Guide To Addressing Names Correctly On Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are a chance to make your guests feel welcome, but addressing them correctly can be a headache. There are many nuances to consider, from marital status and titles to the inclusion of children and plus-ones. The traditional approach uses titles and full names, but modern alternatives include skipping titles or using nicknames. For formal weddings, understanding the appropriate titles and abbreviations is essential. This includes knowing when to use Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, and Mx., as well as how to address those with distinguished titles like Doctor or Judge. Same-sex couples may be addressed with The Mesdames or The Mssrs., while unmarried couples are listed on separate lines. Children's names are usually included on the inner envelope, and it's important to clarify if they're invited to avoid confusion.

Addressing married couples with the same last name

When addressing wedding invitations to married couples with the same last name, there are a few etiquette rules to follow. The outer envelope should be formal and include the recipient's full name(s) and title(s). For a heterosexual couple, use "Mr." and "Mrs." and spell out the husband's first and last name. For a same-sex couple, either name can go first.

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

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

If the couple is sensitive to the woman's name being left out, you can address the invitation like this:

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

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

For a married couple with the same last name but different first names, you can address the invitation in the following way:

Outer envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. John Rivera"

Inner envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Rivera"

If you are only using one envelope, all invited parties should be clearly stated on the front. For example: "Mr. and Mrs. John Rivera and family".

Addressing married couples with different last names

When addressing wedding invitations to married couples with different last names, there are a few etiquette rules to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to write their names on the same line, and it is customary for the woman's name to come first, followed by the man's name. If the combined names become too long and start to look cramped, you can list them separately. Here is an example of how to address the outer and inner envelopes:

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

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

If you are equally close to both individuals, you can also choose to list their names alphabetically, regardless of gender. For example:

Outer envelope: "Ms. Celine Elgin and Ms. Jacqueline Purcell"

Inner envelope: "Ms. Elgin and Ms. Purcell" or "Celine and Jacqueline"

It is worth noting that wedding invitation etiquette is becoming more flexible and modern. If you feel that traditional titles may be restrictive or exclusive for your guests, you can choose to forgo them and use only first and last names. Additionally, if you are unsure about a guest's preferred title, it is best to double-check with them beforehand.

Addressing unmarried couples

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations to unmarried couples, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to include both names of the couple on the invitation, even if you are closer to one half of the couple. Secondly, the way you address the envelope will differ depending on whether the couple lives together or separately.

If the unmarried couple lives together, their names should be included on the same line on the outer envelope, with the person you are closest to listed first. Here is an example:

"Mr. Stanley Kim and Ms. Amanda Rhee"

On the inner envelope, you can address them as:

"Mr. Kim and Ms. Rhee" or "Stanley and Amanda"

If the unmarried couple does not live together, it is ideal to send a separate invitation to each person. However, if you choose to send only one invitation, address the outer envelope to the primary guest and include the significant other's name on the inner envelope. Here is an example:

Outer envelope: "Mr. Aaron Triguiero"

Inner envelope: "Mr. Triguiero and Ms. Smith"

It is worth noting that if you are friends with both partners and would invite them individually, it is best to send separate invitations to their respective homes. This ensures clarity and avoids any potential confusion or hurt feelings.

Remember to use the appropriate titles ("Mr.", "Ms.", "Miss", etc.) and always double-check the preferred personal titles of your guests before finalising your wedding invitations.

Addressing single people

When addressing single people on wedding invitations, there are a few guidelines to follow. Firstly, it is important to use the person's preferred title. If you are unsure, it is best to leave out the title altogether. For unmarried women over the age of 18, "Ms." is the appropriate title, while "Miss" is used for those under 18. For unmarried men over the age of 18, the title "Mr." is used, while no title is necessary for those under 18.

When addressing a single person with a plus-one, you do not need to indicate this on the outer envelope. Simply write the invitee's name, followed by "and guest" on the inner envelope. For example:

On the outer envelope: "Ms. Stephanie Chen"

On the inner envelope: "Ms. Chen and guest" or "Stephanie and guest"

If the single person does not have a plus-one, the outer and inner envelopes will be addressed to them alone. For example:

On the outer envelope: "Mr. James Montgomery"

On the inner envelope: "Mr. Montgomery" or "James"

It is also important to note that the "and guest" should always be written in lowercase. Additionally, avoid using initials, abbreviations, or ampersands when addressing wedding invitations.

Addressing families with children

When addressing families with children on wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use the correct titles and full names of the parents or guardians on the outer envelope. For married couples, this can be done by using "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's full name, or by using "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by both the husband's and wife's full names. For unmarried couples, list the person you are closest with first, followed by their partner on a separate line.

When including children on the invitation, the outer envelope is generally reserved for children over the age of 18. Children under 18 are typically listed on the inner envelope by name and in order of age, with girls under 18 addressed as "Miss". If you do not include the names of children under 18 on the inner envelope, it is generally understood that they are not invited. However, it is important to note that some guests may still assume their children are welcome, so additional communication may be necessary.

Outer envelope: "The Thompson Family" or "Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson"

Inner envelope: "Alan, Emily, Roger, Chance, Miss Jennifer, and Miss Lily"

Outer envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham"

Inner envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham, Daniel, Jeffrey, Miss Brittany, and Mx. Kelly"

Outer envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Homer Simpson"

Inner envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie" or "Homer, Marge, Bart, Miss Lisa, and Miss Maggie"

Frequently asked questions