Creative Ways To Abbreviate Addresses On Wedding Invites

When it comes to wedding invitations, the way you address your guests can be the difference between a happy guest and an offended one. While the rules of wedding invitation etiquette have relaxed, there are still some requirements to follow. Abbreviations are generally discouraged, and street names, house numbers, and state names should be spelled out in full. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as when using a combination of abbreviations like SW for Southwest. The US Postal Service also prefers abbreviations, and they will still deliver mail with spelled-out addresses. Ultimately, the choice of whether to abbreviate addresses on wedding invitations depends on the couple's preference for formality and the specific address in question.

Spell out street names and numbers

When it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, the devil is in the detail. While it may be tempting to abbreviate addresses, this is generally not recommended. Street names and numbers should always be written out in full. This means that "St." becomes "Street", "Rd." becomes "Road", and so on.

For example, if you are inviting guests who live on "67th Street", you would write out the full "Sixty-Seventh Street". This also applies to directional prefixes such as "North", "South", "East", and "West". These should always be written out in full, so "N." becomes "North".

However, there is an exception to this rule when it comes to house numbers. If the house number is over 20, it is acceptable to use the numerical digit rather than spelling it out. For example, "1234 SW 100 Street" would be written as "1234 Southwest One Hundred Street".

It is also worth noting that the zip code may be written in numerical form, as in the previous example. This combination of numerical and written-out elements helps to ensure that your invitations are both formal and readable.

By taking the time to carefully write out your guests' addresses, you not only ensure that your invitations arrive at their intended destinations but also create a more elegant and refined impression.

Abbreviate directions

When writing out the addresses on your wedding invitations, it is best to spell out all words in the address. This means writing out “Street”, “Post Office Box”, and “Apartment” instead of using abbreviations like "St.", "P.O. Box", and "Apt.". The same rule applies to city and state names; instead of abbreviations, write out “Saint Paul, Minnesota”, and "Washington, District of Columbia". House numbers smaller than twenty should also be written out, for example, "Sixty-Seventh Street" instead of "67th Street".

When it comes to directions, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, do not abbreviate "North", "South", "East", or "West". For example, you would write "123 Pine Street, North" instead of "123 Pine St., N.". Secondly, do not abbreviate street types such as "Street", "Road", "Avenue", "Boulevard", and "Lane". So, you would write "123 Pine Street, North" instead of "123 Pine St., N.".

In addition to these guidelines, it is also important to use full names on the invitations and avoid nicknames or initials. For married couples, the traditional format is to use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's first and last name. However, for modern weddings, it is becoming more common to include the wife's first name as well, or to list the wife's name first. If the couple has the same last name, you can simply use their first names after the titles, for example, "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren". If they have different last names, you would write "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez".

For unmarried couples living at the same address, the outer envelope can be addressed to both people on one line, with the person you are closest to listed first: "Mr. Stanley Kim and Ms. Amanda Rhee".

Following these guidelines will ensure that your wedding invitations are properly formatted and will help your guests feel valued and respected.

Addressing couples with different last names

When addressing wedding invitations to couples with different last names, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure your envelopes are properly and respectfully addressed. Here are some detailed instructions for addressing couples with different last names:

Outer Envelope Etiquette:

The outer envelope is what the postal service uses for delivery, so it should include the full names and titles of the intended recipients. When addressing a married couple with different last names, write their names on the same line, with the woman's name listed first. If their combined names are too long to fit on one line, you can list them separately. Here's an example:

"Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez"

If the wife has chosen to keep her maiden name, the invitation should be addressed in the same way as an unmarried couple living at the same address. The names should be listed alphabetically, regardless of gender. For example:

"Ms. Adams and Mr. Sullivan"

Inner Envelope Etiquette:

The inner envelope contains the actual invitations and is typically more casual. When addressing a married couple with different last names on the inner envelope, you can use their first names or a combination of their titles and last names. For instance:

"Ms. Stevens and Mr. Estevez" or "Maria and David"

If the wife has kept her maiden name, the inner envelope can be addressed similarly:

