How to address a wedding invitation envelope
Our guide to addressing wedding envelopes covers every kind of guest. The short version for the outer envelope:
- Write each guest's full formal name with a title: Mr., Mrs., Ms., Mx. or Dr. Titles are the only abbreviations.
- Spell out the street suffix (Avenue, Street) and the state name.
- For a married couple who share a surname, the traditional line is "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the full name; naming both people in full is just as correct.
- Put the return address of whoever collects the RSVPs on the back flap, written in the same style.
The template above has a recipient line, a street line, a city, state and ZIP line, an optional extra line and an optional return address. The return address prints in the top left corner of the envelope; if you prefer the traditional back flap, leave it empty and print the flap separately.
Address every envelope from one list
Open the Address list tab and paste one address per line: name, street, then city, state and ZIP, separated by commas. For example: Mr. and Mrs. Guest Name, 148 Maple Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 29401. Columns pasted from a spreadsheet work too, and a ZIP code in its own column is joined to the state automatically. Preview any line on the envelope, then download every envelope as a ZIP of PNG files or as PDF pages, up to 200 per batch.
Printing on envelopes
The envelope presets are A7 (7.25 x 5.25 in, the envelope that fits a 5 x 7 invitation), A2 (5.75 x 4.375 in, for RSVP cards) and #10 (9.5 x 4.125 in), plus a 4 x 2 in address label. For printing directly on envelopes, download the PDF at the exact envelope size, load one envelope in your printer's manual feed and print a test on plain paper cut to size first. Labels are the easier option for many home printers. Keep the address lines in a clear, readable font: a script font for the names looks lovely, but the street and ZIP should be easy for the post office to read.
Postage rules that affect envelopes
The USPS Domestic Mail Manual treats a letter as nonmachinable when its length divided by its height is below 1.3 or above 2.5, or when the delivery address runs parallel to the shorter side. That is why the template keeps the address parallel to the long edge, and why square envelopes cost more: they carry the $0.49 nonmachinable surcharge on top of the $0.82 stamped letter price. An A7 envelope (7.25 / 5.25 = 1.38) and a #10 envelope are standard letter shapes. The postage calculator totals the stamps for your list.
Your address list stays private
Addresses are processed in your browser and saved only in this browser's local storage. They are never uploaded and are not included in share links.
Frequently asked questions
How do you address a wedding invitation envelope?
Use each guest's full formal name with a title on the outer envelope, spell out the street suffix and the state, and keep abbreviations to titles such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., Mx. and Dr. The return address traditionally goes on the back flap.
Can I print addresses directly on envelopes?
Yes. Download the PDF at the exact envelope size, feed one envelope at a time through your printer's manual feed, and print a test on plain paper cut to the same size first.
Where does the return address go on a wedding envelope?
Traditionally on the back flap, using the address of whoever is collecting RSVPs. Printing it in the top left corner of the front is also acceptable, and the template can do either.
Do square envelopes cost more to mail?
Yes. USPS treats letters with a length to height ratio below 1.3 as nonmachinable, so a square envelope pays the $0.49 nonmachinable surcharge on top of the regular letter price. See the USPS Domestic Mail Manual, section 101 and the USPS Notice 123 price list.
Is my address list uploaded?
No. The list is processed in your browser and kept only in this browser's local storage. It is never sent to a server and is not part of share links.