Franklin Dean
Wedding planning can be a stressful time, and there are a lot of details to consider. One of the most important things to get right is the wedding invitations. The return address on your wedding invitation envelope is essential, as it ensures that guests can conveniently RSVP and that any undelivered invitations are returned to the sender. In this article, we will guide you through the process of filling out a return wedding invitation, including where to place the address, formatting, and etiquette considerations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Return address location | Back flap of the envelope |
| Return address format | 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 |
| Return address names | Traditionally, the hosts of the event (e.g. bride's parents) |
| Return address options | Handwritten, printed, mailing label, return address stamp, pre-printed on the envelope, or calligraphy |
What You'll Learn
- Return address location: the back flap of the envelope is the preferred location
- Return address format: select a font that matches your wedding's aesthetic and include names and full address
- Whose address to use: traditionally, the return address includes the names of the hosts or those sending the invites?
- Return address options: use labels, pre-printed envelopes, a custom stamp, or handwritten calligraphy
- Postage and handling: take a complete invitation to the post office to have it weighed and request hand-cancelling to prevent damage
Return address location: the back flap of the envelope is the preferred location
The preferred location for a return address is on the back flap of the envelope. This is because placing the return address on the back flap allows it to be easily visible and accessible for the recipient and postal service. It also maintains a clean and uncluttered look on the front of the envelope, where the recipient's address is usually written.
If your invitation package includes an inner envelope, you can also write the return address on the back of this secondary envelope. However, if you are using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only needs to go on the back flap of the outermost envelope.
When placing the return address on the back flap of the envelope, it is important to consider the overall design and formality of the invitation when choosing the font, size, and style of your text. Handwritten calligraphy or a printed font that mimics calligraphy is recommended. If neither of those options is possible, clear and legible handwriting or printed labels can also work.
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Return address format: select a font that matches your wedding's aesthetic and include names and full address
The return address on your wedding invitation envelope is an important detail that helps your guests know where to send their RSVPs and gifts. It is usually placed on the back flap of the envelope, maintaining a clean look on the front where the recipient's address is written.
When selecting a font for your return address, it is important to consider the overall design and formality of your wedding invitation. Choose a font that aligns with your wedding's aesthetic. If you are using handwritten calligraphy or a printer that mimics calligraphy fonts, this will add a nice touch to your envelopes. If this is not possible, opt for clear and legible handwriting or printed labels for a more professional finish. Avoid fancy or overly decorative fonts.
The return address should include the names and full address of the hosts or individuals sending the invitations. Traditionally, the bride's parents host the wedding, so their names and address would be included. However, if the couple is hosting their own wedding, their names and address can be used instead. Here is an example of how to format the return address:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Winter Park, Florida 10001
Remember to use proper spacing and alignment for a clean and organised look. Each line should be aligned with the left margin, and avoid using abbreviations. Ensure that the return address on the outer envelope matches the address on the RSVP envelope to maintain consistency for your guests.
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Whose address to use: traditionally, the return address includes the names of the hosts or those sending the invites
When it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, traditionally, wedding invitations had an inner and outer envelope. The outer envelope, which is delivered by post, contains the recipient's name, street address, return address, and postage. The inner envelope, which is not sealed, contains only the name(s) of the person(s) invited.
Now, let's focus on the return address. Traditionally, the return address includes the names of the hosts or those sending the invites. This is usually written on the back flap of the outer envelope and tells guests where to send their RSVPs and gifts. The return address is also useful in case any invitations are returned to the sender by the mail.
In most cases, the hosts of the wedding will be the ones collecting both gifts and RSVPs, so their names and address are included in the return address. This is usually the bride's parents, as they traditionally host and pay for the wedding. Here's an example of how to format the return address in this case:
> Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson
> 12 Park Lane
> Mobile, Alabama 36695
However, there may be situations where you want gifts mailed to a different address, such as the bride's parents' address, especially if the couple will be on their honeymoon. In this case, you can include the bride's parents' address as the return address, and specify the bride's address for RSVPs if she is in charge of the guest list.
It is important to note that formally, only the physical address is listed on the outer envelope, with no names. However, it is becoming more common to include names, especially on the response envelope, as the post office will deliver this back to the sender.
