Choosing The Right Envelope
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ENVELOPE
Choosing the right envelope is a combination of finding the right style, paper, size and message. We can help you with all of these choices.
ENVELOPE STYLE
Announcement (Invitation), Baronial and Commercial or Business envelopes are the most common types of envelope styles.
Announcement & Baronial
These are considered more personal or stationary type products. Although they can be used for marketing as well and in fact, often increase the open rate for many direct mail campaigns. To keep things as simple as we can (as there is no need to be an expert!) we stock and primarily use both of these products the same sizes. The main difference then between these to is the back flap style. An Announcement or "A" will have a square flap and square seams. A Baronial will feature a pointed flap and diagonal seams. Some of the our more modern color envelopes (rosa, moss etc,) we offer, will have even a deeper angled flap. We still refer to them as baronial, but they are often referenced as a Euro style in the U.S.A.
ANNOUNCEMENT ENVELOPES
Announcement Envelopes are preceded with an A designation (Example A-2) which indicates the size of the envelope. Some refer to these as Invitation envelopes as well. Sizing starts with A-2 (4-3/8″ tall by 5-3/4″ wide) and typically goes as high as A-10 (6″ tall by 9-1/2″ wide). These envelopes have a large square flap and side seam. Popular for cards, stationery, photographs, announcements, and invitations. These envelopes typically use text paper (see our section on basis weights and paper types). The large square flap is a great place to put a return address to give your product a distinct look. These can be machine inserted but are not all compatible. There are usually several varieties of announcement envelopes in stock.
BARONIAL ENVELOPES
Baronial Envelopes (and Euro style) are a more elegant look, associated with high end announcements, greeting cards or events. Distinguished by the deeper angle flap and diagonal seams, this envelope is attractive and eye-catching. The sizes on these envelopes range from 4 Bar (short for Baronial) to 6 Bar and an oversized LEE size. Basis paper is text. We keep a variety of baronial envelopes in stock.
About A2 Envelopes
Baronial Size: 5.5 Baronial
Measuring 4 3/8 x 5 3/4 inches, A2 size envelopes are popular for note cards, thank you cards, greeting cards, RSVPs and more. We off a variety of finishes, weights, and formats.
Card/Insert Match Size - A2 or 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 cards Flat or Folded
About A6 Envelopes
Baronial Size: 6 Baronial
A6 envelope dimensions are 4 3/4 x 6 1/2 inches, a standard size commonly used for social and corporate announcements alike. Choose from various paper options: coated one side, Luxury Duplex
Card/Insert Match Size - - A6 or 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 cards Flat or Folded
About A7 Envelopes
Baronial Size: Lee Baronial
Measuring 5 1/4 x 7 1/4 envelopes are the most common invitation envelope. Choose from a variety of customization options -print a return address, print my recipients name and ship to me or print and mail all there!
Card/Insert Match Size - - A7 or 5 x 7 cards Flat or Folded
About A9 Envelopes
Baronial Size: N/A
Not too big, not too small, 5 3/4 x 8 3/4 A9 envelopes are very versatile as they can accommodate a letter folded in half or a jumbo postcard! They're offered with several printing options if you have any creative needs - as they allow for more messaging or print content on the front. These also are classified as "Letter Class" by The U.S. Post Office, thus as long as 1oz or less, you mail with a single forever stamp.
Card/Insert Match Size -- 5 1/2"x 1/2" Flat or Folded
Business/Commercial Envelopes
Business/Commercial No. 10 Envelope
- Measuring 4 1/8" x 9 1/2" wide
- Card/Insert Match Size - 4" x 9 1/4"
Business/Commercial No. 10 Envelope Window
- Measuring 4 1/8" tall x 9 1/2" wide
- Card/Insert Match Size - 4" x 9 1/4"
Business/Commercial No. 9 Envelope
- Measuring 3 7/8" tall x 8 7/8" inches wide
- Card/Insert Match Size - 3 3/4" x 8 5/8"
Business/Commercial No. 11 Envelope
- Measuring 4 1/2" tall x 10 3/8" inches wide
- Card/Insert Match Size - 4" x 9 1/4"
Business/Commercial No. 9.5
- Measuring 4 1/8" tall x 9 1/2 inches wide
- Card/Insert Match Size - 8 3/4" x 9 1/4"
Business/Commercial No 9.5 Window (Great for mailing a CMA)
- Measuring 9" tall x 12" inches wide
- Card/Insert Match Size - 8 3/4" x 11 1/2"
Business/Commercial No. 13
- Measuring 10" tall x 13" inches wide
- Card/Insert Match Size - 9 3/4" x 12 1/2"
ENVELOPE PRINTING
General Printing
You can add custom content, images to the front of any custom printed envelope. Be aware however, if you are mailing via the USPS on most envelopes, we only recommend using the left side an keeping out of the addressing area. It is also important to position a return address in the upper right corner.
The back side becomes more difficult (unless you place a special order for envelopes that first printed on flat paper then converted into envelopes) We recommend keeping your content on the back flap and using it primarily for a return address of brief messaging.
Design Guidelines
The Design Guideline's tab contains a pdf layout for each size envelope we offer. This will best explain and layout the print area for envelopes for both mail and non mailing via USPS.
Recipient or Guest Address Printing
A few of our note card products offer addressing.
- We can print the recipient’s name & address on the envelope, include postage, insert, seal and mail for you
- We can print the recipient’s name & address on the envelope, include postage, insert, and return for you to mail. Popular if you are going to add a brief note or personal message to each card.
- We can print the recipient’s name & address on the envelope and return for you to inset and mail. Popular if you want to assemble your own campaign are going to add a brief note or personal message to each card.
- Choose Printing Location Front Center or to the Right
- Different address on every envelope
- Same address on every envelope if it is for reply mail
- Return Address Upper Left Front or Back Flap (if you want them returned to you, we suggest front upper left as the best approach.
- Recipient or Guest Addressing Only
Most Popular is different recipient or guest address on every envelope with same return address
Have any specific question or want to discuss jut send us an email hello@waybetterpostcard.com or call (301) 244-5383 or (301) 565-7000