Etiquette Guide: Return Address On Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are a special kind of mail. They are often beautifully designed and crafted, and they are usually sent to a large number of guests. So, it is important to make sure that they are correctly addressed and that they include a return address. This will ensure that they are delivered to the right place and that any undelivered mail is returned to the sender. It also tells guests where to send their RSVPs and gifts. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about including a return address on your wedding invitations, from the correct format to the best placement.

Return address placement

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) for your invitations, the return address only goes on the back flap of the outermost envelope. There is no need for a return address on the inner envelope.

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

When addressing envelopes for weddings, it is preferred to put the return address on the back flap of the envelope. You can also put the return address in the top left corner of the envelope, as you would with a regular letter.

If you are using a calligrapher, they will have different tricks to make sure your invites don't get sent back to you. This includes using different-sized text or design.

The return address on the response envelope should include names since the post office will deliver this back to you.

Whose Return Address to Use?

In most cases, you will use the same address for both the back flap of your invitation envelope and the front of your RSVP envelope.

Traditionally, the hosts of the event will collect both gifts and RSVPs for the couple. However, there are situations where you would like gifts mailed to the bride's parents' address (especially if they arrive while you're on your honeymoon), and replies sent to the bride's address, if she's in charge of the guest list.

What Wedding Invitations Include

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 result in an inconsistent style with the guest address.

You can also use return address labels, which are simple and affordable, but may look inelegant.

A return address stamp is another option, which can be ordered with a custom design. This can be time-consuming to apply and may be more costly.

Return Address Etiquette

There are no hard and fast rules on how to address wedding invitations. Yes, there is tradition, but don't feel forced to follow it if it doesn't fit your personality!

Traditionally speaking, whoever is hosting the wedding would be noted as the return address – so that may be a parent or the couple themselves.

Other options are first names only (Alex and John), first and last names (Alex Jones and John Smith), last names plus the wedding (Jones and Smith Wedding), or even no name at all and just the address! If you do decide to use last names, the one consensus no-no is to combine last names (Alex and John Smith) as you aren't married yet.

Return address etiquette

Return addresses on wedding invitations are often overlooked, but they are important for a few reasons. Firstly, they ensure that any undelivered mail is returned to the correct place, so you know exactly which guests have received their invites. Secondly, they tell guests where to send their RSVPs and any gifts.

The return address should go on the back flap of the invitation envelope and the front of the response envelopes. If you are 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 to have it printed, use a mailing label, or a return address stamp. The choice is yours.

Traditionally, whoever is hosting the wedding would be noted as the return address, so this may be the couple or a parent. However, it is also common to use the address of the person in charge of collecting the RSVPs, which could be one of the couple, their parents, or another person helping with the wedding.

There are a few different ways to format the return address. You can include names or just the address. If you include names, it is best to avoid combining last names as you are not yet married. You can use first names only, first and last names, or last names with the word 'wedding'.

Invitation Envelope (Outer Envelope):

• Formal: No names included, just the address
• Informal: You can include names in one of the following formats:
• Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson, 12 Park Lane, Mobile, Alabama 36695
• Ms. Kari Johnson, Mr. Bradley Shaw, 23848 Dunmore Loop, Mobile, Alabama 36695
• The Johnson-Shaw Wedding, 23848 Dunmore Loop, Mobile, Alabama 36695
• Kari and Bradley, 23848 Dunmore Loop, Mobile, Alabama 36695

Response Envelope:

• Formal: The return address on the response envelope should include names, as the post office will deliver this back to you. If the bride's parents are hosting, you can use the following format:
• Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson, 12 Park Lane, Mobile, Alabama 36695
• Informal: If the couple is hosting, you can use their names, but their names should not be combined as they are not yet married. You can use one of the following formats:
• Ms. Kari Johnson, Mr. Bradley Shaw, 23848 Dunmore Loop, Mobile, Alabama 36695
• Kari and Bradley, 23848 Dunmore Loop, Mobile, Alabama 36695

Return address options

There are a few options for how to include a return address on your wedding invitations. The return address is important as it tells guests where gifts and RSVPs are to be mailed. It also ensures that any undeliverable invitations are returned to the correct address.

