Proper Way to Address Envelopes

The festive season is here. There is no better way to wish your family and friends prosperity and happiness, than the good old mail. Unlike emails where there is no 'code of conduct' per se, one has to keep in mind certain etiquette while writing the greetings. The proper way to address an envelope is not difficult but tricky.

Before we begin with the proper way to address the envelopes, we must be aware of certain letter writing etiquette, whether you choose to send a season's greeting or a wedding invitation. These are some of the common etiquette which you should be kept in mind while addressing an envelope.

• Always remember to hand write the invitations and envelope addresses.
• Use good quality stationery.
• Avoid spelling mistakes and make sure, your handwriting is legible.
• Keep the greeting, invitation and the envelope neat.
• Remember to send the invitation and the greetings well in time.
• Don't miss out on any member of the family.
• All the addresses should ideally be in capital letters, according to US postal services.

Addressing Envelopes - Formal Manner

The correct way to address envelopes is very easy. If you are sending a greeting/invitation to a boss, colleague or someone with whom you have a formal acquaintance, remember to follow the same conduct while writing and addressing the envelope. The address should come in this format.

Mr and Mrs Adam Smith (Name of the Business/Company) (Street Address) (City) (State) (Zip)

Remember that if the receiver has a middle name, don't use the initial for it, either write it in full or leave it out completely. If the husband and wife have different surnames, then the right way to address them is - Mrs Samantha Murphy and Mr Jack Woods. Remember to always use the complete titles like Reverend, Rabbi, Lieutenant, General, Mayor or Senator. In case of a married couple, if the wife is a doctor or holds a title, her name will come first, for example Dr. Jane Austin and Mr. Peter Austin. If one is to address the above mentioned address title as Mr Adam Smith and Mrs Adam Smith instead of Mr and Mrs Adam Smith, the former one will be incorrect. It is not incorrect to leave name of the children from the outer envelope, but one should mention the names inside, either exclusively or write Mr and Mrs Adam Smith and family. The proper way to direct an envelope is to make sure that you spell the city and state name completely. Don't abbreviate it. Always remember to mention the zip. The above also holds true for the envelopes for wedding invitations.

Addressing Envelopes - Informal Manner

The correct way to address envelopes for greetings to people with whom you are well acquainted is much easier. It is not mandatory to use the formal title while addressing a couple you know well. You can just address it to 'The Smith Family'. The proper way to address envelopes in care of someone would be like this.

Ms Jessica Rich C/o (Mr and Mrs Adam Smith)/(Name of the Business/Company) (Street Address) (City) (State) (Zip)

In the case of informally addressed envelopes, it is best to not abbreviate the city, state or the country name. Also, don't forget to write your address on the left lower corner on the reverse side of the envelope. For season greetings, it is best to hand write the addresses but in case, one is sending a formal letter or something, a printed address will suffice. The address should be in all capital with no punctuations, this holds true for formal addressing also. Remember to use simple fonts if you are planning to print out the addresses.

These were some tips about addressing envelopes in the correct fashion. Remember if you are sending seasons greetings, it is best to personalize the greetings, so spend some time handwriting the envelopes. Small gestures go a long way in making the receiver feel warm.