How To: Wedding Invitation Return Address Etiquette 

Addressing wedding invitation envelopes with return addresses requires careful attention to wedding etiquette. These details set the tone for your big day.

This guide covers all of the traditional and modern rules.

Importance of Return Address(es) 

A return address is most needed when a piece of mail cannot be delivered. 

This can happen when the recipient has moved, the address is incorrect, or the postage is incorrect.

If you have a return address, the wedding invitation will be returned so that you can try to send it again. If you don’t have one, the mail carrier will discard it,

Ensuring every guest gets their invite is vital. You don’t want someone to be left out or to hurt someone’s feelings due to an undelivered invitation.

Your return address(es) also tells your guests: 

• The name of the wedding hosts
• Where to mail the RSVP card
• Where to mail gifts

Your invitations should include a return address in two places (they can be the same or different): 

1. On the invitation itself
2. On the RSVP return envelope

Wedding Invitation Return Address and Placement

The return address placement is essential. Your invitations might not reach their destination if it isn’t in the correct spot. 

When it comes to the invitation itself, the return address should be on the top left corner of the envelope. 

Whose address?
The return address on the wedding invitation should be of the people hosting (AKA paying for) the wedding. (In traditional United States custom, this would be the bride’s parents).

• If the bride’s family is footing most of the bill, their address should be listed. 
• If the couple pays for their wedding, their address can be listed. 
• If many people contribute, choosing a neutral address with which all contributing members are happy is best. 

You can include names in the return address or not (both ways are acceptable). Here’s the correct format:

Return Address Format 

On separate lines: 

• First line: Parents’ names/Hosts’ names (optional) 
• Second line: Street Address 
• Third line: City, State (abbreviated)  ZIP Code 

Wedding Invitation Return Address Etiquette 

Your addressing style sets the mood for the wedding. You should write your return address in the same manner as your invitation address. 

Below are examples of different addressing styles:

Remember: You do not need names on the return address!

Below are examples for including the name. 

Couple Hosts the Wedding 

If the unmarried couple is hosting the wedding, there are special rules for the return address. 

Formal (Use maiden name): 

Mr. Peter Pan and Ms. Wendy Darling
123 Mystery Lane 
Neverland, MA 12345-6789 

Less Formal: 

Peter Pan and Wendy Darling 
123 Mystery Lane 
Neverland, MA 12345 

Casual: 

Peter and Wendy 
123 Mystery Lane 
Neverland, MA 12345 

OR 

The Future Mr. and Mrs. Pan 
123 Mystery Lane 
Neverland, MA 12345 

Parents Host the Wedding 

If the parents or someone else is hosting the wedding, their address should be the return address. 

Their names can appear as: 

Mr. John and Mrs. Jane Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Smith 
John and Jane Smith 

Or, for different last names: 

Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Jane Doe 
John Smith and Jane Doe 

Formal vs. Informal 

Like I mentioned before, your return address etiquette sets the tone for your wedding!

Formal and traditional etiquette is required for black-tie and semi-formal events.
Modern or casual rules can be used for a less formal wedding or gathering. 

You have many different options, but when in doubt, use more formal wording. (Isn’t it always better to overdress than underdress? I sure think so). 

Can I Put the Return Address on the Back of the Envelope? 

No, I wouldn’t risk putting the return address on the back of the envelope. 

Traditionally, the return addresses were written on the back flap of the envelope for a more formal look. Now, although uncommon, modern-day mail sorting machines may confuse the return address on the back for the delivery address. 

Imagine the frustration (and cost!!) of having your wedding invites mailed to you instead of your guests. I wouldn’t take that risk! 

The USPS states that return addresses should be on the top left corner of the envelope on the same side as the postage. 

Note: Some postal workers will not accept the return address on the back of the envelope and will require you to cross it out and write it on the front. 

If you insist on putting your return address on the back, here are some tips: 

• Make sure the destination address on the front is more prominent and has a bigger font than the return address on the back. 
• Hand deliver your invitations to the post office and have them hand-cancel the envelopes (instead of machine canceling).

