Addressing Wedding Invitations: Adults-Only Etiquette

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure clarity and avoid offending your guests. Firstly, it's important to use full names and avoid nicknames or abbreviations. Secondly, be mindful of your guests' pronouns and preferred titles, such as Dr. or Ms.. Thirdly, be explicit about whether children are invited by including phrases like and family on the envelope or specifying the names of invited children. Finally, when addressing a married couple, use both names, either on the same line or separate lines, depending on their last names and your preference. For same-sex couples, use appropriate prefixes and list their names alphabetically or according to your closeness with them.

How to address a wedding invitation to 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 general guidelines to follow. Traditionally, the inner and outer envelopes follow different etiquette rules. The outer envelope is more formal, and you should write out the recipient's full name, including their personal title. For a heterosexual couple, use "Mr." and "Mrs." and spell out the husband's first and last name. For a same-sex couple, either name can go first.

Outer envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren"

Inner envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Warren" or "Thomas and Michelle"

If the couple is sensitive to the wife's name being left out, you can address the invitation as follows:

Outer envelope: "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren"

Inner envelope: "Mr. Warren and Mrs. Warren" or "Thomas and Michelle"

If you feel that personal titles are restrictive and exclusive, you can forgo them and use first and last names only. For non-binary guests, use the gender-neutral title "Mx."

How to address a wedding invitation to 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. Firstly, it is important to use full names and include titles such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms.", or other relevant titles. Secondly, the names should be listed alphabetically, regardless of gender, with each name preceded by the appropriate title.

For the outer envelope, you can write the names on the same line with the woman's name first. If the combined names are too long, you can list them separately. Here is an example:

"Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez"

For the inner envelope, you can use their last names or first names only. Here is an example:

"Ms. Stevens and Mr. Estevez" or "Maria and David"

If the couple has a preference for how their names are listed, be sure to honour that. For example, some modern women may prefer to have their names included instead of being lumped in with their husband's name. In that case, you can address the outer envelope as:

"Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren"

Additionally, if the couple has children under the age of 18, their names can be included on the inner envelope, with girls under 18 addressed as "Miss".

It is also important to be clear about whether children are invited to the wedding. If they are, include their names on the envelope by adding "and Family" after the parents' names. If children are not invited, be explicit about this to avoid any confusion.

How to address a wedding invitation to a single person

When addressing a wedding invitation to a single person, it's important to use their full name and always use their preferred title. If you're unsure about their preferred title, it's best to leave it out altogether. Here are some examples to illustrate this:

Example 1: Without a Plus-One

On the outer envelope: Use "Mr." for a male guest if he is over 18. Otherwise, no title is necessary.

Mr. James Montgomery

On the inner envelope: You can use their last name or just the first name.

Mr. Montgomery or James

Example 2: With a Plus-One

On the outer envelope: Use "Ms." for a female guest if she is over 18.

Ms. Ali Johnson

On the inner envelope: Mention the guest's name or use "and Guest" if you don't know their name.

Ali Johnson and Guest

It's worth noting that if you're inviting a single person with a plus-one, it's preferable to know the guest's name in advance. However, if you don't, simply include "and Guest" after the invitee's full name on the inner envelope. Additionally, be mindful of any divorced or widowed guests and check with them to confirm their preferred titles and last names.

How to address a wedding invitation to a single guest with a plus one

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there are a few different scenarios and rules to follow, especially when it comes to including a plus one. Here are some tips and guidelines for addressing a wedding invitation to a single guest with a plus one:

Outer Envelope Addressing:

The outer envelope is the more formal of the two and should include the full name and personal title of the primary guest. If you are inviting a single guest with a plus one, address the envelope to the primary guest only. Here are some examples:

• "Ms. Ali Johnson"
• "Mx. Sam Li"

Inner Envelope Addressing:

The inner envelope is more informal, and this is where you can include the plus one. If you know the name of the plus one, it is best to mention both people by name. If you are unsure of the name or allowing a casual date, you can use "and Guest". Here are some examples:

• "Ms. Johnson" or "Ali Johnson"
• "Sam Li and Guest" or "Sam Li and Jane Doe"

Other Tips:

• It is important to use the guest's preferred title. If you are unsure, it is better to forgo the title altogether.
• If you are only using one envelope, include all invited parties, such as plus ones, on the front.
• Be mindful of the guest's pronouns and preferred honorifics, especially for non-binary or gender non-conforming guests. For example, "Mx." is often used by non-binary individuals.
• If the plus one is a serious partner, include them by name rather than just writing "and Guest".
• Be clear about whether children are invited. If they are, list their names on the inner envelope.

Plus-One Etiquette:

In addition to addressing the invitation, there are a few other things to keep in mind regarding plus-one etiquette:

• It is common to offer a plus one to married, engaged, and cohabitating guests.
• Members of the bridal party should also receive a plus one.
• If you offer a plus one to one single guest outside the bridal party, you may want to offer it to all single guests to avoid hurt feelings.
• If you cannot offer a plus one to everyone, have clear criteria for who gets one, such as only offering it to single attendants.
• You don't need to worry about returning plus-one favours. Your wedding guest list can be different from others'.
• Include the plus one on the invitation envelope, either by name or as "and Guest".
• Be mindful of seating arrangements for couples and single guests. Avoid placing singles between couples, but also avoid creating a "singles-only" table.
• Be prepared for people to ask about bringing a plus one and have a kind response ready if you cannot accommodate the request.

How to address a wedding invitation to an unmarried couple

When addressing a wedding invitation to an unmarried couple, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to use the correct titles or prefixes for each individual. For a woman, use "Ms." if she is over 18, and "Miss" if she is younger. For a man, use "Mr." if he is over 18; otherwise, no title is necessary.

If the unmarried couple lives together, their names should be included on the same line, with the person you are closest to listed first. If you are equally close to both, go in alphabetical order. Here is an example of how to address the outer envelope:

"Ms. Amanda Rhee and Mr. Stanley Kim"

For the inner envelope, you can use their titles and last names or just their first names, depending on your preference and the level of formality you wish to convey. Here is an example:

"Ms. Rhee and Mr. Kim" or "Amanda and Stanley"

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

It's also important to be mindful of the guest's preferences and pronouns. If you are unsure, it's always best to ask to ensure that your invitation is respectful and accurate.

Frequently asked questions