Wedding Save The Dates: Formality And Fun

Wedding save the dates are typically sent out six to nine months before the wedding date, and earlier for destination weddings. They are less formal than wedding invitations, so you don't need to worry about strict rules and etiquette. However, there are some guidelines to follow when addressing your save the dates. Firstly, be clear about who is invited and correctly spell their names. You can use titles (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., Rev., etc.) but this is optional. If you do use titles, be consistent for all adult guests. It's customary to use guests' full names, but you can use nicknames or shortened versions if that's what they prefer. When addressing married couples, traditionally the man's name is listed first, but you can switch the order or list the person you are closest to first, especially for same-sex couples. For unmarried couples with different last names, include both names on the envelope. When inviting families, you can address the whole family or list family members individually, including children's names if they are invited. Finally, include your return address on the envelope, and don't forget to double-check spelling and accuracy!

Titles are optional, but if used, be consistent

When addressing wedding save-the-dates, titles are optional. However, if you do choose to use them, it's important to be consistent. This means using titles for all adult guests, whether on save-the-dates or wedding invitations. For example, if you use "Ms." for one adult female guest, use it for all adult female guests. The same goes for "Mr." and "Mrs."

If you decide to use titles, it's important to know the correct ones to use. For female guests over the age of 18, "Ms." is typically used, while "Miss" is used for those under 18. For single men, "Mr." is the standard title. For married couples, you can use "Mr." and "Mrs." together, such as "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith". If a married couple has different last names, include both last names, such as "Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Emily Brown".

When addressing unmarried couples or couples with different last names, list their names separately, with the person you are closest to or the alphabet coming first. For example, "Ms. Sarah Lee and Mr. Terry Brown".

When addressing families, you can include all family members' names, with titles if desired. Boys under 18 typically don't have a "Mr." title, while girls under 18 are often addressed as "Miss". For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Miss Emma Smith, and Master Jack Smith". Alternatively, you can simply address it to "The Smith Family".

Remember, the most important thing is to be clear about who is invited and to spell their names correctly.

Spell out guests' full names

When it comes to addressing wedding save-the-dates, it's important to remember that they are less formal than wedding invitations. This means you have more flexibility with the wording and format, and you don't need to worry about strict rules and etiquette. However, it's still important to be clear about who is invited and to spell their names correctly. Here are some tips and guidelines for spelling out your guests' full names on your save-the-date cards:

Using titles (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., etc.) on save-the-dates is optional. You can choose to include or exclude them based on your preference and the level of formality you want to convey. If you decide to use titles, be consistent throughout your save-the-dates and wedding invitations.

Full Names

Although save-the-dates are informal, it's customary to use your guests' full names. This means including both their first and last names. You don't need to include initials or middle names, but it's best to avoid nicknames or shortened versions of names. However, if your guest is commonly known by their middle name or prefers their middle name, use that instead. The goal is to make your guests feel welcome, so use the name they prefer.

Married Couples

When addressing save-the-dates to married couples, you have a few options:

• Include both spouses' full names: "Peter and Alison Smith"
• Include titles and full names: "Mr. and Mrs. Peter Smith" or "Mr. Peter Smith and Mrs. Alison Smith"
• If both spouses have distinguished titles, such as doctors or military personnel, you can list the person with the title first: "Dr. Alison Smith and Mr. Peter Smith"

Unmarried Couples

For unmarried couples, follow a similar format as married couples. Include both guests' full names, even if you only know one of them well. If you only write "and Guest," it may be seen as impersonal, and the named guest may show up with someone you didn't intend to invite.

Children and Families

If you are inviting children along with their parents, list their names underneath their parents' names on the save-the-date. For children under 18, the title "Miss" is typically used for girls, while boys do not need a title. For older children who are still living at home, consider sending separate save-the-dates and invitations.

Special Titles

While not necessary, it is considered respectful to include professional or distinguished titles, such as "Doctor," "Reverend," or "Captain." For couples with shared titles, such as medical doctors, you can use the plural form: "Drs. Alison and Ziggy Gregory."

Plus-Ones

If you are giving a guest the option to bring a plus-one, add that information clearly on the save-the-date. You can either include the plus-one's name if you know it or specify "and Guest." This helps prevent confusion and ensures your guests understand who is invited.

