Guide To Formatting Hyphenated Names On Wedding Invitations

When it comes to addressing wedding invites to people with hyphenated names, there are a few options. If the couple shares the same last name, you can address them as Mr. and Mrs. followed by the husband's first and last name. Alternatively, you can address them as Mr. and Mrs. followed by their respective first and last names. If the couple has different last names, the wife's name should come first, followed by the husband's name. In this case, Ms. is more appropriate than Mrs. since Mrs. is not technically correct when a woman hyphenates her name. For same-sex couples with one partner having a hyphenated name, list the hyphenated name last.

Formal vs. Informal Addressing: Use formal titles and full names for formal weddings, and be less formal for casual events

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to consider the formality of the event and the preferences of your guests. Here are some guidelines for formal versus informal addressing:

Formal Addressing:

For a formal wedding, it is customary to use full names and formal titles on the outer envelope. This includes honourifics such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms.", "Miss", or gender-neutral options like "Mx." When addressing a married couple with the same last name, use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's full name. For same-sex couples, either name can go first. If the couple has different last names, write their names on the same line with the woman's name first.

When addressing a married couple where one spouse has a hyphenated last name, use the following format:

> Outer envelope: "Mr. Marcus Craft and Mr. Brian Crosby-Craft"

> Inner envelope: "Mr. Craft and Mr. Crosby-Craft" or "Marcus and Brian"

If you are inviting a family with children, list the parents' full names and titles on the outer envelope, and include the children's names on the inner envelope. For girls under 18, you can use "Miss". Boys don't need a title until they are 16, then they can be addressed as "Mr.".

Informal Addressing:

For a more casual wedding, you may choose to use first names or first and last names without titles on the inner envelope. This is especially appropriate if your wedding has a relaxed vibe, such as a backyard barbecue or picnic. However, it is still recommended to use more formal wording for older or more conservative guests to show respect.

If you are unsure about a guest's preferences or are concerned about using the correct titles, you can simply use first and last names or forgo titles altogether. Additionally, you can always reach out to your guests and ask for their preferred form of address.

Remember, the most important aspect of addressing wedding invitations is to make your guests feel welcome and respected. By following these guidelines and considering your guests' preferences, you can ensure that your invitations are both proper and personalised.

Outer vs. Inner Envelopes: Address outer envelopes more formally, and inner envelopes more casually, including first names

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to consider the formality of the event and the relationship with the guests. Here are some tips for addressing outer and inner envelopes for a wedding, focusing on including first names in the inner envelope:

Outer Envelope vs. Inner Envelope:

The outer envelope is the one that will be seen by the post office and is typically more formal. The inner envelope is placed inside the outer envelope and is more casual, allowing for more flexibility and creativity in the addressing. Here are some guidelines for addressing each:

Outer Envelopes: Formality and Tradition:

• The outer envelope should be addressed with formality and include titles such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Mx. This is especially important for more formal weddings or when inviting older or more conservative guests.
• For a married couple with the same last name, the outer envelope can be addressed as "Mr. and Mrs. [Husband's First Name] [Last Name]." For a same-sex couple, either name can come first.
• When inviting a married couple with different last names, write their names on the same line, with the woman's name first. For example, "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez."
• If the spouse has a hyphenated name, include both last names. For instance, "Mr. Marcus Craft and Mr. Brian Crosby-Craft."
• When inviting a family, the outer envelope can include the family name or the parents' names. For example, "The Wilson Family" or "Mr. and Mrs. David Wilson."

Inner Envelopes: Casual and Personal:

• The inner envelope is where you can be more casual and include first names only. For example, if the outer envelope is addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren," the inner envelope can simply say "Thomas and Michelle."
• For a more intimate and casual vibe, consider addressing guests by nicknames or family relations, such as "Grandpa" or "Papa B."
• If you're close to the couple and they have different last names, you can list their names separately on the inner envelope. For example, "Maria and David."
• When inviting a family, the inner envelope is where you specify which family members are invited. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Wilson / David and Sarah" if only the parents and their children are invited.
• It's important to note that if children's names are not included on the inner envelope, it implies that they are not invited.
• Feel free to use first names only for a casual wedding, but consider using more formal wording for older or conservative guests.

Remember, the key difference between outer and inner envelopes is the level of formality. The outer envelope is more formal and traditional, while the inner envelope allows for a more casual and personalised tone.

Married Couple Addressing: Address couples with the same last name as Mr. and Mrs. followed by the husband's full name

When addressing wedding invitations to a married couple with the same last name, the traditional format is to use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's full name. Here are some examples to illustrate this:

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

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

However, it's important to consider that many modern women may prefer to have their names included instead of being lumped in with their husbands. In such cases, 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 the couple has children, you can include their names on the inner envelope as well. For older children, you can use "Mr." for boys and "Miss" for girls, while for younger children, you can simply use their names without any titles.

Additionally, it's worth noting that some women may prefer to be addressed as "Ms." instead of "Mrs." when using their names separately. It's always a good idea to consider the preferences of the couple and respect their wishes.

If you're unsure about the specific format or preferences, you can opt for a more casual approach by using first names only or first and last names without titles. This is especially true if your wedding is more casual or informal in nature.

Different Last Names: For couples with different last names, write the woman's name first, or list names separately

When addressing wedding invitations to couples with different last names, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to write the woman's name first, followed by the man's name. This can be done on the same line or on separate lines, depending on length. Here is an example of how to format the outer and inner envelopes for a couple with different last names:

Outer envelope: "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez"

Inner envelope: "Ms. Stevens and Mr. Estevez" or "Maria and David"

If the couple has a preference for a more modern approach, you can choose to omit the titles and use first and last names only. This option still follows traditional etiquette rules while offering a more contemporary feel.

In addition, when addressing a couple with different last names, it is suggested to list the person you are closest with first. If you are equally close to both individuals, you can opt to list their names alphabetically. This approach ensures that your guests feel respected and valued, regardless of gender or marital status.

Outer envelope: "Celine Elgin and James Purcell"

Inner envelope: "Celine and James"

These suggestions provide a flexible framework for addressing wedding invitations to couples with different last names, allowing you to choose the most suitable option for your guests while adhering to traditional etiquette guidelines.

Hyphenated Names: Address spouses with hyphenated names using Ms. or Mrs. followed by their full name

When addressing wedding invites to spouses with hyphenated names, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you are being respectful of their identity and their preferences. Firstly, it is important to use the correct titles or prefixes. For a spouse with a hyphenated name, you can use either "Ms." or "Mrs." followed by their full name. For example, "Ms. or Mrs. Jane Smith-Doe".

When addressing the envelope, it is standard to write the names of the spouses on the same line, with the woman's name first, followed by the man's name. For instance, "Ms. Jane Smith-Doe and Mr. John Doe". If the combined names are too long to fit on one line, it is acceptable to list them separately, still with the woman's name first. This format is used for the outer envelope, which contains the mailing address, postage, and return address.

For the inner envelope, which holds the invitation, RSVP card, and other enclosures, the format is more casual and typically includes first names only. For a couple with a hyphenated name, the inner envelope could be addressed as "Jane and John". If you are inviting children as well, their names would be listed below the parents' names, in order of age, such as "Jane and John, Billy and Greta".

It is worth noting that some people may have preferences that differ from these standard conventions, so it is always a good idea to check with the person if you are unsure.

Frequently asked questions