Addressing Wedding Invites: Etiquette For Apartment Guests

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your envelopes are drama-free and non-offensive. Firstly, it is important to use full names and avoid nicknames. For married couples with the same last name, the format Mr. and Mrs. followed by the man's full name is appropriate, or you can write out each person's first name. For married couples with different last names, write out each full name with Mr. or Mrs. It is also important to spell out street names and numbers and avoid abbreviations. When addressing an apartment, the first line should include the guests' names, with the street address and apartment number on the second line.

Abbreviations: when to use them

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to follow certain etiquette rules to ensure your envelopes are correctly formatted and presented. While the use of abbreviations is acceptable in some instances, there are times when it is more appropriate to write out the full word or phrase. Here is a guide to help you navigate when to use abbreviations on your wedding invitations:

When to Abbreviate

Abbreviating certain titles and honours is generally considered acceptable. For example, you can use "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms.", and "Dr." before the names of your guests. These abbreviations are widely recognised and understood, and their use helps to streamline the address. This is particularly useful when trying to fit longer addresses or multiple names onto your envelopes.

When to Write Out in Full

For street names, apartment numbers, and city and state names, it is best to write out the full word or phrase. Instead of "St.", write "Street". Similarly, instead of "Apt.", use "Apartment". For example, "123 Main Street, Apartment 1, Anytown, New York". This rule also applies to city and state names. Write out "Saint Paul, Minnesota" instead of using the abbreviation "St. Paul, MN". This adds a touch of formality and elegance to your invitations.

Additionally, house numbers smaller than twenty should be written out in full. For example, "fourteen" instead of "14". This rule also extends to numeric street names. Write out "Sixty-Seventh Street" instead of using the abbreviated "67th St.".

Maintaining Consistency

While it is important to follow these guidelines, ultimately, the choice is yours, and you can adjust your envelopes to suit your personal style and the formality of your wedding. However, it is essential to maintain consistency throughout your invitations. If you choose to abbreviate certain elements, ensure you do so for all similar instances. Similarly, if you decide to write out certain words or phrases in full, do so consistently throughout your addressing.

Save-the-Date Cards

Save-the-date cards can be less formal, and you may choose to abbreviate certain elements, such as using "Apt." instead of "Apartment". These cards are often more lighthearted and casual, allowing you to be more flexible with the formatting and style of your addressing.

In conclusion, when addressing wedding invitations, the key is to strike a balance between formality and practicality. While writing out certain words and phrases in full adds elegance, abbreviating common titles and honours can help streamline your addresses, especially when space is limited. Remember to maintain consistency and consider the level of formality you wish to convey.

Titles: how to address guests

When addressing your wedding invitations, it is important to use the correct titles for your guests. This is an essential aspect of wedding invitation etiquette and will ensure your invitations appear polished and thoughtful.

Full Names and Titles

Use guests' full names and titles. Avoid nicknames and initials on the outer envelope. For married couples, use "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's full name or write out each person's first name. You can also put the wife's name first if you prefer. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Johnson" or "Mr. Samuel and Mrs. Eliza Johnson".

Professional Titles

Include professional titles such as "Dr.", "PhD", and "Esq." where appropriate. If a husband is a doctor, the titles will appear as "Dr. and Mrs.". If the wife is a doctor and uses her married name socially, the address is "Dr. Barbara and Mr. James Werner". If she uses her maiden name both professionally and socially, it becomes "Dr. Barbara Hanson and Mr. James Werner". If both spouses are doctors, write "The Doctors [Last Name]" or "Drs. [Their First Names] and [Last Name]".

Addressing Children

For children under the age of 13, use "Master" for boys and "Miss" for girls. Children over the age of 18 should receive their own invitation. If you are inviting children under 18, use the appropriate titles and list their first names in order of age on the second line of the address. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Randall, Carolyn, Julie, and William".

Addressing Guests with Unknown Pronouns

If you are unsure of a guest's pronouns, it is best to ask them directly. For guests who use "they/theirs" as their pronouns, use the honorific "Mx.". For example, "Mx. Jordan Frank".

Plus-Ones and Serious Partners

If possible, include serious partners and plus-ones by name rather than writing "and guest". This adds a personal touch and avoids any confusion.

Divorced Guests

Be mindful of guests who are divorced. Avoid using "Mrs." for someone who is no longer married. If a divorced guest is bringing a plus-one, address the envelope similarly to the examples for unknown pronouns or plus-ones.

