Guide To Addressing Casual Wedding Invites: Etiquette Simplified

When it comes to addressing casual wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to decide whether you want to include titles or simply use first names. While it's more common to use titles for a formal wedding, a casual event like a backyard barbecue or brunch in the park may call for a less formal approach. However, it's worth noting that older or more conservative guests may expect a certain level of formality, even in casual invitations. Another important consideration is the relationship status of your guests. For married couples with the same last name, you can use Mr. and Mrs. followed by the husband's first and last name. For same-sex couples, either name can go first. If your guests have different last names, you can list them alphabetically or based on whom you are closest to. For unmarried couples living together, include both names on the same line, leading with the person you are closest to. These are just a few guidelines to help you address casual wedding invitations. Ultimately, you should do what makes you most comfortable and reflects your personal style.

Addressing a married couple

When addressing a married couple in a casual wedding invitation, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to use their titles, such as "Mr." and "Mrs." or "Mx." if they are non-binary. If the couple has the same last name, you can use the husband's first and last name followed by "and" and then the wife's name. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe" or John and Jane Doe. If the couple has different last names, you can write their names on the same line with the woman's name first or list their names separately. For instance, "Ms. Jane Smith and Mr. John Doe" or "Ms. Jane Smith / Mr. John Doe".

In a casual setting, you may choose to forgo titles and use first and last names, or even just first names, especially if you are very close with the couple. This approach can be more modern and inclusive, especially if some guests do not identify with traditional titles. However, it's always a good idea to double-check your guests' preferred titles and names beforehand.

Additionally, if one or both members of the couple have a distinguished title, such as "Doctor", "Judge", or a military rank, this can be included in the address. For example, "Dr. and Mrs. John Doe" or "Captain Jane Smith and Mr. John Doe". If both partners have distinguished titles, the person with the higher rank or the woman, if they are of the same rank, is listed first.

• Outer envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren"
• Inner envelope: "Thomas and Michelle" or "Mr. and Mrs. Warren"
• Outer envelope: "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren"
• Inner envelope: "Thomas and Michelle" or "Mr. Warren and Mrs. Warren"
• Outer envelope: "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez"
• Inner envelope: "Maria and David" or "Ms. Stevens and Mr. Estevez"
• Outer envelope: "Mr. Marcus Craft and Mr. Brian Crosby-Craft"
• Inner envelope: "Marcus and Brian" or "Mr. Craft and Mr. Crosby-Craft"

Remember, these are just examples, and you can adapt them to fit your personal style and the level of formality of your wedding.

Addressing an unmarried couple

When addressing an unmarried couple living together, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that their names should be written on two separate lines, with no "and" between them, as this usually signifies marriage. The woman's name typically comes first, as is customary for social correspondence.

For a more formal wedding invitation, use titles and full names. For example:

> Outer envelope: Mr. Ross Geller

> Inner envelope: Mr. Geller

>

> Outer envelope: Ms. Rachel Green

> Inner envelope: Ms. Green

If you are equally close to both guests, you can list their names alphabetically by last name. Alternatively, you can list the person you are closest to first. For example:

> Outer envelope: Ms. Rachel Green and Mr. Ross Geller

> Inner envelope: Ms. Green and Mr. Geller

If your wedding is casual, such as a backyard barbecue or brunch in the park, you can afford to be less formal. You could leave off titles and just use first names. For example:

> Outer envelope: Rachel Green

> Inner envelope: Rachel

>

> Outer envelope: Ross Geller

> Inner envelope: Ross

Addressing a single person

When addressing a single person on a casual wedding invitation, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use the person's preferred title, such as "Ms." for an adult woman, "Miss" for a young girl, "Mr." for an adult man, or no title for a young boy. If you are unsure of the person's preferred title, it is better to leave it out altogether.

