all about envelopes

I've been printing more guest addresses then ever for those brides that want things super pristine. A recent client looked up some guest addressing guidelines and I'd like to share her source here for the rest for you. Martha Stewart lays everything out for you here: Addressing and Mailing Invitations. And for those of you that would like the important stuff boiled down - here ya go!

1. Your guests' names should be written in full on outer envelopes -- no nicknames or initials.

2. Use the appropriate social titles.

Married couples as "Mr. and Mrs."  

If the husband is a doctor, for example, the titles will appear as "Doctor and Mrs."; if the wife is a doctor, her full name would come first, as in "Doctor Sally Carter and Mr. John Carter." If both are doctors, write "The Doctors Carter."

If a wife has kept her maiden name, her name should appear first and be joined with her husband's using "and."

3. Spell out all words in an address on your envelopes. Rather than "St.," "P.O. Box," and "Apt.," use "Street," "Post Office Box," and "Apartment." This applies to city and state names as well; instead of abbreviations, write "Saint Paul, Minnesota," and "Washington, District of Columbia." House numbers smaller than twenty should also be spelled out.

4. Return addresses should also be written out. The preferred place for printing the return address is on the envelope's back flap. 

5. Although not necessary, think about sending your invite in two envelopes for the cleanest and most formal look. The outer envelope includes all of the information the postal service needs for delivery. The inner envelope should have the names of the invited guests in the household (including children, whose names do not appear on the outer envelope). To write out a child's name who is under 13 use "Master" and "Miss". On inner envelopes you may add "and guest" or add the name of their guest on a separate line.

Now you know me, I say do what fits your style but be informed and classy about it! 

Here are a few examples of how I might set up some addresses with some of the advise above in mind:

 

I hope this helps you as you choose the best way to address your invitations.

If you are a client of mine wanting guest address printing:

- make sure it's available as I sometimes book out of spots.

- I send a formatting .doc that will help you type your addresses correctly to minimize mistakes by both you and me. Please follow the instructions given.

Yay for pretty envelopes!