How to Design an Envelope in 5 Easy Steps

We all know that first impressions count. This is particularly important for your marketing and communications materials. Therefore, don’t underestimate the power of your envelope design, as it creates a crucial first impression for your recipients.

No matter your sector, understanding how to design an envelope is a vital skill. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to create an effective design, which envelope sizes help you make an impact, and how to print envelopes that complement the mail inside of them.

Why Envelope Design Matters

Recipients’ interaction with your brand begins before they even read your materials. It starts from the moment they lay eyes on your envelope. Your envelope is the beginning of your brand experience, reinforcing your identity and setting the stage for what’s to come.

As well as creating credibility and trust in your organization, a well-designed envelope increases open rates, so printing effective custom envelopes is essential for encouraging engagement.

How to Design an Envelope

Consider the following ideas to create an effective envelope that inspires recipients to read what’s inside.

1. 1. Pick a Size

   Your first decision in the design process is which size envelope to send, as this influences the rest of your design choices. Here are some common sizes for business envelopes:

   • #9 Envelope Size. At 3.875x8.875, the #9 envelope size is versatile. It’s handy as a reply envelope, as it can be sent inside a #10 envelope so that recipients can mail it back to you.
   • #10 Envelope Size. #10 envelopes are 4.25x9.5, which makes them a little bit roomier than the #9 envelope size.
   • 9x12 Envelope Size. These envelopes are large enough to send an unfolded 8.5x11 paper, so they are a good choice for materials that can’t be bent, such as certificates and letters.

   If you’re printing invitation envelopes, picking the best envelope size is simple: pick the same envelope size as your invitation. For example, if you’re printing an A6 invitation, you can print an A6 envelope.

   If you’ll be including more than a single piece of paper, such as inserts or multiple sheets of paper, it can be a good idea to size up your envelopes to allow for this increased volume. If you have any questions about which envelope size is right for your project, feel free to ask your printing partner for advice.

2. 2. Decide on a Layout

   Increase professionalism by including your return address pre-printed on your envelopes. You can also opt for variable data printing, meaning that your printing partner prints your recipients’ addresses directly on your envelopes. This eliminates the need for you to do it by hand afterwards and increases efficiency while adding to your organization’s professional image.

   When considering your envelope’s layout, you can add some decorative or informative elements, such as an encouragement to open the envelope and read what’s inside. However, be sure to include adequate white space, as this both makes your envelope pleasing to the eye and easy to read, and it helps the postal service deliver your mail to the correct address.

3. 3. Think About Color

   Including color images and text on your envelopes is an effective strategy to grab attention and increase open rates. Therefore, consider the benefits of opting for full-color printing on your envelopes. This gives you the opportunity to include your logo, return address, and additional message in a range of colors.

   If you’re looking to save some money on printing costs, consider printing in one or two spot colors to add some visual interest to your envelopes. Printing in only black ink can lead to recipients recycling your envelopes without a second thought, so add at least one color to catch the eye.

4. 4. Pick Effective Imagery

   Closely related to picking a color is picking the visual elements of your envelope. While you don’t want to overcrowd your envelope with so many visual elements that it becomes difficult to read, adding a few items of interest can increase read rates.

   Therefore, it can be a good idea to include your logo, an illustration or decorative element, or a call to action. This is a particularly good idea for mail that you’re hoping recipients will respond to, such as direct mail or marketing, donation requests, and limited-time offers. When you let recipients know what’s waiting for them inside the envelope, you increase the chance that they’ll open it.

   If you’re sending a wedding invitation, you can choose a font that looks like calligraphy, such as Magnolia or Redemption, to demonstrate the beauty of your celebration.

   If you’re printing envelopes for business communications, keep them minimalist and aligned with your company’s style guidelines. Consider including your logo and slogan, but you don’t need more imagery than that.

5. 5. Opt for Finishing Processes

   If you want to leverage your envelopes to make an even better impression on recipients, consider adding sophisticated finishing processes that demonstrate your dedication to the reading experience.

   One excellent way to do this is via embossing. This creates a pleasing tactile experience and is an excellent choice for items such as wedding invitations and business conference invitations, as it adds a luxurious aspect to the experience of holding and opening your envelopes.

   Foil stamping is another great choice. This adds attractive, shiny design elements to your envelopes, which further attracts recipients’ attention.

Print Your Effective Envelopes Today

By understanding the ins and outs of how to design an envelope, you can combine form and function to effectivize your communication and increase response rates. Envelopes create a lasting first impression, so sending professionally-printed envelopes is a must.

Here at ZoePrint, we print envelopes that lead to effective communication. Whether you’re mailing event invitations or fundraising letters, we provide excellent envelopes that represent you in the best light.

In addition, we print all the other print materials you or your organization needs, from brochures and invitations to booklets and business cards. Feel free to ask us about how we can help you make a difference through print.

When you’re ready to get started, order your envelopes online or get a custom quote!