Return Address Labels For Your Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding address labels are a great way to save time and ensure your invites don't go missing in the post. Whether you're a stickler for tradition or a modern minimalist, there are endless options to choose from. From stickers to stamps, pre-printed envelopes to handwritten calligraphy, the choices are vast. But, with so many options, it can be tricky to know where to start. This guide will take you through the process step-by-step, from placement and etiquette to design and application.

Return address placement

When addressing wedding invitations, the return address is placed on the back flap of the envelope. This is different from a regular envelope, where the return address typically goes on the top left corner.

The outer envelope contains the recipient's name, street address, return address, and postage. The inner envelope has less information and is not sealed with a gummed flap.

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

Traditionally, the return address is handwritten and does not include names, only the physical address. However, it is now acceptable to have the return address printed, or to use a mailing label or a return address stamp.

If you are using a stamp or label, you can include names and addresses. For a more formal approach, use the format:

> Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson

12 Park Lane

Mobile, Alabama 36695

For a casual approach, you can use first names only:

> Kari and Bradley

23848 Dunmore Loop

Mobile, Alabama 36695

Return address labels can be purchased from various online retailers and stationery stores, or designed and printed at home.

Return address etiquette

The return address on a wedding invitation tells guests where gifts and responses should be mailed. Traditionally, the hosts of the wedding will collect both gifts and RSVPs, so their address is used. However, there may be situations where gifts are mailed to the bride's parents' address, especially if they are to be received while the couple is on their honeymoon.

The return address should be placed on the back flap of the invitation envelope and the front side of the response envelopes. If using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only needs to go on the outer envelope. Formally, the return address should be handwritten, but it is now acceptable for this to be printed, or for mailing labels or a return address stamp to be used.

Traditionally, only the physical address is listed on the outer envelope, with no names. However, it is okay to include names, especially if you want to keep it casual. If names are included, the format should be:

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson

12 Park Lane

Mobile, Alabama 36695

If the bride and groom's names are included, a few formal suggestions are:

Ms. Kari Johnson

Mr. Bradley Shaw

23848 Dunmore Loop

Mobile, Alabama 36695

Or

The Johnson-Shaw Wedding

23848 Dunmore Loop

Mobile, Alabama 36695

For a casual approach, a less formal option is:

Kari and Bradley

23848 Dunmore Loop

Mobile, Alabama 36695

Other Options

There are a few other options for return addresses, including:

• Return address labels: These can be printed at places like VistaPrint and Shutterfly, or designed on your computer and printed at home.
• Pre-printed return addresses on envelopes: If ordering envelopes online, you can often add your return address for a small fee.
• Return address stamp: You can order a custom stamp with your return address.
• Calligraphy return address: A calligrapher can write the return address for you, ensuring a perfect match with the guest addresses.

Abbreviations

Traditional etiquette states that nothing should be abbreviated in a return address. However, it has recently become acceptable to abbreviate titles such as Dr. and Mrs. Using standard abbreviations for states is also now considered acceptable.

Return address options

There are several options for return addresses on wedding invitations. The traditional way is to handwrite the address on the back flap of the envelope. However, this can be time-consuming and may not be feasible for those with large guest lists. Here are some alternative options to consider:

• Return Address Labels: These can be printed at online retailers like VistaPrint and Shutterfly, or designed and printed at home. Labels are affordable and simple but may look inconsistent with the guest address, especially if using white labels on coloured envelopes.
• Pre-Printed Return Address on Envelope: When ordering envelopes online, you can often add your return address for a small fee. This option saves time as there is no need for sticking or stamping, and it provides a clean look. However, it may be inconvenient if you run out of envelopes and need to use alternatives.
• Return Address Stamp: Similar to labels, you can order a custom return address stamp to use on your envelopes. This option offers a cohesive style with the guest address, and the stamp can be used over and over again. It may, however, take more time to apply and could be slightly more costly.
• Calligraphy Return Address: For a truly elegant touch, consider hiring a calligrapher to write your return addresses. This option ensures a perfect match in writing style and ink colour with the guest addresses. It is the most expensive option, given the time and skill required, but it requires no effort from the client.

When it comes to the names on the return address, there are a few options to consider. Traditionally, the return address would be that of the person or couple hosting the wedding. This could be the bride's parents, in which case the invitations should use their address. If the bride and groom are hosting, formally their names should not appear together in print before the wedding. In this case, the return address can include just the first names (e.g. Alex and John) or first and last names (e.g. Alex Jones and John Smith). Another option is to use last names plus the word "wedding" (e.g. Jones and Smith Wedding). Alternatively, you can choose to include no names at all and simply use the address.

Return address labels

There are a few options for creating return address labels. You can buy labels from online retailers and stationery stores, or you can design and print them yourself at home. If you're ordering labels, you'll need to write out your names and address, and decide whether you want a particular font or design. You can also buy just return address labels or get matching guest address labels too. If you're designing your own, you can be more creative and use a program like Canva to make a unique label.

There are also alternatives to stickers. You can have your return address pre-printed on envelopes, use a custom return address stamp, or even get a calligrapher to write the addresses for you.

When it comes to the etiquette of return addresses, traditionally, the hosts of the wedding would be noted as the return address. This could be the couple themselves or the parents of the bride, for example. It's also traditional not to include any names on a formal return address, just the physical address. However, it's becoming more common to include names, especially if the bride and groom are hosting together. If you're including names, it's best to avoid combining last names as you're not yet married.

Pre-printed return address on the envelope

If you're ordering envelopes online, you can usually pay a small fee to have your return address pre-printed on them. This saves you time as you don't need to write, stamp, or stick the address on each envelope. It also provides a clean, elegant look.

However, pre-printing has its drawbacks. If you run out of envelopes or need more, you'll have to use a different method for the return address, as you can't just use extra envelopes. This method can also be costly and may require a longer lead time for printing. Additionally, the pre-printed envelopes may not match the style of your guest address.

When it comes to the return address format, formal etiquette states that only the physical address should be listed, with no names. However, it is acceptable to include names if you wish. Traditionally, the hosts of the wedding would be noted as the return address, which may be the couple or the bride's parents. If the bride's parents are hosting, it is customary to use their names and address, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson, 12 Park Lane, Mobile, Alabama, 36695".

If the couple is hosting, formal etiquette suggests that their names should not appear together in print before marriage. In this case, you can use first names only (e.g., "Alex and John"), first and last names ("Alex Jones and John Smith"), or last names plus the word "wedding" ("Jones and Smith Wedding"). Alternatively, you can omit names entirely and just include the address.

Frequently asked questions