Etiquette Guide: Baby Names On Wedding Invitation Envelopes

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there are a few different scenarios to consider. The outer envelope is formal and typically includes the guest's full name and address. The inner envelope is more informal and includes the names of the invitees. If you are inviting a family with children, the outer envelope should only include the parents' names, with the children's names listed on the inner envelope. Children over the age of 18 and living with their parents should receive their own invitation. It's important to be clear about who is invited, especially if you are having a child-free wedding.

Babies' names are included on the inner envelope only, not the outer envelope

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there are a few different scenarios to consider, and the rules can change depending on whether you are using inner and outer envelopes or just an outer envelope.

If you are using both inner and outer envelopes, the outer envelope is formal and should include the guest's full name and mailing address. The inner envelope is more informal and can include the names of additional invitees, such as children or plus-ones. In this case, babies' names would be included on the inner envelope only, not the outer envelope.

For example, if you are inviting a family with young children, the outer envelope would include only the parents' names:

> Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham

The inner envelope would then list the children by name:

> Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham

> Daniel, Jeffrey, Miss Brittany, and Mx. Kelly

This format makes it clear that the entire family is invited, including the children.

If you are using only an outer envelope, you will need to include all invited parties on the front. This means that babies' names would be included on the outer envelope in this case. For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham

> Daniel and Jeffrey

However, some sources suggest that using both inner and outer envelopes is preferable when inviting families with children, as it provides clarity on who is invited and can help avoid confusion.

Boys under 18 don't need a title, but girls under 18 are addressed as 'Miss'

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to consider the age and gender of the invitees, as this will determine the titles and format used. Here are some guidelines for addressing boys and girls under 18 on wedding invitation envelopes:

Boys Under 18:

Boys under 18 do not need a title on the wedding invitation envelope. Their names can be listed under their parents' names on the inner envelope, starting with the oldest child and followed by their siblings in descending order of age. If the boy is under 13, you can use the title "Master" instead of "Mr." on the inner envelope to add a touch of formality.

Girls Under 18:

Girls under 18 can be addressed as "Miss" on the wedding invitation envelope. This title is used before their names on both the outer and inner envelopes. Including their names on the inner envelope is also an option, listing them after their parents' names and before their brothers' names, if any.

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

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

In this example, "Miss" is used for girls under 18, while boys under 18 are listed without a title. This format ensures that the invitation is properly addressed and everyone in the family is included.

Children over 18 and living with their parents should receive their own invitation

When it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, tradition and formality are still observed in many instances. While it may be tempting to include all family members under a single invitation, children over the age of 18 who live with their parents should receive their own invitations. This is considered the proper and polite way to extend an invitation to adult children, even if they reside at the same address as their parents.

The traditional approach to wedding invitations involves the use of both inner and outer envelopes. The outer envelope is formal, bearing the guest's complete and formal name along with the mailing address. The inner envelope is more informal and includes the guest's title and last name, omitting the mailing address. When addressing adult children living with their parents, each child over the age of 18 should be sent a separate invitation with their name on the outer envelope.

It is worth noting that modern times call for modern solutions, and there are now alternatives to the traditional double envelope approach. If using a single outer envelope, it is still important to include the guest's complete and formal name along with the mailing address. In this case, each adult child over 18, living with their parents, should still receive their own invitation.

By providing individual invitations to adult children, you not only follow proper etiquette but also ensure clarity in RSVP management. Each invited guest, regardless of their living situation, has the opportunity to respond independently, allowing for a more accurate headcount and seating arrangement.

While it may be tempting to consolidate invitations to save on costs, it is generally recommended to respect the tradition of individual invitations for adult children. This not only conveys respect and consideration for their maturity but also helps to avoid any confusion or assumptions about the guest list.

If you want to be specific about which family members are invited, list the children's names separately after addressing their parents

When sending wedding invitations to a family, you may want to be specific about which family members are invited. If this is the case, write the names of each family member in list form, beginning with the parent or parents' names. Then, list the invited children's names in order of age below.

Girls under the age of 18 can be addressed as "Miss", but boys under 18 do not need a title. Children over the age of 18 and living with their parents should receive their own invitation. If you don't list the children on the inner envelope, your guests should understand that they are not invited. However, be aware that not everyone follows this rule, and some people may assume that their children are invited to the wedding.

> The Simpson Family

> Mr. and Mrs. Homer Simpson

> Mr. Bart Simpson

> Miss Lisa Simpson

If the whole family is invited, you can use the family name or only the names of the parents on the outer envelope:

> The Simpson Family

> or

> Mr. & Mrs. Homer Simpson

Then, list the first names of all invited family members on the inner envelope:

> Mr. and Mrs. Simpson

> Bart, Lisa, and Maggie

> or

> Homer, Marge, Bart, Miss Lisa, and Miss Maggie

If you're inviting a whole family, you can address the envelope to the whole family or include 'and children' after the parents' names

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there are many different social and mailing situations to consider. Here is a guide to help you navigate inviting an entire family, including children:

Outer Envelope

If you are using both inner and outer envelopes (formal):

• Address the outer envelope to the parents only, using their titles and last names. Do not include children's names here.
• For a heterosexual couple, use "Mr." and "Mrs." and spell out the husband's full name. For a same-sex couple, either name can go first.
• Example: "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham"

If you are using a single outer envelope (informal):

• Write the family name or the parents' names, followed by "and family" or "and children".
• Example: "The Abraham Family" or "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham and family"

Inner Envelope

• On the inner envelope, list the first names of the parents, followed by the names of their children, from oldest to youngest.
• Girls under 18 can be addressed as "Miss", while boys under 18 do not need a title.
• Example: "Michael and Mrs. Abraham, Daniel, Jeffrey, Miss Brittany, and Mx. Kelly"

Other Tips:

• If you are inviting children over the age of 18, they should receive their own invitations, especially if they do not live at home with their parents.
• If you are only using an outer envelope, be sure to include the names of all invited guests, as this envelope will be stamped and addressed.
• If you want to be clear that only certain family members are invited, list their names separately on the inner envelope.

Frequently asked questions