Return Address On Wedding Invites: To Include Or Not?

Wedding invitations are a special kind of mail. They are often formal and sometimes even delivered by hand. Brides used to have footmen who would deliver invitations to each guest's home. These days, however, it's more common to send them by post. But what about the return address? Do you need to include it on your wedding invitations?

Return address placement

When sending out wedding invitations, it is important to consider the placement of the return address to ensure that your invites and RSVPs are not lost in the mail. The return address tells your guests where gifts and responses should be mailed.

The traditional and postal service-approved method is to place the return address on the front of the envelope, in the upper left corner, with the address 1/2 inch from the left edge and 6 inches from the bottom. This method increases visibility for postal workers and ensures quick automated sorting and delivery. It also leaves the back of the envelope as an unbroken canvas for designs and artwork.

However, some people prefer to put the return address on the back flap of the envelope, especially if they want a clean and uncluttered look on the front or if they want to adhere to certain design elements. While this is not recommended by postal services and may increase the risk of delivery issues, it does provide more space for artistic expressions or key information on the front.

Ultimately, the decision on return address placement depends on your priorities. If ensuring the delivery of your mail and adhering to postal guidelines are most important, the front of the envelope is advisable. If design and aesthetics take precedence, and you are willing to take a small risk, then the back of the envelope can be a stylish alternative.

Return address etiquette

Return addresses are important for wedding invitations as they tell guests where gifts and responses should be mailed. They also ensure that, in the event of an invitation getting lost in the mail, it can be returned to the correct address.

Where to Put the Return Address

The return address should go on the back flap of the invitation envelope and the front side of the response envelopes. If you are using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only needs to go on the outermost envelope.

How to Format the Return Address

Traditionally, the return address is written by hand and includes no names, only the physical address. However, it is now acceptable to use printed labels or a return address stamp, and to include names on the return address.

If the bride's parents are hosting the wedding, the return address should be their home address. If the couple is hosting, formal etiquette dictates that their names should not appear together in print before the wedding. In this case, the bride's name and address should be used.

Other Options

If you are concerned about a guest knowing your address, there are a few options. You can use the address of a parent, maid of honour, or close friend. You can also use a PO box, your office address, or the address of your wedding venue.

Return address options

The return address on a wedding invitation envelope is important as it tells guests where gifts and RSVPs are to be mailed. It is also useful in case the address is wrong, or the invitee has moved, so that the invitation is not lost and the sender can contact the recipient for their correct address.

There are several options for formatting and including your return address on your wedding invitation envelopes:

• Return address labels: These can be printed at places like VistaPrint and Shutterfly, or even designed on your own computer and printed at home on label paper. This is an affordable and simple option, but white labels on coloured envelopes can look inelegant and may be inconsistent with the style of the guest address.
• Pre-printed return address on the envelope: When ordering envelopes online, you can often have your return address pre-printed for a small fee. This saves time as there is no need to stick, stamp, or write the address. However, this option can be costly and may require extra lead time for printing. It is also inconsistent with the style of the guest address and means you cannot use extra envelopes you may have lying around.
• Return address stamp: Similar to labels, you can order a stamp with your return address and use it over and over again. There are various ink colours available, so you can likely find one to match the ink colour of your guest addresses. This option may be time-consuming as you will have to stamp each envelope, and it may be slightly more costly than labels.
• Calligraphy return address: The most luxurious option is to have a calligrapher write your return address. This ensures a 100% match in writing style and ink colour to your guest addresses. However, this is also the most expensive option as it takes the most time for the calligrapher.

When including your return address, it is important to consider whose name and address you will use. Traditionally, the hosts of the wedding would be noted as the return address, so that may be a parent or the couple themselves. Other options include first names only, first and last names, last names plus the word "wedding", or no name at all and just the address. If you are using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only needs to go on the back flap of the outermost envelope.

Return address labels

However, there are a few potential downsides to using return address labels. Firstly, white labels on coloured envelopes can look inelegant and may not match the style of the guest address. Additionally, if you are using double envelopes (inner and outer) for your invitations, it is important to note that the return address only goes on the back flap of the outermost envelope.

When creating your return address labels, you have the option to include names or just the physical address. Traditionally, the hosts of the wedding would be noted as the return address, which may be the parents of the bride or the couple themselves. If you are using names, it is important to avoid combining last names (for example, "Alex and John Smith") as you are not married yet.

• For a standard envelope, the return address typically goes on the top left corner.
• For wedding invitations, it is preferred to put the return address on the back flap of the envelope. However, there have been instances where the post office machine confuses the return address with the guest address, resulting in the invitation being sent back to the sender. To avoid this, you can use different-sized text or a unique design to distinguish the two addresses.
• If you are using double envelopes, the return address only needs to go on the back flap of the outermost envelope.

In conclusion, return address labels are a convenient and affordable option for your wedding invitations. Just remember to consider the colour of your envelopes, the placement of the labels, and the appropriate return address format and etiquette.

No return address

Wedding invitations are a very important part of the wedding planning process. They are the first glimpse your guests will have of your special day, so it's important to get them right. While the guest address is the most important part of the envelope, the return address is also key.

If you are not including a return address, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, without a return address, there is more space for artistic expressions or other text elements on the front of the envelope. This could be particularly beneficial if you are incorporating intricate designs, artwork, or unique fonts.

Secondly, not including a return address can help to create a clean and uncluttered look, which may be desirable for those with a keen eye for design. It also allows for a broader canvas for artistic expressions, ensuring that the essential details like the recipient's address and wedding date are clear and immediately recognizable.

However, it is important to note that not including a return address may increase the risk of compromised visibility and delivery success. Postal workers or guests may overlook the absence of a return address, potentially leading to delivery delays or mail returns. Additionally, deviating from postal guidelines may complicate the process of claiming lost or undelivered mail.

Ultimately, the decision to include or omit a return address on your wedding invitations comes down to personal preference and priorities. If you prioritize the mail's delivery and adhering to postal guidelines, including a return address is advisable. On the other hand, if the invitation's aesthetics and design take precedence, you may choose to omit the return address, understanding the potential risks involved.

Frequently asked questions