Addressing Inner Envelopes For Wedding Invitations: A Guide

Wedding invitations can include an inner and outer envelope, but an inner envelope is optional. The outer envelope is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope contains the names of the invitees and the invitation itself. The inner envelope is more informal, giving you the option to leave out certain elements of the formal name format of the outer envelope.

Addressing a married couple with the same last name

When addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple with the same last name, there are a few conventions to follow. The outer envelope is more formal and traditionally includes titles and full names. For a heterosexual couple, the outer envelope would be addressed as "Mr. and Mrs. [husband's first name] [shared last name]". For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren". For a same-sex couple, either name can go first.

If the couple may be sensitive to the heteronormative tradition of the wife's name being left out, you can address the outer envelope as "Mr. [husband's first name] [shared last name] and Mrs. [wife's first name] [shared last name]". For example, "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren".

The inner envelope is more informal and can include just the titles and shared last name, or the first names of the couple. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Warren" or "Thomas and Michelle".

Addressing a married couple with different last names

When addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple with different last names, there are a few things to keep in mind. The inner envelope is more informal and gives you the option to leave out elements of the formal name format used on the outer envelope. For the outer envelope, the names are written on the same line, with the woman's name first, and in alphabetical order if they are both women or men. If the combined names are too long to fit on one line, list them separately. You are free to forgo titles and list their names separately or use "Mr." or "Mrs." followed by their full names.

Outer envelope: "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez"

Inner envelope: "Ms. Stevens and Mr. Estevez" or "Maria and David"

Or

Outer envelope: "Mrs. Gwyneth Brookes and Mr. Cyan Matthews"

Inner envelope: "Mrs. Brookes and Mr. Matthews" or "Gwyneth and Cyan"

If you are addressing a same-sex couple, the same format applies. Make sure to address your guests with the appropriate prefix.

Outer envelope: "Mr. Daniel Ramsay and Mr. Jeric Combs"

Inner envelope: "Mr. Ramsay and Mr. Combs" or "Daniel and Jeric"

Or

Outer envelope: "Mrs. Margarette Hyde and Mrs. Kayla Cruz"

Inner envelope: "Mrs. Hyde and Mrs. Cruz" or "Margarette and Kayla"

Addressing an unmarried couple

When addressing an invitation to an unmarried couple, the outer envelope should include both guests' full names, with their names connected by "and". The outer envelope is more formal, so be sure to include titles (Mr., Ms., etc.) and write out names in full (no abbreviations or middle initials).

The inner envelope is more informal, so you have more flexibility. You can include titles and last names, or just use first names. Here are some examples:

Outer envelope:

Mr. Ed Parsons & Ms. Kara Morgan

Inner envelope:

• Ed and Kara
• Mr. Parsons & Ms. Morgan

If you are inviting an unmarried couple who do not live together, they should receive separate invitations.

Addressing a single person

When addressing a single person on a wedding invitation, the proper prefix should be used. For male guests, use "Mr." and then their full name. For female guests, use "Ms." and then their full name. For non-binary guests, use the abbreviation "Mx." followed by their full name.

If you are inviting a single person with a plus one, it is best to know the name of the guest they will bring. If not, simply include "and Guest" or "and guest" after the full name of the invitee. For example:

> Mr. Tyler Morris & Guest

If the single person you are inviting is a doctor, you can include this in the address. For a single female doctor, you could write:

> Outer envelope: Doctor Erica Smiles or Dr. Erica Smiles

> Inner envelope: Erica, Dr. Smiles or ES

For a single male doctor, you could write:

> Outer envelope: Doctor Erica Smiles or Dr. Erica Smiles

> Inner envelope: Dr. Smiles, Erica or ES

If you are inviting a widowed woman, it is common to address the envelope with her married name, but it is best to ask for her preference. For example:

> Mrs. Sadie Schwartz

A divorced woman may use either of the titles "Mrs." or "Ms." depending on whether she goes by her maiden name or married name. For example:

> Married name - Mrs. Kristina Vasquez

> Maiden name - Ms. Kristina Torres

Addressing a family with children

When addressing a wedding invitation to a family with children, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use the correct titles and names for all family members. For the outer envelope, use the full names of the parents, addressing them as "Mr." and "Mrs.". For the inner envelope, you can use their first names, for example, "John and Emily".

If the couple has different last names, the person you feel closest to should be listed first, followed by their partner. For example, "Mr. Mike Smith and Mrs. Samantha Wise". If the couple is unmarried and living together, the same rule applies, but their names should be listed on separate lines.

When inviting children under the age of 18, their names should be included on the inner envelope only. You can add "Miss" before each girl's name, while boys under 18 do not need a title. For example, "Michael, Miss Rebecca, and Steven".

If you are not inviting children to the wedding, simply omit their names from the invitation. However, it is a good idea to mention on your wedding website that children are not invited to avoid any confusion.

Outer envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham"

Inner envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham, Daniel, Jeffrey, Miss Brittany, and Mx. Kelly"

Remember to give yourself enough time to assemble and mail the invitations, and consider using a return and RSVP address to ensure your guests' responses reach you promptly.

Frequently asked questions