Addressing Hand-Delivered Wedding Invites: Etiquette And Tips

Wedding invitations are traditionally delivered by hand, with servants receiving the package and delivering it to the appropriate household member. While this is no longer a necessity, many brides continue this tradition for formal invitations. The outer envelope should include the recipient's name, street address, return address, and postage, while the inner envelope contains less information, usually only the name of the invitee. The inner envelope is addressed as if hand-delivered and is not sealed with a gummed flap. Abbreviations are generally avoided in traditional wedding invitations, and the return address is printed by hand on the back envelope flap. Hand addressing wedding invitations is preferred, but printing addresses on envelopes is also acceptable.

Handwritten or printed

If you choose to handwrite your wedding invitation addresses, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider your handwriting style. If you have neat, legible handwriting, then you may be able to address the invitations yourself. Otherwise, you could hire a calligrapher to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your envelopes. Calligraphers typically charge by the envelope, and the cost can add up quickly, especially for larger weddings. It is also important to allow plenty of time for this process, as hand-addressing envelopes can be quite time-consuming.

Another option for addressing wedding invitations is to print the addresses. This can be done using a home printer or through a professional printing service. Printing the addresses can be a more cost-effective and time-saving option, especially if you have a large number of invitations to send out. It is also a good choice if you want to ensure that the addresses are legible and easy for the postal service to deliver. When printing, be sure to use high-quality paper and ink to create a polished look.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to handwrite or print your wedding invitation addresses comes down to personal preference and budget. Handwritten addresses can add a unique and personalised touch, while printed addresses can be more practical and efficient. Whichever option you choose, just be sure to proofread all the addresses carefully to avoid any mistakes.

Formality and titles

When addressing hand-delivered wedding invitations, it's important to consider the formality of the event and the titles of the invitees. Here are some guidelines to help you with this task:

Formality:

The formality of the wedding invitation should match the tone and style of the wedding itself. If you're having a traditional or formal wedding, opt for more formal language and spelling out dates and times in full. For a more casual or modern wedding, you can use casual language and numerical figures for the date and time. The invitation's wording should also reflect the dress code, so guests can anticipate the level of formality.

The use of titles on wedding invitations can be an important aspect of etiquette. Here are some tips to guide you:

• Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms., and Mx.: Traditionally, titles like "Mr." "Mrs.," "Miss," and "Ms." are used on wedding invitations. However, in modern times, you may choose to forgo these titles altogether, especially if they don't align with your guests' identities or preferences. The gender-neutral title "Mx." can be used for non-binary guests. Always check with your guests beforehand to ensure you're using their preferred titles.
• Professional Titles: If any of your guests hold distinguished titles, such as "Doctor," "Judge," or military ranks, it is proper etiquette to address them by these titles on the invitation.
• Marital Status: The way you address married and unmarried couples can vary. For married couples, you can use "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's name, or write out both of their full names on the same line. For unmarried couples, write each person's name on a separate line.
• Children: On the outer envelope, only list the names of the parents or guardians. On the inner envelope, you can include the names of children under 18. For girls under 18, you may use "Miss" if desired. Boys don't need a title until they're 16, at which point they can be addressed as "Mr."
• Same-Sex Couples: For same-sex couples, the traditional rule of the woman's name first does not apply. You can choose to list their names alphabetically or simply go with what sounds better.
• Divorced Parents: To include divorced parents on the invitation, list the mother's name first, followed by the father's name on a separate line. If the mother is not remarried, use the title "Ms." along with her preferred last name (maiden or married).
• Stepparents: To include stepparents, list the mother and stepfather's names first, followed by the father and stepmother's names. Always list the mother's name first, regardless of the father's marital status.

Remember, these guidelines are flexible, and you can adapt them to fit your unique circumstances and preferences. The most important aspect is to ensure your guests feel welcomed and respected through your chosen form of address.

Abbreviations

It is acceptable to abbreviate titles such as Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms., and Dr. when addressing the names of the invitees. The title "Doctor" can be abbreviated to "Dr." when used in conjunction with other titles, such as "The Doctors Williams" or "Dr. and Mrs. Jared Cooper."

Names

When addressing married couples, it is customary to use their full names, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Walter Stuart Brown." However, if the wife has retained her maiden name, both names should be listed separately on the same line, such as "Ms. Emily Jones and Mr. John Williams."

