Addressing Wedding Envelope Etiquette: "Mr. And Guest"?

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there are a few different approaches you can take. While some prefer to stick to the traditional method of using titles and full names, others may opt for a more contemporary style, using only first names. It's also worth noting that the outer envelope should be more formal, while the inner envelope can be more casual. If you're inviting a single person with a plus one, the outer envelope should only include the name of the person you know, while the inner envelope can mention and guest. For married couples with the same last name, the traditional approach is to use Mr. and Mrs. followed by the husband's full name. However, a more modern approach would be to list both first names and the joint last name. Same-sex couples can be addressed in a similar manner, with the names placed in alphabetical order based on their first names. Unmarried couples living at the same address are typically listed on the same line, with the person you are closest to or know the best listed first.

Single Person With A Plus One

When addressing a wedding invitation to a single person with a plus one, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use the person's preferred title, such as "Mr..", "Ms.", "Miss", or "Mx.". If you are unsure of their preferred title, it may be best to forgo the title altogether.

Secondly, if you know the name of the plus one, it is more personal to include their name on the invitation. However, if you are unsure of the name or are allowing an open-ended plus one, the words "and Guest" can be added to the inner envelope. For example, "Mr. James Montgomery" on the outer envelope, and "Mr. Montgomery and Guest" on the inner envelope.

It is also worth noting that the outer envelope is more formal and typically includes titles, full names, and street addresses of the invited guests. On the other hand, the inner envelope is more informal and can include titles and last names or just first names.

Outer envelope: "Ms. Sophie Westbourne"

Inner envelope: "Ms. Westbourne and Guest" or "Sophie and Guest"

Married Couple, Woman Kept Maiden Name

When addressing a wedding invitation envelope to a married couple where the woman has kept her maiden name, the outer envelope should include their titles and full names, with the woman's name coming first. For example:

> Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez

If their combined names are too long to fit on one line, list them separately:

> Ms. Maria Stevens

> Mr. David Estevez

For the inner envelope, you can use their first names:

> Maria and David

Alternatively, you can use their titles and surnames:

> Ms. Stevens and Mr. Estevez

If the woman has a title, such as "Dr." or "The Honorable," this should be included. For example:

> Outer envelope: Dr. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez

> Inner envelope: Dr. Stevens and Mr. Estevez

If the woman has hyphenated her maiden name with her spouse's surname, the outer envelope can be addressed as follows:

> Mr. Marcus Craft and Mr. Brian Crosby-Craft

The inner envelope can be more informal, with just their first names:

> Marcus and Brian

If you are close to the couple, you may know their preference when it comes to addressing envelopes. Feel free to adapt the above suggestions to match their preferred style.

Unmarried Couple Living Together

When addressing a wedding invitation envelope to an unmarried couple living together, there are a few etiquette rules to consider. Firstly, it is customary to write their names on the same line, with the person you are closest to listed first. If you know the couple equally well, alphabetical order is the way to go. Here is an example:

"Mr. Aaron Triguiero and Mr. Gabriel Reyes"

However, if you are aiming for a more contemporary style, you could simply use their first names:

"Aaron and Gabriel"

If their names are too long to fit on one line, it is acceptable to write them on two separate lines. In this case, the secret cue that they are not married is to omit the "and" between their names:

"Mr. Aaron Triguiero

Mr. Gabriel Reyes"

Or

"Aaron

Gabriel"

Remember, the outer envelope should be more formal, including titles and surnames, while the inner envelope can be more casual, with just first names.

In terms of postage timing, give yourself enough leeway to double-check the details and addresses before sending out your invitations.

Family With Children Under 18

When addressing a wedding invitation envelope to a family with children under 18, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to list the names of the parent(s) or guardian(s) on the outer envelope, and the children's names on the inner envelope. This is because the outer envelope is more formal, and it is considered respectful to address the adults by their full names, including titles.

For girls under 18, you can use "Miss" as a title if you wish, although this is not mandatory. Boys under 16 do not need a title, and only at age 16 do they become "Mr.".

Outer envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham"

Inner envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham, Daniel, Jeffrey, Miss Brittany, and Mx. Kelly".

If you are taking a more formal approach, boys under 13 can be referred to as "Master", but not "Mr.". It is also worth noting that if you do not include each child's name, it may be taken to imply that children are not invited. So, if you are planning an adults-only wedding, be sure to make this clear through other means as well.

Finally, remember that the most important thing is to respect your guests' identities and use the titles and format that feel appropriate for your event.

Single Person With A Title

When addressing a single person with a title, it is important to use their professional title, whether it be Doctor, Reverend, Judge, etc. This is considered good etiquette and should be followed for both formal and informal correspondence.

Outer envelope: "Doctor Jessica Nichols"

Inner envelope: "Dr. Nichols" or "Jessica"

If you are addressing a single person with a title and they have a plus one, the outer envelope should only include the name of the person you know, and the invitation can include their name and "and guest".

Outer envelope: "Dr. Jessica Nichols"

Inner envelope: "Dr. Nichols and guest" or "Jessica and guest"

It is worth noting that some sources suggest that it is always best to use a person's preferred title, and if you are unsure, it may be safer to forgo the title altogether.

Frequently asked questions