Addressing Invitation Envelopes

The outer envelope should contain the names of the invited guests and their address. It is a good idea to include a return address on the outside envelope in the event that the sender doesn’t have a recent address. Customarily the return address, without names included, is blind embossed on the back flap, not on the front of the invitation envelope. Each guests title and family name is noted on the inner envelope, along with the first names of the children invited to join the festivities.

Some other helpful hints for etiquette when addressing envelopes:

• Use formal names. If you would like to use middle names be sure to write out the full name.


• Spell out words such as apartment, avenue, street and states.


• Abbreviate only Mr., Mrs., Ms., Jr., Messrs., and Esq. Write out professional titles, including Doctor.


• Address envelopes to both members of married couples even if you only know one.


• Address envelopes to unmarried couples with the names on separate lines.


• The phrase and Family should only be used when everyone under the same roof is invited.

RSVPs : Repondez, s’il vous plait (Respond, if you please)


Include a stamped addressed envelope with an RSVP card and write kindly respond in the lower left corner of the invitation. Write respond by date on RSVP cards. If you’re planning on issuing more invitations after you receive regrets, have some response cards printed without a date. Often times confirmations of attendance are received earlier and regrets are usually delayed