Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Return Address Options

Wedding invitations are a key part of wedding planning, and there are a few things to consider when it comes to return addresses. The return address tells guests where gifts and responses should be mailed, so it's important to get it right. Traditionally, the return address is placed on the back flap of the invitation envelope and the front of the response envelope, and is the address of the person or couple hosting the wedding. There are different options for how to format the return address, from handwriting to printing, and different styles to choose from, such as including names or just the address. It's also possible to use return address labels or stamps. One important consideration is whether to follow traditional etiquette or go with a more modern approach. While traditional etiquette calls for certain formats and placement of the return address, there is more flexibility these days, and it's common to see couples making choices that reflect their personalities and wedding themes.

Return address placement: front or back of the envelope

The placement of the return address on a wedding invitation envelope is a matter of personal preference, balancing style and practicality. Here are some considerations for placing the return address on the front or back of the envelope:

Front of the Envelope: Tried, Tested, and Postal Service Approved

Placing the return address on the front of the envelope, specifically the upper left corner, is the traditional approach and is recommended by the United States Postal Service (USPS). This placement increases visibility for postal workers and facilitates efficient processing, sorting, and delivery. Following USPS guidelines minimises the risk of mail errors and ensures quick delivery to your recipients' mailboxes. This option is especially useful if you want to ensure timely delivery and adhere to USPS guidelines.

However, a front return address may limit your artistic design options. It can be challenging to incorporate intricate designs, artwork, or unique fonts on the front of the envelope, as it may already contain the recipient's name, address, wedding date details, or other text elements. Additionally, a front return address may not suit highly formal wedding themes that prioritise calligraphy or regal design elements on the back envelope.

Back of the Envelope: The Aesthetic Alternative

Placing the return address on the back flap of the envelope is often chosen by couples who prioritise a clean, uncluttered look on the front or wish to adhere to a specific thematic element. This option provides a broader canvas for artistic expressions and key information, allowing for more intricate designs, artwork, or unique fonts for the recipient's address.

By having the return address on the back, the front of the envelope remains uncluttered and easier to read at a glance, emphasising essential details like the recipient's address and wedding date. However, this choice is not recommended by USPS guidelines and may increase the risk of compromised visibility and delivery delays. Placing the return address on the back may cause postal workers or guests to overlook it, and it could hinder automated sorting processes. Deviating from USPS guidelines may also complicate claims processing for lost or undelivered mail.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the decision to place the return address on the front or back of the envelope depends on your priorities. If ensuring timely delivery and adhering to USPS guidelines are top priorities, the front placement is advisable. On the other hand, if the invitation's aesthetics and design take precedence, and you are willing to take a slight risk, back placement can be a stylish alternative. It is essential to weigh the importance of design against the practicality of mail delivery when making this decision. Remember, what matters most is celebrating with loved ones, not having perfect invitations.

Return address format: names, no names, abbreviations

When it comes to return addresses on wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider, including format, names, and abbreviations. Here are some guidelines to help you with the task:

Format:

The return address is typically placed on the back flap of the invitation envelope and the front side of the response envelopes. If you are using inner and outer envelopes, the return address only needs to go on the outer envelope. You can choose to handwrite the address or use printing, mailing labels, or a return address stamp.

Names:

Including names in the return address is optional. Formally, only the physical address is listed, with no names, on the back flap of the invitation envelope. However, it is acceptable to include names if desired. The return address on the response envelope should include names so that the post office can deliver it back to the correct person.

If you choose to include names, there are a few options for formatting. For a formal wedding, you can use titles and last names, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson." If the bride and groom prefer their names listed, you can use their full names and last names, such as "Ms. Kari Johnson and Mr. Bradley Shaw." For a more casual approach, you can use first names only, such as "Kari and Bradley."

Abbreviations:

While traditional etiquette dictates that you should not abbreviate anything, it has become acceptable to abbreviate titles such as "Dr." and "Mrs." Whether to abbreviate or spell out addresses is a matter of personal preference, as both options are acceptable. The United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends using standard abbreviations for states ("CA" instead of "California") to avoid delivery delays.

Return address printing: handwriting, printing, mailing labels, stamps

The return address on a wedding invitation is important as it tells guests where gifts and responses should be mailed. It is usually placed on the back flap of the invitation envelope and the front side of the response envelopes.

There are a few different options for printing return addresses:

• Handwriting: Traditionally, return addresses were handwritten in black ink. This option can be time-consuming, so you may want to enlist the help of friends and family with nice handwriting or a professional calligrapher.
• Printing: It is now also acceptable to print the return address directly on the envelope. This can be done by hand or through a service when ordering envelopes online.
• Mailing labels: Another option is to create return address labels that can be stuck on the envelope. These can be printed at home or through a printing service.
• Stamps: You can also order a custom return address stamp to use on your envelopes. This option adds a vintage flair and is perfect for large guest lists.

When deciding how to print your return addresses, consider factors such as cost, time, and desired level of formality.

Return address envelope: single or double envelopes

The return address on a wedding invitation envelope serves two purposes: it tells guests where to send their RSVPs and where to send gifts if they are unable to attend or prefer to send their gift in advance.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to the placement of the return address on wedding invitation envelopes. The first is to put the return address on the back flap of the envelope. This is the traditional method and is preferred by the United States Postal Service as it increases visibility for postal workers and ensures quick automated sorting and delivery. The second school of thought is to put the return address on the front of the envelope, usually in the upper left corner. This option is often chosen by couples who want a clean, uncluttered look on the front of the envelope, or who wish to adhere to a particular aesthetic in their wedding invitations.

If you are using double envelopes (an inner and an outer envelope) for your invitations, the return address only goes on the back flap of the outer envelope. There is no need to put a return address on the inner envelope. The outer envelope includes all the information the postal service needs for delivery, while the inner envelope should only have the names of the invited guests in the household.

Traditionally, the return address on a wedding invitation envelope should be handwritten and should not include any names, only the physical address. However, it is now acceptable to have the return address printed, to use a mailing label, or to use a return address stamp.

Return address names: bride, groom, bride's parents

The return address on a wedding invitation is important as it tells guests where gifts and responses should be mailed. Traditionally, the hosts of the wedding are noted as the return address, so that may be a parent or the couple themselves.

If you are using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only goes on the back flap of the outer envelope. There is no need for a return address on the inner envelope.

Formally, the return address should be handwritten, but it is now acceptable for this to be printed, to use a mailing label, or a return address stamp. Traditionally, no names are included on the outer envelope, only the physical address. However, it is okay to include names if you wish. If names are included, the return address on the response envelope should include names so that the post office can deliver it back to you.

If the bride's parents are hosting the wedding, the return address should be their address. If the bride and groom are hosting, formally their names should not appear together in print before the wedding. If the unmarried couple is living together, the return address should be addressed to the bride only.

Frequently asked questions