The Ultimate Guide To Addressing Wedding Invites To Names Ending In Z

Wedding invitation etiquette is a complex affair, with many nuances to consider. One such detail is how to address guests with names ending in 'Z' – a letter not often found at the end of surnames. The general rule for addressing wedding invitations is to use the guest's full, formal name, including titles. So, for a name ending in 'Z', you would typically write Mr. or Ms./Mrs. [Full Name]. For example, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Braz or Ms. Elizabeth Baz and Mr. Thomas Yaz.

If you are opting for a more casual approach, you may choose to use only the first names, for example, Alan and Sara Braz. However, it is essential to ensure that you are consistent with your chosen format and that you consider the preferences of your guests.

Married Couple, Same Last Name

When addressing wedding invitations to a married couple with the same last name, there are a few etiquette rules to follow. The outer envelope should be more formal, and you can address it as follows:

• For heterosexual couples, use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's full name: "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren".
• For same-sex couples, either name can go first: "Mr. and Mrs. Warren Smith".

If the couple prefers the wife's name to be included, you can address it as:

"Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren".

The inner envelope is more informal, and you can address it as follows:

• "Mr. and Mrs. Warren" or "Thomas and Michelle".
• If the couple has different last names, you can address them alphabetically or list the person you are closest to first: "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez".
• For same-sex couples with the same last name, you can address them as "Mr. and Mr." or "Mrs. and Mrs.": "Mr. and Mr. Smith" or "Mrs. and Mrs. Warren".

It is important to consider the couple's preferences and sensitivities when addressing the invitations. Modern women may prefer to have their names included instead of being lumped in with their husbands. In such cases, you can use their full names on the outer envelope and their first names on the inner envelope.

Married Couple, Different Last Names

When addressing wedding invitations to a married couple with different last names, the outer envelope should include both of their names on the same line, with the woman's name listed first. If their combined names are too long to fit on one line, list them separately. Here are some examples:

• "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez"
• "Mrs. Leslie Knope and Mr. Ben Wyatt"
• "Ms. Celine Elgin and Ms. Jacqueline Purcell"

If one partner has a hyphenated name, list the hyphenated name last. Either "Ms." or "Mrs." can be used:

"Mr. Andy Dwyer and Ms. April Ludgate-Dwyer"

The inner envelope is more informal, and you have a few options for how to address the couple. You can use titles and last names, or first names only (if you are very close with the couple). Here are some examples:

• "Ms. Stevens and Mr. Estevez" or "Maria and David"
• "Mrs. Knope and Mr. Wyatt" or "Leslie and Ben"
• "Ms. Elgin and Ms. Purcell" or "Celine and Jacqueline"
• "Mr. Dwyer and Ms. Ludgate-Dwyer" or "Andy and April"

If you are only using one envelope, include both invited parties on the front, following the same guidelines as for the outer envelope.

Married Couple, One Hyphenated Last Name

When addressing wedding invitations to a married couple with one hyphenated last name, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some guidelines to ensure your invitations are elegant, inviting, and properly formatted:

Outer Envelope:

The outer envelope is more formal and typically includes the full names and titles of the recipients. When addressing a married couple with one hyphenated last name, the outer envelope format can be:

• "Mr. [Husband's First Name] [Hyphenated Last Name] and Mrs/Ms. [Wife's First Name] [Hyphenated Last Name]"
• "Mr. [Husband's First Name and Last Name] and Mrs/Ms. [Wife's First Name] [Hyphenated Last Name]"
• "Mrs/Ms. [Wife's First Name] [Hyphenated Last Name] and Mr. [Husband's First Name and Last Name]"

For example:

• "Mr. Marcus Craft and Mr. Brian Crosby-Craft"
• "Mr. Marcus Craft and Mrs/Ms. Brian Crosby-Craft"
• "Mrs/Ms. Brian Crosby-Craft and Mr. Marcus Craft"

Inner Envelope:

The inner envelope is more informal and may include only the first names of the couple or their titles and last names. When addressing a married couple with one hyphenated last name, the inner envelope format can be:

• "[Husband's First Name] and [Wife's First Name]"
• "Mr. [Husband's Last Name] and Mrs/Ms. [Wife's Last Name]"

For example:

• "Marcus and Brian"
• "Mr. Craft and Mrs/Ms. Crosby-Craft"

General Tips:

• Use the titles that align with the preferences of the couple. For example, confirm if the wife prefers "Mrs." or "Ms."
• Avoid using nicknames or abbreviations.
• If you are having a casual wedding, you may opt for a less formal approach, such as leaving out titles or using only first names.
• If the couple has different last names, you can list the names alphabetically or based on whom you are closer to.

Unmarried Couple

When addressing wedding invitations to unmarried couples, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use the correct titles or prefixes for each person. For an unmarried woman, use "Ms." and for an unmarried man, use "Mr.". If the man or woman is under the age of 18, no title is necessary.

Secondly, the names should be listed on separate lines, with each person's name on its own line. The person you are closest to should be listed first, or you can go in alphabetical order by last name. If the couple has different last names, the order does not matter as much.

Outer envelope:

Mr. Ross Geller

Ms. Rachel Green

Inner envelope:

Mr. Geller

Ms. Green

Or, if you are closer with one person:

Outer envelope:

Ms. Rachel Green

Mr. Ross Geller

Inner envelope:

Ms. Green

Mr. Geller

If the unmarried couple does not live together, send separate invitations to each person.

Single Person

When addressing a wedding invitation to a single person, the outer envelope should include the guest's preferred title and full name. For a single female, use “Ms.” if she is over 18, and “Miss” if she is younger. For a single male, use “Mr.” if he is over 18; otherwise, no title is necessary. Here are some examples:

On the outer envelope:

• Ms. Ali Johnson
• Miss Donna-Jo Tanner
• Mr. George Costanza

The inner envelope is more informal. You can use only the guest's last name or first name, dropping the title and other elements of the formal name format. Here are some examples:

On the inner envelope:

• Ms. Johnson
• Miss Donna-Jo
• George

If your single guest has been offered a plus-one, you can simply write "and Guest" on the inner envelope. Here is an example:

On the outer envelope:

Mx. Sam Li

On the inner envelope:

Sam Li and Guest

If your guest identifies as non-binary, you can use the honorific "Mx." If your guest is a judge, use the term "The Honorable" before their full name. For a priest, use the term "Father."

Frequently asked questions