Who Should Be The Return Addressee On Wedding Invitations?

Wedding invitations are a chance to showcase your style and set the tone for your big day. But beyond the aesthetics, there's also etiquette to consider, especially when it comes to the return address. The return address is an essential detail that serves multiple purposes. It provides guests with a location to send their RSVPs and gifts, and it ensures that any undelivered invitations can find their way back to you. So, should the return address on wedding invitations be the couple's or the parents'?

Return address location on the envelope

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 can be 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, where the recipient's address is usually written.

If your invitation package includes an inner envelope, you can also write the return address on the back of this. However, if you are using double envelopes, the return address only goes on the outermost envelope.

Return Address Format

When formatting your return address, it is essential to consider the overall design and formality of your invitation. Here are some key guidelines:

• Select a font that aligns with your wedding's aesthetic. Handwritten calligraphy or a printed font that mimics calligraphy is preferred. If this is not possible, clear and legible handwriting or printed labels are also acceptable.
• 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 instead.
• 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.
• Avoid using abbreviations and instead, spell out everyone's full name, the street name, the city, and the state.
• Ensure that the return address on the outer envelope matches the address on the RSVP envelope if separate envelopes are used.
• Use proper spacing and alignment for a clean and organised look, with each line aligned with the left margin.

Return address format

The return address is usually placed on the back flap of the envelope, although it can also be placed on the back of the inner envelope if you are using double envelopes. It is important to note that the return address should be easily visible and accessible for the recipient and postal service.

The return address should include the name(s) of the hosts or the individuals sending the invitations, followed by the full street address, and the city, state, and zip code on the subsequent lines. Traditionally, the bride's parents host the wedding, so their names and address are used. However, if the couple is hosting their own wedding, their names and address can be used instead.

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

Winter Park, Florida 10001

It is recommended to use proper spacing and alignment, ensuring each line is aligned with the left margin. Avoid using abbreviations and instead, spell out everyone's full name, the street name, the city, and the state.

The return address can be handwritten in calligraphy or printed using labels, stamps, or a printer that mimics calligraphy fonts. While it is traditionally done in black ink, you can also use different ink colours to match the colour of your envelopes.

Whose address to use

The return address on a wedding invitation envelope is traditionally the address of the hosts of the wedding. This is usually the couple themselves or the parents of the bride, who often hosted weddings in the past.

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. For example:

> Ms. Kari Johnson

> Mr. Bradley Shaw

> 23848 Dunmore Loop

> Mobile, Alabama 36695

If the couple prefers, they can leave their names out of the return address and just use their address.

The return address is usually placed on the back flap of the outer envelope. If there is an inner envelope, the return address can also be written on the back of this.

Return address labels

If you're looking for a more cohesive style with the guest address, you can also order a custom return address stamp. This option is similar to labels, but it may take more time to apply the stamp, and it could be slightly more costly.

If you're working with a calligrapher, you can ask them to design your return address stamp to match the calligraphy of your guest addresses. This option provides a cohesive style and is yours to keep, but it may be more expensive and require more time to apply the stamp.

Another option is to have a calligrapher write out your return address in calligraphy. This option ensures a 100% match in writing style and ink colour but is the most expensive choice as it takes the most time for the calligrapher.

Finally, you can also choose to print the return address directly on the envelope. If you're ordering envelopes online, you can often add your return address for a small fee. This option saves assembly time, but it may incur an extra cost and lead time for printing, and it may be inconsistent with the style of the guest address.

Return address stamps

Benefits of Return Address Stamps

When to Use Return Address Stamps

How to Use Return Address Stamps

The return address should be placed on the back flap of the outer envelope, as this is the preferred location that is easily visible to your guests and the postal service. If you have an inner envelope, you can also add the return address to the back of it. When using a return address stamp, be sure to use the correct type of ink for the material of your envelope. Test the stamp on a separate piece of paper first to ensure the ink colour and impression are as desired.

What to Include in the Return Address

The return address should include the names of the hosts or individuals sending the invitations, followed by the full street address, city, state, and zip code. Traditionally, the return address includes the names of the bride's parents if they are hosting the wedding. However, if the couple is hosting their own wedding, their names can be used instead. It is important to spell out everyone's full name, the street name, the city, and the state, avoiding any abbreviations.

Design Considerations

When designing your return address stamp, consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding and choose a font that aligns with the style of your invitations. You may want to use a calligraphy font or a simple, legible font that matches the design of your stationery. If you're using coloured envelopes, choose an ink colour for your stamp that will stand out and be easily readable.

In conclusion, return address stamps offer a practical and personalised way to add your return address to your wedding invitations. They save time, add a unique touch, and ensure your invitations are properly addressed. By following the guidelines above, you can ensure that your return address stamps look elegant and are correctly placed and formatted.

Frequently asked questions