Etiquette Guide: Wedding Guest Invites, Made Simple

When it comes to wedding invites, it's important to get every detail right. One common question is how to specify guests on the invitation. The traditional way is to use an inner envelope with the invite, which is printed with the recipients' names and can include and guest if they are allowed a plus-one. If you're only using an outer envelope, simply write the guest's name followed by and guest. It's also worth noting that you should avoid using nicknames or abbreviations, and always use full names and titles.

How to address a wedding invitation to a single person

When addressing a wedding invitation to a single person, it's important to use their preferred title. If you're unsure, it's best to leave out the title altogether. Here are some examples of how to address wedding invitations to single individuals:

For a Single Female:

Outer envelope: "Ms." Ali Johnson

Inner envelope: "Ms." Johnson

If the single female guest has been given a plus one, you can simply write "and Guest" on the inner envelope, after her name.

For a Single Male:

Outer envelope: "Mr." Sam Li

Inner envelope: Sam Li or "Mr." Li

If the single male guest has been offered a plus one, you can also write "and Guest" on the inner envelope, after his name.

For a Non-Binary Individual:

If your guest identifies as non-binary, you can use the honorific "Mx." If you're unsure, it's best to ask for their preferred personal title.

For a Widowed or Divorced Woman:

In the case of a widowed or divorced woman, it's best to inquire about their preferred form of address. They may prefer to be addressed using their married name, their married title ("Mrs."), or with "Ms."

For a Judge:

When addressing a judge, use the term "The Honorable" before their full name.

For a Priest:

When addressing a priest, use the term "Father" before their full name.

How to address a wedding invitation to a married couple

When addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple, there are a few things to keep in mind. The outer envelope, which contains the mailing address, postage, and return address, should be more formal, while the inner envelope, which contains the invitation, RSVP card, and other enclosures, can be more casual and often includes first names.

If the married couple shares the same last name, you can list them together using the husband's first and last name, followed by "and" and the wife's first name:

> Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren

Or you can use both partners' first and last names if you want to address them equally:

> Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren

For the inner envelope, you can use their first names or last names:

> Thomas and Michelle

>

> Mr. and Mrs. Warren

If the married couple has different last names, you can list either name first based on your preference, who you are closest to, or alphabetically. The outer envelope can be addressed as follows:

> Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez

For the inner envelope, you can use their titles and last names or just their first names:

> Ms. Stevens and Mr. Estevez

>

> Maria and David

If one partner has a hyphenated last name, list the hyphenated name last. The outer envelope can be addressed as follows:

> Mr. Marcus Craft and Mr. Brian Crosby-Craft

For the inner envelope, you can use their titles and last names or just their first names:

> Mr. Craft and Mr. Crosby-Craft

>

> Marcus and Brian

In general, it is recommended to avoid using nicknames or abbreviations and to ensure the correct titles or prefixes are used.

How to address a wedding invitation to an unmarried couple

When addressing a wedding invitation to an unmarried couple, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use the correct titles and full names of the guests, avoiding nicknames or abbreviations. If the couple lives together, both guests' full names – first and last – should be included on the invitation, even if you have never met the partner of your invitee. In this case, you can check social media, ask mutual friends, or enquire with your guest to find out their partner's name.

If the unmarried couple lives together, you have two options for formatting their names on the outer envelope. You can list their names alphabetically by last name on separate lines, for example:

> Mr. Ross Geller

> Ms. Rachel Green

Alternatively, you can list both names on the same line, starting with the person you are closest to. If you are equally close to both, go alphabetically again:

> Ms. Rachel Green and Mr. Ross Geller

If the unmarried couple does not live together, it is ideal to send a separate invitation to each guest. However, if you choose to send one invitation to the primary invited guest, their partner's name should still be included on the inner envelope.

For the inner envelope, you can use courtesy titles and last names or first names only if you are close with the couple. For example:

> Ms. Green and Mr. Geller

> Rachel and Ross

How to address a wedding invitation to a family

When addressing a wedding invitation to a family, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want to specify which family members are invited or invite the whole family. If you want to be specific, write the names of each family member, leading with the parent or parents' names, and list the invited children's names in order of age below. If the children are female and under the age of 18, they should be addressed as "Miss".

If you are inviting the whole family, use the family name or just the names of the parents on the outer envelope. Then, list the first names of all invited family members on the inner envelope.

Outer envelope: The Simpson Family or Mr. & Mrs. Homer Simpson

Inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie or Homer, Marge, Bart, Miss Lisa, and Miss Maggie

If the family has different last names, you can list the names either alphabetically or according to your relationship with each guest. Here is an example:

Outer envelope: Mr. Homer Simpson and Mrs. Marge Bouvier

Inner envelope: Mr. Simpson, Mrs. Bouvier, Bart, Miss Lisa, and Miss Maggie

When it comes to etiquette, it is generally recommended to use titles and full names on the outer envelope and be more casual on the inner envelope, using first names only. However, if you are having a casual wedding, you may choose to address the envelopes less formally, leaving out titles or using only first names.

Additionally, it is important to consider the number of guests you can accommodate and whether you want to allow plus-ones for family members. If you are having a small wedding, you may need to limit the number of guests per family or only invite immediate family members.

How to address a wedding invitation to those with distinguished titles

When addressing wedding invitations to guests with distinguished titles, it is proper etiquette to address them by that title. This includes guests who are doctors, lawyers, judges, military personnel, and other professions that include a title. Here are some examples of how to address wedding invitations to these guests properly:

Doctors

If you are inviting a married couple and one person is a doctor, the outer envelope can be addressed as:

• “Doctor Tami Takata and Ms. Christina Smith”
• “Dr. Anne Barker and Mr. Peter Underwood”
• “Dr. Anne and Mr. Peter Underwood” (if the doctor uses their partner's surname socially)

If both parties are doctors, you can address the outer envelope as:

• “The Doctors Smith” or “Drs. Matthew and Angela Smith”
• “Doctors Anne and Peter Underwood”

Military Personnel

For military personnel, include their rank and service information. For example:

• “Lieutenant Jonathan Kelly, US Navy and Mrs. Jane Kelly”
• “Captains Jane and Jonathan Kelly, US Navy”

Lawyers

For lawyers, use the suffix "Esq." after their name. For example:

“Michelle Brown, Esq. and Mr. John Brown”

Judges

When addressing a judge, use the title “The Honorable”. For example:

“The Honorable Gina Rodriguez and Mx. Alice Rodriguez”

In general, it is recommended to double-check the preferred titles and names of your guests before addressing the wedding invitations. This will help ensure that you are using the correct and most up-to-date information.

Frequently asked questions