Addressing A Wedding Invitation To A Retired Captain: The Correct Format

When addressing a wedding invitation to a retired captain, it is important to follow certain etiquette guidelines to ensure that the invite is both respectful and clear. Military wedding invitations generally follow the same guidelines as civilian weddings, with a few key differences in the use of titles. Retired officers, especially those who have held ranks such as Commander and Lieutenant Colonel, typically retain their titles in civilian life and may choose to include them on wedding invitations. When including the title, it is important to write out the full name of the retired captain, followed by their title, and then include the branch of service and Retired on the line below. For example, Captain [Name], United States Navy, Retired. It is also acceptable to use the abbreviation Ret. after the name when space is limited.

Addressing a retired captain who is the father of the bride/groom

When addressing a retired captain who is the father of the bride or groom, it is important to follow the correct etiquette to ensure they are properly respected and honoured. Here are some guidelines to follow:

It is customary to address retired officers, especially those who have held ranks such as commander and lieutenant, with their titles on the invitation. For a retired captain, you would write:

> Captain [Father's Full Name]

If the father is issuing the invitation with his spouse, you would write their names together as a unit, followed by the request for attendance:

> Captain and Mrs. [Father's Full Name] request the honour of your presence...

Alternatively, when space is a concern, you can use a shorter format:

> Captain and Mrs. [Father's Full Name]

Service Branch and "Retired" Notation:

When addressing a retired military member in a social context, such as a wedding invitation, it is generally not necessary to include their service branch (e.g., United States Marine Corps) or to indicate their retired status. However, if you wish to include this information, the standard format is as follows:

> Captain [Father's Full Name], [Service Branch], Retired

Note that "Retired" is spelled out rather than abbreviated and is placed at the end of the line.

Abbreviations and Capitalisation:

It is important to spell out all words in the address, including titles, names, and service branches, without using abbreviations. The only exception is the use of standard abbreviations for state names, such as "MD" or "VA". Additionally, military titles should not be abbreviated and should always be capitalised, as in "Captain" rather than "Cpt."

Inner and Outer Envelopes:

Traditionally, wedding invitations were sent with two envelopes: an inner envelope containing the invitation and enclosures, and an outer envelope to protect the inner envelope during delivery. Today, it is common to use only one envelope. If you choose to use two envelopes, the outer envelope can be addressed more informally, while the inner envelope includes the full, formal address.

Examples:

Outer envelope: Captain John Smith

Inner envelope: Captain and Mrs. John Smith

Or:

> Captain and Mrs. John Smith, United States Marine Corps, Retired

Remember, these guidelines can be adjusted to fit your specific situation and preferences. The most important thing is to ensure that your invitations are respectful and honour the achievements of the retired captain who is the father of the bride or groom.

Addressing a retired captain and their spouse

When addressing a wedding invitation to a retired captain and their spouse, it is important to follow the correct etiquette to ensure that your guests feel respected. Here are some guidelines to help you with the addressing:

Names and Titles

The invitation should include the full names of the retired captain and their spouse. The title "Captain" should be used before the captain's name, followed by their full name and then their spouse's name. If the spouse has a professional title, such as "Doctor", it is appropriate to include this before their name. An example would be:

> Captain John Smith and Doctor Jane Smith

If the spouse does not have a professional title, the invitation can be addressed as:

> Captain John Smith and Mrs. Jane Smith

Rank and Service Information

When addressing a retired captain, it is customary to include their rank and service information. The branch of service is typically included on the line below the names. However, when the names of the retired captain and their spouse are used together, the branch of service is not mentioned. Here's an example:

> Captain and Mrs. John Smith, United States Navy, Retired

Abbreviations and Formatting

Military titles should never be abbreviated, and the full rank should be spelled out. The invitation envelope should also include the couple's full names without abbreviated titles. Here's an example of the outer envelope addressing:

> Captain John Smith and Doctor Jane Smith

For the inner envelope, abbreviations can be used:

> Captain and Dr. Smith

Informal Variations

If you prefer a less formal approach, you can use informal variations in the addressing. For example:

> Captain John and Jane Smith, US Navy (Ret.)

Or, if the spouse does not use the captain's last name:

> Captain John Smith, US Navy (Ret.) and Ms. Jane Brown

Remember, these are general guidelines, and you can adjust the addressing to match your wedding invitation style and tone. The most important aspect is to ensure your guests feel welcomed and respected.

