Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Street Name Abbreviation Conundrum

When it comes to wedding invitations, the devil is in the detail. From titles to zip codes, there are a lot of things to consider when addressing your envelopes. One of the key questions is whether to abbreviate street names. The general consensus is that street names should not be abbreviated. Street, Road, Avenue, Boulevard and Lane should always be written out in full. This also applies to city and state names, and directional words like North, South, East and West. However, some sources suggest that abbreviations can be used for less formal invitations.

Spell out street names in full

When it comes to wedding invitations, the envelope is the first thing your guests will see, so it's important to get it right. While weddings are becoming less formal, and the rules are more like guidelines, it's still good to know the most stringent rules for formal invitations.

One of the most important things to remember is to spell out street names in full. This means writing out "Street", "Road", "Avenue", "Boulevard", and "Lane". For example, "Sixty-Seventh Street" instead of "67th Street". This also applies to directional words like "North", "South", "East", and "West", as well as their combinations like Northwest or Southwest.

In addition to street names, you should also spell out city and state names in full. For example, "Saint Paul, Minnesota" instead of "St. Paul, MN". This also applies to secondary address details like "unit" or "apartment".

If the street number is less than 10, it should also be written out in full. For example, "One Hundred and Twenty-Fifth Street" or "125th Street". However, if the street number is over 10, it is acceptable to use numerals.

Following these guidelines will ensure that your wedding invitations are both formal and clear, setting the right tone for your big day.

Don't abbreviate North, South, East and West

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure your envelopes are correctly written and presented. One of the key considerations is whether to abbreviate certain words or to write them out in full.

North, South, East and West should not be abbreviated. These directions should always be written out in full. This is an important point to remember and will ensure your invitations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also correctly delivered.

It is also important to note that street names should be written out in full. This includes Street, Road, Avenue, Boulevard and Lane. For example, "Sixty-Seventh Street" rather than "67th Street". This rule also applies to numbered streets, which can be written out in full, for example, "One Hundred and Twenty-Fifth Street", or numerically as "125th Street".

The general rule is that abbreviations should be avoided for formal invitations. This includes Street, Drive, Avenue, Apartment, and cities and states. Abbreviations can be used for less formal invitations, but it is always best to check the correct format for addresses with your stationer or calligrapher.

It is also worth noting that titles such as Mr. and Mrs. can be abbreviated, but the title Doctor should be spelled out in full.

Include house numbers

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to include the house number and street name. While etiquette for addressing invitations has become more flexible, there are still some guidelines to follow. Here are some tips for including house numbers on wedding invitations:

• Spell Out House Numbers Below Twenty: It is generally recommended to spell out house numbers that are below twenty. For example, write "Seventeen Oak Street" instead of "17 Oak Street". This adds a more formal and traditional touch to the invitation.
• Use Figures for Larger House Numbers: For house numbers twenty and above, it is preferable to use figures. So, for an address like "45 Elm Street", you would write "45 Elm Street" instead of spelling out "Forty-Five Elm Street". This helps to maintain clarity and readability.
• Consistency is Key: Whatever style you choose for writing house numbers, it's important to maintain consistency throughout all your wedding invitations. This creates a unified look and feel for your wedding stationery.
• Consider the Overall Format: When including house numbers, consider the overall format and style of the address. Spell out words like "Street", "Road", "Avenue", and directional terms like "North", "South", "East", and "West". Avoid abbreviations for these terms to maintain a formal tone.
• Provide Accurate and Clear Information: Ensure that the house number and street name are correct and clearly written. Double-check the addresses to avoid any confusion or delays in delivery. Proofread the invitations before sending them out to prevent any errors.
• Addressing Guests: When addressing the invitations to your guests, use their full names and appropriate titles (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms., or Doctor). For married couples, the traditional format is to use "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's full name. However, you can also include the wife's name, either before or after the husband's name. For unmarried couples living at the same address, write their names on separate lines without using the word "and".

