Responding To Wedding Invitation Regrets

Wedding invitations are a special kind of correspondence, and there are a few things to keep in mind when addressing the return letter. The return address typically goes on the back flap of the outermost envelope and is meant to indicate where gifts and RSVPs should be sent. Traditionally, the hosts of the event are noted as the return address, but there are a few different ways to format the names and address.

Return address placement

The return address is an important component of your wedding invitation envelopes. It ensures that your invites are delivered to their recipients and that you receive RSVPs and gifts without a hitch.

There are two options for placing the return address on your wedding invitation envelopes: the front of the envelope (upper left corner) and the back flap. Each option has its advantages and considerations.

Front of the Envelope (Upper Left Corner)

Placing the return address in the upper left corner of the envelope's front, as per United States Postal Service (USPS) guidelines, offers several benefits:

• High Visibility and Deliverability: This placement maximizes visibility during postal processing. Envelopes are automatically sorted by machines that read this clearly marked location.
• Design Simplicity: Keeping the return address off the back creates an uninterrupted space for calligraphy, artwork, or other design elements on the back envelope flap.
• Space Constraints: If the front of your envelope already includes recipient information, wedding date details, or other text, placing the return address on the front helps manage space constraints for your artistic design.

However, there are also a few considerations to keep in mind:

Aesthetic Concerns: A front return address may detract from highly formal wedding themes or intricate envelope designs, such as classic formal calligraphy or a regal royal crest.

Back Flap of the Envelope

The back flap placement for the return address is often chosen for its design and aesthetic advantages:

• Design Freedom: Placing the return address on the back flap provides a broader canvas for artistic expressions or key information on the front of the envelope. This is ideal for couples who wish to incorporate intricate designs, artwork, or unique fonts for the recipient's address.
• Less Clutter: Relocating the return address to the back flap results in a cleaner and less cluttered look on the front, emphasizing essential details like the recipient's address and wedding date.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind with this option:

Visibility Risk and USPS Guidelines: Placing the return address on the back flap may cause postal workers or guests to overlook it, potentially leading to delivery delays or mail returns. This placement may also hinder automated sorting processes and complicate claims processing for lost or undelivered mail.

Choosing the Right Placement

The choice between front and back placement for the return address ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If ensuring mail delivery and adhering to USPS guidelines are top priorities, the front placement (upper left corner) is recommended. This option minimizes the risk of mail errors and ensures quick automated sorting and delivery.

On the other hand, if the invitation's aesthetics and design take precedence, and you are willing to take a slight risk, the back flap placement can be a stylish alternative. It's important to weigh the importance of design against the practicality of mail delivery when making your decision.

Return address etiquette

The return address on a wedding invitation is important as it tells guests where to send their RSVPs and any gifts if they are unable to attend the wedding. It is also useful in case the invitation gets lost in the post, as 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 outermost envelope. If you are using a double envelope system (an inner and outer envelope), there is no need to put the return address on the inner envelope.

How to Format the Return Address

The traditional way to format the return address is to only include the physical address, with no names. However, it is becoming more common to include names as well. If you are including names, the traditional format is to use the names of the people hosting the wedding, which is often the bride's parents. If the couple is hosting themselves, a formal option is to use their first and last names, e.g. "Ms. Kari Johnson and Mr. Bradley Shaw". A more casual option is to just use their first names, e.g. "Kari and Bradley".

How to Write the Return Address

The return address can be handwritten, printed, or put on a mailing label or stamp. Handwriting or using a stamp is the most traditional option, but any of these methods are acceptable.

Where to Put the Guest Address

The guest address goes on the front of the outer envelope. According to United States Postal Service guidelines, the optimal placement for the guest address is in the upper left corner, with the text 1/2 inch from the left edge and 6 inches from the bottom.

Return address options

The return address tells guests where gifts and RSVPs should be mailed. It is usually placed on the back flap of the outermost envelope, and on the front side of the response envelope.

There are several options for formatting and applying your return address:

• Labels: Return address labels can be printed at places like VistaPrint and Shutterfly, or designed on your computer and printed at home on label paper. This option is affordable, but may look inelegant, especially if you have colourful envelopes.
• Pre-printed envelopes: You can order envelopes with your return address pre-printed, saving you time. However, this option can be costly, and may cause issues if you run out of envelopes.
• Return address stamp: You can order a custom stamp with your return address, which can be used over and over again. This option may be time-consuming, but it ensures a cohesive style with the guest address.
• Calligraphy: You can hire a calligrapher to hand-write your return address. This is the most expensive option, but it ensures a completely cohesive style with the guest address, and saves you time.

Traditionally, only the physical address is listed on the back flap of the invitation envelope, with no names. However, it is acceptable to include names, especially on the response envelope, which will be delivered back to you by the post office. If you want to keep things traditional, the names of the bride and groom should not appear together in print before the wedding.

Hosts' names and address

The return address is usually placed on the back flap of the invitation envelope and the front side of the response envelope. The return address should be the address of whoever is hosting the wedding. This is usually the bride's parents, but it can also be the couple themselves or their families.

Traditionally, only the physical address is listed on the back flap of the invitation envelope, with no names. However, it is becoming more common to include names on the response envelope, as this is where guests will send their RSVPs. Here are some examples:

• Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson, 12 Park Lane, Mobile, Alabama, 36695
• Ms. Kari Johnson, Mr. Bradley Shaw, 23848 Dunmore Loop, Mobile, Alabama, 36695
• Kari and Bradley, 23848 Dunmore Loop, Mobile, Alabama, 36695

If you are using inner and outer envelopes, the return address only needs to go on the back flap of the outer envelope.

RSVP envelope

The return address on your RSVP envelope is important as it tells your guests where to send their responses and any gifts. It is usually placed on the back flap of the envelope, but can also be placed on the front.

There are a few different approaches to formatting the return address on your RSVP envelope. One option is to include the names of the hosts, such as the bride's parents, followed by their address. For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson

> 12 Park Lane

> Mobile, Alabama 36695

If the bride and groom are hosting the wedding themselves, a more casual approach can be taken, such as:

> Kari and Bradley

> 23848 Dunmore Loop

> Mobile, Alabama 36695

Another option is to use first names and last names, for example:

> Alex Jones and John Smith

Alternatively, you may choose to only include the address with no names, or use first names only.

There are also different ways to present the address, such as using a return address stamp, a mailing label, or having the address handwritten.

Frequently asked questions