When you’re working on a project, it’s not always clear what envelope size is best for the job. But it pays to think about it. Or maybe I should say, it may cost you if you don’t.
I’ll never forget getting a call from a bride-to-be and her mother, who were looking for a particular invitation and RSVP envelope, after they already spent over $600 getting their invites and cards printed someplace else. I hated to tell them there is no envelope size to match what they had already printed. There are sizes above and below, but nothing with the correct fit.
Of course, we ended up getting them envelopes that fit okay but if they had called earlier, I would have suggested correcting their final sizes by ¼” smaller or bigger. Then we could have accomplished an exact fit—the way we like it, perfect.
Unfortunately, these stories come up so often that it’s a good idea to choose your envelopes before getting your invites printed! Cards and invites are cut to the size you order, but envelopes are made in standard industry sizes. And if you are thinking you want an envelope made in a custom size, think again. Custom envelope orders regularly require orders of at least several thousand envelopes.
What do I need to think about when choosing an envelope?
There are many things to consider when choosing an envelope:
- Size: Announcement envelopes (quarter sheet or larger, A2, A6, A7, A8, A10), Standard business (#10), #9 Return Envelope, 6 X 9, 9 X 12, 10 X 13, and more!
- Paper weight, which is relevant for postage costs
- 1 color, 2 color or 4 color printing process
- Standard window, custom window, no window
- Security vs. non-security
- Type: Booklet, open end, open side, catalog, coin, collection
- The best part of a printed envelope project: textures, colors and sizes
How do I know what size to buy?
To choose the right envelope, start by sizing up the paper you’re using for the letter, greeting card or custom project. You want the project to fit in the envelope easily, but without excessive wiggle. The rule of thumb is an envelope that is ⅛” to ¼” larger than your card/project.
Is color printing worth the cost?
One tip for cost savings is to look at how your envelope is being printed: 1 color, 2 color, 4 color process or digital. If your logo is blue why not print it in blue instead of multi-color? If your logo is just blue, just green or just purple, Wisconsin Printing can print it that way.
You can save a great deal of money by converting a Four Color Process (CMYK) logo to one single Pantone color. Designers when instructed can design a logo in a single spot color or CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow & Black). This option is dependent on your current design or the final look you’re going for, but in most cases it is really simple to determine. If you’d like to find out if 1 color can work for you, send us a sample and I can very quickly let you know if you can save some printing costs while achieving the same final design/look.
Can Wisconsin Printing help me get the perfect envelope?
Want help setting up your envelope size or starting your project? Give us a call—it’s free and could save you money and frustration.
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