Addressing Wedding Invites: No Inner Envelope, No Problem!

Wedding invitations traditionally include an inner envelope, which bears the names of the specific people invited and contains the invitation itself, RSVP card, and any other enclosures. However, many modern invitations do away with the inner envelope, requiring you to make your intentions clear through other means. Without an inner envelope, you must focus on properly addressing the outer envelope with the recipient's full name and title. If you want to specify which family members or additional guests are invited, you can include their names on the outer envelope, add an insert with the invitation, or use a paper belly band or response card to indicate who is invited.

How to address a married couple with the same last name

When addressing wedding invitations to a married couple with the same last name, there are a few options to consider. The first option is to list them together using the husband's first and last name, followed by "and" and then "Mrs." followed by their shared last name. For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Robert Belcher

The second option is to use both the husband's and the wife's first and last names, addressing both partners equally. For example:

> Mr. Robert Belcher and Mrs. Linda Belcher

Alternatively, you can use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by their first names and shared last name. For example:

> Mr. Robert and Mrs. Linda Belcher

If you are using only an outer envelope for your invitations, be sure to include the names of all invited guests, including children. For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. David Jones

> Suzanne, Timothy, and Christopher

> 123 Summer Street

> Boston, Massachusetts 12354

If you are using both an outer and inner envelope, the inner envelope can be more informal. You can use titles and last names or just first names if you are very close with the couple. For a couple with the same last name, the inner envelope can be addressed as follows:

> Mr. and Mrs. Belcher

> or

> Robert and Linda

It is important to note that the use of titles such as "Mr." and "Mrs." may be restrictive and exclusive for your guests, especially if they do not identify with these titles. In such cases, it is acceptable to forgo titles and use first and last names only. Additionally, always confirm the preferred titles and spellings of your guests' names before addressing the envelopes.

How to address a married couple with different last names

When addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple with different last names, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it is important to use the correct titles or prefixes. "Mrs." is traditionally used to indicate a married woman, while "Ms." is often used for women who have kept their maiden name or prefer a title that does not indicate marital status. For men, the standard title is "Mr.".

If you are including both names on the same line, the format can be:

[Person's Name] and [Partner's Name]

For example:

Celine Elgin and Jacqueline Purcell

If you are listing each name on a separate line, the format can be:

[Person's Title] [Person's Name]

[Partner's Title] [Partner's Name]

For example:

Ms. Celine Elgin

Ms. Jacqueline Purcell

Alternatively, you can use the husband's first and last name followed by the wife's first and last name:

Mr. John Doe

Mrs. Jane Doe

If you are using an inner envelope, you can be less formal and use first names only, or a combination of titles and last names. For example:

Celine and Jacqueline

Mrs. Doe and Mr. Elgin

It is also important to consider the couple's preferences and what they may be most comfortable with. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask.

How to address a married couple with one hyphenated last name

When addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple with one hyphenated last name, there are a few conventions to follow. Firstly, it is important to use the correct titles or prefixes. For a married woman, "Mrs." is traditionally used, but "Ms." is also acceptable and is often preferred if the woman has chosen to hyphenate her last name. For a married man, the title "Mr." is typically used.

When addressing the outer envelope, the couple's names should be listed on the same line, with the woman's name first, followed by the man's name and their shared, hyphenated last name. For example:

"Mr. Michael Jones and Mrs./Ms. Mary Smith-Jones"

If the wife has chosen to hyphenate her last name, it is important to include both parts of her hyphenated name on the outer envelope to avoid erasing her identity.

When addressing the inner envelope, which is more informal, you have a few options. You can use titles and last names, or first names only if you are very close with the couple. Here are some examples:

"Mr. Jones and Mrs./Ms. Smith-Jones" or "Michael and Mary"

Remember, when addressing wedding invitations, it is always best to err on the side of formality, especially if you are unsure of the couple's preferences. It is also a good idea to double-check each attendee's preferred titles beforehand to ensure you are using the correct forms of address.

How to address an unmarried couple

When addressing an unmarried couple living together, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it is important to list both names on one line, starting with the person you are closest to. If you are equally close to both, list the names alphabetically by last name. Here is an example of how to address an unmarried couple on the outer envelope:

"Mr. Stanley Kim and Ms. Amanda Rhee"

For the inner envelope, a more informal tone can be used. You can use titles and last names, or just the first names of the couple. Here is an example:

"Mr. Kim and Ms. Rhee" or "Stanley and Amanda"

If the unmarried couple does not live together, it is best to send separate invitations to each guest.

How to address a single person

When addressing a wedding invitation to a single person, the proper prefix should be used. For male guests, use "Mr." and then their full name. For female guests, use "Ms." and then their full name. For non-binary guests, use the abbreviation "Mx." and then their full name.

If the single person you are inviting is a widow, it is best to ask someone close to her if she prefers to be addressed using her married name or her husband's name. It is common to address the envelope with her married name. A divorced woman may use either "Mrs." or "Ms." depending on whether she goes by her maiden name or married name.

If the single person you are inviting has a plus one, it is best to know the name of the person they will bring. If you do not know their name, simply include "and guest" or "& Guest" after the invitee's name.

Frequently asked questions