Addressing Wedding Invitations To Children: No Inner Envelope Needed

When addressing wedding invitations, the inner envelope is used to specify the names of those invited, while the outer envelope is used for mailing. Traditionally, the names of children are included on the inner envelope, however, if you are not using an inner envelope, the names of the children can be written on the outer envelope below the names of their parents.

For families with multiple children, you could address the invitation to Mr. and Mrs. Bob Smith and Family, although some sources suggest that listing all the children individually is the most efficient way to ensure there is no confusion about who is invited. For families with one child, you could write the child's name on the second line, using Miss for girls under 18 and “Master” for boys under 13, followed by their first name or full name.

Address the outer envelope to the parents only

If you're opting to use only an outer envelope for your wedding invitations, it's important to be clear about who is invited, especially when addressing families with children. Here are some guidelines to follow when addressing the outer envelope to the parents only:

For Families with Multiple Children

One option is to address the invitation to "The [Last Name] Family". This approach is informal and may not be considered perfect etiquette, but it is a simple way to indicate that the entire family is invited.

Another option is to list the parents' names, followed by "and Family". For example: "Mr. and Mrs. Bob Smith and Family". This approach makes it clear that the children are also invited without listing their names individually.

However, it's worth noting that some people consider this phrasing to be incorrect, as it can cause confusion. Grandparents or other family members may assume they are included in the invitation, and it may not be clear if older children living away from home are invited.

For Families with One Child

When inviting a family with one child, you can list the parents' names, followed by the child's name on the next line. For example:

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Doe

Mary Doe

If the child is under 18, you can use "Master" for boys and "Miss" for girls, followed by their first name. For example:

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Doe

Miss Mary Doe

Alternatively, you can use just the first name of the child, especially if they are very young.

Additional Considerations

It is important to double-check the spelling of your guests' names and to use appropriate titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., etc.). Avoid abbreviations or middle initials when addressing formal invitations.

If you want to be absolutely clear about who is invited, you can include a short note with the invitation, specifying the names of those invited.

Remember that the outer envelope is a formal, business document between you and the postal service, so it's essential to ensure that the addresses are correct and that you have included all necessary information.

Write the names of children on the outer envelope below their parents' names

When addressing wedding invitations, the inner envelope is usually reserved for the names of the children of the family being invited. However, if there is no inner envelope, the names of the children should be written on the outer envelope, below the names of their parents.

For example, if you are inviting Mr. and Mrs. James Darling and their two children, Sarah and Jonathan, the outer envelope should be addressed as follows:

Mr. and Mrs. James Darling

Sarah Darling

Jonathan Darling

It is also acceptable to use "Miss" for girls under the age of 18 and "Master" for boys under the age of 13. So, the above example could also be written as:

Mr. and Mrs. James Darling

Miss Sarah Darling

Master Jonathan Darling

If there is only one child in the family, their name should still be written on the second line, below the parents' names. For example:

Mr. and Mrs. James Darling

Miss Sarah Darling

Listing the names of the children on the outer envelope is the best way to ensure there is no confusion about who is invited. Simply writing "and family" can lead to misunderstandings, as some guests may assume that extended family members or live-in siblings are also invited.

It is important to note that the outer envelope is a formal document and should follow certain etiquette rules. Full names should be used, with appropriate titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., etc.). Middle initials are typically omitted, and all words, except for street numbers and state abbreviations, should be spelled out in full.

