Etiquette Guide To Wedding Invitation Return Addressing

Wedding invitations are a very important part of wedding planning. The return address on wedding invitations is essential as it allows lost mail to find its way back to you for resending. The return address typically goes on the back flap of the invitation envelope and the front side of the response envelopes. Traditionally, the return address is handwritten, but it is now acceptable to have it printed, use a mailing label, or a return address stamp. The return address is usually the address of the person or persons hosting the event.

Return address stamps

Benefits of Return Address Stamps

Using a return address stamp for your wedding invitations offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides a cohesive and stylish look to your envelopes, especially if you use a calligrapher to design your stamp. This way, the calligraphy of your guest addresses matches the style of your return address.

Secondly, return address stamps are reusable and can be customized with different ink colours to match your wedding theme. You can also choose from a variety of stamp styles, including self-inking, pre-inked, or wooden handle stamps.

Where to Place Your Return Address Stamp

When addressing wedding invitations, it is customary to place the return address on the back flap of the envelope. This is different from the usual placement in the top left corner when sending regular mail. Placing the return address on the back flap ensures that your invitations look elegant and follow proper etiquette.

What to Include in Your Return Address Stamp

The information included in your return address stamp depends on your preference and level of formality. Traditionally, only the physical address is listed, with no names. However, you can choose to include names as well, especially on the response envelope to ensure the post office delivers it back to you.

If you decide to include names, there are a few options to consider. For a formal wedding, you can use titles and last names, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson". For a casual approach, you can use first names only, like "Kari and Bradley". If you want to include last names but avoid combining them, you can use first and last names, such as "Alex Jones and John Smith".

Customization Options

When creating your return address stamp, you have endless customization options to match your wedding theme and personality. You can choose from different font styles, such as modern sans-serif fonts or elegant scripts. Play with font sizes to ensure the return address is legible, especially if you want to avoid confusion with the guest address.

You can also incorporate design elements, such as hearts or other romantic motifs, to give your invitations a cute and romantic touch.

Where to Buy Return Address Stamps

There are many online retailers that offer return address stamps, including Etsy, Ann's Bridal Bargains, and speciality stationery stores. When ordering your stamps, be sure to consider the production and shipping lead times, especially if you have a specific timeline for sending out your wedding invitations.

Return address placement

The return address is an important component of your wedding invitation. It tells your guests where to send their RSVPs and gifts. So, where exactly should you place it?

When addressing envelopes for weddings, it is customary to put the return address on the back flap of the envelope. This differs from the usual placement for regular mail, which is typically in the top left corner of the envelope.

However, there are two schools of thought when it comes to return address placement on wedding invitations:

Front of the Envelope:

• Postal Service Approved: The United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends placing the return address in the upper left corner of the envelope, with the text 1/2 inch from the left edge and 6 inches from the bottom. This placement ensures quick automated sorting and delivery to your recipients' mailboxes.
• Clear Canvas on the Back: Keeping the return address off the back of the envelope leaves an unbroken canvas for your envelope design. This is ideal if you want to showcase calligraphy, illustrations, or other artwork without interruption.

Back of the Envelope:

• Emphasis on Key Details: Placing the return address on the back of the envelope keeps the front uncluttered and easier to read at a glance. This simplicity can help emphasize essential details like the recipient's address and wedding date.
• Not USPS Recommended: While it provides a clean, uncluttered look, placing the return address on the back is not recommended by USPS guidelines. It may cause postal workers or guests to overlook it, leading to potential delivery delays or mail returns. It could also hinder automated sorting processes.

Ultimately, the choice between front and back placement depends on your personal preference and priorities. If ensuring the timely delivery of your mail and adhering to USPS guidelines are top priorities, front placement is advisable. However, if you prioritise the aesthetics and design of your invitation, back placement can be a stylish alternative, albeit with some associated risks.

Return address etiquette

The return address on a wedding invitation is important as it tells guests where gifts and responses should be mailed. It also ensures that any undeliverable invitations are returned to the correct address.

Where to Place the Return Address

The return address typically goes 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 outer envelope.

The United States Postal Service recommends placing the return address on the upper left corner of the front of the envelope, with the text 1/2 inch from the left edge and 6 inches from the bottom. This ensures visibility for postal workers and successful processing.

However, some couples may prefer to place the return address on the back flap of the envelope, leaving the front uncluttered and with more space for decorative elements. This is especially true for those striving for a highly formal or elegant aesthetic.

How to Format the Return Address

Traditionally, the return address is handwritten in black ink and includes no names, only the physical address. However, it has become acceptable to include names and to use printed labels, mailing labels, or return address stamps.

If you are including names, the format can vary. For a formal wedding, the names of the bride's parents are often included, as they are usually the hosts of the event:

> Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson

> 12 Park Lane

> Mobile, Alabama 36695

If the bride and groom are hosting the wedding themselves, a formal approach would be:

> Ms. Kari Johnson

> Mr. Bradley Shaw

> 23848 Dunmore Loop

> Mobile, Alabama 36695

For a more casual wedding, you can use first names only:

> Kari and Bradley

> 23848 Dunmore Loop

> Mobile, Alabama 36695

Who to Address as the Return

In most cases, the return address will be that of the hosts of the wedding, whether it's the bride's parents or the couple themselves.

If you are concerned about gifts and responses arriving while you're on your honeymoon, you may want to use the bride's parents' address.

Return address options

There are several options for the return address on your wedding invitations. The return address is usually placed on the back flap of the envelope, but you can also choose to put it on the front, in the upper left corner. This is the option recommended by the United States Postal Service, as it increases visibility for postal workers and reduces the risk of mail errors.

If you opt for the traditional placement on the back flap, you can choose to have the return address handwritten, printed, or use a mailing label or a return address stamp. Handwriting the return address is the most time-consuming option, so you may want to enlist the help of friends and family or hire a professional calligrapher.

When it comes to the format of the return address, you have several options. Traditionally, no names are included on a formal return address, only the physical address. However, you can choose to include names if you wish. If you decide to include names, options include first names only (e.g. Alex and John), first and last names (Alex Jones and John Smith), or last names plus wedding (Jones and Smith Wedding). If the bride's parents are hosting the wedding, the return address would typically be their address.

For a more modern approach, you can use return address labels, which can be printed at places like VistaPrint and Shutterfly, or designed and printed at home. Another option is to have your return address pre-printed on the envelope when ordering envelopes online. This saves time but may be more costly and may not match the style of the guest address.

A unique option is to use a custom return address stamp, which can be designed to match the calligraphy or design of your invitations. This option adds a personal touch and can be used long after your wedding.

Outer and inner envelopes

Wedding invitations can include an inner and outer envelope. The outer envelope is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope contains the names of the invitees and holds the invitation inside. The use of two envelopes is a tradition that dates back to the days of horse-drawn carriages when mail would often arrive damaged. Today, the outer envelope still serves the purpose of protecting the inner envelope from getting crumpled, torn, or bent during transit.

The return address goes on the back flap of the outer envelope and the front side of the response envelopes. If you are using inner envelopes, the return address only goes on the outermost envelope. Formally, the return address should be handwritten, but it is acceptable to have it printed or use a mailing label or a return address stamp.

The outer envelope should be formal. Write out the recipient's full name, including their personal title. This works for couples of all genders, regardless of whether they share a surname, and still feels traditional. If personal titles feel restrictive, you can forgo them and use first and last names only.

The inner envelope is more informal. You can leave out one or two elements of the formal name format of the outer envelope. Go with your gut—if using personal titles and last names together feels right, that works. If you're going for casual vibes and would like to use first names only, that's also fine.

Frequently asked questions