How to address an envelope

Addressing an envelope, it sounds easy, but are you really getting it right? Every year, millions of letters go missing the UK and for many, that can be down to a poorly written address. Illegible writing, ill-placed postcodes, it can all lead to disaster.

Address your envelope correctly and your letter will quickly find its way to the destination – all you have to do is wait for that wedding or birthday bash RSVP. But get it wrong and the recipient may never get your letter, leaving you a valued guest down or a reply short. But don’t panic.

Here at Paperbox, we help people create their dream greetings and holiday cards, the perfect wedding invites, their custom correspondence and so much more. It’s why we’re perfectly positioned to help you ace your address and get that card to its destination.

Read on to find out just how to address an envelope.

How to address your envelope

Addressing an envelope can be confusing but if you follow these four simple points, you’ll get it right every single time.

1)     Positioning the address

The first thing to get right is where you’ll position the address on the envelope. Write the address on the side of the envelope that doesn’t have an opening and be sure to position the address in the centre, well away from the edge of the envelope.

Alternatively, if you think you’ll struggle for room or are worried about positioning the address incorrectly, you can write it in the bottom left corner. This gives you a lot more space should the address overrun. Remember, wherever you position it, you’ll need to leave room for the stamp.

2)     First line of the address

This should be the name of the recipient or recipients. It’s best to include their surname as well as their first name and their title, Mr, Mrs, Dr for example. If you don’t know their first name then just the surname will do.

3)     Middle lines of the address

This is where you start including the letter’s destination. Include the property number or house name and street name on the first line. The next line would be the village or area name. And finally, you’d include the city name.

4)     Bottom line of the address

Finally, on the bottom line you’ll write the post code. This should be written as clearly as possibly as it’s a key identifier as to where your letter is heading. You may also see people write ‘United Kingdom’ under the post code but this isn’t necessary for a letter being sent inside the UK.

Envelope address example

Now you know how to address an envelope, what do all of those points look like together? Let’s take a look at some examples.

Example address

Dr A. Askwith

17 Mitre drive

Clifton

York

YO31 9QQ

Example address with house name

Dr A. Askwith

The Beeches

Mitre drive

Clifton

York

YO31 9QQ

Addressing an envelope to other countries

Now, here’s where it can get a little more complex. Many countries have their own specific envelope addressing conventions but there are a few rules that will help.

• Line one: the name will go here, just the same as a UK address
• Line two: the house number and street address, much like a UK address
• Line three: zip code, city and state (if applicable)
• Line four: country

Although these guidelines should help, many countries have strict rules and so you’re best to check with someone at the post office or a resident of the country or area.

International address example: USA

Dr A. Askwith

112 Mack Street

Amlin, Ohio, 44306

USA

International address example: Germany

Dr A. Askwith

Torstraße 112

10115 Berlin

Germany

Putting your stamp on an envelope

You’ve managed to put your address on the envelope and you’re ready to send. But there’s one final step – the stamp. To apply the stamp correctly you’ll need to position it on the same side as the address and in the upper right corner – that’s why it’s crucial to leave some space while you’re writing the address. And remember, be sure to double check you’re placing the stamp the correct way up.

Top tips on how to address an envelope

• Use clear, bold hand writing that’s easy to read
• Use a pen, a ball point or fountain, not a large marker that could bleed
• Use a white label on a coloured envelope or a contrasting ink so the address can be read
• No need for full stops or commas when writing the address
• Include a return address on the back just in case it doesn’t find its destination
• Make sure you have the right postage stamp as these can vary depending on the letter size
• Always double check you have the correct address

Need help finding the perfect envelope for you?

It’s all well and good knowing how to write an address but what if you don’t have an envelope to write it on? Every day we help people find the materials they need to create their dream wedding invites, their perfect handmade greetings cards and so much more. If you need help finding the right envelope, card or other craft materials for your projects, don’t hesitate to get in touch.