> Outer envelope: Ms. Ali Johnson

> Inner envelope: Ms. Johnson

If the single person is bringing a plus-one, you can address the invitation as follows:

> Outer envelope: Mx. Sam Li

> Inner envelope: Sam Li and Guest

Another example of a single person's invitation without a plus-one could look like this:

> Outer envelope: Mr. James Montgomery

> Inner envelope: Mr. Montgomery or James

If the single person has been offered a plus-one but you don't know the name of the guest, you can simply write "and Guest" on the inner envelope:

> Outer envelope: Mr. James Montgomery

> Inner envelope: Mr. Montgomery and Guest or James and Guest

It is worth noting that the outer envelope should be more formal, including the recipient's full name and title. The inner envelope can be more informal, allowing for first names only or a combination of the title and last name.

Addressing a family

When addressing a casual wedding invitation to a family, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to decide whether you want to specify which family members are invited or invite the whole family. If you want to be specific about who is invited, start with the parent(s) or guardian(s) and list the invited children's names below, in order of age. Girls under 18 can be addressed as "Miss". Here's an example:

> The Simpson Family

> Mr. and Mrs. Homer Simpson

> Mr. Bart Simpson

> Miss Lisa Simpson

If you're inviting the whole family, use the family name or just the parents' names on the outer envelope:

> The Simpson Family

> or

> Mr. & Mrs. Homer Simpson

Then, on the inner envelope, list the first names of all invited family members:

> Mr. and Mrs. Simpson

> Bart, Lisa, and Maggie

> or

> Homer, Marge, Bart, Miss Lisa, and Miss Maggie

If you're using only one envelope, include all invited family members' names on the front. If you're inviting children under 18, you can just include their names on the invitation without listing them on the envelope. If children are not invited, don't name them on either the envelope or the invitation.

When addressing the parents, use their titles, such as "Mr." and "Mrs." On the invitation itself, you can then use their first names. If the couple is unmarried, name the person you are closest to first.

Remember to use full names and avoid abbreviations or nicknames. However, you can be more casual with the inner envelope, using first names only if you prefer.

Addressing people with distinguished titles

When addressing wedding invitations, the general rule is to use titles and surnames on the outer envelope and to be more casual on the inner envelope, where you can use first names only. However, if you're having a casual wedding, you might prefer to use a more relaxed style on the outer envelope, such as leaving off titles or just using first names.

If a guest has a distinguished title, such as a doctor, lawyer, judge, or member of the military, it is proper etiquette to address them by that title on the wedding invitation envelope. Here are some examples of how to address wedding invitations to guests with distinguished titles:

Doctors

On the outer envelope:

• "Dr. Anne Barker and Mr. Peter Underwood"
• "Dr. Anne and Mr. Peter Underwood" (if the doctor uses their partner's surname socially)
• "Doctors Anne and Peter Underwood" (if both parties are doctors)

On the inner envelope:

• "Dr. Barker and Mr. Underwood"
• "The Doctors Underwood"

Military Personnel

On the outer envelope:

• "Lieutenant Jonathan Kelly, US Navy and Mrs. Jane Kelly"
• "Captains Jane and Jonathan Kelly, US Navy" (if they both have military titles)

On the inner envelope:

• "Lieutenant Kelly, US Navy and Mrs. Kelly"
• "The Captains Kelly"

Lawyers

On the outer envelope:

• "Michelle Brown, Esq. and Mr. John Brown"
• "Michelle Brown, Esq. and John Brown, Esq." (if both parties are attorneys)

On the inner envelope:

"Mr. and Mrs. Brown"

Judges

On the outer envelope:

"The Honorable Gina Rodriguez and Mx. Alice Rodriguez"

On the inner envelope:

"Judge Rodriguez and Mx. Rodriguez"

When addressing guests with distinguished titles, the person with the higher-ranking title should be named first, regardless of gender. Additionally, it is important to use the correct titles or prefixes and avoid abbreviations or nicknames.

Frequently asked questions