In conclusion, when including house numbers on wedding invitations, opt for spelling out numbers below twenty and using figures for larger numbers. Maintain consistency, follow formatting guidelines, and provide clear and accurate information. Remember to pay attention to the addressing format for your guests, using their full names and appropriate titles. With these tips, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are both proper and elegant.

Abbreviations for informal invites

When it comes to wedding invites, the general rule is that the more formal the event, the less you should abbreviate. Abbreviations are acceptable for informal invites.

For formal invitations, abbreviations should not be used for street names, addresses, cities, states, or titles such as "Street", "Drive", "Avenue", or "Apartment". Courtesy titles such as "Mr." and "Mrs." can be abbreviated, but "Doctor" should be spelled out.

However, for less formal or informal invites, abbreviations are acceptable. You can use abbreviations or modern wording layouts, and you don't have to use full names. You can use fun formatting for the wedding date, year, etc. For example, instead of "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of June, two thousand twenty-seven, at two o'clock in the afternoon", you could write "Saturday, Jun 26, '27, 2 pm".

It's important to note that even for informal invites, there are still some abbreviations you should avoid. You should still spell out numeric street names, for example, "Sixty-Seventh Street" instead of "67th Street". You should also avoid abbreviating "North", "South", "East", "West", and generational suffixes like "Senior" or "Junior".

Titles and suffixes

When it comes to titles and suffixes, there are a few things to keep in mind when addressing wedding invitations. Firstly, always use the full, formal name of your guest. For example, if you are inviting your Uncle Steve, the formal way to address him would be "Mr. Steven Lewis Nelson". Use your guest's full middle name when you know it, and if you don't, simply omit it.

It is also important to note that you should never use initials or abbreviations for names. This includes avoiding the use of ampersands and shorthand versions of words such as "Avenue", "Road", "Street", and "Highway". For instance, instead of writing "St.", use "Street". This rule also applies to state names; write out "Alabama" instead of using the abbreviation "AL".

When addressing a married couple, the traditional format is to use "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the man's full formal name. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Johnson". However, it is also acceptable to write out each person's first name, such as "Mr. Samuel and Mrs. Eliza Johnson". If the couple has the same sex, the title "The Mesdames" for two women and "The Mssrs." for two men can be used, followed by both their first names and last name. For example, "The Mesdames Suzanne and Deborah Jones". Alternatively, you can use "Mrs. and Mrs." or "Mr. and Mr." if you prefer a less formal approach.

When addressing an unmarried couple living in the same household, list your friend's name first, regardless of gender, followed by their partner's name on a separate line below. Use "Ms." or "Miss" for single women. For example, "Ms. Emily Jones, Mr. Williams".

If you are inviting a family with children, the format differs depending on the age of the children. For children under the age of 18, list the parents' names followed by the children's names by seniority, omitting the last names. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Randall, Carolyn, Julie, and William". Children over the age of 18 should receive their own invitation, addressed to them individually, such as "Ms. Sarah Franklin" or "Mr. Asher Kaplan".

When addressing a single woman, either "Ms." or "Miss" is appropriate, although many people prefer the former. For a single man, use "Mr.". For example, "Ms. Ali Johnson" or "Mr. John Williams".

In terms of suffixes, it is recommended to use a comma before suffixes such as "Jr." and "Senior", but not before roman numerals like "II" or "III". For a man with a suffix, write "Mr. Joseph Morales, Jr." or "Mr. Joseph Morales IV". "Junior" can be spelled out for a more formal invitation.

When addressing guests with distinguished titles, such as doctors, lawyers, judges, or military personnel, it is proper etiquette to use their title on the invitation envelope. For example, for a doctor, write "Dr. Anne Barker and Mr. Peter Underwood". If both parties are doctors, you can use "Doctors Anne and Peter Underwood".

In summary, when addressing wedding invitations, always use full, formal names and avoid abbreviations. Use appropriate titles and suffixes, and be mindful of the specific formats for different types of guests, such as married couples, unmarried couples, families with children, and single individuals.

Frequently asked questions