How to Properly Address and Send a Card

A Professional Guide to Mailing with Confidence

In today’s fast-moving digital world, sending a handwritten card is a thoughtful gesture that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re mailing a personal note or a professional message, understanding how to properly address and send a card ensures it arrives at its destination without delay.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process—or skip the hassle entirely by using Handwrytten.

Preparing the Envelope

Before mailing your card, make sure the envelope is correctly addressed. The two essential components are the return address and the recipient’s mailing address.

Return Address
Place your return address in the top left corner of the front of the envelope or centered on the back flap. This allows the postal service to return the card if it’s undeliverable.

Include:

• Full name
• Business name or building name (if applicable)
• Street address or P.O. Box
• City, State, ZIP Code

Mailing Address
Centered on the front of the envelope, the recipient’s address should follow the same structure:

• Full name (and title, if appropriate)
• Company or building name (if applicable)
• Street address or P.O. Box
• City, State, ZIP Code

📝 Pro Tip: Write clearly in block letters and avoid punctuation. This improves readability and helps ensure smooth processing by the postal system.

Applying Postage

The amount of postage required depends on the size, shape, weight, and destination of your card.

• Standard-size domestic mail generally requires one Forever® stamp.
• Square, oversized, or unusually shaped cards may require additional postage.
• International mail will cost more and may require specific formatting.

Not sure what postage you need? Your local post office can help—or let Handwrytten take care of it for you.

Mailing Your Card

Once addressed and stamped, your card is ready to go. You can:

• Leave it in your personal mailbox with the flag raised
• Drop it into a USPS blue collection box
• Bring it directly to your local post office for assistance or confirmation

If you’re sending a bulk mailing or want confirmation of delivery, it’s worth discussing options with a USPS representative.

How to Address a Card to a Family

Addressing a card to a family may seem straightforward, but the grammar can be tricky. Here’s a quick reference:

• Most names: Simply add an “s” (e.g., The Johnsons)
• Names ending in s, x, z, ch, or sh: Add “es” (e.g., The Martinezes, The Bushes)
• Alternative: Use “Family” instead (e.g., The Garcia Family)
• Avoid apostrophes: The Smith’s is incorrect unless you’re showing possession (e.g., The Smith’s house)

 Don’t Have the Recipient’s Mailing Address?

If you’re ready to send your message but still need the address, here are a few tips:

• Reach out directly and ask
• Search past emails, invoices, or directories
• Ask a mutual friend, family member, or colleague
• Use your map or navigation app if you’ve visited their home before
• Conduct a basic online search if it’s publicly available

📝 Pro Tip: Handwrytten offers an Address Request Tool that makes collecting addresses effortless. Just send your personalized link, and your recipients can securely enter their mailing details—no awkward texts or guesswork required. It’s perfect for client onboarding, event planning, or any time you’re sending to a group.

Prefer a Simpler Way?

At Handwrytten, we handle every step for you—from writing your message in beautiful, realistic handwriting to addressing, stamping, and mailing your card.

Whether you’re sending one note or coordinating a large outreach campaign, we make the process seamless, professional, and impactful.

Why It Matters

We hope this guide not only clarifies the mailing process but also inspires you to tap into the lasting impact of written correspondence. In a world dominated by quick messages and digital replies, a handwritten card stands out as a genuine, tangible way to build stronger personal and professional connections.

Handwrytten makes it easy to create that moment of connection—without having to manage stamps, envelopes, or trips to the post office. Let us help you send thoughtful messages that get noticed—and remembered.

📬 Ready to get started?
Explore our options at Handwrytten.com or contact us at sales@handwrytten.com to learn more about personalized fonts, bulk mailings, or branded card designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

💬 Can I schedule cards to be sent at a future date through Handwrytten?
Yes. Handwrytten allows you to schedule individual or bulk card sends in advance, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or campaign planning.

💬What if I want to use my own handwriting or signature?
Handwrytten offers custom font creation services. You’ll complete a handwriting packet, and our design team will turn it into a digital handwriting style we can use on your cards.

💬 Can I send international mail through Handwrytten?
Absolutely. We send cards worldwide. Just enter the international address, and we’ll apply the correct postage and formatting automatically.

💬 Is it possible to include business cards, gift cards, or inserts in my card?
Yes, Handwrytten supports including inserts such as business cards, gift cards, or small promotional items. Reach out to our team for a custom quote and mailing options.

💬 Can I automate card sending for birthdays, customer anniversaries, or other triggers?
Yes. Handwrytten integrates with tools like Zapier and offers an API that allows for automation based on your CRM or e-commerce platform events.