Abbreviations

While titles like "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms." and professional titles can be abbreviated, avoid abbreviating street names, state names, or directional terms like "North", "South", "East", and "West".

Apartment Numbers

When addressing an apartment, include the apartment number on the same line as the street address if possible. Spell out "Apartment" in full rather than using "Apt." or similar abbreviations. For example, "123 Main Street, Apartment 1, Anytown, New York, 00000".

Apartment line: where it should go

When addressing wedding invitations, the apartment line should be placed on the same line as the street address, if possible. This ensures faster processing by the post office. For example:

123 Main Street, Apartment 1

Anytown, New York 00000

If the apartment address is too long to fit on one line, you can use two lines to fit the street address and apartment number. Here is an example:

Mr. and Mrs. John Doe

213 South Maple Street

Building 4, Apartment 12

Chino, California 91710

It is important to note that all words in the address, including street names and numbers, should be spelled out in full. Instead of using abbreviations like "St." or "Apt.", use "Street" and "Apartment". This rule also applies to city and state names. For example, write "Saint Paul, Minnesota" instead of using the abbreviation "MN".

Additionally, when addressing an envelope to a married couple, both spouses' names should be included, even if you know only one of them or know that only one will attend. The outer envelope is addressed conventionally using titles, full names, and last names. Here is an example:

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Johnson

Remember to always double-check the spelling of your guests' names and addresses before sending out the invitations.

Formality: when to be formal

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, it's important to strike the right tone and maintain a level of formality. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate when to be formal:

Full Names and Formal Titles

Always use guests' full names on the outer envelope, avoiding nicknames or initials. For married couples, address them as "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's full name or write out each person's first name. For unmarried couples living together, use "Ms." for women and "Mr." for men, followed by their full names.

When addressing individuals with professional titles, be sure to include them. For example, use "Doctor" for medical doctors or "The Honorable" for judges. If a man has a suffix like "Jr." or "IV," include it in the address, spelling out "Junior" for a more formal invitation.

Spelling Out Addresses

Maintain formality by spelling out all words in the address. Instead of abbreviations like "St." or "Apt.," write out "Street" and "Apartment." This level of detail also applies to city and state names. For instance, write "Washington, District of Columbia" instead of "Washington, D.C."

Even numeric street names and house numbers should be spelled out. For instance, write "Sixty-Seventh Street" instead of "67th Street" and "One Hundred and Twenty-Three Main Street" instead of "123 Main Street."

Handwritten or Calligraphy

A wedding invitation is typically formal, so the address should be handwritten or inscribed by a professional calligrapher. Avoid using printed address labels, as they may detract from the formality of the occasion.

Inner and Outer Envelopes

Using both inner and outer envelopes adds a layer of formality. The outer envelope includes the information needed for postal delivery, while the inner envelope bears the titles and last names of the invited guests, making it clear who is invited.

Punctuation and Capitalization

Pay attention to punctuation and capitalization to maintain formality. For example, use commas after titles and names, and capitalize all words in an address, including "Street" and "Apartment."

Timing and Postage

While not directly related to formality, sending out invitations with ample time reflects attention to detail. Aim for six to eight weeks before the wedding, and consider hand-cancelling at the post office to prevent damage from sorting machines.

Handwriting: who should write the invites

When it comes to handwriting your wedding invitations, you have a few options. Firstly, you could write them yourself. This is a good option if you have nice handwriting and a small guest list, as it can be time-consuming and mistakes can lead to wasted envelopes. You could also ask your bridesmaids or family members with good handwriting to help.

If you have the budget, you could hire a professional calligrapher. This is a luxurious option that will elevate the look of your invitations. Prices can range from $1 to $5+ per envelope, and you should book a calligrapher at least two weeks in advance to avoid rush fees.

Another option is to use faux calligraphy. This involves writing your address in cursive and then reinforcing the downstrokes with a black pen to create the illusion of professional calligraphy.

Finally, you could use a computer to print out your envelopes, or use a service like Minted that offers free guest addressing. This option saves time and money and can still look beautiful and elegant.

• Use formal first names (e.g., Abigail instead of Abby)
• Try to avoid exceeding five lines when addressing envelopes
• Spell out all words in the address, including street names and apartment numbers
• Send out your invitations six to eight weeks in advance to give your guests enough time to respond

Frequently asked questions