Etiquette Guide: Return Address Labels On Wedding Invites

Wedding planning can be a stressful affair, and there are many things to consider, including the placement of return address labels on wedding invitations. While it may seem like a small detail, the placement of these labels is important to ensure that your invitations reach your guests without issue. In this discussion, we will explore the various considerations regarding return address labels on wedding invitations, including their purpose, placement, and different options available to suit your style and preferences.

Return address labels: printed, handwritten, or stamped?

When it comes to return address labels for wedding invitations, you have a few options: printing, handwriting, or stamping. Each option has its own pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget.

Printed Return Address Labels

Printed return address labels are a convenient and cost-effective option. You can choose to have your return address pre-printed on your envelopes when you order them online, or you can create your own labels to stick on the envelopes. This option ensures a clean and consistent look, especially if you have a large number of invitations to send out. However, pre-printing may incur an extra cost, and it's important to note that if you run out of envelopes, you'll need to find an alternative way to add your return address.

Handwritten Return Addresses

Handwriting your return address is a more traditional approach and can add a personal touch to your invitations. You can choose to write the return address yourself or hire a calligrapher for a more elegant and legible result. Calligraphy can be time-consuming and costly, but it ensures that your invitations look sophisticated and unique. If you decide to handwrite your return addresses, remember to allow plenty of time for corrections and to purchase extra envelopes in case of errors.

Custom Return Address Stamps

Using a custom return address stamp is another popular option for wedding invitations. This method offers a cohesive look with your guest addresses, especially if you use the same ink color and style. Stamps are reusable and can be a more affordable option than hiring a calligrapher. However, it can take extra time to apply the stamp to each envelope, and you may need to purchase ink separately.

Ultimately, the choice between printed, handwritten, or stamped return address labels is a matter of personal preference and budget. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so consider your priorities and the overall style you want to achieve for your wedding invitations.

Return address placement

When it comes to return address placement on wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to put the return address on the back flap of the envelope, rather than in the top left corner, as is typically done for other types of mail. This is to avoid confusion with the guest address and to ensure your invitations don't get sent back to you. If you're using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only needs to go on the back flap of the outermost envelope.

There are a few different ways to display the return address. One option is to use return address labels, which can be printed or designed on a computer and printed at home. Another option is to have the return address pre-printed on the envelope when ordering envelopes online. This saves time but may incur an extra cost and lead time for printing. A unique option is to use a custom return address stamp, which can be designed by a calligrapher to match the calligraphy of your guest addresses. The most expensive but luxurious option is to have a calligrapher write out the return address.

When it comes to the format of the return address, traditionally, whoever is hosting the wedding would be noted as the return address. This could be a parent or the couple themselves. Options include first names only, first and last names, last names plus the word "wedding", or no name at all, just the address. If using last names, combining them (e.g. "Alex and John Smith") is not recommended as the couple isn't married yet.

Return address etiquette

Return address labels on wedding invitations are an important consideration when planning your big day. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, here are some guidelines and tips to help you navigate this aspect of your wedding stationery with ease and style.

Placement

When placing your return address on wedding invitation envelopes, it is preferred to put it on the back flap of the envelope. This differs from the usual placement in the top left corner when addressing a regular card to a friend. The reason for this placement is to ensure that your invitations look elegant and formal.

Format

Traditionally, the hosts of the wedding would be noted as the return address, so this may be the couple themselves or a parent. There are several options for formatting the names: first names only (e.g., Alex and John), first and last names (e.g., Alex Jones and John Smith), last names plus wedding (e.g., Jones and Smith Wedding), or even no names at all, just the address. If you use last names, one thing to avoid is combining them (e.g., Alex and John Smith), as you are not married yet. For a more casual approach, you can include just the first initials of the couple.

Methods

There are several methods to consider when adding your return address to your wedding invitations:

• Return address labels: This is a simple and well-known option where you create stickers with your return address to stick on the envelope. You can print these at home or use an online service. This option is affordable but may look inconsistent with the guest address, especially if using plain white labels on coloured envelopes.
• Pre-printed return address on the envelope: When ordering envelopes online, you can often add your return address for a small fee. This saves time and gives a clean look, but it does mean that if you need more envelopes, you'll have to find an alternative method for the return address.
• Return address stamp: Similar to labels, you can order a custom stamp with your return address. This option provides a cohesive style with the guest address if you use calligraphy. It also allows for flexibility in ink colours.
• Calligraphy return address: Having a calligrapher write your return address is the most elegant and cohesive option, as they can match the style and ink colour of the guest addresses. However, this is also the most expensive choice.

