How To Address Children On Your Wedding Invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a lot of different social situations and mailing conventions to consider. The way you address the envelope of your wedding invitation will differ depending on whether you are using inner and outer envelopes (formal) or a single outer envelope (informal). If you are using a formal, double envelope system, the inner envelope should bear the title and last names of the specific people invited, allowing the host to be clear about who is and is not invited. If children are invited but are not receiving a separate invitation, their names may be written on a line below their parents' names on the inner envelope. If you are using a single envelope, all invited parties should be clearly stated on the front, including children's names.

Children's names on the outer envelope

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure that your guests feel welcome and that your invitations are well-received. Here are some tips for including children's names on the outer envelope:

Formality and Titles

It is generally recommended to use the guest's complete and formal name on the outer envelope, including their personal title(s). This means using "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms.", "Miss", or "Mx." where appropriate. Boys under 13 can be addressed as "Master", while girls under 18 can be addressed as "Miss" if you wish to add a level of formality. For children of different ages, list their names in order from oldest to youngest.

Married Couple with Children

If you are inviting a married couple with children under 18, the outer envelope should include the names of the parents, with each child's name listed on a line below. For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham

> Daniel

> Jeffrey

> Miss Brittany

> Mx. Kelly

Alternatively, you can write the parents' names followed by "and family" or "The [Last Name] Family". If the parents do not share the same last name, you can write something like "Mr. Grimes, Mrs. Smith & Family".

Unmarried Couple with Children

For unmarried couples living together with children, both parents' names should be included on separate lines, followed by the children's names. For example:

> Ms. Molly Lee

> Mr. Alex Paul

> Christopher

> Jenny

> Samantha

Children Over 18

Children aged 18 or above should receive their own invitations, even if they still live with their parents. On the outer envelope, write their full name, followed by their middle name if you know it. If you don't know their middle name, omit it, and do not use initials. For example:

> Ms. Audrey Abraham

In conclusion, when including children's names on the outer envelope of a wedding invitation, it's important to use formal names and titles, list children's names in order of age, and be mindful of the family structure when addressing the envelope.

Children's names on the inner envelope

When it comes to wedding invitations, tradition and etiquette are still observed in envelope addressing. If you're using both inner and outer envelopes, the general rule of thumb is to write the guest's complete and formal name, along with their mailing address, on the outer envelope. On the inner envelope, you would then specify the names of those invited. This allows the host to be clear about who is and isn't invited.

For families with children, the outer envelope is typically reserved for the parent's names, with each child's name listed on the inner envelope. Children's names are written on a line below their parents' names, with the oldest child's name listed first. If the children are under 18, you can use "Miss" for girls and “Master" for boys under 13. Children over the age of 18 and living with their parents should receive their own invitation.

Here's an example:

Outer envelope:

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham

Inner envelope:

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham

Daniel, Jeffrey, Miss Brittany, and Mx. Kelly

If you're using a single outer envelope, you would include the names of all invited individuals, including children, on the front. In this case, you can simply write "and Family" or "The Abraham Family" if you're short on space.

Here's an example:

Single outer envelope:

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham, Daniel, Jeffrey, Brittany, and Kelly

Remember, if you don't include each child's name, it may be interpreted as children not being invited. However, it's always a good idea to specify on your wedding website and spread the word through family and friends if the wedding will be adults-only.

Children under 18

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to consider whether you're using inner and outer envelopes (formal) or just a single outer envelope (informal).

If you're inviting children under the age of 18 to your wedding, their names should be included under their parents' names on the envelope. For formal invitations with inner and outer envelopes, the inner envelope should include the titles and last names of the specific people invited. In this case, the children's names would be written on a line below their parents' names. For example:

Mr. and Mrs. Darling

Sarah Darling

Jonathan Darling

If you're using a single outer envelope, the format is similar, but you'll include the full mailing address. Here's an example:

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham

Daniel, Jeffrey, Miss Brittany, and Mx. Kelly

It's important to list the children in order of seniority, from oldest to youngest. If you don't include each child's name, it may be interpreted as children not being invited. However, it's still a good idea to specify whether children are invited on your wedding website or through word of mouth to avoid any confusion.

Children Over 18

For children aged 18 or above, it's customary to send separate invitations, even if they're still living with their parents. You don't need to use titles, but you can if you prefer. Here's an example:

Ms. Audrey Abraham

Children over 18 living with parents

When it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, there are a few different perspectives on how to handle adult children living at home. While some people suggest that it is proper etiquette to send a separate invitation to anyone over the age of 18, others argue that it is unnecessary and a waste of money, especially if multiple invitations are being sent to the same address. Here are some considerations for inviting adult children who live with their parents:

Formality

If you are using inner and outer envelopes (formal), the outer envelope is addressed formally, including the recipient's full name and title. The inner envelope is more informal, allowing for more flexibility in how you address the invitee.

Cost

Sending separate invitations to all adult children can increase the cost of invitations and postage, especially if multiple adult children live at the same address. To save on costs, some people choose to send one invitation per household, listing all invited individuals on the envelope.

Culture

In some cultures, it is common for adult children to live with their parents until marriage. In these cases, sending separate invitations to adult children may not be necessary, as it is understood that they are included in the household invitation.

Individual Circumstances

Some people choose to consider the individual circumstances of their guests when deciding whether to send separate invitations. For example, if an adult child has a partner, it may be more appropriate to send a separate invitation to that couple. Additionally, if the adult child is older or more independent, a separate invitation may be appreciated.

Communication

To avoid any confusion or miscommunication, it is essential to ensure that the invitation clearly states who is invited. If children are not invited, this should be made clear, either on the invitation itself or through word-of-mouth communication with the family.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to send separate invitations to adult children living at home is a personal one. It is essential to consider your budget, the formality of the event, and the cultural context when making your decision. Clear communication will ensure that your guests understand who is invited, regardless of the invitation format you choose.

Children's names and titles

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to consider the age of the children and the type of envelopes you are using.

If you are using both inner and outer envelopes (formal), the general rule is to write the primary guest's title and last name on the inner envelope, omitting their mailing address. Children under 18 should be included under their parents' names on both the inner and outer envelopes, listed from oldest to youngest. Their names can be written on a line below their parents' names. For girls under 18, you have the option to use "Miss" as a title, while boys don't need a title until they turn 16, when they can be addressed as "Mr.". If you are not using inner envelopes, children's names can be written on the outer envelope below their parents' names.

For children over the age of 18, it is customary for them to receive their own invitations, even if they still live with their parents. In this case, their names should be written on separate lines on the outer envelope, and you can choose to include or omit titles.

When using a single outer envelope (informal), the guidelines are similar. Write the guest's complete and formal name, including titles, along with their mailing address. Children under 18 should be included under their parents' names, listed from oldest to youngest. Children over 18 and living with their parents should receive their own invitations.

It is worth noting that some sources suggest that writing "The [Last Name] Family" or " [Parents' Names] and Family" on the envelope is sufficient to indicate that children are invited, without listing their individual names. However, if you want to include each child's name, you can do so by following the guidelines mentioned above.

Frequently asked questions