Return Address Etiquette For Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are a key component of wedding planning. While the guest address is the star of the envelope, the return address is still important. The return address tells guests where gifts and responses are to be mailed. There are different schools of thought on where to place the return address on the envelope. Some sources suggest that the return address should be placed on the back flap of the envelope, while others recommend placing it on the upper left corner of the front of the envelope. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and priorities. Placing the return address on the front of the envelope may limit artistic design, but it ensures efficient mail processing and delivery. On the other hand, putting it on the back allows for more creativity but may compromise visibility and stray from postal service guidelines.

Return address stamps

Placement of the Stamp:

The return address stamp should be placed on the back flap of the outer invitation envelope. If you are using inner and outer envelopes, the return address only needs to go on the outer envelope. The RSVP card envelope should also have the return address stamp, but this is for the mailing address, not the return address.

Style and Design:

Where to Buy:

There are many online retailers that offer custom return address stamps, such as Etsy and Ann's Bridal Bargains. Etsy offers a wide range of designs and styles, including self-inking stamps, wooden stamps, and personalized calligraphy stamps. Ann's Bridal Bargains also has a variety of styles, such as block, flourishing, pretty script, and monogram.

Cost:

The cost of return address stamps varies depending on the retailer and the level of customization. Etsy offers stamps ranging from EUR 5.85 to EUR 64.29, with some stamps on sale for 50% off. Ann's Bridal Bargains also offers affordable options, with prices ranging from $0.69 and up.

Other Options:

If you're not set on a stamp, there are other ways to add your return address to your wedding invitations. You can use return address labels, which are simple and affordable but may not look elegant on colored envelopes. Another option is to have your return address pre-printed on the envelopes, which provides a clean look but may be more costly and less flexible if you need extra envelopes.

Return address placement

The return address typically goes on the back flap of the invitation envelope and the front side of the response envelopes. If you're using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only needs to go on the outermost envelope.

It's worth noting that the return address is not usually placed on the inner envelope. This is because the outer envelope is all the postal service needs for delivery.

The return address can be written by hand or printed. If you're addressing the envelopes by hand, it's worth leaving some extra space, as the return address can take up a fair bit of room.

Some people choose to put the return address on the front of the envelope in the upper left corner. This is the placement recommended by the United States Postal Service, as it increases visibility for postal workers and makes the sorting process easier. However, some people prefer to put the return address on the back of the envelope for aesthetic reasons, as it leaves the front of the envelope uncluttered.

If you're worried about your invitations getting lost in the mail, it's best to follow the USPS guidelines for return address placement. This will make it easier to locate your invitations if they go missing.

• The return address should be written on the flap of the envelope, not the body of the envelope where the invitation is placed.
• If you're using a response card, make sure to include a stamped, pre-addressed envelope so that guests can easily send their responses back to you.
• If you're using clear return address labels, consider the colour of your envelope. White labels may look inelegant on a coloured envelope.

Return address etiquette

Return addresses on wedding invitations are essential to ensure that your invitations reach your guests and that RSVPs are returned. Here are some tips for including return addresses on your wedding invitations:

Placement: The return address typically goes on the back flap of the invitation envelope. If you are using inner and outer envelopes, the return address only needs to go on the outer envelope.

Format: Formally, only the physical address is listed, with no names. However, it is acceptable to include names, especially on the response envelope, to ensure that mailed gifts and RSVPs are delivered to the correct person.

Names: Traditionally, the hosts of the wedding would be noted as the return address. This could be the parents of the bride or the couple themselves. If using names, options include 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). It is recommended to avoid combining last names (e.g., Alex and John Smith) as you are not yet married.

Printing: While traditionally, return addresses were handwritten, it is now acceptable to have them printed, use mailing labels, or a return address stamp. If you are using calligraphy for your guest addresses, you may want to consider a custom return address stamp or having the return address written in calligraphy as well for a cohesive look.

USPS Guidelines: The United States Postal Service recommends placing the return address in the upper left corner of the envelope, with the text 1/2 inch from the left edge and 6 inches from the bottom. Following these guidelines ensures efficient mail processing and delivery.

Remember, the most important thing is to celebrate with your loved ones, so don't stress too much over the invitations!

Return address options

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

There are a few options for where to place your return address on your wedding invitations. The traditional placement is 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. It also leaves a clear space on the back of the envelope for artwork or calligraphy.

However, some couples prefer to place the return address on the back flap of the envelope as it creates a cleaner, less cluttered look on the front. This option also provides more space for creative designs and other text elements on the front of the envelope. Keep in mind that this placement may increase the risk of compromised visibility and delivery success, and it deviates from USPS guidelines.

When it comes to the format of your return address, you have several options. You can choose to include names and the physical address, or you can opt for no names and just the address. If you decide to include names, you can use first names only, first and last names, or last names plus the word "wedding". It's important to note that combining last names is usually avoided as the couple is not married yet.

There are also a few different ways to get your return address onto the envelope. You can use return address labels, have the address pre-printed on the envelope, use a custom return address stamp, or hire a calligrapher to write the address. Each option has its own pros and cons in terms of affordability, simplicity, and style.

Ultimately, the choice of return address placement and format depends on your personal preferences and priorities.

Outer and inner envelopes

Wedding invitations traditionally include an inner and outer envelope. The outer envelope is formal and is addressed to the hosts of the wedding, usually the parents of the bride, or the heads of the household. The inner envelope is more informal and lists the names of everyone invited to the wedding, such as children or additional family members.

The outer envelope serves to protect the inner envelope from damage during transit. In the past, when mail was delivered by hand, envelopes could get dirty and the outer envelope acted as protection. Today, envelopes can get torn or bent in the mail system, so having an outer envelope ensures your invitations arrive in pristine condition.

The return address goes on the back flap of the outer envelope. This tells guests where to send their RSVPs and gifts. If you are using both inner and outer envelopes, the return address only goes on the outer envelope. 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.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to addressing wedding invitations. Feel free to forgo tradition if it doesn't fit your personality or the style of your wedding. At the end of the day, it's your choice to select the specific components that make your wedding invitation special.

Frequently asked questions