Addressing A Wedding Invitation To A Monsignor: The Proper Etiquette

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, it's important to get your guests' titles and names right to avoid causing offence. For a monsignor, the correct form of address is The Very Reverend or The Reverend Monsignor. This differs from other members of the clergy, such as priests and rabbis, who are addressed as “Father” or “Rabbi” respectively. It's also worth noting that different cultures may have varying titles for a monsignor, so it's always good to check.

The Reverend Monsignor

When addressing a wedding invitation to a monsignor, it is important to follow the correct etiquette to ensure your guests feel welcome and respected. Here are some guidelines for addressing invitations to "The Reverend Monsignor":

Outer Envelope:

The outer envelope is the more formal of the two envelopes and should include the recipient's full name and title. When addressing "The Reverend Monsignor", you can use the following formats:

• "The Very Reverend Monsignor FirstName LastName"
• "The Reverend Monsignor FirstName LastName"

If you are unsure of the specific title or prefer to be more general, you can simply use "Reverend" or "Monsignor" followed by their name:

• "The Reverend FirstName LastName"
• "Monsignor FirstName LastName"

Inner Envelope:

The inner envelope is slightly more informal and often includes the recipient's first name or a combination of their title and last name. For "The Reverend Monsignor", you have the following options:

• "The Reverend Monsignor LastName"
• "Monsignor FirstName" or "Monsignor LastName"
• "Reverend FirstName"

If you are on very friendly terms, you may also address them by their first name only:

"FirstName"

It is worth noting that the above guidelines follow the traditions of the Latin Rite Catholic Church and may vary for other denominations or cultures. It is always a good idea to double-check with the church office or the recipient to ensure you are using the correct and preferred title.

Additionally, remember to use full names and avoid abbreviations or nicknames. The outer envelope should also include the full address, postage, and return address. The inner envelope typically contains the invitation, RSVP card, and any other relevant enclosures.

The Very Reverend Monsignor

When addressing a wedding invitation to a monsignor, it is important to follow the correct etiquette to ensure your guests feel welcome and respected. Here is a detailed guide on how to address a wedding invitation to "The Very Reverend Monsignor":

Outer Envelope:

The outer envelope is the more formal of the two envelopes and should include the recipient's full name and title. When addressing a monsignor, the correct form is "The Very Reverend Monsignor" followed by their name. For example:

"The Very Reverend Monsignor John Smith"

If you are addressing a married couple and one of them is a monsignor, the outer envelope can be formatted as follows:

"The Very Reverend Monsignor and Mrs. John Smith"

Inner Envelope:

The inner envelope is more informal, and you have the option to be more casual. You can use "The Very Reverend Monsignor" or simply "Monsignor" on the inner envelope, followed by their last name. For example:

"Monsignor Smith"

If the monsignor is part of a married couple, the inner envelope can be less formal, and you can address them by their title and last name or just their first name. For example:

"Monsignor Smith and Mrs. Smith" or "John and Mrs. Smith"

General Guidelines:

When addressing wedding invitations, it is essential to use full names and avoid nicknames or abbreviations. Ensure that you double-check the preferred titles and spellings of your guests' names. If you are unsure about a specific title, it is best to ask the individual or the church office for clarification.

Additionally, when addressing a family with children, list the parents' names on the outer envelope and include the children's names on the inner envelope. Children under the age of 18 can be addressed as "Miss" for girls and Mr." for boys over 16.

Monsignor as a prefix

When addressing a wedding invitation to a monsignor, it is important to use the correct titles or prefixes, and to err on the side of formality.

The traditional wedding invitation includes an outer envelope with a more formal address, and an inner envelope with a more personalised and informal address. When two envelopes are used, the outer envelope is more formal, while the inner envelope is slightly more casual and frequently incorporates first names.

If you are using only one envelope, focus on properly addressing the outer envelope.

When addressing a monsignor, the general consensus is that the correct form is "The Very Reverend" or "The Reverend Monsignor". However, this is not entirely clear because monsignor is an honorary title and not a part of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, so the titles change from culture to culture.

Two Envelopes: Formal and Informal

Outer envelope:

• The Very Reverend John Smith
• The Reverend Monsignor John Smith

Inner envelope:

• Reverend Monsignor Smith
• John Smith

One Envelope: Formal Address

• The Very Reverend John Smith
• The Reverend Monsignor John Smith

Abbreviate as 'Mons.'

When addressing a wedding invitation to a monsignor, it is important to follow the correct etiquette and format to ensure your invite is polite and respectful. The title "monsignor" is a form of address, not an appointment, and is a title for certain members of the clergy in the Catholic Church. It can be abbreviated as "Mons." or "Msgr." when writing their name on the envelope.

On the outer envelope:

• The Reverend Monsignor FirstName LastName
• Monsignor FirstName LastName

On the inner envelope:

• Reverend Monsignor LastName
• Monsignor LastName

If you are addressing a monsignor who is a bishop, you may also use the style "The Most Reverend Monsignor FirstName LastName" on the outer envelope. In some countries, bishops are addressed as "monsignor", although this is not the case in English-speaking countries.

It is worth noting that the use of personal titles on wedding invitations can sometimes feel restrictive and exclusive. If you feel this way, you are free to forgo titles and simply use the first and last names of your guests. However, if you plan to include personal titles, it is important to double-check each attendee's preferred title beforehand.

Include full name

When addressing a wedding invitation to a monsignor, it is important to use their full name, including any relevant titles. The way you address the invitation will depend on whether your invitation includes an inner envelope in addition to the outer mailing envelope.

Outer Envelope

For the outer envelope, it is best to use a formal addressing format. This should include the recipient's full name and their personal title. For a monsignor, the appropriate title is "The Very Reverend" or "The Reverend Monsignor". An example of this format is:

> The Very Reverend FirstName LastName

Inner Envelope

The inner envelope is more informal, giving you the option to leave out certain elements of the formal name format of the outer envelope. You could use their first name only, or you could include their title and last name. For example:

> Reverend LastName

> or

> FirstName

Additional Information

If you are unsure of the preferred title, it is best to check with the church office. It is worth noting that the titles for a monsignor can vary across different cultures, so it is important to ensure you are using the correct title for the specific culture and context.

Frequently asked questions