash?

I don't mean that to sound as cranky as it comes across, I'm really a pleasant person