Addressing Wedding Invitations: The Proper Way To Address Couples

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of the wedding planning process, setting the tone for the entire celebration. Addressing wedding invitations can be tricky, especially when it comes to couples. The traditional approach is to use Mr. and Mrs. for married couples, with the man's full name written out. However, modern alternatives include using both first names or addressing each partner individually with their respective titles and last names. Same-sex couples follow the same etiquette, with the option to list names alphabetically or based on closeness. Unmarried couples living together are addressed on the same line, while those not living together should receive separate invitations.

Married Couple With Same Last Name

When addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple with the same last name, there are a few etiquette rules to follow. The outer envelope, which contains the mailing address, postage, and return address, should be more formal, while the inner envelope, which holds the invitation suite, can be slightly more casual.

For a heterosexual couple, the outer envelope is typically addressed using "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's first and last name. For example:

> "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren"

If the couple is sensitive to the wife's name being left out, you can include her first name as well:

> "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren"

The inner envelope can then be more informal, such as:

> "Mr. and Mrs. Warren" or "Thomas and Michelle"

For a same-sex couple, either name can go first. For example:

> Outer envelope: "Mr. and Mr. Adam Smith"

> Inner envelope: "Mr. and Mr. Smith" or "Adam and Michael"

If you are having a casual wedding, such as a backyard barbecue or brunch in the park, you may choose to forgo titles and use only first and last names or even just first names. However, for more formal weddings, it is generally best to err on the side of formality.

Married Couple With Different Last Names

When addressing wedding invitations to a married couple with different last names, the outer envelope should include both of their full names on the same line, with the woman's name first. If the combined names are too long to fit on one line, list them separately. Here are some examples:

• Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez
• Ms. Celine Elgin and Ms. Jacqueline Purcell
• Mrs. Leslie Knope and Mr. Ben Wyatt

For the inner envelope, you can use their titles and last names or just their first names if you are close with the couple:

• Ms. Stevens and Mr. Estevez
• Maria and David
• Mrs. Knope and Mr. Wyatt
• Leslie and Ben

If one partner has a hyphenated name, list the hyphenated name last. Either "Ms." or "Mrs." can be used:

• Mr. Andy Dwyer and Ms. April Ludgate-Dwyer
• Mr. Andy Dwyer and Mrs. April Ludgate-Dwyer

If you are addressing a same-sex married couple with different last names, include both their first and last names combined with an "and". You can opt to add their desired prefix (Mr. or Ms.) for more formality:

• Ms. Susan Bunch and Ms. Carol Willik-Bunch
• Mr. Mitchell Pritchett and Mr. Cameron Tucker

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

• Mr. Pritchett and Mr. Tucker
• Mitchell and Cameron

Remember, it's essential to use your best judgment and always consider the couple's preference and your relationship with them when addressing wedding invitations.

Married Couple With One Hyphenated Last Name

When addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple with one hyphenated last name, there are a few options to consider. The outer envelope is more formal, while the inner envelope is slightly more casual.

For the outer envelope, you can list the names separately with the person you are closest with first:

> Mr. Marcus Craft and Ms. Angela Crosby-Craft

Or, you can list both names on the same line, with the person you are closest with first:

> Mr. Marcus Craft and Ms. Angela Crosby-Craft

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

> Mr. Craft and Ms. Crosby-Craft

> Marcus and Angela

If you are having a casual wedding, you may be able to get away with a less formal approach, such as leaving off titles or using only first names. However, if you are unsure of the couple's preferences, it is generally best to err on the side of formality.

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 or prefixes for each person, such as "Mr.", "Ms.", "Miss", or "Mx.". Avoid using nicknames or abbreviations. If the couple lives together, their names are usually written on the same line, with the person you are closest to listed first. If they don't live together, their names can be written on separate lines, in alphabetical order by last name.

Outer envelope:

Mr. John Smith

Ms. Jane Doe

Inner envelope:

Mr. Smith

Ms. Doe

If you are using only one envelope, you can simply combine the formats of the inner and outer envelopes:

Mr. John Smith

Ms. Jane Doe

Alternatively, you can choose to forgo titles altogether and use only first and last names, especially if you are having a casual wedding. In this case, you could format the invitation as follows:

Outer envelope:

John Smith

Jane Doe

Inner envelope:

John

Jane

Remember to double-check the spelling of your guests' names and give yourself enough time to assemble and mail the invitations.

Single Person

When addressing a wedding invitation to a single person, the guest's title and full name are used. For a male guest, the title "Mr." is used, while for a female guest, the title "Ms." is used. If the female guest is under 18, then "Miss" is used instead. For non-binary guests, the title "Mx." is used. Here are some examples:

Outer envelope: "Mr. George Constanza"

Inner envelope: "Mr. Constanza" or "George"

Outer envelope: "Ms. Elizabeth Lemon" or "Miss Donna-Jo Tanner" (if under 18)

Inner envelope: "Ms. Lemon" or "Elizabeth" or "Miss Tanner"

If the single guest is a widow, it is polite to ask if she prefers to be addressed using her married name or her husband's name. A divorced woman can be addressed using either "Mrs." or "Ms." along with her ex-husband's last name or her maiden name, depending on her preference.

If the single guest has been offered a plus-one, this can be indicated on the inner envelope only. Here is an example:

Outer envelope: "Mr. James Montgomery"

Inner envelope: "Mr. Montgomery and guest" or "James and guest"

Frequently asked questions