Etiquette Guide: Return Address On Wedding Shower Invites

When it comes to wedding shower invites, there are a few things to keep in mind. Bridal shower invitations are typically formal and similar to wedding invitations. The envelope is an important part of the invitation, with its colour, size and feel setting the tone for the bridal shower theme. It is also recommended to use handwritten calligraphy or a printer that mimics calligraphy fonts when addressing envelopes. Now, when it comes to the return address, it is considered standard practice to include it on wedding shower invites. This ensures that any undelivered invitations can be returned to the sender and allows guests to conveniently RSVP and send gifts to a physical address. The return address is usually placed on the back flap of the envelope, maintaining a clean and uncluttered look on the front.

Return address location: back flap of the envelope or upper left-hand corner

When it comes to the return address on wedding shower invites, there are two common placement options: the back flap of the envelope or the upper left-hand corner. Both options are entirely acceptable, and it is ultimately up to the sender's preference.

Placing the return address on the back flap of the envelope is considered the preferred location by some. This placement allows for easy visibility and accessibility for the recipient and postal service while maintaining a clean and uncluttered look on the front of the envelope. It also gives a formal appearance, putting the guests' names in full view. If there is an inner envelope, the return address can also be written on the back of this piece.

On the other hand, the upper left-hand corner is a standard style for fun and less casual wedding invites. This option gives a one-of-a-kind look to the envelope. It is worth noting that if you are including response card envelopes with your invitations, the return address for these should always be placed in the upper left-hand corner.

Regardless of the placement chosen, it is important to ensure that the return address is formatted correctly. This includes using a font that aligns with the wedding's aesthetic, considering the overall design and formality of the invitation, and avoiding abbreviations in the address. The return address should include the names on the first line, followed by the full street address on the second line, and the city, state, and zip code on the third line.

Whose address to use: host's address, wedding planner's address, or someone else's address

When it comes to wedding shower invites, it is recommended to include a return address in case of any mailing mishaps and to allow guests to RSVP and send gifts. The return address should be placed on the back flap of the envelope, and it's best to use labels or a custom stamp to ensure a cohesive look.

Now, whose address should you use? Here are some options to consider:

Host's Address

Using the host's address as the return address is a common choice. This is especially relevant if the host is also the point of contact for managing guest responses and keeping track of RSVPs. This option ensures that any undelivered invitations or responses are directed to the host, who is actively involved in the planning and execution of the wedding shower.

Wedding Planner's Address

If you have a wedding planner who is overseeing the invitation process and managing RSVPs, you can use their address as the return address. This is a convenient option if you want to maintain privacy or if there are multiple hosts, which might create confusion. The wedding planner's address provides a centralised location for all invitation-related correspondence.

Another Person's Address

In some cases, you may want to use the address of someone else, such as a family member, friend, or member of the wedding party. This could be a viable option if you have personal reasons for not wanting to disclose your own address or the host's address. For example, if there is family drama or if you've recently moved and are unsure of your permanent address. Using an alternative address can help you avoid potential issues while still ensuring that your invitations reach their intended recipients.

Couple's Address

If the couple is hosting their own wedding, their address can be used as the return address. This is a straightforward option if the couple is actively involved in the planning process and is comfortable with their address being disclosed. It provides a direct line of communication between the couple and their guests.

Parent's Address

In some cases, the parents of the couple may be hosting the wedding or playing a significant role in the planning process. In such instances, using the parent's address as the return address is appropriate. This is often done as a sign of respect and appreciation for their contribution.

It's important to note that the return address should be consistent across all invitations, creating a unified presentation. Additionally, proper etiquette should be followed when addressing envelopes, including the use of full names, spelling out street addresses, and avoiding common abbreviations.

Format: names on the first line, full street address on the second, city, state, and zip code on the third

When it comes to addressing wedding shower invitations, it's important to maintain a level of formality. This means writing out guests' full names and addresses without abbreviations. The return address should follow the same format:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

12345 Winter Park Lane

Orlando, Florida 10001

The return address should be placed on the back flap of the envelope, ensuring a clean and elegant look on the front. This format also applies to the response card envelopes, which should have the return address in the upper-left-hand corner.

It is essential to maintain consistency and avoid any confusion for your guests. The return address should match the address on the RSVP envelopes if separate ones are provided. Using a custom return address stamp or pre-printed envelopes can help achieve a cohesive and elegant look for your invitations.

Font: handwritten calligraphy or a printer that mimics calligraphy

When it comes to the font for your wedding shower invites, you can't go wrong with handwritten calligraphy or a printer that mimics calligraphy. This style of font adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your invitations.

Calligraphy fonts are known for their formal and traditional styling, often featuring swooshes and flourishes that add a sense of ornate elegance. They can range from modern calligraphy, with letters that feel more hand-drawn and varied, to traditional calligraphy that resembles script-style fonts. If you're looking for a contemporary option, consider a calligraphy font with organic and natural qualities.

When selecting a calligraphy font, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the overall design and formality of your wedding shower invites. The font should align with the tone and style of your event. If you're having a traditional wedding, a classic script font like Pinyon Script or Exmouth may be a perfect choice. For a modern or contemporary wedding, you might opt for a font with clean lines and a simple yet sophisticated look, such as Bodoni or Nickainley.

Additionally, you'll want to ensure that your chosen font is legible. While calligraphy fonts are beautiful, some can be challenging to read, especially at smaller sizes. Opt for a font with good spacing and alignment for a clean and organised appearance. It's also essential to consider the thickness of the letters, as most calligraphy fonts do not offer a "bold" option. If needed, you can add a stroke to your font in a design program to make it thicker and more readable.

Lastly, pay attention to the details and features offered by different calligraphy fonts. Some fonts include beautiful glyphs, swashes, and alternate characters that can enhance the design of your invitations. For example, the Melanie Script font offers ending swashes that give a bouncy and playful feel to your text. Canyonlands is another calligraphy font with a whimsical and organic look, perfect for a desert or Southwestern-style wedding.

By choosing a calligraphy font that aligns with your wedding's aesthetic and considering the legibility and unique features of the font, you can create elegant and sophisticated wedding shower invites that set the tone for your special day.

Abbreviations: avoid using abbreviations, write out full names, street names, city, and state

When writing out the return address on a wedding invitation, it is recommended to avoid using abbreviations and instead write out everyone's full name, the street name, the city, and the state. This is considered the formal way to address an envelope and is best if you are aiming for a formal invitation.

> Mr. and Mrs. John Corner

> 16 Faux Road

> Fremont, California 94539

If you are going for a more casual vibe, you can use abbreviations such as "St." and "Rd." instead of spelling out "Street" and "Road." You can also abbreviate the state, for example, "CA" for California.

> Mr. and Mrs. John Corner

> 16 Faux Rd

> Fremont, CA 94539

Frequently asked questions