DIY Invites Update #3: The Perfect Envelopes

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Finalizing the size of our invitations was not as simple as I thought it would be. Our initial plan is to just follow the exact dimensions of pocketfold invites we usually see at the bridal fairs. Adrin was even able to discreetly get the measurements in one of the events last January. That was even our basis when we computed for the number of cardstock sheets we bought from Star Paper.

With the boards and tools on hand, I urged Adrin that we start the work soon, and I mean start the actual cutting and folding. I was then surprised when he showed me an envelope instead. To him, the envelope is a pre-requisite before starting anything with our boards. He wants to ensure that the invites would be a perfect fit to its cover.

He first showed me this—a pack of plain white baronial envelopes.

This is the closest size he found in the bookstore he went to, but he is admittedly not convinced with it because it’s far from suitable for a wedding invitation. The paper used is too thin, it’s not formal looking, and is a bit bigger than our target proportions. Baronial envelope: Scrapped.

Too plain

Then one time we were at Mall of Asia, we decided to check out National Bookstore to see the envelopes on stock. Aside from the baronial kind, the invitation envelopes available were either too small, too colourful, or both. But when I caught sight of this dark yellow pack, I got all excited.

Given that our pocketfolds will be navy blue, yellow envelopes is the best wasy to complete our motif. Albeit upon looking closely, they are not invitation envelopes but are actually catalogue envelopes. We liked the material though since it's smooth and thick (130gsm), however, the orientation is totally different from what we were looking for. Its size is also smaller than what we have in mind. Nonetheless we still bought a pack just in case we don’t find anything more suitable. At least we already have a sample of what to look for once we decide to buy the entire loot. 

Smooth enough to reflect some light

After 2 weeks, while we were at Greenbelt 1 to buy a cartolina for our invitation prototype, we again checked the racks for envelopes. And there I saw a glitzy kind, with horizontal orientation that is close to the size that we need. They have two colors available and we took better interest on Merida Cream. 

A pack of 10 costs Php96.75 which makes it roughly Php10.00 a piece. Not bad, given that (1) the paper is glittery which matches our cardstock; and (2) the material is thick enough at 125gsm. We actually did open a pack while at the store (with the intent to buy it whatever happens) to scrutinize the envelopes before deciding to purchase the entire lot that we need. 

It's a big plus that the flaps of these envelopes are rectangular unlike the others we saw which are usually triangular. Since it is not a perfect fit to the invite dimensions we have, we just decided to adjust our measurements. =)

See the shimmer? :)

Here are the three envelopes side by side.

With all requirements complete, DIY mode finally on!

Cheers!