Hand Addressing Wedding Invites: Worth The Effort?

Wedding invitations are a time-consuming process, from choosing the best invites to assembling them. There are also rules to follow when it comes to addressing them. The outer envelope should include the recipient's name, street address, return address, and postage. The inner envelope traditionally includes only the name(s) of the person(s) being invited and is not sealed with a gummed flap. While it is not necessary to hand-address invitations, it is generally considered the proper way to do so. If you choose to hand-address, it is recommended to use ultra-fine point markers to avoid smudging and ink leakage. Alternatively, you can hire a calligrapher or print the addresses on the envelopes, ensuring they look similar to hand-addressed invitations.

Hand addressing vs printing: Hand addressing is the norm, but printing is acceptable if it looks handwritten

Wedding invitations are traditionally hand-addressed, but printing is becoming an increasingly popular and acceptable option. Hand-addressing is a time-consuming process, so it's understandable if you want to print your guest addresses, names, and return addresses.

If you're opting for hand-addressing, it's recommended to use ultra-fine point markers so the ink doesn't smudge or leak through the envelope. You can also hire a calligrapher to do it for you. If you're printing, the key is to make the envelopes look addressed by hand. This can be achieved by choosing the right fonts and envelope colours.

• Use the full, formal names of your guests, including titles such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms.", or "Miss".
• For married couples, the traditional format is "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's full name. However, it is also acceptable to list the woman's name first, especially if she has kept her maiden name.
• For unmarried couples living together, list the person you are closest with first, followed by their partner on a separate line.
• For families with children, the outer envelope should include the names of the parents, while the inner envelope lists the names of each child.
• Abbreviating titles (e.g., "Dr..", "Mrs.") is generally acceptable nowadays, but traditional etiquette dictates writing everything out in full.
• Return addresses should be printed on the back envelope flap and include the address of the person(s) hosting the event.

Remember to give yourself enough time to assemble and send out your invitations, ensuring a smooth process for your big day!

Return addresses: Use a stamp, not a label

Return addresses are an essential part of wedding invitations, as they provide the address of the person or couple hosting the event. Traditionally, the return address is printed or written on the back envelope flap. While it is not necessary to handwrite the return address, it is recommended to use a stamp instead of a label. This adds a unique and elegant touch to your invitations.

Using a stamp for the return address offers several advantages. Firstly, it ensures a neat and consistent appearance. Unlike labels, which can sometimes look out of place, a stamp blends seamlessly into the envelope, giving it a more refined look. Secondly, a stamp allows for customization and creativity. You can design a stamp that reflects your wedding theme or choose from a variety of handmade options available online. This adds a personal touch to your invitations and makes them stand out.

When creating your return address stamp, consider including your names, address, and even a decorative element such as a border or a motif that ties into your wedding aesthetic. You can also choose from a variety of ink colors to match your envelope or add a pop of color. Websites like PaperPeachShop offer custom return address stamps that can be tailored to your specifications.

In addition to the return address, it is important to follow proper etiquette when addressing the outer and inner envelopes of your wedding invitations. The outer envelope should include the recipient's full name, street address, return address, and postage. The inner envelope, which is not always necessary, typically includes only the name of the person or people being invited. Remember to use formal titles and write out addresses in full, including street names and state names, for a truly elegant touch.

Outer envelopes: Include full names, titles, and addresses

The outer envelope is the larger of the two envelopes and contains the recipient's name, street address, return address, and postage. It is the only envelope used if you opt for a more contemporary invitation style. The outer envelope should include the recipient's full name and title. For example, for a single female over the age of 18, use "Ms." followed by her full name. If she is younger, "Miss" is acceptable. For a single male, use "Mr." followed by his full name.

When addressing a married couple with the same last name, the traditional format is "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's full name. However, for same-sex couples, either name can come first. If the couple prefers a more modern approach, you can write out both of their full names, with the person you are closest to listed first.

If the married couple has different last names, write their names on the same line with the woman's name first. If their combined names are too long, list them separately. For unmarried couples living at the same address, list both people's full names and titles on one line, with the person you are closest to listed first.

When inviting an entire family, you can address the outer envelope to "The [Last Name] Family" or list the parents' full names. If the children are over the age of 18, they should receive separate invitations.

For guests with distinguished titles, such as doctors, military personnel, or judges, use their full title and name on the outer envelope. For example, for a doctor, write "Doctor" followed by their full name.

Remember to spell out all words in the address, including "Street" instead of "St." and the full state name, like "Minnesota" instead of "MN." House numbers smaller than 20 should also be written out.

Inner envelopes: Include names of invitees, not sealed with gum

Wedding invitations are traditionally sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This allows guests enough time to respond and ensures the couple will get a reliable headcount a week or two before the event.

The address on a wedding invitation should be handwritten, although calligraphy done by computer directly on the envelope is becoming more popular and acceptable. If you have neat handwriting, you can write the addresses yourself. Otherwise, you can hire a professional calligrapher to inscribe the envelopes for you. If you decide to go down this route, you will need to get the envelopes to the calligrapher at least two to three weeks before you need them.

The inner envelope should include the names of the invitees and is not sealed with gum. It is more informal than the outer envelope, which is more formal and includes all of the information the postal service needs for delivery. The inner envelope is placed inside the outer envelope with the names facing the back flap.

If you are inviting a family with young children (under 18), the outer envelope is reserved for the name(s) of the parent(s) or guardian(s). You should list each child by name on the inner envelope. If you don't include each child's name, you are implying that children are not invited.

Abbreviations: Avoid, but acceptable for titles and addresses

Abbreviations are best avoided when addressing wedding invitations. Traditionally, absolutely nothing should be abbreviated. However, it has become acceptable to abbreviate titles such as Dr., Mrs., Mr., etc.

Writing out street numbers and state names is an elegant touch, but it can be time-consuming and delay delivery. The United States Post Office would rather you use standard abbreviations, such as "CA" for "California". Either option is acceptable and is left to your personal judgment.

If you are using two envelopes, the inner envelope should be addressed as if you are hand-delivering it. The outer envelope includes the recipient's name, street address, return address, and postage. The inner envelope traditionally includes only the name(s) of the person(s) being invited.

Frequently asked questions