Take invitations to the post office to buy correct postage.
The invitations are the first impression your guests will get about your wedding, so choose the paper and ink for your envelopes carefully. Gathering addresses and putting together invitations for all your guests can take weeks. Start planning several months before the wedding, as The Knot recommends putting invitations in the mail at least six weeks before the big day.
Titles
Even if you're throwing a casual wedding, Martha Stewart Wedding recommends using guests' full names and formal titles if they have one. For instance, write "Dr." in front of the name of anyone with a medical degree and include any military titles. When you're inviting a guest who has a significant other, include the partner's name on the invitation. When you're inviting members of a couple who live together but have different last names, write each person's name on a separate line alphabetically by last name.
Outer Envelopes
Just as with any other type of invitation you'd send, the outer envelopes of your invitations should include guest's names and addresses. They should also include the return address for whoever will be collecting RSVPs. Print this address on the back flap of the envelope. Although it may be easier to have your envelopes printed on a computer, according to The Knot, all envelopes should be addressed by hand, whether by you or a calligrapher.
Inner Envelopes
It's not strictly necessary to place invitations inside smaller envelopes within the larger envelopes, but this method allows guests to discard the ripped or torn outer envelope and save the invitation inside a pristine one. If you're using inner envelopes, it's only necessary to write out the invited guests' full names and not their addresses.. Using inner envelopes is also the most appropriate method if you're allowing single guests to bring dates. Emily Post recommends writing only your friend's name on the outer envelope and addressing the inner envelope to "John Doe and Guest."
Addresses
Although general etiquette dictates that using abbreviated street names is acceptable, for a wedding invitation, it's more appropriate to spell out words in an address. Every guest may not notice you spelled out "Street" as opposed to "St.," but using complete words will make your invitations look fancier. The same rules applies when writing out your return address. According to Martha Stewart Weddings, you should also spell out any house number that's under 20. For instance, use "Nineteen Main Street" rather than "19 Main Street."
Tags: full names, guests full, guests full names, Main Street, Martha Stewart, outer envelope, return address