How to Address Response Envelopes

Pre-stamped response envelopes are commonly used for wedding invitations and other occasions for which an RSVP is requested by mail. Use of the envelope allows a guest to simply complete information on a card or sheet of paper, put it in the envelope and drop it into a mailbox. When creating the envelope, it must be addressed correctly or it may get lost in the mail or marked as undeliverable. The response envelope must contain the name and address of the person who is organizing the party. It may be written by hand or printed on a printer.

Instructions

1. Write the name of the person who will receive the responses on the front of the envelope in the center. Include the title of the person, such as "Mr.," "Miss," "Ms." or "Mrs.," and the full name.

2. Write the street address directly under the name and title of the response recipient. Write the post office box number on this line if the responses will be mailed to a P.O. box.

3. Write the city, state and ZIP code directly below the street address. Use the official U.S. Postal Service abbreviations for state names.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also write the event host's name and address in the upper left-hand corner of the envelope, designated for the return address, to ensure that the envelope will be delivered to the intended recipient even if the stamp somehow is removed.

References

• BridalTrack: Wedding Invitation Assembly Guide
• Emily Post: Invitation Etiquette

Resources

• United States Postal Service: Official USPS Abbreviations