Etiquette Guide: Addressing Wedding Invites To Doctor Couples

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations to married doctors, there are a few options. If both doctors have the same last name, the outer envelope can be addressed to The Doctors [Last Name] or Drs. [Doctor 1 First Name] and [Doctor 2 First Name] [Last Name]. Alternatively, if one of the doctors has a hyphenated last name, the outer envelope can be addressed to Doctor [Doctor 1 First Name] [Doctor 1 Last Name] and Doctor [Doctor 2 First Name] [Hyphenated Last Name]. It is important to list the name of the doctor who has the hyphenated last name second, to avoid the envelope becoming too crowded.

Married doctors, different last names

When addressing wedding invitations to married doctors with different last names, there are a few etiquette rules you can follow to ensure that both doctors are acknowledged with their professional titles. Here are some options for addressing the outer and inner envelopes for this scenario:

Outer envelope:

• "Dr. [Surname] and Dr. [Surname]" (in alphabetical order of surname). For example, "Dr. Carmen Stevenson and Dr. Andrew Stevenson".
• "The Doctors [Surname]" (if they have the same surname). For example, "The Doctors Smith".

Inner envelope:

• "Dr. [Surname] and Dr. [Surname]" (in alphabetical order of surname). For example, "Dr. Stevenson and Dr. Stevenson".
• "The Doctors [Surname]" (if they have the same surname). For example, "The Doctors Smith".
• You can also use their first names, such as "Carmen and Andrew".

If one of the doctors has chosen to hyphenate their last name, you can use the following format:

Outer envelope: "Doctor [First name] [Hyphenated Surname] and Doctor [First name] [Surname]" (in alphabetical order). For example, "Doctor Angela Griggs-Smith and Doctor Matthew Smith".

Inner envelope: "Dr. [Surname] and Dr. [Hyphenated Surname]" or first names. For example, "Dr. Smith and Dr. Griggs-Smith" or "Angela and Matthew".

Remember to consider the length of the names and titles when addressing the envelopes. If both titles don't fit on one line, indent the second line.

Married doctors, same last name

When addressing wedding invitations to married doctors with the same last name, there are a few different options to choose from. Here are some examples:

Outer envelope: "The Doctors Smith" or "The Drs. Smith"

Inner envelope: "The Doctors Smith"

This option is concise and clear, indicating that both individuals are doctors while sharing the same last name.

Alternatively, you can address them as:

Outer envelope: "Drs. John and Jane Smith" or "Dr. John Smith and Dr. Jane Smith"

Inner envelope: "Drs. Smith" or "John and Jane"

In this case, you are using their full titles and names, providing a more detailed approach. The order of their names can vary, depending on your preference.

Another option is to address them separately:

Outer envelope: "Dr. John Smith and Dr. Jane Smith"

Inner envelope: "Drs. Smith" or "John and Jane"

This format ensures that each individual's title and name are included separately, which can be useful if you want to emphasize their distinct identities.

When addressing the married doctors with the same last name, it is generally recommended to avoid using "Dr. and Mrs." as it may slight the wife's professional achievements. Instead, opt for one of the formats mentioned above to honour both their titles equally.

Married couple, one doctor

When addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple where one person is a doctor, it is important to list the spouse with the professional title first. For example:

• Doctor Tami Takata and Mr. Thomas Smith
• Doctor Tami Takata and Ms. Christina Smith
• Doctor and Mrs. Robert Smith
• Doctor Elizabeth and Mr. Robert Smith

If the combined names are too long to fit on one line, list them separately. Spell out "Doctor" on the outer envelope and abbreviate to "Dr." on the inner envelope. For example:

Outer envelope: "Doctor Tami Takata and Mr. Thomas Smith"

Inner envelope: "Dr. Takata and Mr. Smith" or "Tami and Thomas"

Single female doctors

When addressing a wedding invitation to a single female doctor, the correct etiquette is to write out the word "Doctor" on the outer envelope and abbreviate it ("Dr.") on the inner envelope.

Outer envelope: "Doctor Tami Takata"

Inner envelope: "Dr. Takata"

If the single female doctor has a guest, you don't need to indicate this on the outer envelope. Instead, reserve "and guest" language for the inner envelope only.

Outer envelope: "Doctor Tami Takata"

Inner envelope: "Dr. Takata and guest"

If the single female doctor is under 18 years old, the acceptable choice is to use "Miss" instead of "Ms." on the outer envelope.

Outer envelope: "Miss Tami Takata"

Inner envelope: "Miss Takata" or "Tami"

It's important to note that the invitation wording may vary depending on the cultural context and the relationship with the invitee. These examples provide a general guide, but it's always a good idea to consider the preferences of the guest when addressing wedding invitations.

Married doctors, one hyphenated name

When addressing wedding invitations to married doctors with one hyphenated name, there are a few options to consider. Here are some examples to guide you:

Outer envelope: "Doctor Matthew Smith and Doctor Angela Griggs-Smith"

Inner envelope: "Dr. Smith and Dr. Griggs-Smith" or "Matthew and Angela"

In this example, the outer envelope uses the full names and titles of both doctors, with the hyphenated last name included. The inner envelope can be shortened to include only the last names and titles or the first names.

Another option is to address the couple as "The Doctors" followed by their shared last name:

Outer envelope: "The Doctors Smith"

Inner envelope: "The Doctors Smith" or "Matthew and Angela"

If the hyphenated last name is particularly long, you can also indent the second line on the outer envelope:

Outer envelope: "Doctor Neil Smith

And Doctor Ingrid Abeleda-Smith"

Inner envelope: "Dr. Smith and Dr. Abeleda-Smith" or "Neil and Ingrid"

Remember to consider the length of the names and your envelopes, and feel free to adjust the format as needed.

Frequently asked questions