Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Naming Guests Or Not?

Wedding invitation wording and etiquette are important to get right, and there are a few key considerations to make. Firstly, it is standard to include the names of those invited on the outer envelope, and you can include the names of any plus-ones if you know them. If not, and Guest is sufficient. Inner envelopes are more informal, and you can use first names only if you wish. Traditionally, married couples' names are included on the same line, with the woman's name listed first if they have different last names. Unmarried couples' names should be listed separately, with the person the hosts are closest to listed first. It is also important to use the correct titles, such as Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms., and Mx..

Addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple with the same last name

When addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple with the same last name, there are a few conventions to follow. Firstly, it is important to use the correct titles and full names of the couple. For a heterosexual couple, the outer envelope can be addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. [Husband's Full Name]". For a same-sex couple, either name can go first. If the couple is sensitive to the wife's name being left out, the outer envelope can be addressed to "Mr. [Husband's Full Name] and Mrs. [Wife's Full Name]".

The inner envelope is more informal, and you have more flexibility with the wording. You can address the inner envelope to "Mr. and Mrs. [Last Name]" or use their first names, such as "Thomas and Michelle".

It is also important to consider the preferences of the couple when addressing the invitation. Some people may prefer to use nicknames or go by their middle name, so it is always a good idea to double-check with the couple beforehand if you are unsure.

Additionally, if the couple has children under the age of 18, their names should be included on the inner envelope. For girls under 18, you can use "Miss" as a title if you wish. Boys do not need a title until they are 16, at which point they can be addressed as "Mr.".

Addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple with different last names

When addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple with different last names, there are a few etiquette rules you should follow to ensure your guests feel welcomed and respected. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you with this task:

Outer Envelope Etiquette:

The outer envelope is the one that will be seen by the post office, so it should be more formal and follow traditional rules. When addressing a married couple with different last names, write their names on the same line with the woman's name 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 you are inviting a same-sex couple, either name can go first. Alphabetical order is the way to go if you are equally close to both guests.

Inner Envelope Etiquette:

The inner envelope is more informal, giving you some flexibility with the format. You can choose to include or exclude titles and last names. Here are two options:

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

If the couple has expressed sensitivity about their names, you can include both their full names on the outer envelope:

Outer Envelope:

"Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren"

Inner Envelope:

"Mr. Warren and Mrs. Warren" or "Thomas and Michelle"

General Tips:

• Give yourself enough time to assemble and address the invitations properly.
• Double-check mailing addresses and guest preferences before sending out the invitations.
• If you are unsure about a guest's preferred title or name format, it is best to ask them directly or check with a close friend or family member.
• You can choose to forgo titles altogether if you feel they are too restrictive or exclusive for your guest list.

Addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple with one hyphenated last name

When addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple with one hyphenated last name, there are a few etiquette rules to follow. Here are some examples of how to address the outer and inner envelopes:

Outer envelope: "Mr. Marcus Craft and Mr. Brian Crosby-Craft"

Inner envelope: "Mr. Craft and Mr. Crosby-Craft" or "Marcus and Brian"

If the spouse with the hyphenated last name is a woman, the traditional etiquette is to list her name first, followed by her husband's name. However, some modern women may prefer to have their names listed after their husband's, or to use "Ms." instead of "Mrs." when addressing the outer envelope:

Outer envelope: "Mr. Michael Jones and Mrs/Ms. Mary Smith-Jones"

Inner envelope: "Mr. Jones and Mrs. Smith-Jones" or "Michael and Mary"

Alternatively, you can address the couple using their full names, with the woman's name first:

Outer envelope: "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren"

Inner envelope: "Mr. Warren and Mrs. Warren" or "Thomas and Michelle"

When addressing a married couple, it is also important to consider their personal preferences and how they choose to identify themselves. If you are unsure, it is always a good idea to check with them beforehand to avoid any confusion or discomfort.

Addressing a wedding invitation to an unmarried couple

When addressing a wedding invitation to an unmarried couple, it is important to consider the formality of the event and the couple's preferences. Here are some guidelines and examples to help you with the addressing:

Formal Addressing:

If you are having a formal wedding, it is customary to use full names and titles on the outer envelope. For an unmarried couple living together, list their names on separate lines, with each name followed by their appropriate title. For example:

> Mr. Aaron Triguiero

> Mr. Gabriel Reyes

If the couple has different last names, list the names in alphabetical order or start with the person you are closest to.

Informal Addressing:

For a more casual or informal wedding, you can choose to use first names only or a combination of first names and last names on the outer envelope. Here's an example:

> Sara and Anthony

General Guidelines:

• Middle names are not necessary but should be spelled out if used (no initials).
• Spell out all words such as Apartment, Avenue, Street, etc.
• Abbreviate titles like Mr., Mrs., Ms., and Jr.
• Write out professional titles such as Doctor or Professor.
• Always use the person's preferred title if you are aware of it.
• If you are unsure about titles or preferences, it is best to ask the couple beforehand.

Remember, the most important aspect is to make sure the couple feels respected and welcomed by your invitation.

Addressing a wedding invitation to a single female

When addressing a wedding invitation to a single female, it's important to use the correct title. If she is over 18, use "Ms." and if she is younger, use "Miss", spelling it out rather than abbreviating it as an initial.

Outer envelope: "Ms. Stephanie Chen" or "Miss Stephanie Chen" (if she is younger than 18)

Inner envelope: "Ms. Chen" or "Miss Chen" or "Stephanie"

If you are offering a plus-one to a single female, you don't need to indicate this on the outer envelope. Instead, use "and guest" on the inner envelope:

Outer envelope: "Ms. Stephanie Chen"

Inner envelope: "Ms. Chen and guest" or "Stephanie and guest"

Frequently asked questions