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Save-the-date cards are often the first wedding-related cards you send out, so it's important to get them right. The purpose of these cards is to give your guests advance notice of your wedding so they can clear their calendars and make travel arrangements. While it's ultimately up to you how to address your save-the-date cards, there are some guidelines and tips you can follow to ensure your cards are clear, professional, and effective. This includes deciding whether to use titles, how to address married couples, and whether to include children's names.
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What You'll Learn
Whether to include children's names
Whether or not you include children's names on your save-the-date cards depends on whether you plan to invite them to your wedding. If you do not intend to invite children, it is best to avoid including their names. Instead, address the card to the parents only. This approach clarifies who is invited, helping guests plan ahead and giving them ample time to plan childcare if needed.
However, if you are inviting children to your wedding, you may want to include their names on the save-the-date cards. In this case, it is customary to use their full names, just as you would for adult guests. You can use titles such as "Master" for boys and "Miss" for girls, or simply address them by their first and last names without a title.
If you are unsure whether to include children, you can wait until you send out your formal wedding invitations. Include an RSVP card that asks guests to indicate whether they will be bringing their children. This way, you can ensure that your save-the-date cards are clear and accurate.
Ultimately, the decision to include children's names is a matter of personal preference and the style of your wedding. Save-the-date cards are often less formal than wedding invitations, so you can be more playful and creative with your wording. You can also choose to address families collectively, such as "The Smith Family," which gives a subtle signal of the level of formality expected for the event.
It is important to remember that the goal is to make your guests feel welcome, so use whichever names they prefer. If you are in doubt about a guest's preference, it is always respectful to use their full name and formal title on the save-the-date card.
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Formal vs informal addressing
Save-the-date cards are usually the first wedding-related cards you send out, and they serve as a courtesy to your guests, giving them advance notice of your wedding so they can plan to attend. While they are simple to address, the style you choose will depend on the type of wedding you're having and your personal preferences. Here is a guide to help you navigate the nuances of formal versus informal addressing:
Formal Addressing
A formal address format is ideal for traditional weddings. It includes titles and full names, such as "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith". When addressing married couples, you can use "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's first and last name. For unmarried couples, you can use "Mr." or "Ms." followed by their first and last names. It is important to note that when using a formal address, you should include titles such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Miss", "Dr.", "Rev.", etc., to ensure your invitations are respectful and appropriate.
Informal Addressing
An informal address format is more relaxed and is perfect for casual weddings. It includes first names only, such as "John and Sarah". This style is suitable for close friends and family members. When addressing unmarried single guests over 18, you may choose to use "Ms." or omit the title and use just their name. For instance, "Ms. Holly Curry" or "Holly Curry" are both acceptable. Informal addressing allows you to be playful and add your personality to your wedding planning.
Combined Address
The combined address format blends the formal and informal styles. For example, when addressing a married couple, you can use their first names and last name, such as "Peter and Belinda Kavinsky". If the couple does not share a last name, include both their first and last names, even if you are only friends with one half of the couple. This makes the invitation more personal.
Additional Considerations
Regardless of the style you choose, it is essential to use full names, even if your guests are more familiar with their nicknames. This ensures your invitations are clear and professional. When addressing save-the-date cards to families, specify whether children are invited to avoid confusion. You can address the card to "The Smith Family" to clarify who is invited, helping guests plan accordingly.
In conclusion, while the addressing style depends on your wedding's tone and your preferences, the key is to make your guests feel welcome. Use whichever names they prefer, and be consistent in your formatting. Remember, save-the-date cards are often more casual than wedding invitations, so don't be afraid to add a personal touch!
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Using titles for children
Save-the-date cards are usually less formal than wedding invitations, so you don't need to worry about strict rules and etiquette. However, there are some guidelines to consider when addressing children with titles.
If you choose to use titles, consistency is key. Ensure that you maintain the same style for all guests, both adults and children, across both your save-the-date cards and wedding invitations.
For female guests under the age of 18, "Miss" is the standard title. For example, "Miss Sarah Smith".
If the child is a male under 18, you can address them as "Master", followed by their name. For example, "Master Michael Long".
In modern times, it is becoming increasingly common to forgo titles altogether, especially for save-the-date cards. If your wedding is a casual event and the guests are of a similar age, you can opt to omit the titles for children and adults alike.
Ultimately, it is your wedding, so feel free to add your personality to your wedding planning. The most important thing is to make your guests feel welcome, so use whichever name they prefer.
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Addressing unmarried couples
When addressing unmarried couples on save-the-date wedding cards, there are a few different approaches you can take. Firstly, consider the level of formality you wish to convey. If you are having a traditional wedding, a formal addressing style is ideal. In this case, use titles ("Mr.", "Ms.", "Miss") followed by the couple's full names. For example, "Ms. Regina Spektor and Mr. Henry Dunant". Traditionally, the man's name is listed first, but if you are closer to the woman, you can switch the order and put her name first. If you are addressing a same-sex couple, you can list the person you are closest to first, or simply alphabetize the names.
If you are having a casual wedding, you may opt for an informal addressing style. This format includes first names only, for example, "John and Sarah". This style is ideal for close friends and family members. Alternatively, you can combine the formal and informal formats.
It is worth noting that save-the-date cards are less formal than wedding invitations, so you may choose to omit titles altogether and simply use the couple's full names, for example, "Jacob Kidman and partner". This is especially true if your wedding is a laid-back, casual event with guests who are your age.
If the couple does not share a last name, be sure to include both their names, even if you are only friends with one half of the couple. Avoid using "and guest", as this may be considered impersonal and could potentially lead to confusion or hurt feelings. Instead, always list both guests' full names and titles, if you have been including them. For example, "Ms. Chandrika Jones and Ms. Jane Smith".
Finally, if children are invited to the wedding, you can include their names on the save-the-date card following their parents' names, or simply write out the family's name. For example, "Mr. James, Ms. Elham, Juniper, and Marcus Awad".
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Using nicknames
However, there are no hard rules, and ultimately, it's your wedding, so you can choose how to address your save-the-date cards. If you have a friend who is primarily known by their middle name, for example, Steve, it would be more appropriate to use that name. The goal is to make your guests feel welcome, so use whichever name they prefer.
When addressing families with children, the outer envelope is typically reserved for the names of the parents or guardians. You can then list each child's name on the inner envelope, along with their respective titles, such as "Miss" for girls under 18 and "Mr." for boys over 16. If you are unsure about including children, you can wait until sending out the formal wedding invitations and include an RSVP card for guests to indicate if they will bring their children.
Save-the-date cards are often more casual than wedding invitations, so you have some flexibility in how you address your guests. If you decide to use nicknames, ensure you are consistent with your chosen format for all guests.
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Frequently asked questions
Save-the-date cards are often less formal than wedding invitations, so you don't need to worry about strict rules and etiquette. You can choose to use titles like Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Dr., or opt for a more relaxed style with just first names. Ultimately, it depends on the type of wedding you're having and your personal preference.
Unless you plan to invite children to your wedding, it's best to avoid including their names on the save-the-date cards. Instead, address the card only to the parents. You can clarify who is invited by addressing the card to "The [Last Name] Family," which gives families with uninvited children time to plan for childcare.
If you know the name of your guest's partner, it's nice to include them by name. If you don't know their name or they don't have a steady partner, you can add "and guest" so it's clear that your invitee is welcome to bring someone.
