Franklin Dean
Wedding invitation wording can be a tricky business, especially when it comes to addressing guests on the envelopes. The traditional format for a formal wedding invitation is to include an outer envelope with a more personalised inner envelope, which contains the invitation, RSVP card, and any other wedding stationery. The outer envelope is more formal and typically includes titles and full names, while the inner envelope is more casual and may include first names only. It's important to be mindful of guests' preferences and to use their preferred titles, especially if they have a distinguished title or do not identify with a specific gender.
What You'll Learn
Addressing a married couple with the same last name
When addressing a married couple with the same last name, there are a few different ways to do this, depending on their titles and their gender.
Heterosexual Couple
For a heterosexual couple, use "Mr." and "Mrs." and spell out the husband's first and last name.
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 write:
Outer envelope: "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren"
Inner envelope: "Mr. Warren and Mrs. Warren" or "Thomas and Michelle"
Same-Sex Couple
For a same-sex couple, either name can go first.
Outer envelope: "Mr. and Mr. Thomas Warren" or "Mrs. and Mrs. Thomas Warren"
Inner envelope: "Mr. and Mr. Warren" or "Mrs. and Mrs. Warren" or "Thomas and Michelle"
Unspecified Gender Couple
If the gender of the couple is unspecified, you can use "Mx." as a gender-neutral title.
Outer envelope: "Mx. and Mx. Thomas Warren"
Inner envelope: "Mx. and Mx. Warren" or "Thomas and Michelle"
Uninviting Wedding Guests: Mastering the Art of Polite Exclusion
You may want to see also
Addressing a married couple with different last names
When addressing a married couple with different last names on a wedding invitation, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the outer envelope should include both of their names on the same line, with the woman's name listed first. If their combined names are too long to fit on one line, you can list them separately. Here is an example of how to format the outer envelope:
"Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez"
For the inner envelope, you can use their titles and last names or just their first names if you are close with the couple. Here are some examples of how to format the inner envelope:
"Ms. Stevens and Mr. Estevez" or "Maria and David"
It is also important to consider the couple's preferences and sensitivities. For example, some modern women may prefer to have their names included in the invitation rather than being lumped in with their husbands. In this case, you can modify the outer envelope to include both names:
"Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren"
Additionally, if the couple has different last names due to one partner having a hyphenated name, list the hyphenated name last. You can use either "Ms." or "Mrs." for the partner with the hyphenated name. Here is an example:
"Mr. Andy Dwyer and Ms. April Ludgate-Dwyer"
Remember to avoid using nicknames or abbreviations, and always double-check the correct titles or prefixes for each individual.
The Art of Asking: Wedding Principal Sponsors
You may want to see also
Addressing a married couple with one hyphenated last name
When addressing a married couple with one hyphenated last name, the general rule is to write their names on the same line, with the person who has the hyphenated name listed last. Here's how you can format the outer and inner envelopes for a heterosexual couple:
Outer Envelope:
Mr. Marcus Craft and Ms. Brian Crosby-Craft
Inner Envelope:
- Mr. Craft and Ms. Crosby-Craft
- Marcus and Brian
If you are addressing a same-sex couple with one hyphenated last name, the format remains the same, but you can list the names in alphabetical order or according to whom you are closest to:
Outer Envelope:
Ms. Susan Bunch and Ms. Carol Willik-Bunch
Inner Envelope:
- Ms. Bunch and Ms. Willik-Bunch
- Susan and Carol
It's worth noting that wedding invitation etiquette has become more flexible and modern. If you feel that traditional titles might be restrictive for your guests, you can opt for a more relaxed approach by using only first and last names on the outer envelope. For the inner envelope, you can choose to include titles and last names or switch to first names only if you want a more casual vibe.
Etiquette Guide: No Gifts, Please, on Wedding Invites
You may want to see also
Addressing an unmarried couple
When addressing an unmarried couple, it is important to note that wedding invitation etiquette varies depending on whether the couple lives together or apart.
Unmarried Couple Living Together
If the unmarried couple lives together, their names should be included on the same envelope, but on separate lines. The person you are closest to should be listed first, or you can go in alphabetical order if you are equally close to both guests. The word "and" is not included, as this implies that the couple is married.
Outer envelope:
> Mr. Stanley Kim
> Ms. Amanda Rhee
Inner envelope:
> Mr. Kim and Ms. Rhee
> Stanley and Amanda
Unmarried Couple Living Apart
If the unmarried couple does not live together, traditional etiquette dictates that each person should receive their own invitation. However, if you are close to both partners, you can send a single invitation to one of their addresses, including both names on the inner envelope. Alternatively, you can include a note with each invitation, specifying that both partners are invited.
Outer envelope (sent to the person you are closest to):
> Mr. Ross Geller
Inner envelope:
> Mr. Ross Geller and Ms. Rachel Green
If you are only using an outer envelope, you can include both names and addresses:
> Mr. Ross Geller and Ms. Rachel Green
> [Address 1]
> [Address 2]
Politely Declining Pork at a Wedding: A Guide
You may want to see also
Addressing a single female
When addressing a single female on a wedding invitation, the key thing to remember is to use her preferred title. If she is over 18, use "Ms." If she is younger than 18, use "Miss", spelled out in full.
Example One: Without a Plus-One
Outer envelope: Ms. Ali Johnson
Inner envelope: Ms. Johnson
Example Two: With a Plus-One
Outer envelope: Mx. Sam Li
Inner envelope: Sam Li and Guest
If you are unsure of the guest's preferred title, it is best to forgo the use of any title altogether. If the guest has a plus-one, it is best to include their name on the inner envelope if you know it. Otherwise, you can simply write "and Guest".
It is important to note that wedding invitation etiquette has evolved to become more flexible and inclusive. While traditional titles such as "Ms." or "Miss" are still commonly used, you may choose to forgo them altogether and use only the guest's name, especially if you are having a casual wedding.
Guide to Inviting Guests to Your Wedding After-Party
You may want to see also