Return Label Post Office Requirements 

These requirements are taken from the United States Postal Service for properly writing mailing addresses. 

• On the same side as the postage.
• Minimum of 8-point font.
• Aligned left. 
• Single-spaced lines. 
• Dark ink.
• Legible font (like a Sans Serif font). 
• One space between city and state. 
• Do not write out the state names (use two-letter abbreviations).
• Two spaces between state and zip code. 
• Use ZIP+4 code if known, or use a 5-digit ZIP code.

Single vs. Double Envelopes 

Now, let’s back up a little.

When choosing your wedding invitations, you must choose between single and double-envelope styles. Knowing what type of envelopes you have is important when placing the return address. 

• Single envelope: One envelope that holds everything (the invitation, RSVP card and its envelope, as well as other wedding information cards (like transportation, accommodations, registry, etc.)).
  The names, addresses, and return addresses are all on this one envelope. 
• Double envelope: Two envelopes. (Double envelopes signal a more formal affair.) 
  • Outer envelope: Has the adult guest’s name and address, return address, and postage. 
  • Inner envelope: Contains only the first names of all guests (including children’s names and guests). 

Traditionally, double envelopes were used so that the inner envelope and invitation remained perfect after going through the mail. An inner envelope lets you specify all guests, whether minors or plus-ones. 

Today, most couples choose single envelopes. 

RSVP Cards Return Address 

Each envelope includes a pre-stamped, pre-addressed RSVP reply card, that makes it easier (and more likely) for guests to RSVP. 

The address on the response card may differ from the return address on the invitation. If someone specific is responsible for collecting RSVPs and the guest list, the envelopes should be addressed to them. 

The address for the person collecting the RSVPs will be in the center of the RSVP card envelope. The return address (your guests’ names and addresses) will go in the top left corner. 

You can pre-address the RSVP cards with the return address or just write the RSVP destination address in the middle and provide three blank lines in the top left corner for your guests to write in their own return address. 

Handwritten vs. Typed Addresses 

When you’re addressing your envelope, you have several choices: 

• Hand-written: This is the most traditional option. It has a personal touch but can be time-consuming and painful to do.
  (I went this route and I’m not gonna lie, I regretted it halfway through). 
• Printed return address labels: You can get labels with your guests’ addresses and return addresses printed online, from an office supply store or print them at home. This method is much faster, but some don’t like the aesthetics of labels. 
• Printing: You can print directly on the envelopes at home. This is the quickest option with the most choices. You can choose your own fonts and colors. 
• Return Address Stamp: (For your return address only) You can choose to have a stamp created with your address. This looks nicer than a label, but you will still need a solution for your guests’ addresses. 
• Calligrapher: You can hire a calligrapher to hand-write your wedding invitation addresses. This is the most expensive choice. 
• Stationery Companies: Stationery companies usually offer to print your guests’ and return addresses for a small fee. This might be worthwhile if you order your invitations and envelopes from them anyway. 

Additional Considerations for Return Address Etiquette 

Keep the format of your return address the same as the invitations. Consider: 

• How did you address your save-the-date cards?
• Did you send invitations for your bachelor or bachelorette party? 
• The format for first names. 
• Spelling out street numbers less than 20 (ex.: Eighteen Main Street). 
• Spelling out street names with numbers (ex.: 123 Ninth Avenue). 
• If you spelled out the state name (not recommended). 
• Whether to address the male or female first for couples (ex., Mr. and Mrs. Smith vs. Mrs. and Mr. Smith)
• Using professional titles (doctor, esquire, military commands). 
• Writing out the full name (ex.: Johnathan Smith) vs. the nickname (ex.: John Smith)

Final Thoughts 

Wedding invitation return address etiquette is primarily a personal preference and should mimic the style of your wedding (formal, casual, or somewhere in between).

The return address format should mimic the wedding invitation wording. It should also let guests know who is hosting the wedding, where to send gifts, and where to send the RSVP envelope. 

As you finalize all the details for your dream wedding day, remember to have fun along the way! Take a break from etiquette rules and share a laugh with your partner with our collection of Funny Quotes About Marriage.