Crafting The Perfect Return Letter For A Wedding Invitation

Wedding invitations are a special kind of correspondence, and there are a few things to keep in mind when addressing the return envelopes. The return address tells guests where to send their RSVPs and gifts, so it's important to get it right. Traditionally, the return address is placed on the back flap of the outermost envelope, and it's the address of the person or couple hosting the wedding. However, modern etiquette allows for more flexibility, and you can include names or just the address, depending on your preference.

Return address placement

The return address is a key component of your wedding invitation envelopes. It ensures that your envelopes find their way back to you if something goes awry during transit.

Placement Options

There are two main options for placing the return address on your wedding invitation envelopes:

• Front of the Envelope: Placing the return address on the front of the envelope, specifically in the upper left corner, is the traditional and postal service-approved method. This placement increases visibility for postal workers and ensures smooth processing. According to United States Postal Service guidelines, the optimal position is 1/2 inch from the left edge and 6 inches from the bottom.
• Back of the Envelope: Some couples prefer to put the return address on the back flap of the envelope, especially if they want a clean and uncluttered look on the front or wish to adhere to certain design themes. While this option offers more space for artistic expressions on the front, it may increase the risk of compromised visibility and delivery success, as it deviates from USPS guidelines.

Factors to Consider

When deciding on the placement of your return address, here are some factors to consider:

• Design and Aesthetics: If you prioritize the design and aesthetics of your invitations, you may opt for the back placement to keep the front clean and elegant, especially if you plan to incorporate intricate designs, artwork, or unique fonts.
• Deliverability and USPS Guidelines: For those who prioritize the timely delivery of their invitations, following USPS guidelines is crucial. Placing the return address on the front of the envelope minimizes the risk of mail errors and ensures quick automated sorting and delivery.
• Space Constraints: The front of the envelope may already contain guest addresses, wedding date details, or other text elements, leaving limited space for decorative elements. The back placement provides more space for artistic designs.
• Visibility: The front placement ensures higher visibility for postal workers, reducing the chances of delivery delays or mail returns.

Making Your Decision

Ultimately, the choice between front and back placement depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If ensuring the timely delivery of your invitations is a top concern, following USPS guidelines with front placement is recommended. On the other hand, if design and aesthetics take precedence, and you are willing to take a slight risk, back placement can be a stylish alternative. Remember to weigh the importance of design against the practicality of mail delivery when making your decision.

Return address labels

Placement:

While addressing a regular envelope, the return address usually goes to the top left corner. However, for wedding invitations, it is preferred to place the return address on the back flap of the envelope. This adds a touch of elegance to your invitation.

Etiquette:

There are no strict rules for how to format your return address, but here are some traditional options:

• Include the first names of the couple (e.g., Alex and John)
• Use first and last names (e.g., Alex Jones and John Smith)
• Use last names plus "Wedding" (e.g., Jones and Smith Wedding)
• Simply provide the address without any names

If you are the bride, and your partner is male, tradition dictates that the return address should be yours only. However, if you are hosting the wedding with your partner, then their name/address can also be included.

Creating Labels:

You can create return address labels in several ways:

• Printing services: Design your labels using online services like VistaPrint or Shutterfly, or create them on your computer and print them at home on label paper. This option is affordable and straightforward, but the white labels may look out of place on coloured envelopes.
• Pre-printed envelopes: When ordering envelopes online, you can often add a small fee to have your return address pre-printed. This saves time and ensures a clean, consistent look. However, it may be more costly and less flexible if you need extra envelopes.
• Return address stamp: Similar to labels, you can order a custom return address stamp to use over and over. You can choose from various ink colours to match your invitation's style. This option provides a cohesive look but may take more time to apply and cost slightly more.

Buying Labels:

If you prefer to buy ready-made labels, sites like Etsy and Amazon offer a wide range of options:

• Etsy offers clear and white address labels, return address stamps, and custom mailing solutions. You can find elegant, modern, minimalist, and watercolour designs, with prices ranging from $4.50 to $23.08.
• Amazon offers custom return address labels with advanced digital printing and semi-gloss adhesive stocks. You can customise the labels and choose from different colour options.

Pre-printed return address

If you're ordering envelopes online, you can often add your return address for a small fee. This saves you time as you won't need to stick, stamp or write the address. It also provides a clean look. However, if you run out of envelopes or need more, you won't be able to use any spares you have lying around as they won't have the pre-printed address.

The return address is usually placed on the back flap of the envelope. Traditionally, only the physical address is listed and no names. However, it is acceptable to include names if you wish. If you are using double envelopes, the return address only goes on the outermost envelope.

The return address should be the address of the person or people hosting the event. For example, if the bride's parents are hosting, use their address. If the bride and groom are hosting, it is more formal to only include the bride's name and address if the couple is unmarried and living together.

It is also important to consider the style of your envelopes. Pre-printed addresses may look inconsistent with the guest addresses, especially if you are using a calligrapher to write them.

Return address stamps

There are several options available when it comes to return address stamps. You can choose from a variety of stamp types, including self-inking, pre-inked, and wooden hand stamps. Self-inking stamps are the most popular option, as they are great for rapid stamping when you have a lot of mail to send out. The ink pad is built into the stamp, making it convenient and mess-free. Pre-inked stamps provide rich detail but are not ideal for fast, repeated use, as the dye needs time to replenish between stampings. Wooden hand stamps are the traditional option, requiring a separate ink pad, but offering a classic look.

When designing your return address stamp, you can choose from various fonts, styles, and ink colours to match your wedding invitations. You can also select different shapes, such as round, rectangle, and square designs. Some companies even offer custom services, where they will hand-calligraph your name and address, digitize it, and turn it into a stamp. This ensures a cohesive look with your guest addresses if you are using calligraphy for those.

Overall, return address stamps offer a stylish and practical solution for addressing wedding invitations and can be a fun part of the wedding preparation process.

Formal and informal addressees

The outer envelope is typically more formal, while the inner envelope is more informal.

Formal Addressees

The outer envelope should include the recipient's full name, including their personal title. This works for couples of all genders, whether they share a surname or not, and still feels traditional.

If you are inviting a married couple with the same last name, you can address them as "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's full name. For same-sex couples, either name can go first. For instance, "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren". If the couple prefers to be addressed separately, you can write "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren". On the inner envelope, you can use their surnames or first names, for example, "Mr. and Mrs. Warren" or "Thomas and Michelle".

If the married couple has different last names, write their names on the same line with the person you are closest to or the woman's name first. For example, "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez". On the inner envelope, you can use their surnames or first names, such as "Ms. Stevens and Mr. Estevez" or "Maria and David".

If you are inviting a family, you can address the outer envelope to the entire family or just the parents. For instance, "The Thompson Family" or "Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson". On the inner envelope, list all invited family members, including children's names and "Miss" for girls under 18. For example, "Alan, Emily, Roger, Chance, Miss Jennifer, and Miss Lily".

Informal Addressees

The inner envelope is more informal, and you can leave out certain elements of the formal name format. You can use personal titles and last names or opt for a casual vibe with just first names.

For a married couple with the same last name, you can use their surnames or first names on the inner envelope, for example, "Mr. and Mrs. Rivera" or "John and Samantha".

If the married couple has different last names, you can use their surnames or first names on the inner envelope, such as "Ms. Elgin and Ms. Purcell" or "Celine and Jacqueline".

For a family, you can use the parents' surnames or first names on the inner envelope, for example, "Mr. and Mrs. Abraham" or "Michael and [Partner's First Name]".

Frequently asked questions