Etiquette Guide: Return Address Etiquette For Wedding Invites

Wedding planning can be a stressful process, and one of the most important aspects is ensuring that your invitations reach your guests. A return address is essential for this reason, as it ensures that undeliverable invitations are returned to the couple or host. Traditionally, the return address is placed on the back flap of the outer envelope and is handwritten in black ink. However, modern alternatives include printing the address or using mailing labels or a return address stamp. While the couple's names are not typically included in formal return addresses, it is becoming more common for couples to pay for and host their weddings themselves, so using their names and address may be appropriate. Ultimately, the choice of how to format your return address comes down to personal preference and the level of formality desired.

Return addresses are placed on the back flap of the envelope

When it comes to wedding invites, the return address is a key component. It tells guests where gifts and responses are to be mailed, and it also ensures that any undeliverable invites are returned to the right place.

The return address should be placed on the back flap of the envelope, and traditionally, no names are included, only the physical address. However, it is acceptable to include names if you wish. If you are using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only needs to go on the outermost envelope.

There are several options for formatting the return address. You can use first names only, first and last names, last names plus the word 'wedding', or no names at all. If the bride's parents are hosting, it is traditional to use their address, but if the couple is hosting, the return address can be the couple's shared address.

There are also a few different ways to get your return address onto the envelope. You can use return address labels, have the address pre-printed on the envelope, use a return address stamp, or have a calligrapher write it out.

While there are traditions and conventions to consider, ultimately, there are no hard and fast rules, and you can choose the option that best fits your personality and preferences.

Return addresses are traditionally handwritten

Wedding invitations are a special kind of mail, and there are certain traditions and expectations surrounding their format. Return addresses are an important part of the invitation envelope, and there are several options for how to include them.

Traditionally, return addresses on wedding invitations are handwritten. This is a time-consuming task, but it adds a personal touch to the invitations. Formal etiquette dictates that the return address should be written by hand in black ink. However, modern alternatives such as printing, mailing labels, or return address stamps are also acceptable. Handwriting the return address is a way to honour tradition and create a sophisticated look for your wedding invitations.

The return address is typically placed on the back flap of the invitation envelope. This is in contrast to the guest address, which goes on the front of the envelope. Placing the return address on the back flap is considered more elegant and formal. It is worth noting that there have been instances of postal machines confusing the return address for the guest address, resulting in invitations being returned to the sender. To avoid this issue, calligraphers have tricks such as using different-sized text or designs to ensure your invitations reach their intended recipients.

The return address should be that of the person or couple hosting the wedding. Traditionally, this would be the bride's parents, but nowadays, it is not uncommon for the bride and groom to host the event together or with their families. If the bride and groom are unmarried and living together, the return address should be addressed to the bride only. It is important to note that guests who are unable to attend or who wish to send gifts before or after the wedding will send packages to this address.

When including names in the return address, there are a few options to choose from. Formally, only the physical address is listed, with no names. However, it is becoming more common to include names, especially on the response envelope, to ensure proper delivery by the post office. If following tradition, the names of the bride and groom should not appear together in print until after the wedding. Some options for formatting the return address with names include using first names only (e.g., "Alex and John"), first and last names ("Alex Jones and John Smith"), or last names plus the word "wedding" ("Jones and Smith Wedding").

The return address should be the host's address

The return address on a wedding invitation is important for two reasons. Firstly, it tells guests where to send their gifts and, secondly, it tells them where to send their RSVP. It is therefore important to get the return address right.

The return address should be the hosts' address. Traditionally, the hosts of a wedding would be the bride's parents, but nowadays it is not uncommon for the bride and groom to pay for their own wedding or to host the event together with their families.

If the bride's parents are hosting, the return address on the invitation envelope should be their address. If the bride and groom are hosting, the return address should be their address. If the couple is living together but not yet married, the return address should be addressed to the bride only.

If the couple would like gifts mailed to the bride's parents' address, perhaps because they will be on their honeymoon, then the return address should be the bride's parents' address.

If the bride and groom are using their own address as the return address, it is important to note that, traditionally, the names of the bride and groom should not appear together in print until after the wedding. In this case, the return address should be the couple's address with no names. However, if the couple wishes to include names, there are several options. They could use their first names only, first and last names, or last names with the wedding (e.g. "The Jones-Smith Wedding").

The return address is where gifts and RSVPs are sent

The return address is an important component of your wedding invitation envelopes. It tells your guests where to send their gifts and RSVPs. It is usually placed on the back flap of the invitation envelope and the front side of the response envelopes.

There are a few options for formatting your return address. Traditionally, only the physical address is listed, with no names. However, it is becoming more common to include names, especially on the response envelope, as this will be delivered back to the couple. If you choose to include names, the format can vary. You can use first names only, first and last names, last names plus the word "wedding", or even just the couple's first names and no last name. If you want to stick with tradition, the return address should be handwritten, but it is now also acceptable to have it printed, use a mailing label, or a return address stamp.

It is also worth noting that the return address is useful in case any invitations are returned to sender, as this will allow you to correct any mistakes and ensure your guests receive their invitations.

Overall, while there are certain traditions to consider, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to return addresses on wedding invitations. Feel free to personalise the format to fit your personality and the style of your wedding.

Return addresses are needed in case of a bad address

Return addresses are an important component of wedding invitations. While the guest address is the main event, the return address is crucial in case of any issues during the delivery process. This ensures that the envelopes find their way back to the sender if something goes awry.

When addressing wedding invitations, it is customary to place the return address on the back flap of the envelope. This differs from the typical placement in the top left corner when sending a bill or a card to a friend. While it is rare, there have been instances of postal office machines mistaking the return address for the guest address, resulting in the sender receiving their own invitations back. To avoid this, calligraphers have tricks such as using different text sizes or designs to ensure your invitations reach their intended recipients.

The return address can be written by hand or printed, and you can use mailing labels or a return address stamp. Traditionally, the hosts of the wedding would be noted as the return address, which may be the couple themselves or the parents of the bride or groom. However, there are no hard and fast rules, and you can choose to include names or just the physical address.

Including a return address is especially important if you are concerned about any of your invitations having incorrect or outdated addresses for your guests. This way, the postal service can return these invitations to you, allowing you to update your guest list and ensure that your invitations reach the intended recipients.

Frequently asked questions