Addressing Wedding Invitations: Return Address Etiquette For Couples

Wedding invitations are a chance to showcase calligraphy, design, and tradition. But what about the return address? The return address is an essential part of your wedding invitation suite, providing a location for gifts and ensuring prompt delivery of your invites. Traditionally, the return address is placed on the back flap of the envelope, but some opt for the front for better visibility and adherence to USPS guidelines. The choice is yours, but it's important to weigh design against practicality. 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. While it's acceptable to print or use labels, handwritten calligraphy is the crème de la crème option.

Return address location: back flap or front of the envelope

The return address on a wedding invitation envelope is an essential detail. It tells guests where to send their RSVPs and gifts, and it also ensures that any undelivered invitations are returned to the sender.

There are two options for where to place the return address on a wedding invitation envelope: the back flap or the front.

Back Flap

The back flap is the traditional and preferred location for the return address. This placement ensures that the front of the envelope remains clean and uncluttered, with a clear focus on the recipient's address. It also maintains a consistent and uncluttered look, which is especially important if you are adhering to a particular aesthetic or thematic element in your wedding invitations.

However, a potential downside to this option is that it may not be as visible to postal workers or guests, possibly leading to delivery delays or mail returns. It also does not follow USPS guidelines for optimal return address placement, which could hinder automated sorting processes and complicate claims for lost or undelivered mail.

Front

Placing the return address on the front of the envelope is the USPS-recommended option. They suggest the upper left corner, with the text positioned 1/2 inch from the left edge and 6 inches from the bottom. This ensures high visibility for postal workers and increases the likelihood of successful delivery. It also leaves the back flap free for design elements such as calligraphy or artwork.

On the other hand, a front return address may detract from highly formal wedding themes or aesthetic choices such as classic formal calligraphy or a regal crest design. It also leaves less room for decorative fonts, illustrations, or other embellishments on the front of the envelope.

Making a Decision

Ultimately, the decision of where to place the return address on your wedding invitation envelope comes down to your personal preference and priorities. If you prioritize the timely delivery of your invitations and want to adhere to USPS guidelines, the front of the envelope is the best choice. However, if you prioritize the design and aesthetic of your invitations, then placing the return address on the back flap is a stylish alternative.

Return address format: names, street address, city, state, and zip code

The return address on a wedding invitation envelope is important as it tells guests where gifts and RSVPs should be mailed. It also ensures that any undelivered invitations can be returned to the sender.

The return address should be placed on the back flap of the outermost envelope if you are using double envelopes (an inner and an outer envelope). If you are only using a single envelope, the return address goes on the upper left corner of the envelope.

The return address format for wedding invitations typically includes the names of the hosts or the individuals sending the invitations, followed by the full street address, city, state, and zip code. Here is an example:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

Winter Park, Florida 10001

When writing out the return address, it is recommended to use proper spacing and alignment for a clean and organised look. Each line should be aligned with the left margin, and you should avoid using abbreviations. Instead, spell out everyone's full name, the street name, the city, and the state.

It is also important to note that traditionally, the bride and groom's names should not appear together in print before the wedding. In most cases, if the couple is unmarried and living together, the return address should be addressed to the bride only.

Return address labels: printed, mailing labels, or stamps

Return address labels are an important part of your wedding invitation suite. They ensure your guests can conveniently RSVP to your celebration and provide a location for where gifts should be mailed. There are a few different options for how to format your return address labels, including printing them, using mailing labels, or using stamps. Here are some considerations for each option:

Printed Return Address Labels

If you're looking for a simple and affordable option, creating printed return address labels is a great choice. You can print these yourself at home or use an online service like VistaPrint or Shutterfly. This option allows you to design your own labels and print them on label paper, which can be used long after your event. However, one potential downside is that white labels on coloured envelopes can look inelegant and may not match the style of your guest addresses. Additionally, printing and sticking labels can be time-consuming.

Mailing Labels

Another option is to order custom return address labels or stamps from a calligrapher. This ensures a cohesive style with your guest addresses, as the calligraphy or font will match. Calligraphers typically offer different ink colours, so you can choose one that complements your guest addresses. This option can be more costly and time-consuming, as you'll need to apply the stamp to each envelope. However, you'll have a stamp that you can use long after your wedding.

