Guide To Addressing Return Addresses On Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are a chance for couples to showcase their style and creativity, but they also serve a practical purpose. One important element that is often overlooked is the return address. Including a return address on your wedding invitations is essential, as it provides guests with a convenient way to RSVP and ensures that any undelivered invitations are returned to the sender. This small detail can also dictate where gifts are sent.

Traditionally, the return address on wedding invitations includes the names of the hosts or the individuals sending the invitations. For example, if the parents of the bride are hosting, their names and address should be included. If the couple is hosting their own wedding, their names and address can be used instead.

The preferred location for a return address is on the back flap of the envelope, maintaining a clean and uncluttered look on the front. If your invitation includes an inner envelope, the return address can also be written on the back of this.

Return address placement

When addressing envelopes for weddings, it is customary to place the return address on the back flap of the envelope. This is considered the preferred location as it makes the return address easily visible and accessible for the recipient and postal service while maintaining a clean and uncluttered look on the front of the envelope.

If you are using double envelopes (inner and outer) for your invitations, the return address should only go on the back flap of the outermost envelope. There is no need to include a return address on the inner envelope.

Traditionally, the return address was handwritten in black ink and included no names, only the physical address. However, it is now acceptable to print the return address, use mailing labels, or a return address stamp. You can also include names in the return address if desired, especially if you want to include the names of the hosts or individuals sending the invitations, such as the parents of the bride or the couple themselves.

When formatting the return address, select a font that aligns with your wedding's aesthetic. Handwritten calligraphy or a printer that mimics calligraphy fonts is recommended. If those options are not feasible, clear and legible handwriting or printed labels can also work. Avoid using fancy or overly decorative fonts.

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

Winter Park, Florida 10001

When writing out the return address, ensure proper spacing and alignment for a clean and organized look. Each line should be aligned with the left margin, and all words should be spelled out, including street names, city, and state, with no abbreviations.

Return address etiquette

The return address is an essential part of your wedding invitation suite. It allows guests to RSVP to your celebration and protects your invite from any mailing mishaps. It also tells guests where gifts are to be mailed.

Return Address Placement

The preferred location for a return address is on the back flap of the envelope. If your invitation package includes an inner envelope, you can also write the return address on the back of this.

There are no hard and fast rules on how to format a return address, but there are some traditions and conventions to be aware of.

• Traditionally, whoever is hosting the wedding would be noted as the return address—this may be a parent or the couple themselves.
• Other options include first names only (e.g. Alex and John), first and last names (Alex Jones and John Smith), last names plus wedding (Jones and Smith Wedding), or no name at all, just the address.
• If you do decide to use last names, one consensus is to avoid combining them (e.g. Alex and John Smith) as you are not yet married.
• Traditionally, names are not included on a formal return address, only the physical address.
• If the couple is hosting their own wedding, their names can be used, but traditionally, the bride and groom's names should not appear together in print until after the wedding.
• If the bride and groom are living together but unmarried, the return address should be addressed to the bride only.
• The return address on your response envelope should include names since the post office will deliver this back to you.

Return Address Format

• Select a font that aligns with your wedding's aesthetic. Handwritten calligraphy or a printer that mimics calligraphy fonts is ideal.
• If this is not possible, clear and legible handwriting or printed labels are also options.
• Avoid fancy or overly decorative fonts.
• The return address should be formatted with 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.
• Use proper spacing and alignment for a clean and organised look.
• Each line should be aligned with the left margin.
• Avoid abbreviations and instead spell out everyone's full name, the street name, the city, and the state.

Return address options

There are several options for including a return address on your wedding invitation envelopes. Here are some of the most common methods:

Return Address Labels:

One simple and well-known option is to create return address labels that can be stuck onto the envelope. These can be printed at online printing services or designed and printed at home on label paper. This option is generally affordable and convenient, but it may not look as elegant as other methods, especially if the labels are white and the envelopes are coloured.

Pre-Printed Return Address on Envelope:

When ordering envelopes online, you often have the option to have your return address pre-printed for a small additional fee. This saves time and provides a clean and consistent look. However, it may require extra lead time for printing, and if you run out of envelopes, you won't have the return address on the extras.

