Addressing Invitations

ashleyep

I sent out my save the dates a few weeks ago and while going over my guest's addressed, I started wondering what the formal way to write some of them would be.

I know that you're supposed to write out the state nad Street, Avenue, Boulevard, Road, whatever. 

But what about if their street name is something like W Main Street - do you spell out the west as well? I'm guessing so.

And what about apartment numbers? Do those go on their own line after the street? So something like:

2 College Avenue

Apartment 3

This seems fine, but something like this seems awkward to me:

Mr. and Mrs. John Doe

3 Main Street

#1

City, State Zip

I know it's totally not a big deal and none of my guests will probably care, but while organizing my guest list it's something I've been thinking about, more out of curiosity than anything else. 

southernbelle0915

For apartment numbers, I put it on the same line if it fit:

123 Main Street, Loft 2A (so street name - comma - apartment #)

For street prefixes like "West" or "North" I think it depends on the official name of the street. In some cases, it's "West Main" and in others "W. Main" literally is the official name. Try searching this address on Google Maps and go with the official street name. I think it's more important not to confuse the post office than spelling out "west" if you don't need to. KWIM?

photokitty

southernbelle0915 said:

For apartment numbers, I put it on the same line if it fit:

123 Main Street, Loft 2A (so street name - comma - apartment #)

For street prefixes like "West" or "North" I think it depends on the official name of the street. In some cases, it's "West Main" and in others "W. Main" literally is the official name. Try searching this address on Google Maps and go with the official street name. I think it's more important not to confuse the post office than spelling out "west" if you don't need to. KWIM?

This, I think post office rules and them being able to properly deliver the invite trumps etiquette. 

I would not spell out the direction as it would be a different street in the city. We have a E. North Broadway, W. North Broadway, N. North Broadway and a S. Broadway.

Also the secondary address line is not meant for apt numbers. The post office standards have changed over the years and the fancy smancy calligraphy invite style doesn't always line up with it When in doubt check with USPS. IMHO

ashleyep

photokitty said:

southernbelle0915 said:

For apartment numbers, I put it on the same line if it fit:

123 Main Street, Loft 2A (so street name - comma - apartment #)

For street prefixes like "West" or "North" I think it depends on the official name of the street. In some cases, it's "West Main" and in others "W. Main" literally is the official name. Try searching this address on Google Maps and go with the official street name. I think it's more important not to confuse the post office than spelling out "west" if you don't need to. KWIM?

This, I think post office rules and them being able to properly deliver the invite trumps etiquette. 

I would not spell out the direction as it would be a different street in the city. We have a E. North Broadway, W. North Broadway, N. North Broadway and a S. Broadway.

Also the secondary address line is not meant for apt numbers. The post office standards have changed over the years and the fancy smancy calligraphy invite style doesn't always line up with it When in doubt check with USPS. IMHO

@photokitty

Just looked it up and actually, that's partly what it's meant for! Apartment preferably goes on the same line, but can go above the street.

http://pe.usps.gov/text/pub28/28c2_003.htm

Actually, I probably could have just looked for everything on that link, ha.

ETA: But I do know that when websites offer a "house" or "apartment" shipping options the apartment option usually includes a second line for apartment number.

photokitty

My bad, i was half right...it should be on the same line shipping options typically aren't using usps, or they actually put it one the same line. I had to take a mail seminar for work...should have paid a little more attention or taken notes