Remember, the most important thing is to be clear and consistent in how you address your guests. You want to make sure they feel welcomed and valued as you celebrate your special day with them.

State who is invited

Save-the-dates are an important part of wedding planning as they alert guests that they are going to be invited to your wedding. It is essential to clarify who is invited on your save-the-dates to save people from wondering whether they have a plus one and to avoid any unexpected guests.

When addressing save-the-dates to a single female, include her first and last name. If you wish to use a title, use “Miss” if she is under 18 and “Ms.” if she is over 18. If you are extending a plus one, add "and Guest" to the address.

When addressing a single male, use his first and last name. If you wish to include a title, he should be over 18. As with a single female, if you are extending a plus one, add "and Guest" to the address.

When addressing married couples, include both people's names. Traditionally, the man's name is listed first, but this is not mandatory. If the couple has distinguished titles, such as doctors or military personnel, and you wish to include them, list the person with the title first. If you are using titles, the man's name should be listed first.

When addressing unmarried couples or married couples with different last names, include both names, even if you are only friends with one half of the couple. If you are using "and Guest", it is less personal and could lead to confusion if the couple breaks up before the wedding. Address the save-the-date with both names, in the order of your choosing or alphabetically.

When inviting families, it is your choice to address the whole family or list family members individually. If you want to use titles, girls under 18 are usually addressed as "Miss", while boys under 18 do not need a title. If you are inviting children under 18 to the wedding, list their names underneath their parents' names on the invitation, from oldest to youngest. If children are over 18 and still living at home, send them a separate save-the-date and invitation.

Include the names of invited children

When it comes to addressing wedding save-the-dates for families, it's important to be clear about whether children are invited. This is crucial, as parents need to know whether to arrange childcare or if their little ones are welcome to attend.

If you want to be explicit about inviting children, there are a few ways to go about it. One option is to address the save-the-date to the whole family. This can be done by simply listing the family's last name followed by "family", or you can list out each family member's name. For example:

> The Wilkinson Family

Or

> Tony, Ana, Katie and Peter Garcia

If you choose to list individual names, it's important to get the spelling and titles correct. Girls under 18 should be addressed as "Miss", while boys under 18 don't typically need a title. Here's an example:

> Mr. Tony, Mrs. Ana, Miss Katie and Peter Garcia

If you want to be very clear, you can list the children's names on the line underneath the adults' names. This is also practical, as it can be hard to fit many names on one line. For instance:

> Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Bryce

> Marcus, Ethan, Miss Brittany and Miss Cassidy

If you're inviting children over 18 who still live at home with their parents, it's best to send them a separate save-the-date and invitation.

Remember, it's perfectly acceptable to leave out titles on save-the-dates, as they are less formal than wedding invitations. However, if you do choose to include titles, be consistent for all guests.

Write the full address

When writing the full address on your save-the-date envelopes, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure clarity and consistency. Here are some tips to help you write the full address:

• Use Full Names: Include your guests' full names on the envelopes, avoiding nicknames or shortened versions. This adds a touch of formality and ensures there is no confusion.
• Consistency in Titles: You may choose to use titles (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., etc.) or forgo them for a more casual approach. Whichever style you choose, maintain consistency throughout your save-the-dates and wedding invitations.
• Spell Out Addresses: Fully spell out street names, towns, and cities. You may abbreviate the state or province if needed. Ensure you include the correct zip code or postal code.
• International Guests: When addressing international guests, take the time to check their country's address format beforehand to ensure accuracy.
• Apartment Numbers: If your guests reside in an apartment, include the apartment number on a separate line above the street address.
• Avoid Symbols: Refrain from using symbols and instead, spell out words like "and."
• Format Guidelines: Follow a consistent format for all addresses. For example:

> Guest Name

> Street Address, Apartment Number (if applicable)

> City, State/Province, Zip/Postal Code

> Country (if international)

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Bryce

> 985 Lawndale Avenue

> South Bend, Indiana 46728

Ms. Sarah Lee and Guest

> 1234 Elm Street

> Anytown, California 98765

Mr. John Chan and Mrs. Lucy Chan

> 5678 Maple Lane

> Oakwood, Ohio 44122

Remember to double-check the accuracy of all addresses and guest names before sending out your save-the-dates.

Frequently asked questions