How to address an envelope
Addressing an envelope may seem simple enough, but it’s important to get it right to ensure your card or letter reaches the correct destination without delays or complications. Whether you’re sending a card - such as a birthday card, Christmas card or thank you card - a special letter or some formal correspondence, knowing how to address your envelope correctly is key to making sure it reaches the right person in plenty of time.
Why is it important to address an envelope correctly?
Addressing an envelope correctly might feel like a small detail, but it’s important for several reasons:
- It helps prevent any delays in delivery
- It means the letter or card will arrive at the right place
- It avoids the letter being returned to the sender
- It ensures formal correspondence appears professional
- It makes sure cards for special occasions arrive on time
Why include a return address?
A return address refers to the sender’s address, which in this case is your own. Including a return address on the envelope means the postal service knows where to send it back to if something goes wrong - like the recipient’s address being incorrect, or if the recipient has moved home.
Where to put the return address
The return address is usually written in the top left corner of the envelope or on the back flap.
Details to include
Make sure to include your full name and complete address, including the postcode. Here's an example layout:
- Your name
- Your house number and street
- Your town or city
- Your postcode
- Your country (for international mail only)
Where should the address go on an envelope?
The recipient's address should be written in the centre of the envelope, towards the middle. Here’s what you need to include:
- The recipient’s full name
- Their house number and street or P.O. box
- Their town or city
- Their postcode
- Their country (for international mail only)
Top tips
- Make sure their postcode is legible and clear
- Double-check the spellings of names and addresses
- Use a pen with dark ink for visibility
How to address an envelope for international mail
When sending a letter or card internationally, there are a few additional things you should keep in mind. Such as:
- Some countries place postcodes before the city names, e.g. Germany and France
- You should always write the country name in capital letters
- Avoid abbreviating country names, e.g. if they live in the USA, write "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
Here’s an example:
Mr Smith
1 Town Avenue
Townville
12345
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
How to address an envelope to a business or organisation
When addressing a letter or card to a business, here are a few extra points to consider:
- Include the recipient’s name or department if you know it
- Always write the company or organisation’s name
- If the business is large, include their department or floor number for easier delivery
The address on the front of your business correspondence should state the following information:
- Name
- Department name
- Company name
- Street address
- Town or city
- Postcode
Where does a stamp go on the envelope?
The stamp should be placed in the top right hand corner of the envelope. Make sure the stamp is securely attached to avoid it falling off during delivery. If you're sending a heavier or international item, check you have the correct postage to avoid delays.
How to address an envelope to a couple with the same last name
If you're sending a card or letter to a couple who share the same last name, you can address it either formally or informally.
Formal: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Informal: John and Jane Smith
How to address an envelope to a couple with different last names
For couples with different last names, you should llist both names on the envelope as follows.
Formal: Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Jane Doe
Informal: John Smith and Jane Doe
You can also include titles (e.g. Dr. or Prof.) if relevant - this is normally only expected for formal correspondence.
How to address an envelope to a family
If you're sending a card to an entire family, you can here’s how to address it:
Formal: 'The Smith Family' or 'The Smiths'
Informal: John, Jane, and Family
We hope you found this article helpful
Whether you're sending a heartfelt note or a special card, knowing how to address an envelope correctly ensures your message gets to where it needs to go.
If you'd rather skip the hassle of hand-writing your envelopes and even the message inside your card, why not send a personalised card with cardfactory instead? You can create your custom card and have it sent directly to their door with no need to address the envelope or add a stamp.
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