Addressing Wedding Invites To An Unmarried Couple: Etiquette Guide

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations to an unmarried couple, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use the full, formal names of the guests, avoiding nicknames or abbreviations. If the couple lives together, their names should be included on the same line, with the person you are closest to listed first. If they do not live together, separate invitations should be sent to each guest. For outer envelopes, use titles and last names, or just first and last names for a more casual approach. Inner envelopes can be more informal, using first names only or a combination of titles and last names.

Outer envelope format: Use both guests' full names, connected by and on one or two lines depending on length

When addressing wedding invitations to unmarried couples, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use the full names of both guests, and to connect their names with "and". The names can be written on one line or two, depending on the length. Here are some examples to illustrate this:

Mr. Ross Geller Ms. Rachel Green

Or:

Ms. Rachel Green and Mr. Ross Geller

In the above examples, the names are written on separate lines, with the person closest to the invitee listed first. If you are equally close to both guests, it is appropriate to list the names alphabetically by last name.

If the unmarried couple lives together, their names are written on the same line, again with the person closest to the invitee listed first, or alphabetically if you are equally close to both. Here is an example:

Ms. Susan Bunch and Ms. Carol Willik-Bunch

For unmarried couples with different last names, the names can be listed alphabetically or according to whom you are closest with. Here is an example:

Mr. Mitchell Pritchett and Mr. Cameron Tucker

It is important to use the correct titles when addressing wedding invitations. For unmarried women, "Ms." is typically used, while "Mr." is used for unmarried men. If you are unsure about a guest's preferred title or pronouns, it is best to ask them directly.

Inner envelope format: Use titles and last names, or just first names

When addressing wedding invitations to an unmarried couple, the inner envelope format can vary depending on formality and personal preference. Here are some options to consider:

Using Titles and Last Names

This format involves including the titles (Mr., Ms., etc.) and last names of the invited guests on the inner envelope. For example, if you are inviting Mr. Ross Geller and Ms. Rachel Green, the inner envelope could be addressed as:

> Mr. Geller

> Ms. Green

Using titles and last names is a respectful and relatively formal way to address your guests. It is a good option if you are unsure of their preferences or if you want to maintain a more formal tone for your wedding invitations.

Using Just First Names

If you prefer a more casual and intimate approach, you can choose to address your guests by their first names only on the inner envelope. For the above example, this would look like:

> Ross

> Rachel

This option is suitable if you have a close relationship with the invited guests and want to create a relaxed and friendly tone for your wedding invitations. However, it may not be appropriate for more formal weddings or if you are inviting guests with different levels of familiarity.

Ultimately, the choice between using titles and last names or just first names on the inner envelope depends on your relationship with the guests, the desired tone of your invitations, and your personal preference. Both options are acceptable, and you can choose the one that feels most comfortable and appropriate for your wedding.

Alphabetical order: List names alphabetically by last name on separate lines

When addressing wedding invitations to an unmarried couple, it is customary to list their names alphabetically by last name on separate lines. Here are some examples to illustrate this format:

Mr. Ross Geller

Ms. Rachel Green

Or:

Ms. Susan Bunch

Ms. Carol Willik-Bunch

This format is especially appropriate when the couple has different last names or when one person has a hyphenated last name. For instance:

Mr. Andy Dwyer

Ms. April Ludgate-Dwyer

When addressing the inner envelope, you can use courtesy titles and last names or just the first names of the couple if you are close to them. For example:

Mr. Geller

Ms. Green

Or:

Susan and Carol

In summary, when addressing wedding invitations to unmarried couples, listing their names alphabetically by last name on separate lines is a respectful and clear way to ensure that each individual is properly recognised and invited to your special day.

Living situation: If the couple lives together, list both names on the same line

When addressing wedding invitations to an unmarried couple living together, there are a few etiquette rules to follow. Firstly, the invitation should be addressed to both people on one line, with a slight variation if they have different last names. Secondly, the person whom you are closest to should be listed first.

For example, if the couple has the same last name, the outer envelope can be addressed as "Mr. John Smith and Ms. Amanda Smith". If they have different last names, the outer envelope can be addressed as "Mr. John Smith and Ms. Anna Brown".

On the inner envelope, a more informal style can be used. You can refer to the couple by their first names, such as "John and Amanda" or use their titles and last names, such as "Mr. Smith and Ms. Brown".

It is important to note that the word "and" is typically used to imply that a couple is married. Therefore, when addressing an unmarried couple, it is better to use separate lines or put both names on the same line without using "and".

Additionally, it is recommended to double-check the spelling of your guests' names and use their full, formal names. If you are unsure about their middle name, it is preferable to omit it rather than use an abbreviation or initial.

Gender: For same-sex couples, order names alphabetically by last name

When addressing wedding invitations to same-sex couples, the same etiquette applies as for any other couple, whether married or unmarried.

If the couple is not married, you should address each person individually with the appropriate title. Write each name on a separate line, just as you would for an unmarried opposite-sex couple. The order of the names doesn't typically matter, but if you're unsure, arrange them alphabetically by last name. For example:

> Mr. Ross Geller

> Ms. Rachel Green

If you're inviting an unmarried couple who live together, you can also list both names on the same line, leading with the person you're closest to. If you're equally close to both, go alphabetical again:

> Ms. Rachel Green and Mr. Ross Geller

If the same-sex couple is married, you should write both names on the same line, separated by "and". You can give each name its own title; for example:

> Mr. Dan Brown and Mr. John Smith

> Mrs. Amanda Jones and Mrs. Jane Williams

Many same-sex couples keep their last names after marriage, so this format will often apply. Again, you might consider ordering the names alphabetically.

Another way of addressing the invitations of married same-sex couples is with the plural form of the title. This especially applies when the married couple has the same last name. For men, you could write:

> The Messrs. Dan and John Smith

> (or) Mr. Dan Smith and Mr. John Smith

For women, you could write:

> The Mesdames Amanda and Jane Williams

> (or) Mrs. Amanda Williams and Mrs. Jane Williams

These same rules apply if the couple has a hyphenated last name.

When in doubt, consider asking the couple for their preferred greeting. They likely won't mind the inquiry, and you can prevent making a mistake in your invitations.

Frequently asked questions