The Return Address: Wedding Invitation Etiquette

Wedding invitations are a special kind of mail, and there are certain elements that help people decipher who sent the invitation. One of these elements is the return address. According to event planner and etiquette advisor Lisa Lyons, a return address is an essential part of your invite suite. It allows guests to RSVP to your celebration and protects your invite from any mailing mishaps. But where should the return address go?

Return address placement

The return address is an essential part of your wedding invitation suite. It allows guests to RSVP to your celebration and ensures that any undelivered invitations are returned to you. The preferred location for a return address is on the back flap of the envelope. Placing the return address on the back flap allows it to be easily visible and accessible for the recipient and postal service. It also maintains a clean and uncluttered look on the front of the envelope, where the recipient's address is typically written.

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

If you are concerned about the visibility of your return address, you may want to consider placing it on the front of the envelope. According to United States Postal Service guidelines, the optimal return address placement is in the upper left corner, with the text half an inch from the left edge and six inches from the bottom. Following these precise postal regulations will minimize the risk of mail errors and ensure quick automated sorting and delivery.

However, placing the return address on the front of the envelope may detract from the overall design and limit your artistic freedom. It is also not recommended by USPS guidelines and may increase the risk of compromised visibility and delivery success.

Ultimately, the choice between front and back placement for the return address depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you prioritize the mail's delivery and adhering to USPS guidelines, front placement is advisable. If you prioritize the invitation's aesthetics and design, back placement can be a stylish alternative.

Return address etiquette

Where to Place the Return Address

The return address is typically placed on the back flap of the envelope. This is the preferred location as it allows for easy visibility and accessibility for the recipient and postal service while maintaining a clean and uncluttered look on the front of the envelope. If using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only needs to go on the back flap of the outer envelope.

However, some sources suggest that placing the return address on the front of the envelope, in the upper left corner, is optimal for postal workers and behind-the-scenes processing success. This follows United States Postal Service guidelines and minimises the risk of mail errors and ensures quick automated sorting and delivery.

Whose Address to Use

Traditionally, the return address on wedding invitations includes the names of the hosts or the individuals sending the invitations. For example, if the bride's parents are hosting, their names and address should be included. If the couple is hosting their own wedding, their names and address can be used. It is also acceptable to use a wedding planner's address if they are overseeing the invitation process and managing RSVPs.

How to Format the Return Address

When formatting the return address, it is recommended to use a font that aligns with the wedding's aesthetic. Handwritten calligraphy or a printed font that mimics calligraphy is ideal. If this is not possible, clear and legible handwriting or printed labels can be used. Couples should avoid using fancy or overly decorative fonts.

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. Proper spacing and alignment are important for a clean and organised look, with each line aligned with the left margin. Abbreviations should be avoided, and all names, streets, cities, and states should be spelled out in full.

Return Address Options

There are several options for including the return address on the envelope:

• Return address labels: These can be printed at online printing services or designed and printed at home on label paper. This option is affordable but may look inconsistent with the guest address if using different styles.
• Pre-printed return address on the envelope: When ordering envelopes online, you can often add your return address for a small fee. This saves time but may be inconvenient if you need extra envelopes as they won't have the pre-printed address.
• Return address stamp: Similar to labels, you can order a custom return address stamp to use over and over again. This option provides a cohesive style with the guest address if using the same ink colour.
• Calligraphy return address: Having a calligrapher write the return address is the most expensive option but ensures a fully matching style with the guest address.

Additional Considerations

• If using double envelopes, the inner envelope is not sealed with a gummed flap. You can tuck the flap inside or place a seal on top to seal it loosely.
• Traditionally, the return address should be handwritten, but it is now acceptable to have it printed, use a mailing label, or a return address stamp.
• Traditionally, only the physical address is listed on the back flap of the invitation envelope, with no names. However, it is okay to include names if desired.
• The return address on the response envelope should include names since the post office will deliver this back to the senders.