The return address usually goes on the back flap of the invitation envelope and the front side of the response envelopes. If you are using double envelopes, the return address only needs to go on the outermost envelope.

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

If you are using labels, you can print them at places like VistaPrint and Shutterfly, or design your own at home and print them on label paper. Labels are affordable, but they may look inelegant and inconsistent with the rest of the envelope.

You can also have your return address pre-printed on the envelope for a small fee when ordering envelopes online. This saves time, but it can be costly and may not be an option if you need more envelopes at short notice.

Another option is to order a custom return address stamp. This can be used over and over again and can be designed to match the calligraphy of your guest addresses. There are also different ink colours available. However, this option can be time-consuming and slightly more expensive.

Finally, you could have a calligrapher write your return address. This is the most expensive option but ensures a completely cohesive style with your guest addresses.

There are also a few different ways to format your return address. Traditionally, only the physical address is listed, with no names. However, it is also acceptable to include names, especially on the response envelope, as this will be delivered back to you. If you are including names, the format can be first names only (e.g. Alex and John), first and last names (e.g. Alex Jones and John Smith), or last names plus wedding (e.g. Jones and Smith Wedding).

Who should be in charge of collecting RSVPs?

Including a return address on your wedding invitations is a key component, even though it's not mandatory. It ensures that your envelopes get back to you if something arises during the transit process.

Now, who should be in charge of collecting RSVPs?

Traditionally, the hosts of the wedding (usually the bride's parents) will collect both gifts and RSVPs for the couple. However, there may be situations where the couple prefers to have gifts mailed to the bride's address and have replies sent to the bride's address, especially if she's in charge of the guest list. In this case, the bride would be in charge of collecting the RSVPs.

Tips for Ensuring Timely RSVPs

• Include a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope: Make it easy for your guests to respond by including a pre-addressed and pre-stamped return envelope within your invitation suite.
• Give guests multiple options for RSVPing: Nowadays, not everyone uses snail mail as they once did. In addition to mail-in cards, consider including an option for guests to digitally submit their RSVPs via your wedding website.
• Choose clear wording: According to wedding planner Chandra Keel, guests sometimes don't understand that a response is needed, even if they are declining the invitation. Using wording such as, "The favor of your reply is requested by [insert date]" can make it clearer.
• Ask for song requests: Including an engaging call to action, such as "RSVP with a song that will keep you on the dance floor," can increase the likelihood of guests responding on time.
• Make the RSVP date clear: Use a legible font on the card and consider including a countdown ticker on your wedding website if guests can RSVP digitally.

Timing for RSVPs

Ideally, your "RSVP by" date should be around three to four weeks before your wedding. This gives you enough time to organize your final guest list and figure out who hasn't responded yet. It's also close enough that your guests feel they can't put it off, yet not so close that they've made other plans.

Keep in mind that you'll need to provide a final guest count to your wedding planner, caterer, and transportation company ahead of the big day, so a late RSVP can put everyone behind.

Should you include your guests' return addresses on RSVP envelopes?

Including a return address on wedding invitations is a detail that is often forgotten or overlooked. However, it is important to include one so that any undelivered mail can be returned to the sender.

The return address should go on the back flap of the invitation envelope and the front side of the response envelopes. 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.

The return address on the response envelope should include the name(s) of the person or couple to whom the responses are to be mailed. It is not necessary to include the guests' return addresses on the RSVP envelopes.

If you are worried about the post office not delivering mail without a return address, you can include your own return address on the back flap of the invitation envelope. This way, if there is an issue with the delivery, the invitations will be returned to you, and you will know that they did not reach your guests.

• If you are using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only needs to go on the back flap of the outermost envelope.
• Traditionally, only the physical address is listed, with no names. However, it is acceptable to include names, especially if you want to include the bride and groom's names.
• If you want to keep track of the number of guests attending, have one person in charge of collecting all the RSVP cards, and use their address on the response envelopes.

Overall, while including a return address on your wedding invitations is not mandatory, it is a good idea to include one for practical reasons and to add a personal touch to your invitations.

Frequently asked questions