Wedding Invite Etiquette: Apartment Or Apt?

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to consider the formality of the event and the desired level of etiquette. While it may seem insignificant, the way you write apartment on the invite can make a difference in how your guests perceive the event. The general consensus is that you should spell out apartment or use alternatives like unit instead of abbreviating it to Apt. This is in line with the recommendation to spell out all words in the address, including Street and Post Office Box. However, opinions vary on whether it's necessary to spell out the apartment number. Some suggest that shorter numbers can be spelled out, while others advise using numerical values for all numbers except single-digit street numbers. Ultimately, the decision may depend on the level of formality you wish to convey and the practicality of ensuring timely delivery by the postal service.

Spell out 'apartment' in full, not 'Apt'

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to remember that a wedding is a formal occasion. The invitation is the first impression your guests will have of your wedding, so it is essential to get the formatting right.

When writing the address, you should always spell out the full word "apartment" instead of using the abbreviation "Apt". This is because abbreviations are considered informal and may not be recognised by the postal service. By writing out the full word, you ensure that your invitation will be delivered without delay.

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

[Street number and street name]

Apartment [number]

[City, state, and postal zip code]

If you need to include a building number as well, you will need to use two lines for the address, like this:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

[Street number and street name]

Building [number], Apartment [number]

[City, state, and postal zip code]

It is also worth noting that you should avoid using more than five lines when addressing envelopes. Additionally, try to keep the address under 20 digits and avoid any typographical errors, as these can cause confusion for the postal service.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are both formal and correct, making a good impression on your guests.

Put apartment number on the same line as the street address

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to understand the etiquette, especially when it comes to guests who live in apartments. Here are some instructive guidelines on formatting wedding invitation addresses with apartment numbers:

Put the Apartment Number on the Same Line as the Street Address

It is recommended to put the apartment number on the same line as the street address to ensure efficient processing by the postal service. This format presents a clear and concise address for delivery. Here is an example of this format:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

123 Main Street, Apartment 1

Anytown, New York, 00000

Spell Out All Words in the Address

It is considered proper etiquette to spell out all words in the address, including "Apartment" or "Unit," instead of using abbreviations like "Apt." This attention to detail showcases thoughtfulness and adds a touch of formality to your wedding invitations. For example:

Mr. and Mrs. John Doe

213 South Maple Street, Apartment 3

Chino, California 91710

Addressing an Apartment in a Building

When addressing an apartment within a building, you may need to use two lines to fit the entire street address. This format ensures that all the necessary information is included without appearing cramped or difficult to read. Here is an example:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

213 South Maple Street, Building 4, Apartment 12

Chino, California 91710

Additional Tips

• Avoid exceeding five lines when addressing envelopes.
• Write out single-digit street numbers and house numbers below 20.
• For street names that are numbers, you can write them as words or numerals (e.g., "123 East Third Street" or "123 East 3rd Street").
• Always write out city and state names in full (e.g., "New York" instead of "NY").
• Avoid using address labels; instead, opt for handwritten addresses or professional calligraphy services.

Apartment address should be on the second line

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to understand the correct etiquette, especially when it comes to guests who live in apartments. Here are some detailed guidelines on why the apartment address should be on the second line:

Guest Names on the First Line

The first line of the address is reserved for the names of the guests. It is customary to use formal first names, such as "Abigail" instead of "Abby." If there is another guest invited from the same household, their name can be included on a second title line. This line should come before the street address or post office box information.

Apartment Address on the Second Line

The apartment address, including the word "apartment" or "unit," should be written out in full on the second line. This is considered the proper and formal way to address wedding invitations. Abbreviations like "Apt." are not typically used. By giving the apartment address its own line, you ensure that it is easily noticed and read.

Sample Address Format

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

123 Main Street

Apartment 1

Anytown, New York 00000

In this example, the names are on the first line, followed by the street address on the second line, and then the apartment number and city on the subsequent lines.

Addressing a Building and Apartment

If you need to include both a building and an apartment number in the address, you may need to use two lines for the street address. Here is an example of how this could be formatted:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

213 South Maple Street

Building 4, Apartment 12

Chino, California 91710

In this case, the building and apartment information are included on the same line, following the street address.

