Envelopes: To Label or Not to Label

When it comes to addressing your envelopes, there are three options:

Computer produced adhesive labels
Printed envelopes
Handwritten

Technically, computer produced adhesive labels are acceptable for large mailings but printed envelopes are a little more elegant. When possible, handwritten addresses are the most personal and polite. Let the situation dictate the route you take.

How to Insert a Card or Letter into an Envelope

Insert a card or letter into an envelope so that when it’s removed, the writing is right side up and ready to be read. When inserting a card that’s folded along the side, the fold should be on the bottom of the envelope. When inserting a letter that’s folded in thirds, always fold up the [...]

Which ink color and which pen to use?

We get a lot of questions about the protocol for addressing envelopes and appropriate ink color.  Here are some quick and simple rules of thumb when it comes to handwritten correspondence and envelopes.
Ink Color
Formal Uses (condolences and invitations, for example)
You can never go wrong with black ink. Technically, dark blue is okay, but black always [...]

How to Accept and Regret Formal Invitations

Ever wondered why some invitations—usually the ultra fancy wedding ones—don’t include RSVP cards? Believe it or not, these convenient cards weren’t always included (and for formal occasions, still aren’t) because etiquette dictates that the invitee send his or her response on personal stationery.
Acceptance

Formal invitations should be accepted or regretted in the third person
They should always [...]

Envelope Etiquette

Addressing envelopes can be tricky. Just follow these tips to get it right.
Where to Put the Return Addresses
Traditionally, the return address is written on the front, upper left-hand corner. But some use the back flap, either centered or across the top.
Where to Put the ZIP Code
Tradition would have you write the ZIP directly after the [...]

Thank-You Cards 101: Writing the Perfect One

A well-written thank you note is easy to make when you know the recipe – simply mix one part accepted etiquette with two parts you.

Reasons to Send
You’ll have to think long and hard to come up with an instance when sending a thank-you card isn’t the right thing to do. So the gates are wide [...]