"Ms. Jones and Mr. Williams" or "Emily and John"

Other Considerations:

When addressing couples with different last names, it's essential to be mindful of their preferences and sensitivities. Some modern women may prefer to have their names included instead of being lumped in with their husbands. In such cases, you can modify the outer envelope format as follows:

"Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren"

Additionally, if the couple has children under the age of 18, their names can be included on the second line of the inner envelope. For example:

"Mr. and Mrs. Michael Randall Carolyn, Julie, and William"

Abbreviations:

While it is acceptable to abbreviate titles like "Doctor" as "Dr." on the inner envelope, avoid abbreviating street names, such as "Street," "Road," or "Avenue." Also, write out the full name of the state instead of using its two-letter abbreviation.

Addressing single men and women

When addressing single men and women on wedding invitations, there are a few guidelines and considerations to keep in mind. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure that your invitations are properly addressed:

• Use Appropriate Titles: For a single woman, the appropriate title is "Ms." if she is 18 years or older. If she is younger, the title "Miss" is more suitable, and it should be spelled out rather than abbreviated. For a single man, the title "Mr." is used if he is 18 or older. If he is younger, no title is necessary.
• Outer Envelope: On the outer envelope, the guest's full name, including their title, should be written. For example, "Ms. Stephanie Chen" for a single woman or "Mr. James Montgomery" for a single man.
• Inner Envelope: On the inner envelope, you can use their full name or just the first name if you prefer a more casual approach. If the single guest has been offered a plus-one, you can indicate this by adding "and guest" after their name on the inner envelope only. For example, "Ms. Chen and guest" or "James and guest".
• Avoid Abbreviations: When addressing single men and women, avoid using abbreviations for their titles or names. Spell out "Miss" or "Ms." for women and "Mr." for men.
• Be Mindful of Age: The appropriate title for a single woman can vary depending on her age. "Ms." is generally used for women who are 18 or older, while "Miss" is more suitable for younger women under the age of 18. For men, the title "Mr." is typically used for those 18 or older, and no title is needed for younger boys.
• Include Full Names: Always use the guest's full name on the outer envelope, rather than nicknames or initials. This adds a level of formality and ensures the invitation feels special.
• Offer a Plus-One: If you are offering a plus-one option to a single guest, you don't need to indicate this on the outer envelope. Reserve the "and guest" language for the inner envelope only. This allows you to maintain a neat and formal outer envelope while providing additional information on the inner envelope.
• Be Consistent: Ensure that you use consistent formatting for all your wedding invitations, including those addressed to single men and women. This creates a unified look and feel for your invitation suite.
• Consider Formality: Depending on the formality of your wedding, you may adjust the tone of the invitation wording. For a casual wedding, such as a backyard barbecue or brunch, you may opt for a less formal approach by leaving off titles or using only first names. However, for more formal weddings, it is generally best to err on the side of formality and follow traditional etiquette guidelines.
• Proofread and Plan Ahead: Take the time to proofread your guest list and addresses to avoid any last-minute changes. Give yourself enough time to assemble and send out the invitations, ideally six to eight weeks before the wedding.

Addressing families

When addressing families, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use full names and avoid nicknames or initials. For married couples with the same last name, the outer envelope can be addressed as "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's full name. For same-sex couples, either name can go first. If the couple prefers, both names can be included, as in "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren".

For married couples with different last names, the outer envelope can be addressed with both names on the same line, with the woman's name first. If the names are too long, they can be listed separately. For unmarried couples living at the same address, their names should be included on one line, with the person you are closest to listed first.

When inviting an entire family, the outer envelope can be addressed to the family name or the parents' names only. The inner envelope should then list the first names of all invited family members. If you want to be specific about which family members are invited, write the names of each family member, starting with the parents and listing children in order of age. Girls under the age of 18 can be addressed as "Miss".

It is important to note that if you do not include each child's name, it may be unclear if children are invited. In this case, it is a good idea to spread the word through family and friends and add a message to your wedding website.

Frequently asked questions