Addressing Save-The-Date Wedding Invites: A Simple Guide

Save-the-date wedding invitations are an essential part of wedding planning. They are the first wedding-related cards you'll send out, giving your guests a heads-up about your big day and ensuring they can make the necessary arrangements to be there. While they are similar to wedding invitations, save-the-dates are less formal and don't require the same level of etiquette. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to address save-the-date wedding invitations, covering different scenarios and offering tips for a smooth process.

Titles and names: Whether to use titles like Mr, Mrs, Miss, Dr, etc

When addressing save-the-date wedding invitations, there is no rule that says you need to use titles such as Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., etc. The level of formality is up to you, and save-the-date cards are often more casual than wedding invitations, so you don't need to worry about rules and etiquette.

However, if you do choose to use titles, it's important to be consistent for all adult guests throughout your save-the-dates and wedding invitations. For example, if you use "Ms." for one female guest, use it for all female guests. The same goes for "Mr." and "Mrs." This consistency will create a sense of uniformity and ensure that all your guests feel equally valued and respected.

When addressing a single female, you can include both her first and last name, with or without a title. If you opt for a title, use "Ms." if she is over 18 and “Miss” if she is under 18. For example:

• Ashleigh Nichol
• Ms. Ashleigh Nichol
• Miss Ashleigh Nichol

If you are extending a plus-one to a single female, you can add "and guest" to the address:

• Ashleigh Nichol and Guest
• Ms. Ashleigh Nichol and Guest
• Miss Ashleigh Nichol and Guest

When addressing a single male, you can use his first and last name without "Mr." unless he is over 18, in which case you may choose to include the title. For example:

• Javier Lagos
• Mr. Javier Lagos

If the single male guest is also extended a plus-one, simply add "and guest" to the address:

• Javier Lagos and Guest
• Mr. Javier Lagos and Guest

When addressing married couples, you can include both people's names, with or without titles. Traditionally, the man's name is listed first, but this is not mandatory, especially in the case of same-sex couples. You can list the person with a distinguished title (e.g., Dr., Rev., military rank) first or opt for alphabetical order. For example:

• Peter and Alison Smith
• Mr. and Mrs. Peter Smith
• Mr. Peter Smith and Mrs. Alison Smith
• Dr. Alison Smith and Mr. Peter Smith

If you are inviting unmarried couples or married couples with different last names, the format is similar. You can list the guests' names in whichever order feels most comfortable to you. For example:

• Melissa Yates and Richard Walker
• Richard Walker and Melissa Yates
• Mark Howden and Will Salter

When addressing families, you can choose to address the whole family or list family members individually. If you opt for individual listings, use titles and names for adults and children. Girls under 18 are typically addressed as "Miss", while boys under 18 do not need a title. For example:

• George, Tina, Matthew, and Imogen Wilkinson
• Mr. George, Mrs. Tina, Miss Imogen, and Matthew Wilkinson

Alternatively, you can use a more general approach:

• The Wilkinson Family
• Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson and Family

In conclusion, while the use of titles is optional on save-the-date wedding invitations, consistency is key if you choose to include them. This attention to detail will ensure that your guests feel welcomed and valued as you prepare for your special day.

Plus ones: How to address plus ones, e.g. and Guest

When it comes to addressing plus ones on save-the-date wedding invitations, there are a few guidelines to follow. Firstly, it is important to use the correct titles for the primary guest, such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms.", or "Mx.". If you are unsure about their preferred title, it is better to forgo the title altogether.

When inviting a plus one, simply add "and Guest" after the primary guest's full name. For example, if the primary guest is Ms. Ali Johnson, the invitation would be addressed to "Ms. Ali Johnson and Guest". This format can be used for both outer and inner envelopes.

If you know the name of the plus one, you can include it on the invitation. For example, "Ms. Sarah Lee and Guest" or "Mr. Terry Brown + Ms. Vanessa Smith". This approach is more personal and is especially appropriate if the couple has been together for a significant time.

