Your envelope is the VIP red carpet for your message – the first thing your recipient sees. Sure, the letter inside matters, but that envelope is your chance to make a statement. 72% of your consumers are likely to tell six or more people about you if you make a good first impression – the envelope is a small yet powerful way to make an impact. Designing your custom-printed envelopes is a great way to showcase your brand’s personality and make a strong first impression
The envelope sets the tone for the message you’re about to deliver—whether you’re sending out invitations for an event, thank-you notes for clients, invoices, or monthly business correspondence. Custom-printed envelopes are a fun but necessary way to ensure the first impression is as fabulous as the message inside.
How do I design a custom-printed envelope?
A custom-printed envelope gives your message a stylish “outfit”, so to design one, you must pick the perfect size, paper weight, and colors that fit your brand or the message you’re sending. Then, choose fonts that pop and create a balanced layout – or even add a little flair by embossing or foil stamping for that extra “wow” factor!
Step 1: Choose the Right Envelope Size
Before looking at design elements like colors and fonts, it’s important to choose the right envelope size. The size of the envelope must correspond with the type of communication being sent out and the contents inside.
Common envelope sizes include:
- #10 Envelope → standard for business correspondence, typically used for letters or invoices.
- A7 Envelope → a popular choice for invitations, perfect for a 5×7 card.
- 6×9 Envelope → ideal for larger documents, brochures, or catalogs.
- A6 Envelope → common for greeting cards or smaller personal notes.
Be sure to match the size of the envelope to the type of document you’re sending so everything fits neatly inside!
Step 2: Select the Right Paper Weight
The paper weight of your envelope is not about durability—it’s the secret handshake on your envelope. Measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm), the right paper weight gives your envelope that extra touch of quality. Choose wisely, and your envelope will not only look great but also feel like a top-notch “handshake.”
- 20 lb paper → standard for basic business envelopes, offering a balance of affordability and durability.
- 24 lb or 28 lb paper → a slightly thicker option that feels more premium while still being cost-effective.
- 32 lb paper → high-quality, heavy-weight paper ideal for high-end invitations or promotional materials, giving your envelope a luxurious feel.
The right weight for your envelope depends on the level of professionalism you need – for formal business correspondence, a 24 lb or 28 lb weight works best. In contrast, thicker options like 32 lb paper are great for special events or high-end promos.
Step 3: Color Choices – Set the Tone
Color is a powerful design tool – so much so that nearly 85% of consumers claim that color is the primary factor in their decision to purchase a product. That means it can be used to convey a message even before the envelope is opened. Consider both aesthetic appeal and the message you’re trying to send. Here are some suggestions.
- Neutral tones → classic colors like white, cream, or gray are versatile and professional – ideal for most business communications.
- Bold colors → colors like blue, red, or green can make your envelope stand out, especially for marketing materials or event invitations. However, make sure the color scheme complements your brand and doesn’t overwhelm the recipient.
- Custom colors → you can use custom colors to reflect your business branding or the theme of a specific event. For example, if you’re sending out wedding invitations, using pastel shades might be more appropriate.
A good rule of thumb is to keep things simple—too many colors can create a chaotic design. Focus on 2-3 primary colors to keep the design clean and cohesive. Plus, according to colour psychology, the majority of people, regardless of age, prefer the color blue.
Step 4: Font Selection – For Readability and Style
The font you choose for your custom-printed envelopes can significantly impact the overall look and feel. It’s essential to strike a balance between readability and style.
- Serif fonts → Fonts like Times New Roman and Georgia have a timeless charm that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any text. They are great for business letters or invitations for professional events.
- Sans-serif fonts → Clean and modern, sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica work well for minimalist designs and casual communications.
- Script fonts → If you’re designing wedding invitations or other special event mail, a script font can add an elegant touch. However, make sure it’s easy to read and doesn’t overwhelm the design.
Also, consider the size of your fonts. Your recipient should be able to read the text easily, especially the address (so the mail can be delivered to the right place). A font size of 10pt to 12pt works well for most envelope designs. You can adjust the size depending on the amount of text or the importance of specific details (like your business logo or the recipient’s name).
Step 5: Layout – Always Balance the Design Elements
Now that you’ve chosen your envelope size, paper weight, colors, and fonts, it’s time to lay out the elements. A clean, organized layout is crucial to ensure your envelope is visually appealing and functional.
- Make the recipient’s name and address the focal point of the envelope front. Place it centrally on the envelope for a formal look, or aligned to the left or right for a more modern design.
- Typically placed in the top-left corner or centered on the back flap of the envelope, the return address should be legible and match the overall design style.
- If you’re designing the envelope for business purposes, include your logo or brand colors subtly on the front. It’s the best way to reinforce your brand identity.
- You can add decorative accents like borders, illustrations, or patterns. For instance, a simple border around the edges or a small graphic near the return address can enhance the design without overwhelming it.
Balance is key in the layout. Ensure that the address details are easy to find, and leave enough whitespace around the text to create a neat, polished appearance.
Step 6: Add-Ons and Finishing Touches
To make your custom-printed envelopes stand out even more, consider adding some finishing touches:
- Embossing or debossing → raised or recessed designs add a tactile dimension to the envelope, perfect for formal events or high-end business communications.
- Foil stamping → add a metallic shine to logos or text, for a glossy, eye-catching feel.
- Seal or wax stamp → ideal for wedding invitations or special event mailings, a wax seal adds a personal touch that feels extra special.
Step 7: Print Your Custom Envelopes
Once you’ve finalized your design, it’s time to print your custom envelopes.
Always choose a high-quality printing service that can reproduce your design with precision.
Ensure the print shop you choose offers full-color printing options to bring your design to life and that it can handle the paper weight and size you’ve selected.
Remember to test out a small batch of envelopes before committing to a large order to ensure that the colors, fonts, and layout appear as expected on the actual envelope material.
Key Takeaways:
- Select an envelope that fits your document perfectly for business correspondence, invitations, invoices, or brochures.
- The paper weight affects durability, and options include 24 lb or 28 lb, ideal for business, and 32 lb for premium designs.
- Use neutral tones for a classic look or bold, custom colors to stand out, keep the design simple with 2-3 primary colors.
- Choose readable fonts – balance style and clarity with options like serif for formal and sans-serif for modern designs.
- Keep a clean, organized layout.
Design the Right Envelope with Letter Jacket Envelopes
Custom-printed envelope design can be fun and exciting. Turn plain envelopes into canvases that reflect your brand or style. With a few thoughtful steps, you can create an envelope that looks great and aligns with your message.
Envelopes are the opening act of your message, so set the stage right and leave an impression. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to craft envelopes the right way. Happy designing!
Letter Jacket Envelopes understands the power of a first impression. With over 65 years of experience, we offer professional mailing solutions that elevate everyday business correspondence and special event designs alike.
See different envelope sizes and styles to help you make a lasting impression. Visit the shop today.
