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A return address on a wedding invitation is considered a standard practice and is essential to ensure that all aspects of the invitation process are well-managed. It allows guests to conveniently RSVP and send gifts, and protects your invite from any mailing mishaps. The return address should be placed on the back flap of the outer envelope, and if there is an inner envelope, on the back of that as well. It should be the address of the person or persons hosting the event, traditionally the bride's parents. The return address can also be placed on the front of the outer envelope, in the upper left corner, to increase visibility for postal workers.
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What You'll Learn
Return address placement
The return address on a wedding invitation is essential, as it allows guests to RSVP and ensures that any undelivered invitations are returned to the sender.
There are a few options for placing the return address on your wedding invitations. The most traditional and preferred location is on the back flap of the envelope. This makes it easily visible and accessible for the recipient and postal service and maintains a clean and uncluttered look on the front of the envelope. If you are using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address should only go on the back flap of the outermost envelope. You can also write the return address on the back of the inner envelope, but this is not necessary.
If you are concerned about space constraints on the front of the envelope, or if you would like to feature a highly formal design, such as calligraphy or a royal crest, on the back of the envelope, you may prefer to place the return address on the front of the outer envelope. According to United States Postal Service guidelines, the optimal placement for front return addresses is in the upper left corner, with the text starting 1/2 inch from the left edge and 6 inches from the bottom. This placement increases visibility for postal workers and maximises deliverability by allowing envelopes to be automatically sorted by machine.
The return address should be written in a style that complements the overall design and formality of the invitation. Handwritten calligraphy or a printed font that mimics calligraphy are popular choices.
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Return address format
The return address on a wedding invitation is essential. It allows guests to RSVP and prevents mailing mishaps. Traditionally, the return address is placed on the back flap of the envelope, creating a clean and uncluttered look on the front of the envelope. This is also the optimal position according to the United States Postal Service, who recommend the upper left corner, with the text 1/2 inch from the left edge and 6 inches from the bottom. This position increases visibility for postal workers and reduces the risk of mail errors.
If you are using double envelopes, the return address should only be placed on the outermost envelope. The inner envelope is more informal, and you may leave out elements of the formal name format. If you are not using an inner envelope, the front of the envelope may already contain the recipient's address, wedding date details, and other text, leaving less room for decorative fonts and illustrations.
The return address should be the address of the person or persons hosting the event. Traditionally, this would be the parents of the bride, but today, many brides prefer to handle responses themselves. If the couple is living together and unmarried, the return address is usually addressed to the bride only. If the couple is already married, their married name should be preceded by "the future" or "soon-to-be". If the couple has different last names, their names should be presented on separate lines, or you can use a hyphenated title such as "The Smith-Edwards Wedding".
The return address can be handwritten or printed, and you can use a mailing label or a return address stamp. It's important to consider the overall design and formality of the invitation when choosing the font, size, and style. Handwritten calligraphy is a popular choice for addressing wedding envelopes.
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Inner and outer envelopes
Wedding invitations traditionally use both inner and outer envelopes. The outer envelope is formal and typically includes the recipient's full name and title. For example, 'Mr. James Bennett and Mrs. Sarah Bennett'. This format is foolproof as it works for couples of all genders and feels traditional. The outer envelope is also where you place the return address, usually on the back flap. This should be the address of the person or couple hosting the wedding. For instance, if the bride's parents are hosting, use their address.
The inner envelope is more casual and includes the names of the invitees. For example, 'Mr. and Mrs. Bennett' or 'James and Sarah'. If children are invited, their names can be written on a line below their parents' names on the inner envelope. If there is no inner envelope, the children's names are written on the outer envelope below their parents' names. The inner envelope is not sealed with a gummed flap and can be tucked inside or sealed with a wax stamp.
It is important to double-check that the names on both envelopes match. The two-envelope system is useful when inviting someone with a guest, as the outer envelope can be addressed to the guest of honour, and the inner envelope can include their guest's name.
The return address should be handwritten if possible, but it is also acceptable to print, use a mailing label, or a return address stamp. It is also important to consider the design and formality of the invitation when choosing the font, size and style.
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Formality and design
Traditionally, the return address should be placed on the back flap of the envelope, maintaining a clean and uncluttered look on the front. This placement is also optimal for visibility and postal processing success, minimising the risk of mail errors. However, if you are using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only needs to be on the back flap of the outermost envelope.
When it comes to formality, it is important to use the proper titles and names. Avoid using your married name without adding "the future" or "soon-to-be". Use your full names, with or without courtesy titles. If you don't live together already, choose the address where you prefer to receive RSVP cards. Traditionally, the return address does not include the names of the bride and groom, but if you wish to include them, present your names on separate lines or use a hyphenated title.
The design of your return address should complement the overall design and formality of your invitation. Consider using handwritten calligraphy or a printer that mimics calligraphy fonts. Keep in mind any space constraints on the front of the envelope, which may already contain the recipient's information and wedding details, limiting the space for decorative elements. If you want to showcase calligraphy or artwork on the back of the envelope, placing the return address on the front may detract from the elegance of your design.
Finally, remember to double-check each invitation set before sealing the envelope. Ensure that you have proper postage, especially for international addresses, to avoid returned invitations.
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RSVP cards
The return address on RSVP cards is essential as it allows guests to conveniently respond to your wedding invitation and ensures that any undelivered invitations can be returned to the sender. The return address also indicates where gifts should be mailed. Traditionally, the return address is placed on the back flap of the envelope, making it easily visible and maintaining a clean and uncluttered look on the front of the envelope.
When formatting your RSVP cards, it is important to consider the overall design and formality of the invitation when choosing the font, size, and style of your text. In general, it is recommended to use handwritten calligraphy or a printer that mimics calligraphy fonts. The return address should include the names of the hosts or individuals sending the invitations. For example, if the parents of the bride are hosting, their names should be included, followed by the full street address, city, state, and zip code.
The RSVP cards should be included in the same envelope as the wedding invitations, typically placed on top. They should be accompanied by addressed return envelopes to make it easy for guests to send back their responses. It is also important to include a clear deadline for responses, typically three to four weeks before the wedding, and to provide a space for guests to select their entrée choice if applicable.
To ensure you receive accurate RSVPs, it is recommended to write a number lightly in pencil on the back of each RSVP card and assign it to a guest on your list. This will help you keep track of who is attending, even if a guest forgets to write their name on the card. Additionally, be sure to proofread your RSVP cards before sending them out to avoid any mistakes.
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Frequently asked questions
The return address typically goes on the back flap of the outer envelope. This makes it easily visible for the recipient and the postal service and leaves the front of the envelope uncluttered. If you're using double envelopes, the return address only needs to go on the back flap of the outermost envelope.
The return address should be the address of the person or people hosting the wedding. Traditionally, this would be the parents of the bride. Nowadays, many brides prefer to handle responses themselves, so you can use the bride's address. If the couple lives together, the return address is usually addressed to the bride only. If you're using your married name, add "the future" or "soon-to-be" before it. If your wedding is large, include both your first name and your partner's.
The return address should be handwritten if possible, but it's acceptable to print it, use a mailing label, or a return address stamp. Consider the overall design and formality of the invitation when choosing the font, size, and style. Handwritten calligraphy or a printer that mimics calligraphy fonts is a popular choice.
A return address ensures that all aspects of the invitation process are well-managed. It allows guests to conveniently RSVP and send gifts, and it means any undelivered invitations can be returned to the sender. It's also important to weigh your invitations at the post office to ensure they have the correct postage and don't get returned.
