The Return Address: Wedding Invitation Etiquette

Wedding invitations are a guest's first impression of your big day, and there are endless details to consider before sending them out. One of the most important things to remember is to include a return address, which tells guests where to send their replies and gifts. The return address usually goes on the back flap of the outer envelope and is traditionally the address of the person or couple hosting the wedding. If you're using inner and outer envelopes, the return address only needs to go on the outermost envelope. You can also include the return address on the front side of the response envelopes, which is useful if you want gifts mailed to a different address, such as the bride's parents' address.

Return address placement

The return address is an important component of your wedding invitation as it tells your guests where to send their replies and gifts. There are a few options for where to place your return address on your wedding invitation envelopes.

Firstly, you can place the return address on the back flap of the outer envelope. This is the traditional option and is preferred by some as it keeps the front of the envelope elegant and clutter-free, allowing the guest's name and address to be fully visible. It is also the best option if you are using double envelopes (an inner and outer envelope) for your invitations, as the return address only needs to go on the outermost envelope.

Alternatively, you can place the return address in the upper left-hand corner of the envelope, like you would when addressing a standard letter. This is a good option if you want to add a fun or casual touch to your invitations. However, it is important to note that this option may be more likely to get confused with the guest address by the post office, resulting in your invites being sent back to you.

Finally, if you are including response cards with your invitations, the return address for these should always go in the upper-left-hand corner of the response envelopes.

Return address etiquette

The return address on a wedding invitation tells guests where gifts and replies should be sent. Traditionally, the return address is placed on the back flap of the outer envelope and is the address of whoever is hosting the wedding.

If you are using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only goes on the back flap of the outermost envelope. The inner envelope is not sealed and usually only contains the name of the person(s) being invited.

The return address on the response envelope is usually the address of the person(s) designated to receive response cards and gifts, traditionally the host(s) of the wedding.

There are no hard and fast rules on how to format the return address, but traditionally, only the physical address is listed, with no names. However, it is okay to include names, especially if you want to make sure gifts are delivered successfully. If you do decide to include names, the format should be:

Mr. and Mrs. [Host Names]

[Address]

If the bride's parents are hosting, the response envelope address should be their address. If the couple is hosting, the return address should be the bride's address only.

If the couple prefers their names listed, there are a few options for a formal approach:

Ms. [Bride's First and Last Name] Mr. [Groom's First and Last Name]

[Address]

The [Bride's Last Name]-[Groom's Last Name] Wedding

[Address]

For a less formal approach, the first names of the couple can be used:

[Bride's First Name] and [Groom's First Name]

[Address]

There are several options for adding the return address to the envelope, including handwriting it, printing it directly on the envelope, using a mailing label, or using a return address stamp.

Return address options

There are several options for the return address on your wedding invitations. The return address is usually placed on the back flap of the outer envelope and is traditionally the address of the person(s) hosting the wedding. However, you can also choose to place the return address in the upper left-hand corner of the envelope. Here are some options to consider:

• Return Address Labels: This is a simple and well-known option where you create return address labels and stick them onto the envelope. You can print these at places like VistaPrint and Shutterfly, or design them yourself on your computer and print them at home on label paper. This option is affordable and convenient, but may not look elegant, especially if you have white labels on coloured envelopes.
• Pre-printed Return Address on Envelope: When ordering envelopes online, you can often have your return address pre-printed for a small fee. This saves time as you don't need to stick or write the address, and it provides a clean look. However, if you run out of envelopes, you won't have the pre-printed return address on extra envelopes.
• Return Address Stamp: Similar to labels, you can order a custom return address stamp to use on your envelopes. This option can provide a cohesive style with the guest address if you use coloured ink. It does take time to apply the stamp, and there may be slightly higher costs involved.
• Calligraphy Return Address: The most luxurious option is to have a calligrapher write your return address. This ensures a 100% match in writing style and ink colour to the guest address. However, this is also the most expensive option as it takes the most time for the calligrapher.

Remember, the return address is important as it tells guests where to send their replies and gifts. Traditionally, guests mail responses to the parents of the bride or the hosts of the wedding. If you are using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only goes on the back flap of the outermost envelope.

Return address on the RSVP envelope

The return address on the RSVP envelope should go on the front side, in the upper-left-hand corner. This is different from the invitation envelope, where the return address goes on the back flap.

There are a few options for how to format the return address on the RSVP envelope. Traditionally, the return address is the address of the person or couple hosting the wedding. This is usually the bride's parents and, formally, only the physical address is listed, with no names. However, it is also acceptable to include names in the return address, and if the bride and groom are hosting, their names can be included. For example, a formal option would be:

> Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson

> 12 Park Lane

> Mobile, Alabama 36695

If the bride and groom are hosting and prefer their names to be listed, a formal suggestion would be:

> Ms. Kari Johnson

> Mr. Bradley Shaw

> 23848 Dunmore Loop

> Mobile, Alabama 36695

A more casual approach would be:

> Kari and Bradley

> 23848 Dunmore Loop

> Mobile, Alabama 36695

There are also a few different ways to get the return address onto the envelope. You could use a return address stamp, a custom stamp, or a calligrapher. Return address labels are a simple and affordable option, but they may look inelegant, especially if you have coloured envelopes. If you are ordering envelopes online, you can often pay a small fee to have your return address pre-printed, saving time, but this may be inconsistent with the style of the guest address.

Return address on double envelopes

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

The return address tells guests where gifts and responses are to be mailed. If someone is unable to attend your wedding or would prefer to send their gift in advance, they will use the address on the back flap of your invitation envelope.

Formally, the return address should be handwritten, but it is also acceptable to have it printed, use a mailing label, or a return address stamp.

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, first and last names, last names plus wedding, or no name at all.

If you are ordering envelopes online, you can often have your return address pre-printed for a small fee. This saves time but can be costly and may not be consistent with the style of the guest address.

Frequently asked questions