Wedding Invite Etiquette: To Apt Or Not?

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to understand the etiquette, especially when guests live in apartments. The general consensus is to spell out all words in the address, including “Apartment or Unit instead of using Apt. This also applies to city and state names, such as Saint Paul, Minnesota, and Washington, District of Columbia. House numbers smaller than twenty should also be spelled out. The apartment address should be on the second line, with the first line dedicated to the guest's full name and any relevant titles.

Spell out 'apartment' in full

When addressing wedding invitations, it is generally recommended to spell out all words in the address, including "apartment" or "unit", rather than using abbreviations like "Apt.". Here are some guidelines and examples to consider:

Spell Out "Apartment" or Use "Unit"

• It is considered more formal and proper to write out "apartment" in full on wedding invitations. This ensures clarity and avoids any confusion, especially for the postal service.
• However, if you prefer a less formal approach or want to save space, you can use the word "unit" instead. For example: "123 Main Street, Unit 1, Anytown, New York 00000".

Placement of Apartment Address

• The apartment address should be on a separate line from the street address. This makes it easier to read and ensures that the invitation is properly delivered.
• For example: "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, 123 Main Street, Apartment 1, Anytown, New York 00000".
• If you also need to include a building number, you may need two lines for the address: "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, 123 Main Street, Building 10, Apartment 1, Anytown, New York 00000".

Abbreviations and Symbols

• Avoid using abbreviations or symbols in the address, such as "&" or "#". Spell out words like "and", "street", "post office box", and "apartment".
• For example, write "Apartment 1" instead of "Apt. 1" and "Street" instead of "St.".
• House numbers smaller than twenty should also be spelled out. For instance, write "fourteen" instead of "14".

Consistency and Formatting

• Maintain consistency in spelling out addresses across all wedding stationery, including invitations, save-the-dates, and response cards.
• Consider the level of formality you wish to convey. A more casual event may allow for some abbreviations, while a formal wedding typically calls for a more traditional and detailed approach.

Proofreading and Timing

• Proofread your invitations and confirm guest addresses and spellings. Give yourself ample time to make any necessary corrections.
• It is recommended to start addressing invitations about a month before your desired send-out date, which is usually six to eight weeks before the wedding.

Remember, the key is to provide clear and complete information while also maintaining a level of consistency and style that reflects the tone of your wedding.

Put the apartment address on the second line

When addressing wedding invitations to guests who live in apartments, it is important to understand the correct etiquette. Apartments are considered secondary address details, and you should write them in full as "apartment" or "unit". The apartment address should be on the second line of the invitation.

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

123 Main Street, Apartment 1

Anytown, New York 00000

It is important to note that the apartment or condo unit will have its own address. When writing the invitation, ensure that the apartment address is on a separate line from the street address. This makes the invitation easier to read and ensures that it is delivered correctly.

If you are including a building number in addition to the apartment number, you will need to include this information on a separate line as well. Here is an example of how to format this type of address:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

123 Main Street

Building 1, Apartment 1

Anytown, New York 00000

When addressing wedding invitations, it is also important to avoid using abbreviations and to spell out all words in the address, including the city and state names. For example, instead of writing "St." or "Apt.", you should spell out "Street" and "Apartment" in full. This ensures that your invitations look formal and elegant.

Abbreviate 'street' to 'St.'

When it comes to wedding invitations, the general rule is to spell out all words in the address, including "Street", and not use abbreviations like "St." or "Apt.". However, it is acceptable to abbreviate titles such as "Mr.", "Mrs." and "Miss".

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

123 Main Street

Apartment 1

Anytown, New York 00000

In this example, "Street" is spelled out in full, and "Apartment" is written on a separate line from the street address. This format ensures clarity and adheres to the standard etiquette for wedding invitation addressing.

It is worth noting that some sources suggest that it is acceptable to use abbreviations like "St." and "Apt." on save-the-date cards, as they tend to be more creative and informal than the formal wedding invitations.

Regarding the abbreviation of "Street" to "St.", it is generally acceptable to do so in various contexts, such as writing an address. The abbreviation is typically written as "St." in American English and without a period ("St") in British English. This differentiation helps to distinguish it from the abbreviation for "Saint", which is "St." or "St" followed by a proper name (e.g., "St. Lawrence" or "Lawrence St.").

Write out city and state names in full

When writing out the address on a wedding invitation, it is best to spell out all words in the address, including city and state names. This means that instead of writing "St.", "P.O. Box", and "Apt.", you should use "Street", "Post Office Box", and "Apartment". For example, instead of writing "Saint Paul, MN", and "WA, DC", you should write "Saint Paul, Minnesota", and "Washington, District of Columbia".

It is also important to note that house numbers smaller than twenty should be spelled out. For example, instead of writing "4th Street", you should write "Fourth Street".

Some people prefer to use abbreviations for a more casual wedding. However, it is generally recommended to spell out all words in a formal wedding invitation. This includes writing out the full state name instead of using the postal abbreviation.

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

123 Main Street

Apartment 1

Anytown, New York 00000

Remember to include all relevant address information, such as the apartment or unit number, to ensure your guests can easily find the location.

Include a return address

When it comes to wedding invites, it's important to include a return address. This is crucial for a few reasons. Firstly, it tells your guests where to send their RSVPs. Secondly, it provides them with an address to send gifts if they are unable to attend or prefer to send their presents in advance.

So, where exactly does the return address go? There are a couple of options. The traditional approach is to put it on the back flap of the outer envelope, and this is still a popular choice. However, you can also place it in the upper left-hand corner of the envelope, which is a good option if you want a less formal look. If you're using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only needs to go on the outer envelope.

It's worth noting that the return address for the response cards or RSVP envelopes should be different. This address will be where guests send their replies, so consider using the address of the person in charge of the guest list, usually the bride or the bride's parents.

When it comes to formatting, the return address should include the host's name and physical address. Traditionally, only the physical address is listed, but it's also acceptable to include names. For the response envelopes, names are typically included since the post office will deliver these back to you.

In terms of style, you have some flexibility. You can choose to handwrite the return address or use printing, mailing labels, or a return address stamp. Just make sure that the style you choose aligns with the overall tone of your wedding invitation design.

Frequently asked questions