Invitation Etiquette & Mailing Tips


Envelope Etiquette

	Return Address
		Return addresses do NOT use an apostrophe on the proper name. This is the biggest mistake we see everyday. If you remember this one grammar rule (yeah, the "G" word), you will seem like a star and be light years ahead of your friends.

			The Clarks is the plural tense meaning more than one person in the Clark family, so this is correct:
				The Clarks 123 Walnut Anywhere, USA 12345

			The Clarks' means possessive as in something that belongs to them, so this is correct use of the apostrophe in that instance:

				The Clarks' house - means plural possession - the house that belongs to the Clark family and there is more than one person in the Clark family. Ms. Chang's house - means singular possession - one person, Ms. Chang, owns the house.

		Be sure to take the time to put your return address on your envelopes. If there is a problem with them, you want the post office to return them to you, not throw them away. Trust me, we've had this happen to customer's and it's not fun to say the least.

	Envelope Addressing Guide
		Perfectly spaced straight line addressing is as easy as 1-2-3 when you use the handy guide below!
		1.	Print out this page on thin white paper. Cut the guide to fit your envelope. (Cut straight or your lines will not appear straight when inserted in the envelope.)
		2.	Insert addressing guide in the envelope to be addressed with the dark lines facing the front of the envelope. Once inserted, the dark lines below will become visible. Position the guide's lines to the area you wish to address and choose the lines that look best for your envelope and the number of lines in your guest's address..
		3.	Write the address on the envelope using the appropriate lines as a guide.

Addressing the Envelopes

Envelopes should be handwritten with black, blue, blue-black ink. (Generally black is used.)

It is traditional to use a complete, formal name and address. Do not use any abbreviations except:

Mr., Mrs., Ms. Dr. or Jr.

Names should be completely spelled out such as:

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Gene Smith instead of Mr. and Mrs. Ron Smith

If you know the full middle name, use it, if not, no not use initials, simply omit it.

First names (without Mr., Mrs., etc.) or the phrase "and family" are not proper.

If there are children under the age of eighteen include first names as:

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Gene Smith

Ashley and Michael

123 Walnut

Anywhere, USA 12345

If children are living at the same address as their parents' invitation is going to, they should receive separate invitations:

Adult daughter: Miss Kathy Smith

Adult son: Mr. Ron Smith

Adult sons or daughters at the same address:

Messrs. John and Keith Smith

Misses Marie and Joan Smith

Stuffing the Envelopes

Insert the bottom of the announcement or invitation into the envelope first with the printed surface up so that when the envelope is opened, the printed side will be seen first.

If you have included an RSVP card, it is traditional to place a postage stamp on the envelope.

If you are using two envelopes (inner and outer envelopes for a wedding), click here for assembly details.

The invitation and enclosure cards are placed in the envelope in order of size and importance.

The largest enclosure cards are placed closest to the invitation.

When more than one enclosure card of the same size is used, the card that is the most important for your guest to see would be placed closest to the invitation.

Order of pieces layered from bottom to top (printing facing up):
	1.	Invitation
	2.	Reply Envelope
	3.	Reply Card (tucked under reply envelope flap)
	4.	Reception Card

Tissues

Once a practical necessity, tissue is now an option. If you choose to use tissue, place it over the printed text of each item prior to assembling the invitation. Use the largest tissue for the invitations, smaller for the reply cards and other enclosures.

Postage

If there is any question about how much postage your announcement or invitation requires, take an assembled envelope to your post office and have them calculate the exact postage for you. Also ask to see their selection of "pretty" stamps. They will look better than the generic "pay-your-bills" postage stamps.

Most of all, remember to have fun!


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				Party, Party, Party! The excitement begins when your guests open their mailbox and find your invitation. "We're invited to a party!" Your invitation sets the tone for your occasion. Does it scream "I can't miss this party it sounds fabulous!" or did you send out a letter sheet that reads like a grocery list of boring statistics that immediately got relegated to the pile referred to "maybe we'll think about it unless something better comes up." Choosing your Invitations Your invitation should match the style of your event. Is it formal, semi-formal or a casual backyard get together. Your invitation provides the details of the celebration as well as what to expect at the party. A casual get together? A corporate gala for 500? A surprise birthday party for your husband of 20 years? You already have a theme - the occasion for the party. Is is for a man or a woman, your company or a friend. What are their hobbies or interests, what's their favorite drink? Is it a summer pool party or a winter "we're freezing but need a reason to party" kind of thing. You can use our site's Search feature to help narrow down your search for the perfect invitation.
When to mail your Invitations
	Traditionally, it is advised to send out invitations eight weeks before your event. We can hear you screaming "Eight weeks!" We've found while this is a good idea with formal events and weddings, it is just not possible with most every-day events. Our customers tell us that they didn't even think about having a party until 2-6 weeks before their event. Obviously, the sooner you can notify your guests, the better, but don't let this stress you out or prevent you from getting killer invitations at the last minute. Anything goes and much is possible these days. If you know you're having a party for an event that is several months away, consider sending a Save the Date card. This is simply a notice to your guest list that you are planning an event for that date and to mark their calendars so they'll be ready when the details follow by invitation closer to the party date when the details have been finalized. Save the Date cards are almost a necessity for events taking place on holiday weekends, events that will require out of state travel for guests or a wedding to ensure vacations are not scheduled for the same time.

What to include in your invitation
	Name of the host(s)/hostess(es) or parent(s) giving the party The purpose of the invitation: A birthday party, a wedding, a holiday open house. Name of honoree (the birthday person, the mother-to-be, the bride and groom) Day and Date of the party (Saturday, August 29th or if it is formal, Saturday, the twenty-nineth of August). Look at your calendar to make sure the as in this example, the 29th of August is really on a Saturday. If a formal event, include the year and spell it out (two thousand and four) Time (6:00 p.m., or for formal events, spell out the time such as six o'clock in the evening) Name of Place (Opah's Restaurant) Location of Place (street address, city and state if inviting out of town guests, but no zip code) Appropriate attire if it is an issue with your party (do not use on formal invitations-the event should be the clue as to the appropriate attire). Proof read several times for mistakes and/or forgotten information! Even have a friend read it.
Wording your Invitation
	All phrasing is in the third person.
		Example: John and Sally announce the birth of *their* son...		Don't use: birth of our son or Smith & Co. invites your to our Annual...
	Do not use abbreviations.
		Example: Spell out words such as Road, Street, and state names; California
	Days, dates are always spelled out
		Example: Monday or September
	Times and Years should be spelled out on wedding or formal invitations
		Example: Four o'clock in the afternoon / Two Thousand Four
			Hint: The "o" in "o'clock" is never capitalized
	Punctuation is not used at the end of the lines. (no commas, periods, colons., etc.)
		Example: John and Sally invite you to join the fun. (leave off the period)
	Commas can be used to separate information that appears on the same line such as:
		Example: November 14, 2004 or Rochester, New York
	It is socially incorrect to mention "no children allowed" or to mention gifts or where you are registered on invitations. We have found that our customers follow these rules on strict formal invitations such as black tie or wedding invitations, however, on informal invitations, anything goes and sometimes, the more information, the better. When in doubt, you can inform your guests of any important details when they RSVP to the invitation.


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