Return Address Stamp:

Similar to labels, you can order a custom return address stamp that you can use on multiple envelopes. This option allows for a cohesive look if you're using calligraphy for the guest addresses. There are various ink colours available, so you can match the colour to your envelope or guest address ink. Using a stamp does require a bit more time for application, and there may be a slightly higher cost.

Calligraphy Return Address:

The most luxurious option is to have a calligrapher write your return address in beautiful calligraphy. This option ensures a fully coordinated style and ink colour with the guest addresses. It is also the most time-efficient for the client, as they don't need to apply labels or stamps. However, it is typically the most expensive choice due to the time and skill required by the calligrapher.

Regardless of the method you choose, the preferred location for the return address is generally the back flap of the envelope. This makes it easily visible and accessible for the recipient and postal service while maintaining a clean and uncluttered look on the front of the envelope. If you're using inner envelopes, you can also write the return address on the back of these.

Outer and inner envelopes

The use of inner and outer envelopes is a traditional option for formal invitations. The outer envelope contains the guest's mailing address, while the inner envelope states exactly who is invited to the event. The outer envelope is the larger of the two and includes the recipient's name, street address, return address, and postage. The inner envelope is smaller and has traditionally been marked with only the titles and last names of the guests.

The outer envelope is the mailing envelope that gets labelled with the guest address. The inner envelope keeps the rest of the invitation intact and makes it clear who is (and isn't) invited to the wedding. The inner envelope is also where you would include the names of any children who are invited. If their names are left off the inner envelope, it is assumed that they are not invited.

Historically, wedding invitations were delivered by hand, with a footman delivering the invitation to each guest's home, where a servant would receive the package, remove the invitation from the outer envelope, and hand it to the appropriate member of the household. While this tradition is no longer necessary, many brides continue to use both an inner and outer envelope for formal invitations.

The return address should be printed or handwritten on the back flap of the outer envelope. If you are using both inner and outer envelopes, the return address only goes on the outer envelope. The return address tells guests where gifts and RSVPs should be mailed. Traditionally, no names are included on a formal return address, only the physical address. However, it is okay to include names if you wish.

Postage and handling

The weight of your invitation suite will determine how much postage you need to attach. It's a good idea to bring a completed invitation to the post office to be weighed. Many invitations require postage for at least two ounces, which usually exceeds the cost of a first-class stamp. It's important to weigh your reply card and its envelope as well, to ensure that you don't over- or underpay for that postage.

While at the post office, ask about the different stamp options available. You can also browse a wider variety of stamps online. Vintage stamps can be purchased from philatelic societies. They are worth the amount printed on them, but they can cost much more since they are collectible and limited in quantity. You can also customize stamps to match your wedding theme or monogram.

You can take your invitations to the post office and request that they be hand-cancelled. Machines print bar codes on the envelopes, but hand-cancelling – marking each stamp by hand – keeps invitations neat and prevents damage that machines can cause.

Some towns will cancel your stamps for you, imprinting them with the town's name. Call ahead to let the postmaster know the invitations are on their way. Then enclose your stamped, addressed invitations in a large padded envelope or box, along with a note detailing your request, and send it to the postmaster in your chosen town. Consider sending the envelopes Priority or Express Mail so you can track the package. Do ask the postmaster how long it will take so that you can allow enough time for invitations to be delivered, postmarked, and mailed out. Some towns that offer this service include:

• Bliss, New York 14024; 585-322-7740
• Bridal Veil, Oregon 97010; 503-695-2380
• Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514; 919-942-4170
• Darling, Mississippi 38623; 662-326-8408
• Deary, Idaho 83823; 208-877-1470
• Groom, Texas 79039; 806-248-7988
• Harmony, Rhode Island 02829; 401-949-2745
• Honeyville, Utah 84314; 435-279-8213
• Kissimmee, Florida 34744; 407-846-0999
• Lovely, Kentucky 41231; 606-395-5848
• Loving, Texas 76460; 940-378-2259
• Luck, Wisconsin 54853; 715-472-2079
• Romance, Arkansas 72136; 501-556-5911

Frequently asked questions