Return Address Stamps

Return address stamps are a similar option to mailing labels, offering a cohesive style with your guest addresses. You can order custom stamps with your return address, which can add a unique touch to your wedding invitations. Stamps are also a great option if you have a large guest list, as they save time while still maintaining a cohesive look. It's important to choose a clear, readable font for your stamps, such as Times New Roman, Georgia, Palatino, Arial, or Helvetica. This ensures smooth processing by the postal service and reduces the risk of damage from automated equipment.

Ultimately, the choice between printed labels, mailing labels, and stamps depends on your personal preferences and budget. Each option has its own advantages and can add a special touch to your wedding invitations.

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

When it comes to wedding invitation return address labels, there are a few options to consider. Traditionally, the return address on the invitation envelope is the address of the person or couple hosting the event. This is usually the bride's parents and their names are not included. However, if the bride and groom are hosting, their names should not appear together in print before the wedding. In this case, only the address is listed, or the bride's name and address are used.

For a formal wedding invitation, the return address on the invitation envelope is usually just the address, with no names included. This is the traditional option and is best if you are wanting to keep to formalities.

However, it is becoming more common for modern couples to include names on the return address, especially on the response envelope, as this is the address guests will use to send their RSVPs. If the bride's parents are hosting, their names and address are listed. For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson

> 12 Park Lane

> Mobile, Alabama 36695

If the bride and groom are hosting, a formal option for the response envelope is:

> Ms. Kari Johnson

> Mr. Bradley Shaw

> 23848 Dunmore Loop

> Mobile, Alabama 36695

For a more casual approach, the couple can use their first names:

> Kari and Bradley

> 23848 Dunmore Loop

> Mobile, Alabama 36695

There are also creative ways to include both names and address, such as:

> The Johnson-Shaw Wedding

> 23848 Dunmore Loop

> Mobile, Alabama 36695

If the couple lives together, it is also acceptable to use both names with their address on the response envelope, but the bride's name should come first:

> Bride's First Name and Last Name

> Groom's First Name and Last Name

> Address

Return address text size: use different size text to avoid confusion

When addressing wedding invitations, it is essential to consider the text size used for the return address. Using a different size text for the return address can help avoid confusion and ensure that your invitations are delivered smoothly. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you:

Understanding the Purpose of the Return Address

Before discussing text size, let's briefly go over the purpose of the return address on wedding invitations. The return address serves two main purposes. Firstly, it tells guests where to send their RSVPs and responses. Secondly, it provides an address for gifts to be mailed if someone is unable to attend the wedding or prefers to send their gift in advance. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your return address is clear and easy to read.

Traditional Placement and Format

Traditionally, the return address is placed on the back flap of the outer envelope. It is considered more formal to include only the physical address without any names. However, it is also acceptable to include the names of the hosts or individuals sending the invitations, such as the bride's parents or the couple themselves. The return address should be handwritten or printed in black ink.

Using Different Text Sizes

To avoid any confusion, consider using a different text size for the return address. This is especially important if you are placing the return address on the front of the envelope, as recommended by some sources. By using a slightly smaller or larger text size for the return address, you can clearly distinguish it from the guest address. This helps ensure that postal workers and guests do not mistake the return address for the recipient's address.

Design Considerations

When choosing the text size for your return address, consider the overall design and aesthetic of your wedding invitations. If you want to include intricate designs, artwork, or unique fonts on the front of the envelope, you may need to work within space constraints. Using a smaller text size for the return address can free up space for your creative elements. However, be sure that the text remains legible and clear.

Legibility and Consistency

While it's important to have a visually appealing invitation, legibility should always come first. Choose a text size that is easy to read for both the guest address and the return address. It is also essential to maintain consistency in text size and style throughout your invitation suite, including the RSVP envelopes if you are including them separately. This consistency will create a polished and cohesive look while also avoiding any confusion for your guests.

Working with a Calligrapher

If you are working with a calligrapher, they can guide you in choosing the appropriate text size for your return address. They may offer different options, such as return address labels, pre-printed envelopes, custom return address stamps, or handwritten calligraphy for the return address. Discuss your preferences and design ideas with your calligrapher to create a stunning and functional invitation suite.

Frequently asked questions