Addressing Wedding Invites: Married Couples With Kids

When addressing wedding invitations to a married couple with children, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use the correct titles and full names of the guests, avoiding any abbreviations or nicknames. The outer envelope should be formal and include titles and full names, while the inner envelope can be more informal, with the option to use first names only. If the married couple has the same last name, they can be listed together using the husband's first and last name, or both their first and last names if you want to address them equally. If they have different last names, you can list either name first based on your preference or closeness to the individual. Children's names are typically listed on the inner envelope, and girls under the age of 18 can be addressed as Miss. If the children are not invited, their names should not be included on the invitation to avoid confusion.

Outer envelope: Formality and titles

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to consider the formality of the event and the relationship of the guests. Here are some guidelines for addressing the outer envelope with the appropriate formality and titles for a married couple with children:

Formality and Titles:

• For a formal invitation, the outer envelope should include the full names of the recipients, including their personal titles. This is a foolproof option that works for couples of all genders and is somewhat traditional. For a married couple with children, you would address the parents' names with their respective titles.
• Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson
• Mr. Alan Thompson and Mrs. Emily Thompson
• The Thompson Family (for a more general invitation)
• It is important to include each child's name on the inner envelope to specify their invitation. Otherwise, simply using "and Family" indicates that children are included.
• Inner envelope: Alan, Emily, Roger, Chance, Miss Jennifer, and Miss Lily
• If the children are 18 or older, it is customary to send separate invitations to each child, unless they live at home with their parents.
• Ms. Audrey Thompson
• Outer envelope: Ms. Audrey Thompson
• Inner envelope: Ms. Audrey Thompson
• For a less formal invitation, you may choose to omit the titles and use only the first and last names of the recipients.
• Alan and Emily Thompson
• This format can also be used for same-sex couples, with appropriate prefixes.
• Mrs. Shyan Walton and Mrs. Kiara Walton
• Mr. Denzel Grant and Mr. Francis Grant
• Remember to double-check the preferred titles and names of your guests before finalising the invitations.

Inner envelope: Informal, first names

When addressing wedding invitations to a married couple with children, the inner envelope is where you can be more informal. Here are some examples of how to address the inner envelope:

• If the couple shares the same last name: "Thomas and Michelle" or "Mr. and Mrs. Warren".
• If the couple has different last names: "Maria and David" or "Ms. Stevens and Mr. Estevez".
• If one spouse has a hyphenated last name: "Marcus and Brian" or "Mr. Craft and Mr. Crosby-Craft".

Feel free to use first names only if you're going for a more casual vibe. It's also worth noting that if you're inviting the entire family, including children, their names are typically listed under the parents' names. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham, Daniel, Jeffrey, Brittany, and Kelly".

Children's names: On inner envelope, by age

When addressing wedding invitations to families with children, the general rule is to list the parents' names on the outer envelope and the children's names on the inner envelope, in order of age. Here are some examples to illustrate this:

Outer Envelope:

• "The Thompson Family"
• "Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson"
• "Mr. Alan Thompson and Mrs. Emily Thompson"

Inner Envelope:

• "Alan, Emily, Roger, Chance, Miss Jennifer, and Miss Lily"
• "Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, Roger, Chance, Miss Jennifer, and Miss Lily"

If you are using titles such as "Mr." and "Miss", be sure to use the full, formal names of your guests. For female children under the age of 18, the title "Miss" is typically used, while boys do not need a title until they are 16.

If you are inviting children over the age of 18, they should receive their own invitations. Here is an example:

Outer Envelope:

"Ms. Audrey Abraham"

Inner Envelope:

"Ms. Abraham"

If you do not want to include the names of specific family members, you can simply address the envelope to the entire family, such as "The Simpson Family". However, if you want to specify which family members are invited, it is important to list the names of each family member, starting with the parents and then listing the children in order of age.

Married couple: Same last name

When addressing wedding invitations to a married couple with the same last name, there are a few conventions to follow. Firstly, it is important to use the complete, formal names of the guests. For heterosexual couples, the outer envelope is typically addressed using "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's first and last name. For instance, "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren". The inner envelope can then be more informal, with options such as "Mr. and Mrs. Warren" or the first names of the couple, e.g., "Thomas and Michelle".

However, many modern women may prefer to have their first name included rather than being addressed solely as "Mrs." and lumped in with their husband. In this case, the outer envelope could be addressed as "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren", while the inner envelope remains the same.

If you are inviting children along with the married couple, their names can be included on the inner envelope. For girls under 18, you may use "Miss" if you wish, while boys do not need a title until they are 16, at which point they can be addressed as "Mr.". An example of how to address the inner envelope in this case is: "Mr. and Mrs. Warren, Thomas, and Miss Emily".

It is important to note that the conventions for addressing wedding invitations vary depending on the couple's gender and their preferences. For same-sex couples, either name can go first. Additionally, some non-binary guests may prefer to be addressed using "Mx." instead of "Mr.," "Mrs.," or "Ms.". It is always a good idea to double-check each attendee's preferred titles and names beforehand.

Same-sex couple: Same line

When addressing wedding invitations to a same-sex married couple with children, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the outer envelope should include the couple's names on the same line, separated by "and". Either name can go first, but if you're unsure, arrange them alphabetically by last name. Here's an example:

> "Mr. Dan Brown and Mr. John Smith"

Alternatively, you can use the plural form of the title, especially if they have the same last name:

> "The Messrs. Dan and John Smith"

For the inner envelope, you can drop the first names and use their titles with last names:

> "Mr. Brown and Mr. Smith"

If the couple has children under the age of 18, their names should be listed by seniority on the inner envelope, omitting their last names. For example:

> "Mr. and Mr. Smith

> Daniel

> Jeffrey

> Miss Brittany

> Mx. Kelly"

If the children are over the age of 18, they should receive separate invitations. Here's an example for the outer envelope:

> "Ms. Brittany Smith"

> "Mx. Kelly Smith"

Remember, it's always a good idea to double-check each attendee's preferred titles and names. These guidelines will help you navigate the invitation-addressing process for same-sex married couples with children.

Frequently asked questions