Addressing Wedding Invites: Unborn Babies, What To Write?

When it comes to addressing wedding invites to an unborn baby, there are a few options to consider. Some people choose to include the baby by writing Mr. and Mrs. John Doe and Baby Doe or Jane, John, and Baby Smith. Another option is to write The Doe Family or Mr. and Mrs. John Doe Family if you want to be more formal. If the baby's gender is known, you can also address the invite to Mr. and Mrs. John Doe and daughter/son. It's also a good idea to contact the parents and let them know that their baby is welcome at the wedding. This can be done through a phone call, email, or a separate note included with the invitation.

Using titles and formats

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to use the appropriate titles and formats for all invitees. Here are some guidelines on how to address envelopes and invitations when inviting couples who are expecting a baby:

• Use titles when addressing your guests. For example, write "Mr. John Doe" instead of "John Doe", and "Mrs. Jane Doe" instead of "Jane Doe".
• Address married couples as "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe" for a traditional option, or use "Mr. and Mrs. John and Jane Doe" to include the wife's first name.
• If the couple has different last names, address them as "Mr. John Doe and Ms. Jane Smith". Always use the word 'and' to join names in this scenario.
• If the baby has already been born and you know the name and gender, you can address the invitation to "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe and Baby Jane Doe".
• If the baby's name and gender are unknown, you can use a nickname or a fun way to reference the baby, such as "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe and Bump!".
• If you want to be more formal, you can address the invitation to "The Doe Family". You can then write the individual names of the family members inside the card.
• If the couple has older children, you can include their names as well: "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe and family (Baby Smith, Jane, and John Jr.)".
• If the couple is unmarried and living together, address them as "Mr. John Doe and Ms. Jane Smith".
• For doctors, members of the clergy, or elected officials, use their professional titles. For example, write "Dr. and Mrs. John Doe" or "The Doctors Doe" if they are both doctors.
• Use titles for children under 18. For boys under 13, use "Master", and for girls under 18, use "Miss".

Remember to consider the couple's preferences and comfort levels when addressing the invitation. If you are unsure, it is always a good idea to reach out and ask them directly.

Addressing unmarried couples

When addressing unmarried couples on wedding invites, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to list each person's name on a separate line to indicate that they are not legally married. The general format is as follows:

[Title] [Guest 1 name]

[Title] [Guest 2 name]

For example:

Mr. Aaron Triguiero

Mr. Gabriel Reyes

When deciding whose name to write first, you can either list the person you are closest with first or go in alphabetical order by last name. It's also worth noting that some people may prefer to omit titles altogether for a less formal approach. In this case, the format would simply be:

[Guest 1 name]

[Guest 2 name]

It's also important to consider the outer and inner envelope format. The outer envelope should be more formal, including titles and full names. The inner envelope can be more informal, where you have the option to leave out one or two elements of the formal name format.

If you are inviting an unmarried couple with children, the format is slightly different. The outer envelope is reserved for the names of the parents, and each child's name is listed on the inner envelope. For girls under 18, you can use "Miss" if desired. Boys do not need a title until they are 16, when they can be addressed as "Mr.".

Including children's names

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there are a few different scenarios and guidelines to follow, especially when inviting children. Here are some tips and examples for including children's names on wedding invites:

Outer and Inner Envelopes (Formal):

If you're using both outer and inner envelopes, the outer envelope should be formal and include the full name(s) and mailing address of the guest(s). For families with young children under 18, list only the parent(s) or guardian(s) name(s) on the outer envelope. On the inner envelope, you can include each child's name. For example:

Outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham

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

If the children are 18 or older and living with their parents, they should be listed on the outer envelope as well. However, if they are under 18, you can use "Miss" for girls and "Master" for boys under 13 to add formality.

Single Outer Envelope (Informal):

When using a single outer envelope, write the guest's full name and mailing address, including the names of children under 18. For example:

Outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham, Daniel, Jeffrey, Brittany, and Kelly Abraham

Addressing an Unborn Baby:

Now, if you want to address an unborn baby on the wedding invites, there are a few ways to do this. Some suggestions include:

• "Mr. John Doe, Mrs. Jane Doe, and Baby Doe" or a variation like "Jane, John, and Baby Smith"
• Using a nickname or a fun reference like "bump" if the parents are close friends: "Mom, Dad, and Bump Doe"
• Addressing it to "The Doe Family" or "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe Family"

However, it's important to consider that some people might be superstitious or uncomfortable with addressing an unborn baby directly, especially if the pregnancy is not far along. In such cases, you can send a separate note or call the parents to let them know that their baby will be welcome at the wedding.

General Tips:

• Use titles and formats appropriately, such as "Mr." and "Mrs."
• For unmarried couples living together, use "Mr." and "Ms."
• Spell out full addresses and avoid abbreviations, except for street names, house numbers, and zip codes.

Remember, these are just guidelines, and you can adjust them to fit your preferences and the style of your wedding invites.

Abbreviations and numerals

However, abbreviations can be used for less formal invitations. Courtesy titles such as "Mr." and "Mrs." can be abbreviated, but "Doctor" should be spelled out.

Return and response addresses

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to follow certain conventions to ensure that your guests of honour feel respected and that your invitations are clear. This is especially true when addressing unborn babies on wedding invites. Here are some tips and guidelines for return and response addresses when inviting families with expected newborns:

Return Address

The return address is traditionally printed or embossed on the envelope's flap. The return address should be that of the wedding hosts, and their names are typically not included. This is the address where you will receive RSVPs, so consider using a more convenient address if needed.

Response Address

The response or RSVP address is usually the same as the return address. However, if you prefer, you can choose a different address for collecting the RSVPs, especially if you have a wedding planner or are using a PO box.

Addressing the Family

When addressing the family, there are a few options to consider:

• "The Doe Family": Using "The Family" indicates that the entire household is invited, including any children. This option is a good choice if you want to be clear that the baby is also invited without specifically mentioning "Baby Doe".
• "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe": This is a traditional way to address a married couple. If you use this format, be sure to include the baby's name or specify "and family" to indicate that the baby is also invited.
• "Mr. and Mrs. John and Jane Doe": This format includes the first names of the married couple. Again, be sure to specify "and Baby Doe" or "and family" to extend the invitation to the expected newborn.
• "John, Jane, and Baby Smith": If the family is very close to you and you know they are referring to the baby by a nickname or as "Baby Smith", you can use this format. It is a fun and personal way to include the unborn baby in the invitation.

Other Considerations

• Online RSVPs: If you are using online RSVPs, you may still want to address the invitation to the family with the baby's name. On the RSVP form, you can then include a line for each person, allowing them to specify any accommodations they may need, such as high chairs or nursing accommodations.
• Superstitions and Sensitivities: Be mindful that some cultures and individuals may be superstitious about addressing things to unborn babies. Additionally, consider the parents' preferences and comfort levels, especially if the pregnancy is not far along. In such cases, you may choose to send the invitation to the parents and then contact them separately to let them know that the baby will be welcome.
• Privacy and Discretion: If you are concerned about privacy or discretion, you may opt to address the invitation to the parents only and then have a private conversation with them to extend the invitation to their baby.

Frequently asked questions