Timing

It is recommended that you send your wedding invitations out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to respond and allows you to get a reliable headcount. If you plan to use a calligrapher for your envelopes, remember to allow enough time for this process, usually at least two to three weeks.

In conclusion, while there are traditional guidelines for return address etiquette on wedding invitations, you can ultimately choose the format and method that best suits your personality and wedding style.

Return address options

Return address labels are a great way to ensure your wedding invitations get back to you if something goes awry during transit. Here are some options for including your return address on your wedding invitation envelopes:

Return Address Labels

The simplest and most well-known option is to create return address labels to stick on the envelope. You can print these at places like VistaPrint and Shutterfly, or design them yourself on your computer and print them at home on label paper. This option is affordable and simple, but it may look inelegant, especially if you have white labels on coloured envelopes.

Pre-Printed Return Address on Envelope

If you're ordering envelopes online, you can often pay a small fee to have your return address pre-printed. This saves time as you don't need to stick or write the address, and it provides a clean look. However, if you run out of envelopes, you won't be able to use extras you may have lying around as they won't have the pre-printed address.

Return Address Stamp

Similar to labels, you can order a custom return address stamp to use over and over again. You can even get a calligrapher to design your stamp so that it matches the calligraphy of your guest addresses. There are various ink colours available, so you can likely find one to match the ink colour of your guest addresses. This option provides a cohesive style but takes time to apply and may be slightly more costly.

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. It is also the most expensive option as it takes the most time for the calligrapher. However, it requires no time from the client.

Handwritten Return Address

If you have neat handwriting, you could simply handwrite your return address. This is a free option that will add a personal touch to your invitations. However, it may be time-consuming, especially if you have a lot of invitations to send out.

Weighing your invitations

Envelope Weight Matters：

The weight of your wedding invitations can impact postage costs. In the United States, for example, envelopes weighing over 1 ounce typically require additional postage. So, if you have a heavier invitation suite with multiple inserts, it's likely to exceed the 1-ounce threshold.

Choose Envelopes First:

It's crucial to select your envelopes before designing your invitations. Envelopes come in standard sizes, whereas invitations can be made in any size. While you can adjust the size of your invitations to fit an envelope, the opposite isn't feasible. Custom envelopes are challenging to procure unless you're ordering in bulk.

Unusual Shapes and Sizes:

Envelopes with unusual shapes and sizes, such as square envelopes, often require extra postage. Postal services have specific parameters for what is considered "normal" or acceptable for standard postage. Non-standard envelopes may be subject to a "non-machinable surcharge." To avoid this, stick to standard rectangular envelopes.

Assembly and Sealing:

Before sending your invitations, ensure they are properly assembled and sealed. The more enclosures you have, the more attention you should pay to sealing. Make sure the gum seal is secure to prevent the envelope from opening during transit.

Weigh and Test:

It's essential to weigh your fully assembled invitation at the post office to determine the exact postage required. Sending a test invitation to yourself is also a good idea. This allows you to see how it looks upon arrival and make any necessary adjustments, such as tightening the ribbon or adding tissue paper to prevent smudging.

Return Address Placement:

When addressing wedding invitation envelopes, it's customary to place the return address on the back flap of the envelope. This is different from typical envelopes, where the return address goes in the top left corner. While there may be concerns about postal machines confusing the return address for the guest address, calligraphers have tricks to prevent this, such as using different text sizes or designs.

Return Address Options:

There are several options for including your return address:

• Return Address Labels: You can create labels with your return address and stick them on the envelope. This option is affordable and simple but may look inelegant if the labels don't match the colour of the envelope.
• Pre-Printed Return Address: When ordering envelopes online, you can often pay a small fee to have your return address pre-printed on them, saving you time and providing a clean look. However, this option limits your flexibility if you need more envelopes later.
• Return Address Stamp: You can design a custom stamp with your return address and stamp it on the envelope. This option offers a cohesive style with the guest address, and you can use the stamp long after your event.
• Calligraphy Return Address: For a luxurious touch, consider hiring a calligrapher to write your return address. This option ensures a perfect match in writing style and ink colour but is typically the most expensive choice.

Frequently asked questions