Return address options

There are several options for including a return address on your wedding invitation envelopes. The most common placement is on the back flap of the envelope, which is considered the formal and traditional option. This ensures that any undelivered invitations are returned to the correct address and provides a location for guests to send their RSVPs and gifts.

If you prefer a more modern approach, you can also place the return address on the front of the envelope, in the upper left corner. This placement increases visibility for postal workers and reduces the risk of mail errors. However, it may detract from certain aesthetic choices, such as formal calligraphy or intricate designs on the back of the envelope.

Now, let's explore the different ways to get your return address onto the envelope:

• Return Address Labels: This option is simple and affordable. You can create return address labels and print them at places like VistaPrint and Shutterfly, or even design them yourself and print them at home on label paper. However, white labels may look inconsistent with the colour of the envelope and the guest address.
• Pre-Printed Return Address on Envelope: When ordering envelopes online, you can often have your return address pre-printed for a small fee. This saves time and provides a clean and consistent look. However, if you run out of envelopes, you won't have the return address on extra envelopes unless you use another method.
• Return Address Stamp: Similar to labels, you can order a custom return address stamp to use over and over again. This option offers a cohesive look with the guest address if you use calligraphy or a similar style. There are also various ink colours available to match your envelope design.
• Calligraphy Return Address: The most luxurious option is to have a calligrapher write your return address in beautiful handwriting. This ensures a perfect match in writing style and ink colour to the guest address. However, it is also the most expensive and time-consuming option.

Whose return address to use

The return address is usually placed on the back flap of the outer envelope and is traditionally the address of the person or people hosting the wedding. For the RSVP return envelope, the address used is typically that of the person or people designated to receive response cards, whether that be the couple or their parents (traditionally, whoever is hosting the wedding handles response cards).

In most cases, you will use the same address for both the back flap of the invitation envelope and the front of the RSVP envelope. However, there may be situations where you would like gifts mailed to the bride's parents' address (especially if they arrive while you're on your honeymoon) and replies sent to the bride's address, if she is in charge of the guest list.

Traditionally, the names of the bride and groom should not appear together in print before the wedding. In most cases, if an unmarried couple is living together, the return address should be addressed to the bride only.

Outer Envelope:

• Formal: 12 Park Lane, Mobile, Alabama 36695
• Informal: Kari and Bradley, 23848 Dunmore Loop, Mobile, Alabama 36695

RSVP Envelope:

• Bride's parents' return address: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson, 12 Park Lane, Mobile, Alabama 36695
• Bride and groom return address (formal): Ms. Kari Johnson, Mr. Bradley Shaw, 23848 Dunmore Loop, Mobile, Alabama 36695
• Bride and groom return address (casual): Kari and Bradley, 23848 Dunmore Loop, Mobile, Alabama 36695

How to format a return address

The return address on a wedding invitation envelope is an essential part of your invite suite. It allows guests to RSVP to your celebration and protects your invite from any mailing mishaps. It also tells guests where gifts are to be mailed.

Select a font

It is important to consider the overall design and formality of the invitation when choosing the font, size, and style of your text. Handwritten calligraphy or a printer that mimics calligraphy fonts is ideal when addressing your envelopes. If neither of those options is possible, clear and legible handwriting or printed labels are also acceptable.

Choose an address

Traditionally, the return address on wedding invitations includes the names of the hosts or the individuals sending the invitations. For example, if the parents of the bride are hosting the wedding, their names and address should be included. If the couple is hosting their own wedding, their names and address can be used instead. You can also use a wedding planner’s address if they are overseeing the invitation process and managing RSVPs.

Properly list out all the details

Format your return address with 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.

Sample Return Address:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

Winter Park, Florida 10001

When writing out the return address, consider the spacing of each line. Use proper spacing and alignment for a clean and organized look, with each line aligned with the left margin. Avoid using any 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 printed on the RSVP envelope if separate envelopes are used.

Frequently asked questions