Envelopes should be hand written.
Two envelopes are used for mailing formal invitations and announcements such as wedding invitations, charity ball invitations and graduation announcements. The invitation is inserted into an inner envelope, which then is inserted into a larger mailing outer envelope. The following guidelines will help you properly address your invitations.
Outer Envelope
The outer envelope is the mailing envelope. This envelope has a gummed flap. Address your envelope with the name of your guest, address, city, state and ZIP code. The address should be centered on the envelope. The name of your guest is listed on the first line. Formal names such as Michael instead of Mike are to be used, preceded by a title such as Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr. or Reverend. The second line lists the street address. Do not use abbreviations such as St., Ave. or Blvd. Directional indicators such as north, southwest or east should also be spelled out. The city, state and ZIP code are entered on the third line.
Inner Envelope
The inner envelope is slightly smaller than the outer envelope with an un-gummed flap. The inner envelope is addressed with names only. The first names of the guests are listed in the center of the inner envelope. Informal names such as Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Bob or Aunt Suzie can be used on the the inner envelope. Couples' names should be listed on the first line followed by the names of children on the second line. Names of children should be listed in order of age, from oldest to youngest.
Assembly
Insert your invitation into the inner envelope face up. You can leave the flap open, tuck it inside or seal it with a wax seal. Insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope with the address facing up. Tissue papers may be placed on top of the invitation before inserting it into the inner envelope.
Return Address
Your return address should be written on the center of the flap of the outer envelope. The address should be handwritten or printed. Do not use address labels for formal invitations.
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