For unmarried couples living together, both names should be included on separate lines. For example:

"Mr. Aaron Triguiero

Mr. Gabriel Reyes"

It is also worth noting that if you are only using one envelope, all invited parties, including plus ones, should be listed.

Married couples: Whether to include titles and full names

When addressing save-the-date wedding invitations to married couples, you can include or leave out titles and full names. It is entirely up to you. Save-the-date wedding invitations are more casual than wedding invitations, so you don't need to worry about rules and etiquette. The main concern is being clear about who is invited and correctly spelling names.

If you choose to include titles and full names, you can go the traditional route and use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the full name of the husband. Alternatively, you can list the full names of both spouses, with the husband's name first.

• Mr. and Mrs. Weston Scott
• Mr. Weston Scott and Mrs. Ellie Scott
• Peter and Alison Smith

If the couple has distinguished titles, such as doctors or military personnel, you can include these titles and list the person with the formal title first. For example:

• Dr. Ellie Scott and Mr. Weston Scott
• Dr. Alison Smith and Mr. Peter Smith

On the other hand, if you prefer to leave out titles and full names, you can simply address the invitation to the couple using their first names. Here are some examples:

• Weston and Ellie
• Peter and Alison

Ultimately, the decision to include or omit titles and full names is yours to make, and there is no right or wrong choice.

Unmarried couples: How to address couples with different last names

When addressing wedding save-the-dates to unmarried couples with different last names, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure your guests feel welcomed and respected. Here are some instructions to help you navigate this:

Use Full Names and Appropriate Titles:

Address each individual in the couple by their full name, including both their first and last name. Avoid using nicknames or shortened versions unless that is how they are commonly known. It is also customary to use appropriate titles such as "Mr." for adult males and "Ms." for adult females. For females under the age of 18, "Miss" is typically used. However, the use of titles is optional and can be omitted if preferred.

Avoid "and Guest":

When addressing unmarried couples, avoid using "and guest." This implies that the couple is not recognised as a unit and can be considered less personal. Instead, include both names on the save-the-date to ensure they feel valued and acknowledged as a couple.

Order of Names:

Traditionally, the man's name is listed first. However, this is not a rigid rule, especially in modern times. If you are closer to the woman in the couple, feel free to switch up the order and put her name first. For same-sex couples, you can list the person you are closest to first or simply alphabetise the order.

Addressing Envelopes:

When addressing the envelope, write each name on a separate line, followed by the address. This ensures a neat presentation, especially when dealing with long last names. Here's an example:

Ms. Sarah Davis

Mr. Ross Craton

123 Main Street

Peppermint City, OH 33332

Remember, these guidelines are meant to provide a framework, but ultimately, the choice is yours. You can personalise the addressing to match the tone and level of formality of your wedding.

Families: How to address families with children

When addressing save-the-date wedding invitations to families with children, there are a few options to consider. The traditional way to word the invitations is to list the children's names on the inner envelope but not on the outer one. The outer envelope is reserved for the names of the parents or guardians.

If you want to include the names of the children, you can list them individually on the inner envelope, or you can use a general term such as "and family". Here are some examples:

Outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

Inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Peter, Paul, and Mary

Or:

Outer envelope: The Thompson Family

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

If you are inviting a family with children who are 18 or older, it is customary to send separate invitations to the adult children. Here is an example:

Outer envelope: Ms. Audrey Abraham

Inner envelope: Ms. Abraham

When addressing families with children, it is also important to be clear about who is invited. Parents need to know whether they should find childcare or if their children are welcome to attend. You can make this clear by listing the names of the children or using a general term such as "and family".

It is worth noting that save-the-date wedding invitations are often more casual than formal wedding invitations, so you have more flexibility with the wording and etiquette. The main concern is to be clear about who is invited and to spell the names correctly.

Frequently asked questions