Spell Out All Words

It is generally recommended to spell out all words in the address, including street types such as "Street," "Avenue," or "Boulevard." Single-digit street numbers should also be written out. For instance, instead of "123 Main St., Apt. 1," you would write "123 Main Street, Apartment 1."

Avoid Excessive Lines

While providing a clear and complete address is important, try to avoid exceeding five lines when addressing the envelopes. Keep in mind that you may need to include additional lines if you are inviting multiple guests from the same household.

In conclusion, by following these guidelines and placing the apartment address on the second line, your wedding invitations will be both proper and aesthetically pleasing.

Abbreviate titles like Mr. and Mrs. but not street types

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to strike the right balance between formality and legibility. While it's tempting to abbreviate certain titles and addresses to save space and maintain visual appeal, it's essential to ensure that your invitations are clear, respectful, and adhere to basic etiquette guidelines.

For titles such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Miss", and "Ms.", it is generally acceptable to abbreviate. This is a standard practice and helps to maintain a neat and concise presentation. These abbreviations are widely recognised and understood, so they won't cause confusion for your guests.

However, when it comes to street types and other parts of the address, it's best to avoid abbreviations and instead spell everything out. This means writing out "Street", "Avenue", "Boulevard", and the like in full. Similarly, for apartment numbers, opt for "Apartment" or "Unit" instead of using "Apt." or similar shorthand notations. This attention to detail demonstrates thoughtfulness and ensures that your invitations appear polished and elegant.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Morales

123 Main Street

Apartment 1

Anytown, New York 00000

Mr. John Carter and Dr. Sally Carter

456 Elm Street

Unit 2

Metropolis, California 90210

It's worth noting that consistency is key. While you should avoid abbreviations in the addresses, it's perfectly acceptable to use them for titles across the entire invitation suite, including save-the-dates, response cards, and any other enclosures. This helps to create a unified and elegant look for your wedding stationery.

Additionally, it's important to be mindful of other etiquette guidelines, such as including full names on outer envelopes and using appropriate social titles. For instance, addressing a married couple as "Mr. and Mrs." followed by their shared last name is customary.

In conclusion, when designing your wedding invitations, it's best to abbreviate titles like "Mr." and "Mrs." but refrain from abbreviating street types, apartment numbers, or other parts of the address. This combination of abbreviation and full spelling ensures that your invitations are both aesthetically pleasing and in line with traditional etiquette.

Avoid exceeding five lines when addressing envelopes

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to keep in mind that a wedding is an extremely formal occasion. The invitation is the first impression your guests will have of your wedding, so it is essential to ensure that the envelopes are addressed correctly and legibly. Here are some tips to avoid exceeding five lines when addressing envelopes:

• Guest Names: The first line of the address is designated for the names of the guests. Use formal full names, such as "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe" or "Doctor and Mrs. Carter". If you are inviting a couple with different last names, write the wife's name first, followed by "and" to imply marriage. For unmarried couples living together, write their names on separate lines without "and".
• Title Line: If you are inviting multiple guests with different titles, consider using a second title line. For example, if a couple has different professional titles, such as "Doctor" and "Lieutenant", their titles would appear as "The Honorable Pamela Patel and Lieutenant Jonathan Patel".
• Street Address: The third line is typically used for the street address or post office box. When addressing an apartment, write the apartment number on the same line as the street address if possible. For example, "123 Main Street, Apartment 1". If you need to include a building number, you may need to use two lines for the street address.
• City, State, and ZIP Code: The final line includes the city, state, and ZIP code. For formal invitations, spell out the city and state in full. For example, "Chino, California 91710". Avoid using abbreviations like "CA" for the state.
• Return Address: While not mandatory, it is recommended to include your return address in the upper left corner of the envelope. This ensures that the invitations can be returned to you if there are any delivery issues.

Remember, the key is to keep the address concise and legible. Avoid overly lengthy titles or descriptions, and consider the number of lines each element of the address will take up. If necessary, adjust the formatting slightly to stay within the five-line limit.

Frequently asked questions