Wedding Invite Etiquette: Return Address Essentials

Wedding invitations are a crucial logistical element of your big day. While they give your guests a first look at the style or theme of your wedding, they also provide important information. One such piece of information is the return address, which is important in case an invite doesn't get delivered, so you can reach out to the guest directly and ask for another address. The return address usually goes on the back flap of the envelope and should be that of the person(s) designated to receive response cards. Traditionally, this is the host of the wedding, but it can also be the couple themselves or the bride's parents.

Return address stamps

Advantages of Return Address Stamps:

• Time-saver: Return address stamps are a quick and efficient way to add your return address to multiple envelopes. This is especially useful if you have a large guest list.
• Cohesive look: Stamps allow you to achieve a cohesive and elegant look for your wedding invitations. You can customise the stamp design to match your wedding theme or colour palette.
• Legibility: Stamps ensure that your return address is clear and legible, reducing the risk of mail getting lost or returned.

What to Include in Your Return Address Stamp:

• Address: Include the full address of the person(s) who will be receiving the response cards and gifts. Traditionally, this is the host of the wedding, such as the bride's parents.
• Names: While not necessary, you may choose to include the names of the host(s) in the return address. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson".
• Format: Follow the standard format for writing addresses, including the house number, street name, city, state, and zip code.

Placement of the Return Address Stamp:

• Front of the envelope: Placing the return address on the front upper left corner is recommended by the United States Postal Service (USPS). This increases visibility and reduces the risk of mail errors.
• Back of the envelope: Some couples prefer to put the return address on the back flap of the envelope for aesthetic reasons or to emphasise the recipient's address. However, this is not recommended by USPS and may cause visibility issues.

Other Considerations:

• Font: Choose a clear and legible font for your return address stamp, such as Times New Roman, Georgia, or Arial. Avoid overly elaborate or thin fonts that may be difficult to read.
• Colour: Consider using a dark-coloured ink for the stamp to ensure readability. You may also match the ink colour to your wedding colour palette.
• Testing: Before stamping all your envelopes, test the stamp on a few envelopes to ensure the address is clear and correctly positioned.

Where to place the return address

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of the big day, so it's important to get them right. Here's a detailed guide on where to place the return address.

The return address typically goes on the back flap of the invitation envelope. This is the outer envelope, and traditionally, no names are included, only the address. However, it is acceptable to include names if desired. The return address is usually that of the person(s) designated to receive response cards, often the couple or the hosts of the wedding, typically the bride's parents.

If using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only needs to go on the back flap of the outer envelope. The inner envelope is usually left unsealed and does not require a return address.

While the traditional placement is on the back flap, some couples may prefer to put the return address on the front of the envelope, in the upper left corner. This follows US Postal Service guidelines and increases visibility for postal workers, reducing the risk of mail errors. However, this may detract from certain aesthetic choices, such as formal calligraphy or a regal crest design.

Ultimately, the choice of return address placement depends on personal preference. The front of the envelope ensures efficient mail delivery and adheres to USPS guidelines, while the back allows for more creative freedom in the design.

Return address etiquette

The return address on a wedding invitation is important as it tells guests where gifts and responses should be mailed. It also ensures that if an invitation is returned to the sender, it will go to the correct place. Here are some tips for addressing your wedding invitations:

Where to Put the Return Address

The return address usually goes on the back flap of the outer envelope. If you are using inner envelopes, there is no need to put the return address on these. If you are only using one envelope, the return address goes on the front of the envelope, in the upper left corner. This is the option recommended by the United States Postal Service, as it increases visibility for postal workers and reduces the risk of mail errors.

Whose Address to Use

The return address is usually that of the person(s) hosting the wedding, as they will be the ones collecting gifts and responses. If the bride's parents are hosting, the invitations should use their address. If the couple is hosting themselves, they can use their address, but it is important to note that traditionally, the names of the bride and groom should not appear together in print before the wedding.

How to Format the Return Address

Formally, only the physical address is listed, with no names. However, it is acceptable to include names, especially on the response envelopes, as these will be delivered back to the couple. If you are including names, the format can vary. Options include first names only, first and last names, last names plus wedding, or no names with just the address.

How to Get the Return Address Onto the Envelope

There are several options for adding the return address to your envelopes. You can use return address labels, which are simple and affordable but may look inelegant. You can have your return address pre-printed on the envelope, which saves time but may be costly and limits your options if you need more envelopes. You can use a custom return address stamp, which is reusable but requires more time to apply. Or, for the most elegant option, you can hire a calligrapher to write the return address.

Return address options

The return address on a wedding invitation is important as it tells guests where to send their RSVPs and any gifts if they are unable to attend the wedding. It also means that if an invite is returned to the sender, it can be sent to the correct place.

The return address usually goes on the back flap of the envelope. If you are using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only needs to go on the outer envelope. The return address used should be that of the person or people designated to receive the response cards. This is usually the couple or the hosts of the wedding, traditionally the bride's parents.

There are a few different options for how to format the return address. The traditional way is to only include the physical address with no names. However, it is becoming more common to include names in the return address. If you are including names, the format should be:

[Names of hosts]

[Address]

If the bride's parents are hosting, it would look like this:

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson

12 Park Lane

Mobile, Alabama 36695

If the couple is hosting, a formal option is:

Ms. Kari Johnson

Mr. Bradley Shaw

23848 Dunmore Loop

Mobile, Alabama 36695

A more casual option is:

Kari and Bradley

23848 Dunmore Loop

Mobile, Alabama 36695

There are also a few different ways to get the return address onto the envelope. You can print the address directly onto the envelope, use a stamp, a mailing label, or handwrite the address.

The importance of a return address

A return address is a crucial component of your wedding invites. While the guest address takes centre stage, the return address is essential for ensuring your invites actually make it to their recipients. It also provides a way for your envelopes to get back to you if something goes awry during transit.

The return address tells your guests two important things: where gifts are to be mailed and where their response is supposed to be mailed. If a guest is unable to attend or prefers to send their gift in advance, they will use the address on the back flap of your invitation envelope. Similarly, when a guest mails back the RSVP, they will use the address on the front side of your response envelopes.

It is also important to include a return address so that if an invite is not delivered, it will be returned to you, and you can then reach out to the guest directly to update their address and avoid any hurt feelings.

Traditionally, the return address is placed on the back flap of the invitation envelope and the front side of the response envelopes. If you are using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only goes on the outermost envelope. The return address can be handwritten, printed, or use a mailing label or a return address stamp.

When it comes to whose return address to use, you will usually use the same address for both the invitation envelope and the response envelope. Traditionally, the hosts of the event will collect both gifts and RSVPs, so their address is used. However, there may be situations where you would like gifts mailed to the bride's parents' address or replies sent to the bride's address, especially if she is in charge of the guest list.

Frequently asked questions