Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Addressing Guests Living In Apartments

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you're ticking all the right boxes for drama-free, non-offensive envelopes. One common question that arises is whether to write out apartment in full or abbreviate it as Apt. on the invitation envelope. While some sources suggest that abbreviating is acceptable, others recommend spelling out all words in the address, including apartment, for a more formal and traditional aesthetic. Ultimately, the level of formality and personal style are factors to consider when making this decision, but keeping it consistent with the tone of your wedding is key.

Spell out 'apartment' in full

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

When it comes to addressing an envelope to an apartment, the first line is where the names of the guests should appear. Use formal first names, for example, 'Abigail' instead of 'Abby'. The second title line can be used for another guest's name, or it should have the full street address or post office box.

All words in the address should be spelled out in full, including single-digit street numbers. Spell out 'Apartment' in full, and ensure that the apartment number is on the same line as the street address. This will ensure that the post office can process the invitation without any delays. An example of how to format an address to an apartment is as follows:

Mr. and Mrs. John Doe

213 South Maple Street, Apartment 3

Chino, California 91710

If you are addressing an envelope to a building and an apartment, you may need to use two lines to fit the street address. This can become complicated if you have already used two lines for the names. An example of how to format an address to an apartment and building is as follows:

Mr. and Mrs. John Doe

213 South Maple Street, Building 4, Apartment 12

Chino, California 91710

While it is important to follow the wedding etiquette rules for addressing envelopes, there are usually no serious repercussions if you choose not to. Feel free to adjust your envelopes to suit your personal style and the formality of your wedding.

Apartment number on the same line as the street address

When writing out apartment numbers on wedding invitations, it is best to keep the apartment number on the same line as the street address. This is because, if the apartment number is written on a separate line, it takes longer for the post office to process the mail.

Mr. and Mrs. John Doe

213 South Maple Street, Apartment 3

Chino, California 91710

In this example, the apartment number ("Apartment 3") is written on the same line as the street address ("213 South Maple Street"). This ensures that the invitation can be processed quickly by the post office.

It is also important to note that all words in the address should be spelled out, including single-digit street numbers. For example, "Apartment" should be spelled out instead of using the abbreviation "Apt." The street name can be written as either 123 East 3rd Street or 123 East Third Street.

Additionally, when addressing wedding invitations, it is best to avoid exceeding five lines. The first line of the address is typically reserved for the names of the guests, using their formal first names (e.g., Abigail instead of Abby). If there is a second title line, it can be used for the additional guest name, street address, or post office box.

Abbreviations: Mr., Mrs., Miss

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to follow the correct format to ensure your invitations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also easy to process by the postal service. Here are some guidelines for using the abbreviations "Mr.", "Mrs.", and "Miss" when addressing wedding invitations:

• Use Full Names and Appropriate Titles: Always use the full names of your guests, avoiding nicknames. For married couples, the traditional format is "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's full name or full names if both are included. For single individuals, use "Mr." for a man, "Miss" or "Ms." for an unmarried woman, and "Mrs." for a married woman.
• Abbreviate Select Titles: While you should spell out most words in the address, it is standard to abbreviate titles such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", and "Miss". This is done to maintain consistency and clarity on the invitation.
• Addressing Children: When addressing children under the age of 13, use the title "Master" for boys and "Miss" for girls. For children aged 13 to 18, continue using the titles "Miss" for girls and "Master" or "Mr." for boys.
• Addressing Professionals: If your guests have professional titles, such as "Doctor", be sure to include them. For example, for a couple where the husband is a doctor, the format would be "Doctor and Mrs.". If the wife is a doctor, her full name would come first: "Doctor Sally Carter and Mr. John Carter."
• Line Placement: When addressing a couple with the "Mr. and Mrs." format, their names can be listed on the same line, followed by their last name. For single individuals, their name and title are typically the only elements on the first line.
• Inner and Outer Envelopes: Traditionally, wedding invitations include an inner and outer envelope. The outer envelope includes the postal information and can be more formal, using full names and titles. The inner envelope is more personal and can include first names or nicknames.
• Stacking Enclosures: When assembling your invitation suite, place the invitation at the bottom, print side up. Any additional inserts, such as maps or reply cards, are stacked on top in order of size, with the smallest on top.
• Mailing Considerations: Be mindful of the weight of your invitation suite, as heavier invitations may require additional postage. Consider hand-cancelling your invitations at the post office to prevent damage caused by machines.
• Timing: Send out your invitations six to eight weeks in advance to allow your guests enough time to respond and make necessary arrangements.
• Personal Style and Flexibility: While it is important to follow etiquette guidelines, feel free to adjust your envelopes to suit your personal style and the formality of your wedding. The most important aspect is to ensure your guests feel welcomed and valued through your invitation.

Remember to be consistent in your use of abbreviations and formatting throughout your wedding invitations to create a cohesive and elegant presentation.

No address labels

If you're looking to forgo address labels for your wedding invitations, you're likely considering handwriting or calligraphy for the envelopes. While it's certainly possible to handwrite your wedding invitations, it can be time-consuming and tedious. If your penmanship isn't the best (or you want to avoid hand cramps), you might want to consider hiring a professional calligrapher or using a computer to generate calligraphy. This can give your invitations a sophisticated and elegant look without the hassle of handwriting each one.

When addressing wedding invitations to an apartment, there are a few etiquette rules to keep in mind. The first line of the address is typically reserved for the names of the guests, using their full, formal names (e.g., Abigail instead of Abby). The second line can include another guest name or the street address, including the apartment number. For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. John Doe

> 213 South Maple Street, Apartment 3

> Chino, California 91710

If you're addressing an envelope to a building with an apartment, you may need to use two lines for the street address. This can be tricky if you've already used two lines for the guests' names. In such cases, you might need to get creative with formatting or consider using a smaller font size. Here's an example of how to address an envelope to an apartment and building:

> Mr. and Mrs. John Doe

> 213 South Maple Street, Building 4, Apartment 12

> Chino, California 91710

Remember, it's essential to spell out all words in the address, including single-digit street numbers and apartment numbers. However, street names that are numbers can be written numerically (e.g., 123 East 3rd Street) or in word form (e.g., One Hundred and Twenty-Third Street).

While there may be no serious repercussions for breaking wedding invitation etiquette rules, it's essential to consider the formality of your wedding and your personal style. Feel free to adjust your envelopes to suit your preferences, as long as the invitations are legible and provide the necessary information.

Five lines maximum

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 guests will have of the wedding, so it is essential to ensure that the envelopes are addressed correctly and legibly. Here are some guidelines to follow when addressing wedding invitations to guests who live in apartments:

• Use full names and formal first names. For example, "Abigail" instead of "Abby".
• The first line of the address is for the names of the guests. If there is a second title line, it can be used for the additional guest name, street address, or post office box.
• All words in the address should be spelled out, including single-digit street numbers. For numeric street names, write out the number. For example, "Sixty-Seventh Street" instead of "67th Street".
• When writing the apartment number, use the same line as the street address if possible. The preferred format is "Apartment" or "Unit" instead of "Apt."
• Avoid exceeding five lines when addressing the envelopes. An example of an address to an apartment is: "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe, 213 South Maple Street, Apartment 3, Chino, California 91710".
• If addressing an envelope to a building and an apartment, you may need to use two lines for the street address. An example of this type of address is: "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe, 213 South Maple Street, Building 4, Apartment 12, Chino, California 91710".
• Send out invitations six to eight weeks in advance to allow guests enough time to plan and make travel arrangements.

Frequently asked questions