Abbreviating retired captain ranks

When addressing wedding invitations to retired military personnel, it is important to follow the correct format to ensure that guests feel respected. While military wedding invitations follow the same general guidelines as civilian invitations, there are some differences in the use of titles. Retired officers, especially those in the ranks of Commander and Lieutenant Colonel, generally keep their titles and use them on wedding invitations, noting their retired status.

• For a retired captain who is married, the invitation can be addressed to "Captain and Mrs. [Last Name]". If the wife has retained her maiden name, the format can be adjusted to "Captain [Full Name], Mrs. [Last Name]". It is important to note that the service branch is typically omitted in this case.
• When addressing a retired captain who is unmarried or divorced, the invitation can be addressed to "Captain [Full Name], [Service Branch], Retired". This format includes the individual's rank, full name, and service branch, followed by the abbreviation "Ret." or "Retired".
• If the retired captain has a different rank than their spouse, they should be addressed separately on the same line. For example, "Captain [Name] and Major [Name], [Service Branch], Retired".
• In the case of a retired captain couple with the same last name, the invitation can be addressed to "Captains [Last Name], [Service Branch], Retired".
• For a more informal approach, the invitation can simply state the names of the retired captains without abbreviating their ranks. For example, "John Smith, Jane Smith, US Coast Guard, Retired".

It is worth noting that military titles should never be abbreviated on the outer envelope of the invitation. However, on the inner envelope, abbreviations can be used, such as "Capt. and Mrs." or "Capt." followed by the individual's name.

Addressing a retired captain who is a single man/woman

When addressing a wedding invitation to a retired captain who is a single man or woman, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to include the person's rank and full name on the invitation, and it is standard practice to refrain from abbreviating their title. For example, you would address the invitation to "Captain Jane Smith" or "Captain John Doe".

It is also customary to include the person's military branch or service, such as "Captain Jane Smith, United States Air Force". If the retired captain is a parent of the bride or groom, their title is usually retained, and it is noted that they are retired. This can be done by adding "Retired" or "Ret." after their branch of service. For example, "Captain John Doe, United States Navy, Retired".

In terms of envelope addressing, the outer envelope should include the person's full name and title, while the inner envelope can use abbreviations. For example, "Captain Jane Smith" on the outer envelope and "Captain Smith" on the inner envelope.

It is worth noting that official correspondence or situations require the inclusion of the person's rank, service branch designation, and retired status. However, in social situations like a wedding, it is not necessary to include the service branch or specify that the person is retired.

Addressing a retired captain and their children

When addressing a wedding invitation to a retired captain and their children, there are a few guidelines and etiquette rules to follow. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your invitations are addressed correctly and respectfully:

Outer Envelope:

On the outer envelope, it is appropriate to address the retired captain and their spouse by their titles and last name. If the retired captain is a man, the format can be:

"Captain John Smith and Mrs. Smith"

If the retired captain is a woman, her full name should be included:

"Captain Jane Smith and Mr. John Smith"

Alternatively, you can address them separately, especially if both spouses hold the same rank:

"Captain John Smith and Captain Jane Smith"

If the spouse is not in the military, their civilian title can be used:

"Captain John Smith, US Navy (Ret.) and Mrs. Emily Smith"

Inner Envelope:

The inner envelope is more informal, and you have some flexibility in how you address the family. You can use a combination of titles and last names or just the first names, depending on your preference and the level of formality you wish to convey. Here are some options:

"Captain Smith and Mrs. Smith"

"John and Emily"

"Captain John and Mrs. Emily Smith"

Addressing Children:

When addressing children on the inner envelope, the format varies depending on their age and gender. For girls under 18, you can use "Miss" followed by their first name. Boys do not need a title until they are 16, and then they can be addressed as "Mr." Here's an example:

"Captain and Mrs. Smith, Miss Emily, and Mr. Daniel"

If any of the children are 18 or older, they should receive their own invitation, especially if they are living away from the family home.

Remember, these are just guidelines, and you can adjust them to fit your preferences and the level of formality you desire for your wedding invitations. The most important thing is to ensure that your guests feel respected and welcomed by your invitation.

Frequently asked questions