Crafting Wedding Return Cards: A Simple Guide

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, with a lot of small details to consider. One of these is the return card, which is an essential part of your invite suite. Return cards allow guests to conveniently RSVP to your celebration and ensure that your invite is not lost in the mail. When creating return cards, it is important to consider the placement of the return address, the format, and the information that guests are responsible for filling out. This will ensure that you receive timely RSVPs and that your guests have all the information they need to respond.

Return card placement: front or back of the envelope

When it comes to return card placement, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to maintain a clean and uncluttered look on the front of the envelope, where the recipient's address is usually written. With that in mind, the preferred location for a return address is often considered to be on the back flap of the envelope. This makes it easily visible and accessible for the recipient and postal service while keeping the front of the envelope clear and concise.

However, it is worth noting that some people have experienced issues with this approach, as modern auto-sorting at the post office can result in invitations being scanned and routed incorrectly. In some cases, invitations with the return address on the back flap have been returned to the sender, causing confusion and frustration. To avoid this potential issue, some people choose to place the return address on the front of the envelope, in the upper left corner, following the standard mailing guidelines.

Ultimately, the decision of where to place the return card depends on personal preference and the level of risk one is comfortable with. Placing it on the back flap is considered the traditional approach and is commonly recommended by wedding etiquette sources. However, the front of the envelope can also be an option to reduce the risk of mailing issues.

Return card formatting

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

The return address goes on the back flap of your invitation envelope and the front side of your response envelopes. If you are using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only goes on the back flap of the outermost envelope.

• Font and text style: It’s important to consider the overall design and formality of the invitation when choosing the font, size, and style of your text. Consider using handwritten calligraphy or a printer that mimics calligraphy fonts. If that's not possible, clear and legible handwriting or printed labels are also acceptable. Avoid fancy or overly decorative fonts.
• Address: Choose an address that works best for you. 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. Alternatively, you can use a wedding planner’s address if they are overseeing the invitation process and managing RSVPs.
• Format: 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. For example:

[Mr. and Mrs. John Smith]/[Kari and Bradley]

[Winter Park, Florida 10001]/[23848 Dunmore Loop, Mobile, Alabama 36695]

• Spacing and alignment: Ensure proper spacing and alignment for a clean and organized look. Each line should be aligned with the left margin, and avoid using abbreviations. Spell out everyone's full name, the street name, the city, and the state.
• Consistency: If you are including separate RSVP envelopes, ensure that the return address on the outer envelope matches the address printed on the RSVP envelope. This maintains consistency and avoids confusion for guests.
• Return card options: There are several options for creating your return address labels or cards. You can use return address labels, have your return address pre-printed on the envelope, use a return address stamp, or have a calligrapher write out the addresses. Consider the pros and cons of each option, such as cost, time, and style consistency with the guest address.

Return card etiquette

The Basics

It is essential that your return cards include a response box, return date, and the name of the recipient. This will make it clear to your guests what action they need to take. It is also good practice to include a return address, which can be on the back flap of the envelope or the back of an inner envelope. This ensures any undelivered invitations can be returned to the sender, and it provides an address for gifts to be mailed to.

Formatting

When formatting your return address, consider the overall design and formality of your wedding. Select a font that aligns with your wedding's aesthetic, and avoid fancy or overly decorative fonts. Handwritten calligraphy or printed calligraphy fonts are recommended. If this is not possible, clear and legible handwriting or printed labels are also acceptable.

Names and Addresses

Traditionally, the return address includes the names of the hosts or 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 names can be used. It is also acceptable to use a wedding planner's address if they are managing the invitations and RSVPs.

When formatting the return address, the names should be 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 abbreviations and spell out everyone's full name, the street name, city, and state.

Timing

It is essential to set an RSVP-by date, usually about six weeks before the wedding. This will give you enough time to track down late responses and finalize details with your catering team.

Additional Tips

• To make it easier for your guests, consider including a pre-printed response card or a "details" card with your wedding website where they can RSVP digitally.
• Encourage your guests to respond as soon as possible.
• If you are inviting families with children, specify the number of seats reserved for them and ask them to confirm how many they will be using.
• It is good etiquette for guests to add a short personal note to the couple, expressing their excitement or regrets.
• Guests should always include their full names and the names of any guests they are bringing.
• Guests should use numbers instead of checkmarks to indicate their response, providing clarity on the number of attendees.
• If a guest has serious allergies, they should contact the host or planner directly to discuss options.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your return card process is smooth and efficient, allowing you to focus on the other aspects of your special day.

Return card options

Return cards are an essential part of your wedding invitation suite. They allow guests to conveniently RSVP to your celebration and protect your invite from any mailing mishaps. There are several options to consider when choosing how to format and send your return cards.

Digital RSVPs

In our modern world, more and more couples are opting for digital RSVPs. This option allows you to have a traditional, beautiful invitation and provides a convenient way for guests to respond. Digital RSVPs can be set up through wedding websites and are often preferred as they save time and provide an easy way to collect information from guests. They also allow for the collection of additional information, such as transportation and accommodation preferences, without confusing guests.

Pre-printed Response Cards

The most traditional option is to include a pre-printed response card with your invitation. This card will have spaces for guests to write their names, the number of seats they will be using, and their response (accept or decline). Some couples also include meal selection or dietary restriction information on the response card. It is important to use numbers instead of checkmarks when responding, as this clarifies the number of guests attending.

No Pre-printed Response Card

This option includes a blank card, allowing guests to write a personal message to the couple. The couple may also add a prompt at the top of the card to guide guests on what they would like to receive, such as well wishes or song requests. On these replies, guests should include their full name and the number of people attending in a full sentence.

Return Card Format

When formatting your return cards, it is important to consider the overall design and formality of your wedding. The font, size, and style of the text should align with your wedding's aesthetic. Handwritten calligraphy or printed text that mimics calligraphy fonts is often used. Clear and legible handwriting or printed labels are also acceptable options. It is recommended to avoid fancy or overly decorative fonts.

Return Card Address

The return address on your response card should include the names and address of the hosts or individuals sending the invitations. Traditionally, this would be the parents of the bride or the couple themselves. The address can be handwritten, printed directly on the envelope, or included on a mailing label or return address stamp.

Return card postage

When it comes to return card postage for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is common etiquette to include a stamped and addressed envelope with your RSVP cards to make it convenient for your guests to respond. This also guarantees a faster response time and gives you a fighting chance of getting those RSVPs back!

You can buy stamps for your wedding invites at the post office or online. If you're short on time, the post office is your best bet, but if you want a wider range of designs, try shopping online. When buying your stamps, don't forget to consider the weight, shape, and size of your mail. If you have a non-standard size or shape, or if your envelope is bursting with extra cards and embellishments, you'll need to pick up some additional postage stamps in smaller denominations to stick on as well.

If you're worried about the cost of postage, there are a few ways to cut costs. Instead of requesting traditional written responses, you can ask guests to RSVP on your wedding website or replace the traditional card and envelope with RSVP postcards, which are cheaper to post.

• The number of postage stamps you need depends on the weight and dimensions of your fully stuffed envelope. If it's standard size and weight, one Forever Stamp should do the trick.
• If you're sending any invitations outside of your country, postage will be more expensive.
• If your envelopes have any decorative baubles, you may need to pay extra for hand-cancelling to prevent any tearing or smearing.

Remember, the return card postage is an important part of the process, so be sure to give it the attention it deserves!

Frequently asked questions