Return Address Labels: Wedding Invitation Etiquette Simplified

Wedding planning can be a stressful and time-consuming process. One of the most important tasks is sending out invitations. Traditionally, wedding invitations are handwritten, but this can be a tedious and time-consuming task, especially if you have messy handwriting or a large number of guests. One solution is to use return address labels, which can be printed or handwritten and then stuck onto the envelope. This can save time and ensure your invitations are legible and aesthetically pleasing. However, some consider printed labels inappropriate and prefer the personal touch of handwriting or calligraphy. Ultimately, the decision is a matter of personal preference, and there are many options available to suit different styles and budgets.

Return address labels: printed, stamps, or handwritten

Return address labels are a great way to save time and add a personal touch to your wedding invitations. While handwritten addresses are traditional, printed labels, stamps, or handwritten options are also acceptable and offer their own unique benefits.

Printed return address labels are a convenient and cost-effective solution. They can be easily customised with various fonts, colours, and graphics, allowing you to match your wedding theme or add a personal touch. Printed labels are also a great option if you want to ensure legibility, especially if your handwriting is not the best. However, they may lack the personal touch and uniqueness of handwritten addresses.

Return address stamps are another option that offers a cohesive look with your guest addresses, especially if you use a custom stamp designed by a calligrapher. Stamps are also reusable and can be used long after your wedding. However, they may be slightly more costly and time-consuming to apply than labels.

Handwritten return addresses, especially those done by a calligrapher, are the most traditional and elegant option. They add a unique and personal touch to each envelope and can be customised to match your guest addresses in style and ink colour. However, this option is usually the most expensive and may not be feasible if you have a large number of invitations.

Ultimately, the choice between printed, stamped, or handwritten return address labels depends on your personal preference, budget, and the level of customisation and uniqueness you want to achieve. Each option has its own advantages and can add a special touch to your wedding invitations.

Return address placement

When addressing wedding invitations, it is preferred to put the return address on the back flap of the envelope. This is different from the usual placement on the top left corner of the envelope.

There are, however, some considerations to be aware of when placing the return address on the back flap. Occasionally, the post office machine may confuse the return address with the guest address, resulting in the sender's invites or cards being sent back to them. To avoid this, calligraphers have different tricks, such as using different-sized text or designs.

If you are using double envelopes (inner and outer) for your invitations, the return address only needs to go on the back flap of the outermost envelope.

Return address etiquette

Return address labels are a great way to ensure your wedding invitations get to their intended recipients and that any responses or gifts are sent to the correct place. The return address is a key component of your wedding invitations, so it's important to get it right. Here are some tips to help you with the process:

Placement

The return address should be placed on the back flap of the envelope. This is the preferred location for formal events like weddings. It is also recommended to use the same address for both the invitation envelope and the RSVP envelope to avoid confusion.

Format

The return address format for a wedding invitation envelope is different from that of a typical envelope. Traditionally, only the physical address is listed, with no names included. However, it is becoming more common to include names, especially on the RSVP envelope to ensure it is delivered correctly. If you do include names, the format can vary. You can use first names only (e.g. Alex and John), first and last names (e.g. Alex Jones and John Smith), or last names plus the word "wedding" (e.g. Jones and Smith Wedding). Avoid combining last names as you are not married yet (e.g. avoid Alex and John Smith).

Options

There are several options for including your return address on the envelope:

• Return address labels: Printable labels are a simple and affordable option. However, they may look inconsistent with the guest address, especially if you use white labels on coloured envelopes.
• Pre-printed return address on the envelope: You can often have your return address pre-printed on envelopes for a small fee when ordering online. This saves time but may incur extra costs and lead time for printing.
• Return address stamp: Similar to labels, you can order a custom return address stamp to use on your envelopes. This option provides a cohesive style with the guest address if you use calligraphy.
• Calligraphy return address: Hiring a calligrapher to write your return address is the most expensive option but ensures a perfectly matched style and ink colour with the guest address.

Timing

It is recommended to send your wedding invitations out about six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to respond and allows you to get a reliable headcount a week or two before the event.

Return address options

There are several options for return addresses on wedding invitations. The traditional method is to handwrite the address, but printed labels, custom stamps, and pre-printed envelopes are also popular choices. Here are some considerations for each option:

Handwritten Addresses

The traditional way to address wedding invitations is to handwrite the return address on the back flap of the envelope. This can be done by the couple themselves or by a professional calligrapher. Handwriting adds a personal touch and ensures that the ink colour matches the guest addresses. However, it can be time-consuming and may not be suitable for those with poor penmanship.

Printed Labels

Printed labels are a convenient and cost-effective option for return addresses. They can be purchased from online retailers or designed and printed at home. Labels offer flexibility, as they can be used long after the wedding, but they may look inconsistent with the guest addresses and inelegant on coloured envelopes.

Custom Stamps

A custom return address stamp is a good choice for those who want a cohesive look with their guest addresses. Stamps can be ordered with different ink colours to match the calligraphy or printing. They are also reusable and can be kept long after the wedding. However, stamping each envelope can be time-consuming and slightly more costly than other options.

Pre-Printed Envelopes

When ordering envelopes online, couples often have the option to add their return address for a small fee. Pre-printing ensures a clean look and saves time on assembly. However, it may not be possible to use extra envelopes in a pinch, and there is an additional cost and lead time for printing.

Ultimately, the choice of return address option depends on personal preference and budget. While tradition dictates handwriting, modern alternatives like printed labels and custom stamps offer convenience and style.

Pros and cons of different options

There are several options for how to address wedding invitations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a detailed breakdown of the most common options:

Handwritten addresses:

• Pros: This is the most traditional and formal option. It adds a personal touch to the invitations and can be done by the couple or a hired calligrapher.
• Cons: Handwriting each address can be time-consuming and tedious, especially for large weddings. It may also be more prone to errors and illegibility, which could result in delayed or returned invitations.

Printed labels:

• Pros: Printed labels are a quick, easy, and cost-effective solution. They ensure legibility and consistency in formatting. They can also be customized with different fonts, colours, and designs to match the wedding theme.
• Cons: Some consider printed labels informal and inappropriate for highly traditional or formal weddings. The labels may also stand out if they do not match the colour of the envelope.

Pre-printed envelopes:

• Pros: Pre-printing the return address on envelopes saves time and ensures a clean, consistent look.
• Cons: It may be costly and require additional lead time for printing. If you run out of envelopes or need more, you will need to find an alternative solution for the return address.

Custom return address stamp:

• Pros: A custom stamp is a cost-effective, reusable option that provides a cohesive look with the guest address if done by a calligrapher. It can be used long after the wedding for other correspondence.
• Cons: Applying the stamp to each envelope can be time-consuming, especially for large weddings. There may also be an additional cost for designing and purchasing the stamp.

Calligraphy return address:

• Pros: Having a calligrapher write the return address ensures a completely cohesive style and ink colour match with the guest address. It is the most elegant and luxurious option.
• Cons: This is the most expensive option as it requires the most time and skill from the calligrapher.

Frequently asked questions