Let’s be honest. Nobody really writes letters anymore, right? We have WhatsApp, Slack, and endless email threads. But then something happens. Maybe a wedding invite needs a personal touch, or you’re writing to an old mentor, or perhaps you’re sitting for an English exam like the GCSE or CBSE. Suddenly, the layout of informal letter becomes the most stressful thing in your world. You start second-guessing where the date goes. You wonder if "Yours Truly" sounds too much like a 19th-century novel.
It’s confusing because the "rules" for informal writing are actually quite rigid, despite the word "informal" being right there in the name. If you mess up the structure, you don't just look messy—you might actually lose marks or fail to communicate the right vibe.
The Anatomy of an Informal Letter
The biggest mistake? Treating it like a formal business email. It’s not. An informal letter is a conversation on paper. It should feel warm.
The standard layout of informal letter usually begins with the sender’s address. This sits in the top right-hand corner. Why? It’s tradition, mostly, but it also gives the recipient a quick way to know where you are without hunting for the envelope. Beneath that address, you drop the date.
Don't just write 1/15/26. That’s lazy.
Write it out fully: January 15, 2026. It adds a bit of weight to the message. It says you actually took the time to sit down and think.
Then, you move to the left side. The salutation. This is where people get weirdly stiff. "Dear" is the gold standard. Use it. "Dear Sarah," "Dear Grandma," or even "Hey Mike," if you're particularly close. Just make sure there's a comma after the name. That little comma is the gateway to the rest of your letter.
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The Opening Paragraph: Setting the Tone
Don't just dive into your problems. That's rude.
The first paragraph is the "social lubricant." You ask how they are. You mention something they told you last time you spoke. "I hope you’re doing well" is a bit cliché, but it works. Maybe try something more specific like, "I was just thinking about that time we went to the coast, and it made me realize I haven't written in ages."
This part of the layout of informal letter is about connection. It’s the digital equivalent of a hug or a firm handshake.
The Body: Where the Story Lives
Now, we get to the meat of it. This is the longest part of the letter, and honestly, there are no strict rules on how many paragraphs you need. If you’re telling a long story about your disastrous attempt at sourdough bread, take three paragraphs. If you’re just checking in, one long one is fine.
The key here is transitioning.
You’ve got to move from the "How are you?" to the "Here is what’s happening with me." You might say, "Anyway, the reason I'm writing is..." or "You won't believe what happened at work yesterday."
Keep it conversational. Use contractions like "don't," "can't," and "I'm." If you write "I do not know," you sound like a robot. Nobody wants to receive a letter from a robot. Write exactly how you speak, just maybe with slightly better grammar.
The Closing: How to Stick the Landing
As you wrap things up, you need a complimentary close. This is the part of the layout of informal letter that most people overthink.
If it’s a close friend, "Best," or "Cheers," is fine.
If it’s family, "Love," or "Lots of love," is standard.
If it's someone you respect but aren't "hugging" close with, "Warmly," works wonders.
Follow it with your name. Just your first name. Putting your last name in an informal letter is like introducing yourself to your own mother. It's weird. Don't do it.
Real-World Examples vs. Academic Requirements
Depending on why you're looking up the layout of informal letter, the "correct" way might change slightly. If you are a student, your examiners are looking for specific markers. They want to see that you know where the address goes and that you can maintain a consistent tone.
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In the real world? It's much looser.
Some people leave out the address entirely if they know the person well. Some people put the date on the left. But if you’re following the classic British or American conventions—the ones taught by institutions like the Oxford University Press or the British Council—the top-right address is the "correct" way.
Common Misconceptions
One big myth is that informal means "slang-filled."
Not necessarily. You can be informal and still be eloquent. You aren't writing a text message with "u" instead of "you." You’re writing a letter. It should have a certain level of dignity.
Another misconception is the P.S. (Postscript). People think it’s just for things you forgot. Actually, in the layout of informal letter, the P.S. is a stylistic tool. It’s often the most-read part of the letter. Use it for a joke, a secret, or a final "I miss you." It adds a personal touch that makes the letter feel human.
Actionable Steps for Writing Your Letter
- Grab a pen and paper. Yes, physical paper. It changes the way you think and slows down your brain in a good way.
- Stick the address in the top right. Even if they know where you live, do it for the aesthetic. It makes it feel like a "real" letter.
- Date it clearly. Future you will thank you when you find this in a shoebox in twenty years.
- Use a warm salutation. "Dearest [Name]" is underrated and makes people feel special.
- Write the "Why." Tell them exactly why you picked up the pen today.
- Sign off with a personal touch. Skip "Sincerely"—it's for banks and lawyers.
- Add a P.S. Give them one last little nugget of information to smile about.
Writing a letter is a slow process in a fast world. Following the proper layout of informal letter ensures that your message isn't just read, but cherished. It provides a frame for your thoughts, making sure the recipient focuses on your words rather than wondering why the page looks so chaotic.
Start by picking one person you haven't spoken to in months. Get the address right, keep the tone light, and just start writing. The structure is there to support you, not to restrict you. Once you master the basic skeleton, you can let your personality fill in the rest.