The Art Of Addressing Wedding Invitations: A Weddingwire Guide

WeddingWire offers a range of tips and tricks for addressing wedding invitations. From the formality of the event to the age of your guests, there are many factors to consider when sending out invites. For instance, it's important to use full names and find out guests' pronouns before addressing envelopes. You should also be mindful of titles, such as Dr. or Esq., and whether children are invited. When it comes to printing, you can choose from options like clear labels, printing directly on envelopes, or hiring a calligrapher. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but taking the time to address invitations properly will ensure your guests are happy and respected.

Using titles like Mr. and Mrs

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to use titles and full names to avoid offending your guests. Here are some tips on using titles like "Mr." and "Mrs.":

Married Couple, Different Sex, Same Last Name:

It is common to list the couple on the same line, using the titles "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the man's full name. However, you can also write out each person's first name, with the woman's name first if preferred.

Examples:

• Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Johnson
• Mr. Samuel and Mrs. Eliza Johnson

Married Couple, Same Sex, Same Last Name:

For two women, use the title "The Mesdames" followed by their first names and last name. For two men, use "The Mssrs." You can also use the less formal "Mrs. and Mrs." or "Mr. and Mr." followed by their full names.

Examples:

• The Mesdames Suzanne and Deborah Jones
• Mrs. Suzanne and Mrs. Deborah Jones
• The Mssrs. Robert and Peter Smith
• Mr. Robert and Mr. Peter Smith

Married Couple, Different Sex, Different Last Names:

Write out each person's full name with "Mr." or "Mrs." The man's name is commonly listed first, but you can choose to list the woman's name first.

Examples:

• Mr. Frank Smith and Mrs. Grace Apple
• Mrs. Grace Apple and Mr. Frank Smith

Married Couple, Same Sex, Different Last Names:

List both full names on the same line, with each name preceded by the appropriate title, "Ms." or "Mr."

Examples:

• Ms. Lisa Chan and Ms. Angelica Green
• Mr. Bradley Washington and Mr. Walter Randolph

Additional Title Considerations:

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to consider other titles that may be applicable, such as "Dr." or "PhD." If one partner has a distinguished title, it should be included. For doctors of the same sex, use "The Doctors" followed by their last name.

Examples:

• Dr. and Mrs. Jared Cooper (different sex, man is a doctor)
• Dr. Lilian and Mr. Seth Weinberg (different sex, woman is a doctor using married last name)
• Dr. Suzanne Jones and Mr. Joshua Turner (different sex, woman is a doctor using maiden name)
• The Doctors Lilian and Thomas Wallis (same-sex couple, both doctors)

Addressing couples with different last names

When addressing wedding invitations to couples with different last names, the outer envelope should include both individuals' full names, with each name preceded by an appropriate title, such as "Mr." or "Ms.". The names can be listed alphabetically, with the woman's name first, or vice versa. Here's an example:

> Outer envelope: "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez"

For the inner envelope, you can use their first names, or shorten the outer envelope format to include only their last names, like so:

> Inner envelope: "Ms. Stevens and Mr. Estevez" or "Maria and David"

If the combined names are too long to fit on one line, list them separately.

> Outer envelope: "Dr. Tami Takata and Ms. Christina Smith"

> Inner envelope: "Dr. Takata and Ms. Smith" or "Tami and Christina"

When addressing a married couple with different last names, you can also include "and" between their names, like this:

> Mr. Frank Smith and Mrs. Grace Apple

The key is to be consistent and follow the same format for all your invitations to avoid any confusion or offence.

Including titles like Dr

When it comes to wedding invitations, the devil is in the details. Including titles like "Dr." can be a great way to recognise your guests' achievements, but it's important to do so correctly to avoid causing offence. Here are some tips to help you navigate this tricky terrain:

Recognising Achievements

It's important to recognise your guests' achievements, such as earning a doctoral degree or holding a prestigious title. Including titles like "Dr." is a way to show your respect and appreciation for their hard work. It's also a good idea to find out your guests' pronouns before addressing the envelopes to avoid any mishaps.

Consistency is Key

Consistency is essential when it comes to including titles. If you decide to include titles for some guests, it's a good idea to extend the same courtesy to others. This ensures that everyone feels valued and respected. However, it's worth noting that some guests may prefer a more casual approach, so it's always a good idea to ask beforehand if you're unsure.

Formality and Flexibility

The level of formality of your wedding can also guide your decision. More formal weddings often call for the use of titles, while casual weddings may allow for a more relaxed approach. However, it's worth noting that some guests, especially those from older generations, may prefer titles regardless of the formality of the event.

Specific Scenarios

There are a few specific scenarios to consider when including titles like "Dr.":

• Same-sex couples: When addressing same-sex couples, use titles like "Mrs." and "Mr." accordingly. For example, "Mrs. Suzanne and Mrs. Deborah Jones" or "Mr. Robert and Mr. Peter Smith".
• Different last names: If the couple has different last names, list both full names, each preceded by their appropriate title. For example, "Dr. Suzanne Jones and Mr. Joshua Turner".
• Woman is a doctor: When the woman is a doctor, her name should be listed first and preceded by the "Dr." title. For example, "Dr. Lilian and Mr. Seth Weinberg".
• Man is a doctor: If the man is a doctor, use the title "Dr. and Mrs." followed by the man's full name. For example, "Dr. and Mrs. Jared Cooper".

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, including titles like "Dr." on your wedding invitations is a thoughtful way to recognise your guests' achievements. However, it's important to navigate this aspect gracefully to avoid causing any offence. Be consistent, consider the formality of your event, and be mindful of specific scenarios that may require a tailored approach. Remember, it's always a good idea to ask your guests about their preferences if you're unsure!

Addressing guests with children

When addressing guests with children, the traditional way to word the invitations is to list the children's names on the inner envelope but not the outer one. The outer envelope should be reserved for the names of the parents or guardians. Boys over 16 should be addressed as "Mr." while girls under 18 can be addressed with "Miss". If you don't include each child's name, you're implying that children are not invited. However, if the children are over 18, they should receive their own invitations.

Outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham

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

If you are only using one envelope, clearly state all invited parties on the front. You can replace children's individual names with "and Family" or use "The [Last Name] Family".

Using clear labels for addressing

Using clear labels is a great way to address your wedding invitations, especially if you want to save time or have messy handwriting. Clear labels are also a good option if you want to achieve a streamlined, sophisticated look.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using clear labels for your wedding invitations. Firstly, make sure you use a legible font that is not too creative or hard to read. A simple script or serif font in a legible size will ensure that your guests can easily read the addresses. You may also want to consider using a clear label with a fancy font and a coloured background that matches your wedding colour scheme. This can add a nice touch to your invitations.

Another thing to consider is the size and placement of the labels. Make sure you choose a label size that fits comfortably on your envelopes and allows for easy reading. When applying the labels, take your time to ensure they are straight and centred, as they can be difficult to adjust once they stick. It is also a good idea to review the labels for any formatting or spelling errors before printing, as clear labels cannot be easily fixed if there are mistakes.

Overall, using clear labels for your wedding invitations is a convenient and efficient way to address your envelopes, ensuring that your invitations look neat and elegant.

Frequently asked questions