Addressing A Mayor: Wedding Invitation Etiquette Simplified

When addressing a wedding invitation to a mayor, it is important to follow the correct etiquette to ensure your guests feel welcome and respected. The outer envelope of a wedding invitation is typically more formal, while the inner envelope is slightly more casual. For a mayor, the outer envelope should include their full formal title, such as The Honorable [Name] [Last Name], Mayor of [City]. The inner envelope can be less formal, with Mayor [Last Name] or Mayor and Mrs. [Last Name] being appropriate. It is also acceptable to use Mr. Mayor or Madam Mayor when addressing a mayor in person or in the body of a letter.

How to address the outer envelope

When addressing a wedding invitation to a mayor, the correct etiquette to follow depends on whether you are addressing the inner or outer envelope, and whether the mayor is married.

The outer envelope is what is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope only has the names of the invitees. The outer envelope should be formal and include the recipient's full name and title.

If the mayor is married, the outer envelope should read: "The Honorable [Mayor's First Name] [Mayor's Last Name], Mayor of [Your Town]." The mayor's wife's name would be printed underneath.

For example, if the mayor's name is John Smith, the outer envelope would read: "The Honorable John Smith, Mayor of Your Town."

If the mayor has a different last name from their spouse, the outer envelope can include both names on the same line, with the person you are closest with listed first, or in alphabetical order if you are equally close to both:

"The Honorable John Smith and Mrs. Jane Smith, Mayor and Mrs. of Your Town"

Alternatively, if the mayor's spouse has taken their last name, you can address the invitation to reflect that:

"The Honorable John and Mrs. Samantha Smith, Mayor and Mrs. of Your Town"

If the mayor is unmarried, simply address the envelope to "The Honorable [Mayor's Name], Mayor of [Your Town]."

Inner Envelope Addressing

The inner envelope is more informal, and you have the option to leave out certain elements of the formal name format used on the outer envelope. For the inner envelope, you can address the mayor as "Mayor [Last Name]" or "Your Honor."

For example, using the name from above, the inner envelope can read: "Mayor Smith (or Your Honor) and Mrs. Smith."

How to address the inner envelope

The inner envelope of a wedding invitation is more informal than the outer envelope. This means that you can leave out one or two elements of the formal name format used on the outer envelope. For example, if you are inviting a married couple with the same last name, the outer envelope would be addressed as "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren", while the inner envelope would be addressed as "Mr. and Mrs. Warren" or "Thomas and Michelle".

If you are inviting a mayor and their wife, the outer envelope would read: "The Honorable John Smith, Mayor of [Your Town]". The inner envelope would then read: "Mayor Smith and Mrs. Smith". You could also address the mayor as "Mr." on the inner envelope.

• Married couple with different last names: "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez" or "Maria and David"
• Married couple, one of whom is a doctor: "Dr. Tami Takata and Mr. Tyler Takata" or "Tami and Tyler"
• Unmarried couple living together: "Ms. Alysson Schulz and Mr. Ricardo Gonzales" or "Alysson and Ricardo"
• Single person with a plus one: "Sam Li and Guest"
• Family with young children: "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham. Daniel, Jeffrey, Miss Brittany, and Mx. Kelly"

How to address the mayor in person

When addressing a mayor in person, it is customary to use their shortened title, "Mayor", followed by their last name. For example, if addressing the Mayor of Nashville, you would say "Mayor Barry". This form of address is appropriate when first meeting the mayor and throughout the conversation.

In the US, it is also acceptable to address a mayor as "Your Honor", "Mr. Mayor", or "Madam Mayor". In Canada, the form "Your Worship" is also used.

When introducing a mayor to an audience at a public event or speaking engagement, it is appropriate to use their full formal title. For example, "The Honorable Megan Barry, Mayor of the City of Nashville".

How to address the mayor in a letter

When addressing a mayor in a letter, the correct etiquette to follow depends on the context. If you're writing a formal letter to the mayor, use their full title, which is "The Honorable" followed by their full name and "Mayor of [city]." For example, "The Honorable John Smith, Mayor of Your Town." This is how you should address the outer envelope of a formal letter to the mayor.

On the inner envelope and in the salutation of the letter, you can use the shorter title "Mayor" followed by their last name, such as "Mayor Smith." In the body of the letter, it is appropriate to refer to the mayor as "Mayor" with their last name, or use "Mr. Mayor" or "Madam Mayor."

If you are addressing a mayor outside of the US, they may have different formal titles. For example, in the UK and British Commonwealth countries, a mayor's full formal title is "His/Her Worship Mayor Firstname A. Lastname."

It is important to maintain a respectful tone throughout your letter, even if you are using the shorter title "Mayor" with their last name. Addressing a mayor in a letter requires following the correct protocol to ensure your letter is taken seriously.

How to address the mayor in a speech

If you are addressing a mayor in a speech, it is important to use the correct form to convey respect and be taken seriously. The way you address the mayor will depend on the context and the level of formality of the occasion. Here are some guidelines on how to address the mayor in a speech:

• Formal Occasions: If you are introducing the mayor at a formal event or speaking engagement, use their full formal title. For example, in the US, you would say, "The Honorable John Smith, Mayor of Your Town." In the UK and British Commonwealth countries, the full formal title is "His/Her Worship Mayor Firstname A. Lastname."
• Informal Occasions: If the occasion is less formal, such as a community gathering or a casual meeting, it is appropriate to address the mayor as "Mayor" followed by their last name. For example, "Mayor Smith."
• Direct Address: When directly addressing the mayor in conversation or when urging them to take action, you can use "Mayor" with their last name, or more formal options like "Mr. Mayor" or "Madam Mayor." In some countries, such as Canada, you can also use "Your Worship," similar to "Your Honor" in the US.
• Polite Address: Throughout a conversation, it is respectful to maintain a polite address by using "Mayor" and their last name or a simple "sir" or "ma'am."
• Written Correspondence: When writing a formal letter to the mayor, use their full formal title on the envelope. For example, "The Honorable John Smith, Mayor of Your Town." In the salutation of the letter, you can use "Dear Mayor Smith" or simply "Mayor Smith."
• Reserve Formal Titles: Remember to reserve formal titles for mayors currently in office. For former mayors or mayor-elects, use standard honorifics like Mr., Ms., or Dr.

Frequently asked questions