To Return Or Not To Return: Navigating The Wedding Rsvp Address Conundrum

When it comes to wedding RSVPs, there are a few different approaches you can take. Some couples choose to include a return address on the response envelope, while others leave it blank. Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not you want to include a return address on your wedding RSVP. Including a return address can make it easier for your guests to respond, as they won't have to look up your address. It can also help ensure that you receive all of your RSVPs, as guests won't have to worry about addressing and stamping the envelope themselves. However, some couples prefer to leave the return address blank, as it can be seen as a fun surprise when the responses start coming in.

Return address on the RSVP envelope

When it comes to addressing RSVP envelopes for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that traditionally, only the address of the person or couple to whom the responses are mailed is included on the front of the RSVP envelope. Including the guests' addresses as return addresses is not common and some people feel weird about putting their guests' addresses on the envelopes for them.

However, if you want to make it as easy as possible for your guests to respond, you may consider including their addresses as well. This can be especially helpful if you are worried about receiving RSVPs with no names on them, as some guests may forget to fill out their names. In this case, you can print labels with both your address and your guests' addresses, or you can simply stamp and handwrite the addresses on the envelopes.

Another option to consider is numbering the backs of the RSVP cards so that even if a guest forgets to fill out their name, you can still identify who sent the response. You can also use an invisible ink pen to number the cards or write guest names, so it doesn't look obvious.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include return addresses on the RSVP envelopes is up to you. If you are concerned about the extra cost or the time it will take, it is not necessary to include them. Most guests will fill out their own return addresses or send the RSVPs without one, and the post office will still deliver them.

Guest's address on the RSVP envelope

When it comes to addressing RSVP envelopes, the general consensus is that you should include the name and address of the recipient on the front of the envelope. This is usually the couple getting married, but it can also be the wedding planner, the couple's parents, or anyone else responsible for collecting and organising the RSVPs.

It is considered good etiquette to address guests using their titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss) followed by their names. When addressing the couple, only their first names are used.

• Print the address on the envelope: Make it easy for your guests by printing the address to which the RSVPs should be sent. Most companies offer this service, and it ensures your guests don't have to spend extra time and effort writing out the address themselves.
• Send them to the right person: Identify who will be responsible for collecting the RSVPs and address the envelopes to that person's preferred mailing address. This could be yourself, your partner, a wedding planner, or someone else.
• Include postage: As a courtesy, provide pre-stamped envelopes so that your guests don't have to worry about postage. This is not only convenient but also polite, as it saves your guests the trouble of finding a stamp.

While it is not necessary to include your guests' return addresses on the RSVP envelopes, some couples choose to do so. This is not considered standard etiquette, and most guests are expected to fill out their own return addresses if they wish to. However, providing a stamp and pre-printing your address as the recipient is generally sufficient.

Numbering the RSVP cards

Numbering RSVP cards is a great way to ensure you know who your responses are coming from. It is common for guests to forget to write their names on their RSVP cards, so numbering the cards can save you from a potential headache. Here are some tips for numbering your RSVP cards:

Numbering System

Assign a unique number to each card and create a key that matches each number to a guest. This way, if you receive an RSVP without a name or with an illegible name, you can still identify the guest.

Use Invisible Ink

To avoid confusion or odd looks from your guests, consider using invisible ink to write the numbers. You can buy an invisible ink pen and shine a black light on the card to see the number. This way, your guests won't wonder if you're ranking them, and you can stay organised.

Keep Numbers Small and Discreet

If you prefer not to use invisible ink, you can write the numbers in pencil or small print. Since RSVP cards are generally one-sided, your guests won't even notice the numbers.

Grouping

Consider grouping your invitations by number ranges. For example, numbers 1-20 could be for the groom's family, 21-40 for the bride's family, and so on. This way, you can quickly identify which group the RSVP is from and manage your responses more efficiently.

Number Placement

If you're using postcard-style RSVP cards, you may be unsure which side to number. It's recommended to number the side without the return address, usually the side where guests reply to the number of attendees.

Prepare Your Guest List in Advance

Before numbering your RSVP cards, have your guest list ready. You can create a numbered list in a spreadsheet or Excel document, making it easier to match each number to a guest.

Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry. Even if you think your guests will remember to fill out their names, it's always a good idea to number your RSVP cards just in case. This simple trick can save you time and stress during the wedding planning process.

Guest's name on the RSVP card

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many details to consider, and the RSVP cards are an important part of the process. Here are some tips and guidelines specifically focused on the guests' names on the RSVP cards:

Guests' Names on the RSVP Card:

• Include a Blank Line for Guests' Names: It is standard to leave a blank line for your guests to write their names on the RSVP card. This way, you can guarantee that you know who is attending and how to spell their names correctly for the seating chart. On formal RSVP cards, it is customary to write an "M" at the start of the line to indicate that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss).
• Numbering the RSVP Cards: To ensure you know who is responding, especially if guests forget to write their names, you can number each RSVP card. Before sending out the invitations, write a unique number on the back of each RSVP card that corresponds to your guest(s) name(s) on your spreadsheet. Alternatively, you can use invisible ink, which can be read under a black light, to write the guests' names on the back of the cards.
• Handling Multiple Guests: If you are inviting multiple people with a single invitation (e.g., families or couples), it is helpful to include a line or checkbox for each guest to indicate their attendance. This is especially important if you want to know how many people from the group will be attending and if they are bringing any additional guests.
• Song Request Line: Including a song request line on the RSVP card is a fun way to engage your guests and encourage them to respond. It adds a personal touch and gets your guests excited for the reception.
• Online RSVPs: If you are using a wedding website for RSVPs, you can still include RSVP cards with the website URL and instructions. This provides guests with multiple options for responding and ensures a higher response rate.
• Mailing the RSVP Cards: When mailing the RSVP cards, it is considerate to include a stamped and addressed envelope to make it convenient and cost-free for your guests to respond. This also reduces the chances of guests forgetting to send back their responses.

Remember, the more information you can provide on the RSVP card, the easier it will be for your guests to respond, and the more organized your wedding planning will be!

Return address etiquette

Whose Return Address to Use

The return address on the response envelopes is usually that of the hosts, who will be receiving the responses and managing the gifts. Traditionally, this is the bride's parents' residence, but modern couples may prefer to have responses sent to whoever is responsible for tracking RSVPs and communicating with vendors.

Where to Put the Return Address

The return address typically goes on the back flap or the upper left corner of the envelope. It can be handwritten, printed, or put on a label. 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.

Whether to Include Guests' Return Addresses

It is not necessary to include guests' return addresses on the response envelopes. Some people choose to do this to make it easier for their guests, but most people leave it to the guests to fill in their own return address if they wish. If there is a problem with the delivery, the guest will receive the response card back.

Other Tips

• Devise a method of keeping your guest list and addresses organized, such as by numbering the backs of the RSVP cards.
• If you are numbering RSVP cards, use an invisible ink pen so that it is not obvious.
• If you are not numbering the cards, leave a space for names so that guests can fill in their names and you can ensure the correct spelling.
• If you are providing stamped envelopes, stick the stamps onto the envelopes rather than including them loose.

Frequently asked questions