Address Bridal Shower Envelopes
A bridal shower can be a fun and anticipatory event for the bride who is planning her wedding, and for the friends and family who are wishing her well in marriage. Traditionally, all of the women who will be invited to the wedding are invited to the shower, and the event is hosted by sisters, bridesmaids or other close friends. Invitations should be sent out 1 month before the shower. Address bridal shower envelopes by hand, using the formal names and written addresses of all the women you plan to invite.
Steps
- Write the names and addresses with an ink pen or a felt tip marker. A shower is a personal and intimate event, and the invitations should reflect that. Therefore, the names and addresses on the envelopes should be written out, not printed on the computer or with labels.
- Choose someone who has attractive and clear handwriting. Discuss and compare writing among the hostesses to determine who has the nicest handwriting. Task someone with addressing the envelopes who can write in even, neat cursive.
- Use a calligrapher if you have the budget, and you do not trust the handwriting in the group. You can provide the calligrapher with the names and addresses of your guests, and he or she will inscribe them on the envelopes. Cost will depend on your area, and how many invitations you are mailing.
- Use formal names. Always include the first and last name, as well as any professional or married titles. For example, write Mrs. Jane Smith or Dr. Jane Smith. Single and divorced women can be addressed as Ms. Use Miss for young women under 18 years of age. Women who are married but kept their maiden names can be addressed as Ms.
- Write the street address in a straight line under the name.
- Write house numbers in numeric form, except for the number "1," which should be written out as "one" when used alone.
- Use numeric form for house numbers and apartment numbers.
- Write out the street names in full, including numbered streets and words such as Street, Avenue, Boulevard, Road, etc. Do not abbreviate.
- Spell out the full city and state name. Do not abbreviate the state. For example, you would write "15 East Main Street, Buffalo, New York." The only acceptable abbreviation for cities and states is D.C.
- Place the zip code right under the state, using the numeric form.
- Use one envelope per recipient. Address a separate invitation in a separate envelope to each woman you are inviting, even if 2 or more of them live in the same household.
- Print the return address on the back flap of the envelope. It should be centered and written in the same ink that is used on the front of the envelope. There is no need to include a name on the return address.
Tips
- Traditionally, only women are invited to bridal showers. However, if you invite a man, write "Mr." before his full name. If you are inviting a couple, address the shower invitation the same way you would address a wedding invitation. For example, write "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith."
- Use a postage stamp, preferably one with an appropriate design, such as a heart or flowers. Do not run the envelopes through a postage meter.
- Keep a supply of extra envelopes, in case you make mistakes.
Things You'll Need
- Ink pen
- Felt tip marker
- Envelopes
- Names of guests
- Addresses of guests
- Postage stamps
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