Addresses

When writing out addresses, it is important to spell out all street names, such as "Street," "Road," "Avenue," "Boulevard," and "Lane." North, South, East, and West should also be spelled out in full. Numeric street names, such as "Sixty-Seventh Street," should be written out instead of using numbers.

Dates and Times

Dates and times should be written out in words rather than using numbers. For example, write "the first of December, two thousand eighteen" instead of "December 1, 2018." The time should be written as "three o'clock in the afternoon" instead of "3 p.m."

Exceptions

The rules for abbreviations may be relaxed if you are incorporating a modern design with large and loud typography, geometric or patterned designs, or a unique shape. Abbreviations are also more acceptable for very informal weddings.

Ink colour

When it comes to addressing hand-delivered wedding invitations, the ink colour you choose can add a unique touch that reflects your style and ties in with your wedding theme. Here are some considerations and suggestions for choosing the right ink colour:

Flat Printing vs Letterpress

The printing method you choose will impact the ink colours available to you. Flat printing, also known as digital printing, allows for a wide range of colour options as it mixes cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) inks to create various colours. This method offers flexibility and is ideal if you want to match specific colours from your wedding palette. However, ink-mixing is not an exact science, and colour consistency across different print runs or paper types can be challenging.

On the other hand, letterpress uses individual inks of exact colours, often following the Pantone colour system, which standardises colours. While there are CMYK equivalents for each Pantone colour, they are only close approximations. Letterpress is better suited for designs with one or two colours and provides a luxurious look and feel to your invitations.

Classic and Neutral Colours

If you want to keep things traditional and elegant, consider a classic and neutral colour palette for your wedding invitations. Black and white invitations are always a sophisticated choice and can be paired with a splash of colour in your wedding décor. For a luxurious option, consider combining black or white ink with gold, silver, or copper foil stamping. This adds a touch of shine and elegance to your invitations.

Matching Your Wedding Colours

Your wedding invitations can be a great way to introduce your wedding colour palette to your guests. If you have already chosen specific colours for your bridesmaid dresses, floral arrangements, or décor, consider incorporating these colours into your invitations. This creates a cohesive look and feel for your wedding and can build anticipation for the celebration to come.

Paper Colour and Texture

The colour and texture of the paper you choose will also impact the final appearance of the ink. Printing on soft white paper will give ink colours a softer, warmer feel, while bright white paper will provide a sharper contrast. If you opt for coloured paper, dark colours like black or blue can make light-coloured inks stand out sharply. Additionally, textured paper, such as handmade paper or cotton paper, can add a tactile element to your invitations.

Metallic Inks and Foil Stamping

For a truly glamorous touch, consider metallic inks or foil stamping. Metallic gold, silver, and copper inks are available for letterpress and screen printing, adding a subtle shimmer to your invitations. Foil stamping in gold, champagne, rose gold, silver, or copper can also be a stunning option, especially when combined with white ink printing. This combination of foil and ink can elevate the look of your invitations and create a luxurious impression.

In conclusion, when choosing the ink colour for your hand-delivered wedding invitations, consider the printing method, your wedding colour palette, paper options, and the overall style you want to achieve. Whether you opt for classic neutrals, colourful palettes, or metallic accents, the right ink colour will help set the tone for your special day.

Return address

The return address is usually placed on the back flap of the envelope. Traditionally, this is done by hand, but it is also acceptable to use a stamp. The return address should be the address of the person or people hosting the wedding. For example, if the bride's parents are hosting, the return address would be their home address. Formal return addresses do not include names.

It is important to note that guests who are unable to attend or who wish to send gifts before or after the wedding will use this address. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the return address is accurate and legible.

Traditionally, wedding invitations included an inner and an outer envelope. The outer envelope contains the recipient's name, street address, return address, and postage. The inner envelope has less information, usually only the name of the person or people being invited. The inner envelope is not sealed with a gummed flap; instead, the flap is tucked inside or sealed with a loose seal on top.

While it is not necessary to include an inner envelope, it ensures that each guest receives a pristine envelope. The outer envelope includes all the information required by the postal service for delivery. The inner envelope lists the names of the invited guests in the household, including children whose names do not appear on the outer envelope.

When addressing the return address, it is essential to follow proper etiquette. Traditional etiquette dictates that nothing should be abbreviated, but it is now acceptable to abbreviate titles such as "Dr." or "Mrs.". Writing out street numbers and state names is elegant but can be time-consuming and delay delivery. The United States Postal Service prefers standard abbreviations, such as "CA" for "California".

Frequently asked questions