When it comes to the bride and groom's names, traditionally, their names should not appear together in print until after the wedding. So, if the couple is hosting the wedding together, you can use first names only (e.g. Kari and Bradley) or first and last names (e.g. Kari Johnson and Bradley Shaw) on the response envelope.
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Return address options: use labels, pre-printed envelopes, a custom stamp, or handwritten calligraphy
Return address labels are a great way to ensure your wedding invitations look neat and are easy to send out. There are several options to consider when it comes to return addresses, each with its own pros and cons. Here are four to six paragraphs detailing the options of using labels, pre-printed envelopes, a custom stamp, or handwritten calligraphy for your return addresses:
Return Address Labels:
This option is simple and well-known. You can create return address labels that stick onto the envelope. These can be printed at online printing services or designed and printed at home on label paper. The pros of this option include affordability and simplicity. However, a con is that white labels on coloured envelopes can look inelegant, and the style may not match the guest address.
Pre-Printed Return Address on Envelope:
When ordering envelopes online, you often have the option to add your return address for a small fee. This saves time as there is no need to stick or write the address. It also provides a clean and consistent look. However, if you run out of envelopes or need more, you won't have the pre-printed option, which can be inconvenient.
Custom Return Address Stamp:
Similar to labels, you can order a custom return address stamp to use on your envelopes. This option allows for a cohesive style with the guest address, especially if you use coloured ink. There are a variety of ink colours available to match your theme. The stamp is also yours to keep and use long after your wedding. However, it does take time to apply the stamp, and there may be a slightly higher cost involved.
Handwritten Calligraphy:
The most luxurious and traditional option is to have a professional calligrapher write your return address. This option is the most time-consuming and expensive but can elevate your envelopes to frame-worthy pieces of art. Calligraphy is an impressive and elegant way to address envelopes, making your invitations stand out. However, it is important to consider the cost, which can range from USD 1 to USD 5+ per envelope, depending on factors such as turnaround time, style, and special materials.
Overall, the choice of return address option depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the level of formality you desire for your wedding invitations. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to consider which factors are most important to you before making a decision.
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Postage and handling: take a complete invitation to the post office to have it weighed and request hand-cancelling to prevent damage
When sending out wedding invitations, it's important to ensure they are not damaged during the mailing process. One way to do this is by hand-cancelling, which is when each stamp on your envelope is marked using a hand stamp instead of by a machine. Hand-cancelling prevents stuffed envelopes from being torn by the post office's machine and helps ensure that the envelopes don't get smudged or damaged during processing. It can also help prevent the envelopes from being bent, which can ruin the appearance of the invitation.
To hand-cancel your wedding invitations, follow these steps:
- Assemble a complete, sealed, and addressed mock-up invitation, complete with all inserts and accoutrements.
- Take the mock-up invitation to the post office to have it weighed and checked by a postmaster or another USPS employee. They will be able to tell you if your envelope is too bulky to be cancelled by machine and how much postage you'll need based on its weight.
- Purchase the correct postage. Take into account the weight of your invitation and the additional cost for hand-cancelling, which is currently $0.24.
- If your local post office does not offer hand-cancelling, call ahead to other post offices in your area to find one that does. Alternatively, try visiting your local post office at different times of the day, as sometimes the availability of this service may vary.
- When you have confirmed that hand-cancelling is available at your chosen post office, take your sealed, stamped, and addressed invitations and hand them to a postal employee at the counter, specifically requesting that they be hand-cancelled.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your wedding invitations arrive safely and in pristine condition.
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Frequently asked questions
The return address typically goes on the back flap of the envelope. This is the preferred location as it maintains a clean and uncluttered look on the front of the envelope.
The return address should include 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. Avoid using abbreviations and instead spell out everyone's full name, the street name, the city, and the state.
Traditionally, the return address includes the names of the hosts or the individuals sending the invitations. If the couple is hosting their own wedding, their names can be used. In some cases, the wedding planner's address may be used if they are overseeing the invitation process and managing RSVPs.
There are several options for including the return address on the envelope. You can use return address labels, have the address pre-printed on the envelope, use a custom return address stamp, or have a calligrapher write the address.
