Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Confirmation Name Or Legal Name?

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to consider the preferences of the invitees. While it is traditional to use full names, some people may prefer to be addressed by their nicknames. It is worth checking with the guests to see what their preferences are.

In terms of formatting, the outer envelope should include the guest's full name and address, while the inner envelope should include the names of the invitees and can be more informal.

Married couples with the same last name

When addressing wedding invitations to married couples with the same last name, there are a few etiquette rules to follow. Firstly, it's important to consider the couple's preferences and how they choose to identify themselves. The invitation should feel respectful and not too informal.

For a heterosexual couple, the traditional format is to use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's full name. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren". If the couple is same-sex, either name can go first.

However, many modern women may not like having their name left out and combined with their husband's. In this case, you can address the invitation as "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren".

For the inner envelope, you can use "Mr. and Mrs. Warren" or the first names of the couple, e.g., "Thomas and Michelle".

If you're only using one envelope, include both invitees' names on the front. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren".

It's worth noting that some couples may prefer a more modern approach without the use of titles. In this case, you can simply use their first and last names.

Married couples with different last names

When addressing wedding invitations to married couples with different last names, there are a few etiquette rules to follow. Firstly, it is recommended to put their names on the same line. If their combined names are too long, you can list them separately. For heterosexual couples, the woman's name is typically written first, while for same-sex couples, you can choose the order based on alphabetical order or which combination of names sounds the best.

Outer envelope: "Ms. Celine Elgin and Ms. Jacqueline Purcell"

Inner envelope: "Ms. Elgin and Ms. Purcell" or "Celine and Jacqueline"

If you are closer to one partner than the other, you can list that person's name first. You can also choose to forgo titles and use only first and last names, especially if you feel that personal titles may be restrictive or exclusive for your guests.

It is also important to note that the inner envelope is more informal, so you can leave out one or two elements of the formal name format used on the outer envelope.

Single persons

When addressing a wedding invitation to a single person, the outer envelope should include their full name and the appropriate honorific, such as "Mr." for a man, "Miss" or "Ms." for a woman, or "Mx." for a non-binary guest. For example, "Mr. Michael Rodriguez" or "Ms. Stephanie Chen". If the guest is under the age of 18, do not use an honorific and only include their full name.

If the single person is a close friend or family member, you may choose to include their middle name in the address, but this is not necessary if you don't know it. It is also acceptable to omit middle names and initials altogether.

For a widowed woman, it is common to use her married name, but it is best to ask for her preference. A divorced woman may use either "Mrs." or "Ms." depending on whether she uses her married or maiden name.

If the single person is invited with a plus-one, you can simply add "and guest" to the inner envelope or invitation, following the invitee's name. For example, "Mr. Tyler Morris & Guest".

Unmarried couples living together

When addressing wedding invitations to unmarried couples living together, there are a few etiquette rules to follow. Firstly, the names should be written independently on two separate lines, without using the word "and". This is the secret cue that the couple is not married. For example:

Mr. John Francis Smith, II

Ms. (or Miss) Anna Brown

If the unmarried couple does not live together, traditional etiquette dictates that each person should receive their own invitation. However, a more modern approach is to only send an invitation to the person you are closest to and include "and guest" on the inner envelope for their significant other. This approach can also be useful if the couple breaks up before the wedding, as it avoids an awkward conversation about whether both people are still invited.

Ultimately, it is up to the couple getting married to decide how they want to address their wedding invitations. Some may choose to use nicknames, while others may prefer full names. It is important to consider the level of formality desired for the wedding and to respect the preferences of the guests.

Engaged couples

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to use the correct titles and full names for your guests, avoiding nicknames or initials on the outer envelopes. For married couples with the same last name, the traditional format is "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the man's full name. However, many modern women may prefer to have their names included as well, so "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren" would be an appropriate alternative. For same-sex couples, either name can go first.

If the couple has different last names, their names should be written on the same line, with the woman's name first. Again, for same-sex couples, ensure you address them with the appropriate prefix. Unmarried couples living together should be addressed with both full names on one or two lines, starting with the person you are closest to.

For single persons, use "Mr." for men, "Ms." for women, and "Mx." for non-binary guests, followed by their full names. If a single person is bringing a plus one, include their name if you know it, or simply write "and Guest".

When addressing engaged couples, you can opt for a more formal approach by addressing them as unmarried. Alternatively, you can acknowledge their upcoming nuptials with something like "The Future Mr. and Mrs. Smith".

Remember to double-check the spelling and format of each guest's name and address, and give yourself enough time to assemble and send out the invitations.

Frequently asked questions