Lyla Dejesus
When addressing a wedding invitation to a rector, it's important to follow proper etiquette. The outer envelope should be formal and include the recipient's full name and title. For a rector, the correct title may be Pastor, Reverend, or Rector, so be sure to check the specific branch of Christianity they preach. The outer envelope could read: The Reverend and Mrs. David Smith. The inner envelope is more informal, so you could address it to Reverend and Mrs. Smith or David and Michelle. If the rector has a doctorate, write The Reverend Dr. on both envelopes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Envelope Format | Inner and outer envelopes |
| Outer Envelope | Formal, full name(s) and title(s) |
| Inner Envelope | Informal, first names only |
| Titles | Reverend, Doctor, Pastor |
| Name Order | Alphabetical, person you are closest to |
What You'll Learn
Outer envelope format
The outer envelope is the envelope that is stamped and addressed, and it follows a formal etiquette. Traditionally, the outer envelope is addressed using titles, first, and last names. No abbreviations or middle initials are used when addressing formal invitations. While titles like Mr., Mrs., Ms., and Dr. are abbreviated, all other words such as "Street" or "Boulevard" are spelled out. State names can be written in full or use the two-letter postal code abbreviation.
To a Single Person
For a single male guest, use "Mr." if he is over 18. Otherwise, no title is necessary:
> Mr. James Montgomery
For a single female guest, use "Ms." if she is over 18. If she is younger, "Miss" is used and should be spelled out, not abbreviated:
> Ms. Stephanie Chen or Miss Stephanie Chen
For a non-binary guest, use the abbreviation "Mx.":
> Mx. Courtney Andrews
To a Single Person with a Plus One
If you know the name of the plus one, include their name on the outer envelope as you would for an unmarried couple:
> Ms. Jessica Spano Mr. Albert Clifford Slater
If you don't know the name of the plus one, simply write "and guest" after the invitee's name:
> Mr. Zachary Morris and guest
To an Unmarried Couple
For an unmarried couple living together, list both names on one line, with the person you are closest to coming first. If you are equally close to both, go in alphabetical order:
> Mr. Ed Parsons & Ms. Kara Morgan
If the unmarried couple does not live together, send separate invitations to each guest.
To a Married Couple
If the married couple has the same last name, you can list them together using "Mr." and "Mrs." and the husband's first and last name:
> Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren
Alternatively, you can use both the husband's and wife's first and last names if you want to address them equally:
> Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren
If the married couple has different last names, write their names on the same line with the person you are closest to coming first. If you know both guests equally well, it is traditional to open with the female's name:
> Mrs. Gwyneth Brookes and Mr. Cyan Matthews or Mrs. Georgina Evans and Mr. Simon Khan
To a Married Couple with One Person Holding a Distinguished Title
If one partner has a distinguished title, such as a judge, military personnel, or a member of the clergy, the title comes first, regardless of gender:
> Rabbi and Mrs. Richard Glass or Rabbi Richard and Mrs. Rosina Glass
If one partner is a judge, use the term "The Honorable":
> The Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Mr. Martin David Ginsburg
To a Married Couple with Both Partners Holding Distinguished Titles
If both partners have distinguished titles, the higher-ranking title comes first. If they have the same rank, traditionally, the woman is listed first:
> Colonel Peter Jefferies and Reverend Margaret Jefferies
To a Family
If you want to be general, you can address the envelope to the whole family:
> The Thompson Family
If you want to specify which family members are invited, list the names of each family member, starting with the parents' names, followed by the children's names in order of age:
> Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson Mr. Roger Thompson Miss Jennifer Thompson Miss Lily Thompson
To Children of Friends/Family Over 18
Children of friends and family who are over 18 and no longer live with their parents should receive their own invitation:
> Ms. Rachel Thompson
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Inner envelope format
The inner envelope is more informal, giving you the option to leave out one or two elements of the formal name format of the outer envelope.
For a single person with a plus one, it is best to know the name of the guest's plus one. If not, simply include "and Guest" or "and guest" following the full name of the invitee.
Example One: Without a Plus One
On the outer envelope: Ms. Ali Johnson
On the inner envelope: Ms. Johnson
Example Two: With a Plus One
On the outer envelope: Mx. Sam Li
On the inner envelope: Sam Li and Guest
For a married couple, put their names on the same line. If they have different last names, list the person you are closest with first. If you are equally close with them, go in alphabetical order.
Example One: Same Last Name
On the outer envelope: Mr. John and Mrs. Samantha Rivera
On the inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Rivera
Example Two: Different Last Names
On the outer envelope: Ms. Celine Elgin and Ms. Jacqueline Purcell
On the inner envelope: Ms. Elgin and Ms. Purcell
For an unmarried couple, both names should still be included on the envelopes, but in this case, each name gets its own line. Again, list the person whom you are closest with first or go by alphabetical order if you are equally close to both guests.
