Helpful Hint: Addressing an Invitation Envelope

I often get asked by my DIY invitation brides “is there a format for addressing an envelope?”

Here are some guidelines from Australia Post.

Envelope Layout
It is important the zones on the envelope, indicated below, are observed at all times.

General Addressing Tips
- Use the correct postcode – don’t guess it if you don’t know it. The postcode should be the last item in the address.
- Use clear print– Print clearly using dark ink, preferably black on white. Red, yellow or orange inks should be avoided.
- Keep the address straight – the address lines should be parallel to the bottom of the envelope
- Don’t indent or stagger address lines – each line of the address should start at the same point on the left hand side
- Space words correctly – leave one or two character spaces between the place name or post office of delivery and the State or Territory abbreviation, and the same amount of space between the State or Territory abbreviation and the postcode.
- Don’t underline anything – no words in the address should be underlined.
- Include a return address – place the sender’s address in the top left corner, or on the back flap of the envelope. This ensures we can return the letter if it can’t be delivered.

Typically, the address should be written in three lines:
1. The top line should contain the recipient’s name
2. The second last line should contain the number and name of the street, or PO Box or locked bag number if applicable
3. The last line should contain the place name or post office of delivery, State or Territory abbreviation and postcode. This line should be printed in capitals without punctuation or underlining.

For overseas mail the country name should be in capitals on the bottom line.

Where extra clarifying information is required, place this information above the last two lines of the address. This includes information such as:
· company or property name
· non-address information, e.g. Attention M/s

Machine (Printer) Addressing Tips
· Use clear readable type. Ensure the print characters in the address do not touch or overlap. Australia Post recommends using a fixed pitch type font such as Courier 12 point, 10 pitch
· Replace worn out ribbons or cartridges.
· Addresses in window panel envelopes should be clearly visible through the window. No other information should appear through the window, together with the address, even if the contents should move.
· Don’t use Postcode Squares for machine-addressed letters even if they are pre-printed on the envelope.

Hand Addressing Tips
· Use envelopes pre-printed with the four Postcode Squares.
· Print the four numerals of the destination postcode clearly within the Squares.
· Do not use the Squares on hand addressed envelopes for overseas addresses - even if the overseas postal code can fit into the Squares.
· Print the place name and state or territory abbreviation on the bottom line in capital letters.

For more information vist www.auspost.com.au