Addressing Wedding Invitations: A Guide To The Proper Etiquette

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process. One small detail that is often overlooked is the return address. A return address is an essential part of your wedding invitation as it allows guests to RSVP to your celebration and ensures that any undelivered invitations are returned to the sender. In this article, we will discuss the proper location for a return address, how to format it, and the different options available to get your return address onto the envelope. We will also explore some of the traditions and etiquette surrounding return addresses on wedding invitations.

Return address location

The return address is an essential part of your wedding invitation suite. It allows guests to RSVP and provides a location for gifts to be mailed. It also ensures that any undelivered invitations are returned to the sender.

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

If you are using double envelopes (inner and outer) for your invitations, the return address only needs to go on the outermost envelope.

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

The return address on the outer envelope should match the address printed on the RSVP envelope if you are including separate RSVP envelopes. This maintains consistency and avoids any confusion for guests.

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. Each line should be aligned with the left margin, with proper spacing and alignment for a clean and organised look.

Return address format

The return address is an essential part of your wedding invitation suite. It allows guests to RSVP to your celebration and provides a location for where gifts should be mailed. It also ensures that any undelivered invitations are returned to the sender.

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

• Select a font that aligns with your wedding's aesthetic. Consider the overall design and formality of the invitation when choosing the font, size, and style.
• Use handwritten calligraphy, or a printer that mimics calligraphy fonts, when addressing your envelopes. If this is not possible, clear and legible handwriting or printed labels are also acceptable.
• Avoid fancy or overly decorative fonts.
• Choose an address that works best for you. Traditionally, the return address 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. You can also use a wedding planner’s address if they are overseeing the invitation process and managing RSVPs.
• Properly list out all the details. The return address should include 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.
• Ensure proper spacing and alignment for a clean and organised look. Each line should be aligned with the left margin.
• Avoid using abbreviations and instead, spell out everyone's full name, the street name, the city, and the state.
• If you are including separate RSVP envelopes, ensure that the return address on the outer envelope matches the address printed on the RSVP envelope to maintain consistency and avoid confusion for guests.
• Return address labels: Create return address labels that can be printed or designed on your own computer and printed at home on label paper. This option is affordable and simple but may look inconsistent with the guest address if using white labels on a coloured envelope.
• Pre-printed return address on the envelope: When ordering envelopes online, you can often have your return address pre-printed for a small fee. This saves time but may incur an extra cost and lead time for printing. It also provides a clean look.
• Return address stamp: Similar to labels, you can order a custom return address stamp that can be used over and over again. This option provides a cohesive style with the guest address and can be used long after your event.
• Calligraphy return address: Have a calligrapher write your return address for the most cohesive style with the guest address. This option ensures a 100% match in writing style and ink colour but is usually the most expensive.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to addressing your wedding invitations. Feel free to stray from tradition if it doesn't fit your personality!

Return address options

There are several options for return addresses on your wedding invitations. The return address is an essential part of your invite suite, allowing guests to RSVP and providing a place for gifts to be mailed. It also ensures that any undelivered invitations are returned to the sender.

Return Address Labels

Return address labels are a simple and affordable option. You can print these at places like VistaPrint and Shutterfly, or design them yourself and print them at home on label paper. This option may look inelegant, with white labels on coloured envelopes, and may not match the style of the guest address.

Pre-Printed Return Address on Envelope

You can also have your return address pre-printed on envelopes for a small fee when ordering envelopes online. This saves time as there is no need to stick or stamp the address. However, this option may incur an extra cost and lead time for printing, and it can be difficult to get more envelopes with the same printing in a pinch.

Return Address Stamp

Similar to labels, you can order a custom return address stamp to use over and over again. This option can provide a cohesive style with the guest address if you use coloured ink. It may be more costly and take time to apply the stamp.

Calligraphy Return Address

The most expensive 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. It is also the most time-consuming option for the calligrapher but requires no time from the client.

Handwritten Return Address

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

Address Options

Traditionally, the return address on wedding invitations includes the names of the hosts or the individuals sending the invitations. This could be the parents of the bride or the couple themselves. Other options include first names only, first and last names, or last names plus the word "wedding". You can also choose to include no name at all and just the address.

If the bride's parents are hosting, their names should be included in the return address. For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson

> 12 Park Lane

> Mobile, Alabama 36695

If the couple is hosting their own wedding, their names can be used instead, but formally, the bride and groom's names should not appear together in print before marriage. For a formal invitation, you can use the following format:

> Ms. Kari Johnson

> Mr. Bradley Shaw

> 23848 Dunmore Loop

> Mobile, Alabama 36695

For a more casual invitation, you can use first names only:

> Kari and Bradley

> 23848 Dunmore Loop

> Mobile, Alabama 36695

Return address labels

If you're looking for a cohesive style with the guest address, a custom return address stamp might be a better option. Similar to labels, you can order a stamp with your return address and use it over and over again. You can also order a custom stamp with your return address in calligraphy, ensuring a perfect match in writing style and ink colour. This option is more expensive and time-consuming, but it results in a cohesive and elegant look.

Another option is to have your return address pre-printed on the envelope when you order them online. This saves time as you don't need to stick or write the address, and it provides a clean look. However, it can be costly and may require lead time for printing. Additionally, if you run out of envelopes or need more, you won't have the return address on the extra envelopes.

When creating your return address labels, it's important to consider the overall design and formality of your wedding invitations. Choose a font, size, and style that align with your wedding's aesthetic. It's recommended to use handwritten calligraphy or a printer that mimics calligraphy fonts. If those options are not possible, clear and legible handwriting or printed labels can also work. Avoid fancy or overly decorative fonts.

Traditionally, the return address on wedding invitations includes the names of the hosts or the individuals sending the invitations. 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. You can also use a wedding planner's address if they are overseeing the invitation process and managing RSVPs.

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. Each line should be aligned with the left margin, with proper spacing and alignment for a clean and organised look. Avoid using abbreviations and spell out everyone's full name, the street name, the city, and the state.

Return address etiquette

The return address on a wedding invitation is an essential part of the invite and is considered standard practice. It allows guests to RSVP and also provides a location for gifts to be sent. It also ensures that any undelivered invitations are returned to the sender.

The preferred location for a return address is on the back flap of the envelope. This makes it easily visible and accessible for the recipient and postal service, and it maintains a clean and uncluttered look on the front of the envelope. If your invitation has an inner envelope, you can also write the return address on the back of this.

There are different ways to format the return address. You can use handwritten calligraphy, a printer that mimics calligraphy fonts, clear and legible handwriting, or printed labels. It's important to consider the overall design and formality of the invitation when choosing the font, size, and style. Avoid fancy or overly decorative fonts.

The return address can include names or just be the physical address. Traditionally, the hosts of the wedding are noted as the return address, so this may be the couple or a parent. If the couple is hosting, their names can be used, but it is considered more formal to use separate last names, e.g., Ms. Kari Johnson and Mr. Bradley Shaw. If the bride's parents are hosting, their names and address are included in the return address.

When including names, the format is names on the first line, followed by the full street address on the second, and the city, state, and zip code on the third. It's important to use proper spacing and alignment and to avoid abbreviations. The return address on the outer envelope should match the address printed on the RSVP envelope.

Frequently asked questions