Example
On the outer envelope: Mr. Aaron Triguiero Mr. Gabriel Reyes
On the inner envelope: Mr. Triguiero Mr. Reyes
For a family with young children (under 18), the outer envelope is reserved for the name(s) of the parent(s) or guardian(s). You should list each child by name on the inner envelope. For girls under 18, you can use Miss, if you'd like. Boys don't need a title until they're 16—then they can be addressed as Mr.
Example
On the outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham
On the inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham Daniel, Jeffrey, Miss Brittany and Mx. Kelly
If you are inviting a family that includes children who are 18 or older, they should each receive their own invitations (unless they're living at home with their parents). You don't need to use titles, but you can if you'd like. Just be sure that you're using the correct identifiers.
Example
On the outer envelope: Ms. Audrey Abraham
On the inner envelope: Ms. Abraham
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Rector's full name
When addressing a wedding invitation to a rector, it is important to use their full name, including their specific religious title. The specific title used may vary depending on the branch of Christianity they preach. Common titles include “Pastor”, “Reverend”, or "Rector".
Outer Envelope:
- The Reverend John Smith
- The Reverend and Mrs. John Smith (if inviting the rector's spouse)
- The Reverend Dr. and Mrs. John Smith (if the rector has a doctorate)
Inner Envelope:
- Reverend Smith (and Mrs. Smith if inviting the spouse)
- Reverend John and Mrs. Smith (using first names is more informal)
Starting the Letter:
Begin the letter with "Dear Pastor", "Dear Reverend", or "Dear Dr." [Last Name] depending on the specific title and formality.
It is important to check the rector's official title on the church's website or by contacting the church office to ensure you are using the correct title and form of address.
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Rector's title
When addressing a wedding invitation to a rector, it is important to use their correct title. The specific title used may vary depending on the branch of Christianity they preach. Common titles for a rector include "reverend", "pastor", or simply "rector".
To ensure you are using the correct title, you can check the church's website or contact the church office.
Outer envelope: "The Reverend and Mrs. [Rector's First Name] [Rector's Last Name]"
Inner envelope: "The Reverend and Mrs. [Rector's Last Name]" or " [Rector's First Name] and [Spouse's First Name]"
If the rector has a doctorate, the address would be modified as follows:
Outer envelope: "The Reverend Dr. and Mrs. [Rector's First Name] [Rector's Last Name]"
Inner envelope: "The Reverend Dr. and Mrs. [Rector's Last Name]" or "Dr. [Rector's First Name] and [Spouse's First Name]"
It is also appropriate to include the name of the rector's church and its mailing address on separate lines below the address:
"The Reverend and Mrs. David Smith
Ascension Baptist Church
100 Oak St., Anywhere, FL, 33256"
When addressing the letter itself, you can begin with "Dear Pastor", "Dear Reverend", or "Dear Dr." [Rector's Last Name].
Remember to use the rector's preferred title and adjust the address format as needed based on their specific religious title.
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Rector's spouse's name
When addressing a wedding invitation to a rector, it is important to use the correct titles and name format. The general rule for formal invitations is to use the recipient's full, formal name, including their personal title.
In the case of a rector, the correct title to use is "The Reverend". If the rector has a doctorate, the title becomes "The Reverend Dr." This title is followed by the rector's first and last name.
For example, if the rector's name is David Smith, the outer envelope of the invitation can be addressed as:
> "The Reverend and Mrs. David Smith"
If the rector has a doctorate, the outer envelope can be addressed as:
> "The Reverend Dr. and Mrs. David Smith"
On the inner envelope, a more informal format can be used. You can address the rector as “Reverend followed by their last name, or use their first and last name. For example:
> "Reverend Smith" or "David and Mrs. Smith"
If the rector's spouse's name is known, it is proper etiquette to include it in the address. The format remains the same, with the addition of the spouse's name after the rector's name.
For example, if the rector's spouse is named Linda, the outer envelope can be addressed as:
> "The Reverend and Mrs. David and Linda Smith"
> or "The Reverend Dr. and Mrs. David and Linda Smith"
On the inner envelope, the format can be adjusted to:
> "Reverend David and Linda Smith" or "David and Linda Smith"
These formats ensure that the rector's spouse is included and properly addressed on the wedding invitation.
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Frequently asked questions
The proper way to address a wedding invitation to a rector is by using their specific religious title, such as "rector," "reverend," or "pastor." On the outer envelope, you can write "The Reverend and Mrs." followed by their names. On the inner envelope, you can use their title and last name or their first and last name.
If the rector has a doctorate, the address format changes slightly. On the outer envelope, write "The Reverend Dr. and Mrs." followed by their names. On the inner envelope, you can address them as "Dr." followed by their last name.
If you are using only one envelope, combine the formats for the outer and inner envelopes. For example, you can write "The Reverend and Mrs." or "The Reverend Dr. and Mrs." followed by their names on the single envelope.
When addressing the rector's spouse, use the appropriate title or prefix based on their gender or preference. For example, use "Mrs." for a married woman or "Ms." for an unmarried woman. For a non-binary spouse, you can use the honorific "Mx."
