In a world nearly consumed by digital advancements, there’s something special about receiving old-fashioned mail in the post. Envelopes are the first thing recipients encounter before they get the chance to read your message. These envelopes are used to enclose a material and meet the needs of the sender.
Unfortunately, we often underestimate the power of an envelope design. Not only does it affect the appearance of your mail, but it’s also a good marketing tool to take advantage of. Learning how to design an envelope that’s worth remembering is sure to leave an impression on your recipient.
Listed below are the basic elements of an envelope:
1. Front: Seamless envelopes usually have small windows that show the inside contents of the material. This is where the address and return address of the envelope appears. Otherwise, these components, along with the postage stamp, are found on the face of the envelope.
2. Back: This is where the flaps of the envelope meet to form and seal what’s inside.
3. Flaps: A standard envelope typically consists of two side flaps, a bottom flap, and a top flap. These are folded, overlapped, and sealed in order to secure the contents of the envelope. Keep in mind that the flaps of a commercial, wallet, square, and pointed envelope are all designed differently, so be sure to consider the type of equipment used to insert the envelope’s contents as well as the appearance you want.
4. Seams: The seams of an envelope are the edges where the flaps meet and overlap. The most common types of seams include the diagonal seam, center seam, and side seam.
5. Folds: This refers to the creases formed at the sides, top, and bottom of the envelope.
6. Envelope Openings & Closures: Every envelope has an opening and a closure with one side left unsealed for inserting material. Most envelopes used to send formal letters through the mail open on top and are sealed with an adhesive. Other non-square envelopes may be an open end or open side.
7. Window: Usually located on the face of the envelope, the cut-out area that shows a mailing address, return address, or a special message from the inside is called the window. These are either left open or have a clear or tinted layer to cover it.
identitystandards.illinois.edu
When we send a business letter to a client or a friendly letter to someone from out of town, we usually secure the letter in a special covering known as an envelope. But even with the most elegant stationery to enclose the document, your envelope would be useless if you fail to address it correctly. This ensures that the letter reaches its intended destination without trouble. Here are three things to remember when addressing your envelope:
1. Write the address of the recipient: On separate lines, you need to write the name and address of the person you are sending the document to. This includes the recipient’s full name, street address, city, state, and zip code. It’s best to use postal abbreviations in capital letters to specify the state. Avoid using periods or other punctuation when doing so.
2. Provide information about the sender of the letter: Indicate the return address in the top left corner of the envelope’s face. If you are the sender of the envelope, write your full name, street address, city, state, and zip code. The same rule applies when using postal abbreviations.
3. Place a postage stamp: Postage stamps are a small piece of paper used as evidence of payment of postage. These are purchased by customers and issued by the postal office or any authorized vendor to indicate that the stamp tax required for mailing the letter has been paid. To prevent it from being reused, a postmark or a cancellation mark is usually applied to the stamp.
Envelopes come in various colors, styles, and sizes. Some have a small window, while others feature a solid front. These envelopes can be used to send a letter, an invoice, a check, and other types of mailings to their intended recipients. The following are common types of envelope you’re likely to encounter:
Although they were initially used as a simple covering, envelopes cater to a wide range of uses in the world of communication and advertising. So if you ever find yourself in need of an envelope, make sure to keep these templates and guidelines in mind.