Use Miss for girls under 18

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to consider the age of the guests, especially when it comes to children. Here are some tips and guidelines for addressing invitations to girls under 18, using the title "Miss":

• For a formal invitation with inner and outer envelopes, the outer envelope should be reserved for the names of the parents or guardians. On the inner envelope, list each child's name, using "Miss" for girls under 18. For example: "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham" on the outer envelope, and "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham, Daniel, Jeffrey, Miss Brittany, and Mx. Kelly" on the inner envelope.
• If you're using a single outer envelope without an inner envelope, include the names of all invited family members, listing children under their parents' names and using "Miss" for girls under 18. For example: "Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson" or "The Thompson Family" on the outer envelope, including the parents' names and "Alan, Emily, Roger, Chance, Miss Jennifer, and Miss Lily" on the inner envelope.
• When addressing a single female under 18, use "Miss" as the title. For example: "Miss Stephanie Chen" on the outer envelope, and "Miss Chen" or "Stephanie" on the inner envelope.
• If you're inviting a family with children under 18 and want to indicate that only the children are invited, you can list their names on the inner envelope, using "Miss" for girls. This implies that the parents are not invited. However, be prepared for potential misunderstandings, as some guests may still assume their kids are welcome.
• The use of "Miss" for girls under 18 is a matter of tradition and etiquette. It adds a formal touch to the invitation. However, if you prefer a more modern approach, you can simply use the first and last names of the invitees without any titles.

Boys don't need a title until they're 16

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to follow certain etiquette guidelines to ensure your guests feel welcomed and respected. Here are some tips for addressing invitations to families with children, specifically regarding boys and their titles:

Boys' Titles on Wedding Invitations

It is generally accepted that boys do not need a title until they reach the age of 16. Until then, boys' names can be written on the invitation without any title preceding them. This is because the title "Master", which is typically used for boys under the age of 13, is often omitted in modern invitation addressing.

However, once a boy turns 16, he is considered a young man and can be addressed as "Mr." on both the outer and inner envelopes of the invitation. This is a sign of respect and indicates that he is transitioning into adulthood.

Addressing Families with Children

When inviting a family with children to your wedding, the outer envelope is reserved for the names of the parents or guardians. Each child's name should be listed on the inner envelope, along with their respective titles if desired. For girls under the age of 18, the title "Miss" can be used, while boys under 13 can be addressed as "Master" if you wish to include a title.

For example, if you are inviting a family with two children, one boy aged 12 and one girl aged 15, the outer envelope would be addressed to the parents, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Smith". On the inner envelope, you would list the children's names: "Master Jack Smith and Miss Emily Smith".

Informal Alternatives

If you are using a single outer envelope for your invitations or prefer a more casual approach, you can simply list the family's last name on the outer envelope, such as "The Smith Family". On the inner envelope, include the names of the parents and children, oldest to youngest, such as "John, Mary, Jack, and Emily". This way, you still indicate that the entire family is invited without needing to use specific titles for each child.

Practical Considerations

It's important to note that the absence of a child's name on the invitation may imply that children are not invited to the wedding. If you are planning an adults-only event, it is advisable to specify this on your wedding website or through word-of-mouth to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.

Additionally, always double-check the preferred titles and spellings of your guests' names to ensure accuracy and avoid any unintentional offenses.

In conclusion, while boys under the age of 16 may not require a title on wedding invitations, it is essential to consider the overall format and etiquette of addressing families with children to ensure your invitations are both respectful and informative.

For one child, write their name on the second line

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to follow certain etiquette to ensure that it is clear who is invited. Traditionally, the inner envelope is used to specify the names of those invited, while the outer envelope is more formal and includes the full names and mailing address of the recipients. However, it is becoming increasingly common to only use an outer envelope, which can make things a little more complicated.

If you are not using an inner envelope and you are inviting a family with children, it is important to list the names of the children on the outer envelope to ensure there is no confusion. For one child, write their name on the second line. If the child is a girl under 18, you can use "Miss", but boys don't need a title until they are 16, at which point they can be addressed as "Mr.". For example, if the parents are "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham", the outer envelope could be addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham, Miss Brittany Abraham".

If you are inviting multiple children, you can list all their names on the second line, in birth order, with "Miss" for girls under 18 and "Mr." for boys over 16. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham, Miss Brittany Abraham, Jeffrey Abraham, and Mx. Kelly Abraham". Alternatively, you could use "Master" for boys under 13.

Frequently asked questions