Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Addressing A Nun

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, it's important to strike the right tone and use the correct titles for your guests. While it's ultimately your choice how you address your guests, there are some traditional guidelines that can help you navigate this sometimes tricky area. For example, if you're inviting a nun to your wedding, how do you address her on the invitation? Let's take a look at the options and considerations for this special guest.

Outer envelope: Formality and full name

The outer envelope of a wedding invitation is the more formal of the two envelopes, containing the mailing address, postage, and return address. Here are some guidelines for addressing a nun on a wedding invitation outer envelope:

• Use Formality and Full Name: The outer envelope should be addressed with formality and include the nun's full name. Use the title "Sister" followed by her given name and family name. For example, "Sister Mary Jean Doe". The full name ensures clarity and formality, which is appropriate for the outer envelope.
• Include Religious Order Initials: In addition to the nun's full name, you can include the initials of her religious order. For instance, "Sister Mary Jean Doe, O.P." (with O.P. being the initials of the religious order). This provides additional context and formality to the invitation.
• Address by Chosen Religious Name: If the nun has a chosen religious name, you can use that on the outer envelope. For example, "Sister Mary Joseph, O.P.". Using the religious name can be a respectful way to address the nun within her religious context.
• Consult Family or the Nun: If you are unsure about the exact way to address the nun, consider consulting the family or the nun herself. They can provide guidance on the preferred form of address, ensuring that you use the correct title and name.
• Follow Overall Wedding Invitation Etiquette: In addition to the specific guidelines for addressing a nun, follow the general etiquette for wedding invitation outer envelopes. This includes using full names, avoiding abbreviations or nicknames, and ensuring that the address is written out in full (including street names and state names).

Remember, the outer envelope sets the tone for the invitation, so formality and attention to detail are important. By following these guidelines, you can appropriately address a nun on a wedding invitation outer envelope.

Inner envelope: Informal and intimate

The inner envelope is less formal and more intimate than the outer envelope. It is printed with only the recipients' names and contains the invitation, RSVP card, RSVP envelope, and any additional wedding stationery.

When addressing a nun on a wedding invitation, the outer envelope should include her title, full name, initials of the order, and address. For example:

> Sister Mary Jean Doe, O.P.

> Convent Name

> Address

For the inner envelope, you can use the same format as above or write her religious name, dropping the title and last name. For example:

> Sister Mary

If the nun is a close family member, such as an aunt, you may choose to address her as such on the inner envelope, for example:

> Aunt Mary

Ultimately, the inner envelope can be more personalised and should use the name that feels most natural and intimate to you and your family.

Religious name: Sister Mary Joseph

When addressing a wedding invitation to a nun, the general rules of etiquette for formal invitations should be followed. The outer envelope should be formal and include the recipient's full name and title. The inner envelope is less formal and can include a less formal version of the recipient's name or their title and last name.

Outer envelope:

• Formal version: "Sister Mary Joseph, (initials of the order), (convent/institution), (address)"
• Informal version: "Sister Mary Joseph, (address)"

Inner envelope:

• Formal version: "Sister Joseph"
• Informal version: "Sister Mary"

If you are close to the nun, you may consider addressing the inner envelope with a less formal version of her name, such as "Sister Mary". This is especially appropriate if the wedding is more casual. However, if you are unsure, it is always safe to go with the more formal option.

Additionally, if you know the nun's religious name, you can use it on the outer envelope as follows: "Sister Mary Joseph, (initials of the order), (convent/institution), (address)". This can be a nice way to honour her religious commitment and ensure the invitation is correctly addressed.

Finally, remember to use the nun's full, formal name, including her middle name if you know it. Avoid using initials or abbreviations, except for the order's initials.

Convent address: Sister Mary, Order of XYZ

When addressing a wedding invitation to a nun, the envelope should include her chosen religious name, her full name, the initials of her order, and the address of her convent or institution. Here is an example of how to address the envelope for Sister Mary of the Order of XYZ:

Outer envelope:

Sister Mary, XYZ

Order of XYZ

[Address of Convent]

The inner envelope, which is less formal, can include just her religious name and the order's initials:

Inner envelope:

Sister Mary, XYZ

If you are close to the nun and know her by a different name, such as "Aunt Mary," it is acceptable to use this name on the inner envelope to make it more personal and warm. However, if you are unsure, it is best to stick with the formal form of address.

Outer envelope:

Sister Mary, XYZ

Order of XYZ

[Address of Convent]

Inner envelope:

Sister Mary, XYZ

Or

Inner envelope:

Aunt Mary

Remember to use the full, formal name of the recipient and avoid abbreviations or shorthand versions of titles, streets, or states.

Etiquette: Formality over hospitality

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there are a few considerations to keep in mind, especially when inviting members of religious orders, such as nuns. The level of formality, the type of wedding, and the relationship between the hosts and the guest of honour can influence how you address a nun on a wedding invitation.

Formality and Hospitality

As a general rule, wedding invitations tend to follow a formal style. This is especially true for the outer envelope, which includes the mailing address, postage, and return address. The inner envelope, on the other hand, is less formal and often includes first names or more intimate forms of address.

When addressing a nun, it is essential to use the correct title and name. The outer envelope should be addressed with the nun's chosen religious name, followed by her order's initials and the convent or institution's address. For example, "Sister Mary Joseph, O.P., Convent of St. Clare, Address".

The inner envelope can be less formal, and you may address her as "Sister Mary" or simply "Sister", followed by her religious name, such as "Sister Mary Joseph". This choice depends on the level of formality you wish to maintain and your relationship with the nun.

Married and Unmarried Couples

The traditional way to address a married couple is to use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's first and last name. However, in modern times, either name can go first, especially in same-sex marriages. For unmarried couples living together, list the names separately or on the same line, with the person you are closest to, or alphabetically by last name.

Single Guests and Families

For single female guests over 18, use "Ms.", and for those under 18, use "Miss". Single male guests over 18 are addressed as "Mr.", while those under 18 do not require a title. When inviting families, you can address the outer envelope to the entire family or specify the names of each family member, including "Miss" for girls under 18.

Other Distinguished Titles

When inviting guests with distinguished titles, such as doctors, military personnel, judges, or clergy, it is proper to use these titles in the address. For doctors, spell out "Doctor" on the outer envelope and abbreviate it as "Dr." on the inner envelope. For military officers, ensure you know their correct title, rank, and service.

Final Thoughts

While it is important to maintain a level of formality in wedding invitations, it is also essential to consider your relationship with the guests and the level of hospitality you wish to extend. Ultimately, the choice of how to address a nun on a wedding invitation depends on your personal preference and the specific circumstances of your wedding.

Frequently asked questions