Wedding invitation etiquette: return address on envelopes

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The wedding invitation is the first impression guests will have of your wedding, signaling the degree of formality of the occasion. If you will be sending formal wedding invitations, some knowledge of correspondence etiquette is required. Understand the details and importance of the return address on your formal wedding invitation for a polite and proper invitation to your upcoming marriage.

1. History

   • Wedding invitations were traditionally hand delivered and given to the footman, who removed the inner envelope containing the invitation from its mailing envelope to present it to the recipients. This tradition continues today, though invitations are now sent by mail. Formal wedding invitations still contain two envelopes, an invitation and any additional stationary, such as RSVP cards.

   Function

   • The return address for the invitations should be of the people who are issuing the wedding invitation. In most cases, this would be the bride's parents, though it is becoming more common for the couple themselves to issue the invitation. In addition, gifts are frequently sent to the return address on the wedding invitation. If you would like for the gifts to be sent to your home, it may be wise to use your home address rather than your parents' as the return address on the invitation.

   Format

   • Choose the format you prefer for your return address. The most common, and most formal, option is to leave off names and print only the address. If you wish, you can add names as well. In any case, write out all words in full, without abbreviations. For example, the address should read "Street" instead of "St." and "Apartment" rather than "Apt."

   Location

   • Write or engrave the return address on the back flap of the mailing envelope. Do not write the return address on the top lefthand corner of the front side of the envelope, as is customary with informal correspondence.

   Style

   • Calligraphy is a common choice for addressing wedding invitations, but if your handwriting is beautiful and legible, this is also acceptable. Embossing or engraving is another option, especially if you will be sending out a large quantity of invitations. Never use adhesive labels for return addresses on formal correspondence, as this is in poor taste and extremely informal and impersonal.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: return address, wedding invitation, address envelopes, etiquette return, etiquette return address, formal wedding