Custom Printed C6 Envelopes

Print Placement and Design

The front of an envelope that goes through the post needs to leave clear space for the address and stamp. Postal sorting works best when the address area is clean and plain, so most printed envelopes keep their main design to the back flap, the top left corner of the front, or a border that stays away from the address window, with printed address labels doing the rest.

Envelopes that are hand delivered or tucked inside a parcel are more flexible. Full-colour designs, patterns all over the front, or a large logo across the middle are all possible, because no franking or sorting machine needs to read them. Many card publishers print a small logo on the back flap and leave the front clear for the buyer to write on.

A printed return address on the back flap is practical for businesses that post cards regularly and saves handwriting each envelope.

Inside printing is a lovely touch that many people overlook. A patterned liner printed on the inside of the envelope, revealed when the flap is lifted, gives a plain white or kraft envelope a burst of colour without affecting the postal side at all. Card publishers use it to echo the illustration on the card, and wedding stationers often print a floral or monogram pattern to match the invitation suite.

Paper Colours and Weights

C6 envelopes come in a wide range of papers. White and ivory are timeless and suit almost any card; the guide to board and card types explains the paper weights. Kraft gives a natural, handmade feel that matches rustic wedding stationery and craft brands. Coloured papers, from soft pastels to deep jewel tones, let you colour-match the envelope to your card or brand.

Paper weight matters for feel and practicality. A heavier envelope feels more premium and hides the card inside, while a lighter one is cheaper to buy and post in bulk. Textured and laid papers add a classic, tactile finish that suits formal invitations.

When choosing coloured envelopes for posting, remember that the address must be legible. Dark colours may need a white label or light ink pen for the address, or a lighter colour chosen instead.

For greeting card publishers selling through shops, it helps to keep a small palette of envelope colours that work across the whole range rather than a different colour for every card. Retailers find it easier to restock, and you can order larger runs of fewer colours, which brings the unit cost down without any change to how the cards look on the stand.

Flap Styles and Closures

Envelopes have either a gummed flap, which you moisten to seal, or a peel and seal strip, which has a protective strip you remove before pressing the flap closed. Peel and seal is faster and more reliable when you are sealing a lot of envelopes, which is also why it is the usual choice on our printed mailer envelopes, while gummed flaps are cheaper and preferred by some stationers for a traditional finish.

Flap shapes vary too. A straight wallet flap is modern and clean. A pointed or diamond flap looks more formal and suits invitations. A deep flap gives more space for a printed logo or message on the back.

For a special touch, many stationers seal envelopes with a printed sticker or a wax seal. We can print matching round stickers alongside your envelopes.

Making Sure Your Card Fits

A card that is too tight in its envelope is frustrating to insert and can tear the seams. One that is too loose slides around and looks careless; for a thick card with a ribbon, step up to a square printed envelope. The C6 size suits A6 cards perfectly, but if your card has a thick board, a ribbon, a pressed flower or other embellishment, test the fit before ordering in bulk.

If you are inserting a card and a small extra, such as a voucher or a photo, measure the combined thickness. Very thick contents may need a gusseted or slightly larger envelope.

We are happy to send a sample envelope of the paper you choose so you can test your card before the main print run.

Slide Your Card Into a Sample Envelope Before Ordering a Run

A C6 envelope holds an A6 card with a few millimetres to spare, and that margin disappears the moment a card has a ribbon, a layered panel or a heavy board. So slip your finished card into any C6 envelope to hand before you order. If it catches at the corners, tell us the card thickness and we adjust, or suggest the next size up. Decide the flap style at the same time: peel and seal for a stationer sealing hundreds, gummed for a traditional wedding set. If the envelopes will be posted, keep the front mostly clear and put the design on the back flap.

Send the artwork or logo, the paper colour and weight, the flap style and a rough quantity, and a custom quote arrives by email within one working day with minimums set per job, so a single wedding or a small card range is fine. The free proof shows the print position on front and back. Printing takes 4 to 7 working days after approval and free tracked delivery reaches UK mainland addresses in 2 to 3 working days. Card makers often order the flat greeting cards to go inside at the same time.