Addressing Wedding Invites: Etiquette For Unmarried Couples

When addressing a wedding invitation to an unmarried couple, it's important to consider a few key points to ensure your guests feel welcomed and respected. Firstly, the invitation should be addressed to both members of the couple, with their names connected by and. The person you are closest to should be listed first, or you can opt for alphabetical order if you are equally close to both. When it comes to titles, it's best to use Mr., Ms., or Mx. based on their preferences and gender identity. If you're aiming for a more modern approach, you can forgo the titles altogether and use only first and last names. For a more formal invitation, include the full names of the couple, and if they have different last names, write out each name with their respective title on separate lines or the same line, depending on your preference.

Outer envelope format

The outer envelope is the more formal of the two envelopes and is addressed using titles, first, and last names. When addressing an unmarried couple, there are a few options. If the couple has the same last name, you can list them together with their full names on one line:

"Mr. Aaron Triguiero and Mr. Gabriel Reyes"

If the couple has different last names, you can list their names alphabetically by last name on separate lines:

"Mr. Ross Geller

Ms. Rachel Green"

You can also list both names on the same line, leading with the person you are closest to. If you are equally close to both, go alphabetical:

"Ms. Rachel Green and Mr. Ross Geller"

For a same-sex unmarried couple with different last names, you can list the names alphabetically or according to whom you are closest to:

"Mr. Mitchell Pritchett and Mr. Cameron Tucker"

For a same-sex couple with the same last name, list both names on the same line:

"Ms. Susan Bunch and Ms. Carol Willik-Bunch"

If you are inviting an unmarried couple that does not live together, send a separate invitation to each guest.

Inner envelope format

The inner envelope is more informal, giving you the option to leave out one or two elements of the formal name format of the outer envelope.

If you are inviting an unmarried couple who live at the same address, include both names on one line, listing the person closest to you first. If you know the couple equally well, place the names in alphabetical order.

• Contemporary: Ed and Kara
• Traditional: Mr Ed Parsons and Ms Kara Porter
• Contemporary: Carlos and Maria
• Traditional: Mr and Mrs Hamilton or Mr & Mrs Carlos Hamilton

If you are inviting an unmarried couple who do not live together, send a separate invitation to each guest.

Alphabetical order

When addressing a wedding invitation to an unmarried couple, the general rule is to write their names on separate lines, in alphabetical order. This is done by last name, so for example:

Mr. Ross Geller

Ms. Rachel Green

If you are closer to one individual, you can list their name first, or use only their last name:

Ms. Rachel Green

Mr. Tom Thumb

Or:

Ms. Mary Ann

Mr. Tom Thumb

If the unmarried couple does not live together, it is best to send separate invitations to each guest.

For same-sex couples, the same etiquette applies. If they are married or live together, list both names on the same line, in alphabetical order if you are equally close to both:

Ms. Carol Willik-Bunch

Ms. Susan Bunch

If one person in the couple has a hyphenated last name, list their name last:

Ms. Carol Willik-Bunch

Ms. Susan Bunch

If the couple has different last names, you can list the names alphabetically or according to who you are closest to:

Mr. Cameron Tucker

Mr. Mitchell Pritchett

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

Ms. Green

Mr. Geller

Or:

Rachel

Ross

Living arrangements

When addressing a wedding invitation to an unmarried couple living together, there are a few etiquette rules to follow. Firstly, the names should be written on separate lines, indicating that the couple is not married. For example:

Mr. John Francis Smith, II

Ms. (or Miss) Anna Brown

It is also important to list your friend's name first, regardless of gender, and their partner's name on a separate line below. If you are inviting an unmarried couple that does not live together, traditional etiquette suggests sending an invitation only to the person you are closest to and including "and guest" on the inner envelope for their significant other. However, if you feel that this might offend the couple, you can address the invitation with both names on separate lines, as mentioned earlier.

When addressing the outer envelope, write each name on a separate line, with their respective titles and full names. For example:

Ms. Rachel Green

Mr. Ross Geller

For the inner envelope, you have the option to use courtesy titles and last names or only first names if you are close with the couple. For example:

Ms. Green and Mr. Geller, or Rachel and Ross

It is also important to avoid using nicknames or abbreviations when addressing wedding invitations. Additionally, ensure that you use the correct titles or prefixes, such as "Mr." or "Ms." for unmarried guests and "Dr." for medical doctors.

Titles and pronouns

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to use the correct titles and pronouns for each guest. This can be a little tricky, especially when addressing unmarried couples, but here are some guidelines to help you get it right:

• Mr. is used for men, regardless of their age or marital status.
• Ms. is typically used for women when their marital status is unknown or when they are unmarried adults. It can also be used for divorced or separated women.
• Miss is used for young, unmarried women and girls under the age of 18.
• Mrs. is used for married women, whether they have taken their spouse's last name or not.
• Mx. is a gender-neutral title used for non-binary guests or those who use they/them pronouns.

When addressing an unmarried couple, it is important to list their names separately, either on different lines or on the same line. The person you are closest with should be listed first, or you can go in alphabetical order by last name. Here is an example:

"Mr. Ross Geller

Ms. Rachel Green"

Or

"Ms. Rachel Green and Mr. Ross Geller"

If the unmarried couple does not live together, it is proper etiquette to send separate invitations to each guest.

For same-sex couples, the same etiquette applies, regardless of their marital status. List both names on the same line, with the person you are closest with first or in alphabetical order. If one partner has a hyphenated last name, list their name last:

"Ms. Susan Bunch and Ms. Carol Willik-Bunch"

For couples with different last names:

"Mr. Mitchell Pritchett and Mr. Cameron Tucker"

It is always best to use the person's preferred title, and if you are unsure, it is better to ask than to assume. Remember, the most important thing is to treat your guests with respect and make them feel welcome at your wedding.

Frequently asked questions