Sand Scripts' Online Wedding Invitation Catalog
Invitation Assembly and Envelope Addressing

Assembling your invitations:
First - if necessary, assemble or fold your invitations
Second - if desired, place the tissue over the printed invitation copy (tissues are part of a long standing tradition dating back to when printing ink did not dry completely and ink blotting was necessary)
Third - place the enclosure cards (not all may apply to your situation) face up on top of the invitation and tissue,in the following order (bottom to top): at-home card (only include with invitation if married name does not appear), map/direction card, reception card, response card tucked into the flap of the response envelope (address side down, be sure to place return postage on these envelopes), place into the inner (possibly lined) envelope with the invitation's folded edge or left side first. The front or printed design should face the back of the inner envelope. If the invitation is of an unconventional fold (such as tri-fold), enclosures are placed inside the second fold. If the printed wording is on the inside of a single fold invitation, enclosure cards are to be placed in the same order listed above and should be placed inside.
Fourth - The inside envelope is then placed into the larger outside envelope with the name of the guest facing the back. Note: if double envelopes are not available or you choose not to use them, be sure to insert invitation assemble into outer envelope in the above order.
Fifth - Seal the outer envelope, place seal or sticker on flap if desired.

The inside envelope (smaller, ungummed, possibly lined envelope) is addressed to the guests invited. Exclude first names, use formal "Mr. and Mrs. Smith". If children are invited, they are listed separately under the parents name in age order by their first name. Children over the age of sixteen should receive a separate invitation. Guests invited along with an unknown escort are addressed as "Mr. Smith and Guest".

The outside envelope (larger, gummed, possibly with return address imprinted) is addressed with the guests full formal name and complete mailing address. When inviting children, state only parents name on the outer envelope, avoid "and Family". Do not abbreviate. Do not use symbols. Do not use initials. Spell out the word "and".

NOTE: the way to address your envelopes of your invitation ensemble is by hand. Computer generated envelopes are acceptable, labeled addresses are NOT.

When mailing be sure to take a completely assembled invitation to the post office for weighing and measuring. Although your invitation may seem to weigh less than an ounce, it may exceed the size for minimum postage. Purchasing the current issue "Love Stamp" is a very nice touch. Mail your invitations four to six weeks prior to the event. Announcements are mailed on or immediately after the event date.

Additional Addressing Guidelines:
Avoid nicknames and abbreviations. Use initials only if you do not know the person's full name.

Always put the husband's title first:
Mr. and Mrs. John Germaine
Doctor (or Dr.) and Mrs. Raymond Dutch
Judge and Mrs. Henry Springsteen
Colonel and Mrs. Frederick Shea
Reverend and Mrs. Thomas Lourdes

Widow - use late husband's name
Mrs. Jonathan Harding

Two unmarried people residing at the same address may be sent one invitation. Both names should be on the envelope in alphabetical order, each name on a separate line.

Plurals: When a name ends in "ch" add an "es", The Churches
When a name ends in "o" add an "s", The Mauros
When a name ends in "s" add an "es", The Evanses
When a name ends in "sh" add an "es", The Cashes
When a name ends in "x" add an "es", The Foxes
When a name ends in "y" add an "s", The Shays
When a name ends in "z" add an "es", The Ortezes
do not use an apostrophe ( ' ) to indicate plural unless it is to indicate a possessive

Any other questions? Just contact us!

ADVICE and GUIDELINES FOR WEDDING INVITATION CUSTOMERS
Sand Scripts' Envelope Addressing Services