Wedding Invitation Envelopes: Perfecting The Art Of Addressing

Wedding invitations are a crucial aspect of wedding planning, and assembling them correctly is essential. While the process may seem daunting, especially with multiple cards and enclosures, it's relatively straightforward. This guide will cover everything from addressing envelopes to the contents of the invitation suite, ensuring your invitations are both informative and aesthetically pleasing.

Outer envelopes are formal, while inner envelopes are informal

Wedding invitations can include both an inner and an outer envelope. The outer envelope is formal and is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope is informal and includes the names of the invitees.

The outer envelope is addressed with the guest's full name and title, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Adam Jones". This is considered the formal way to address a couple, and it is also inclusive of couples who may or may not share a surname. However, if you feel that titles may be restrictive for your guests, you can forgo them and use only first and last names. It is important to double-check each attendee's preferred title beforehand.

The inner envelope is more informal, and you have the option to leave out certain elements of the formal name format used on the outer envelope. For example, you can use titles and last names, or you can go with a more casual approach and use only first names. The inner envelope is usually left unsealed but closed.

The use of inner and outer envelopes dates back to the 1800s when mail was delivered by hand or horse-drawn carriage, and envelopes could get dirty during transit. The outer envelope would be discarded upon delivery, and only the clean, pristine inner envelope would be handed to the recipient.

Today, the choice of using inner and outer envelopes is a matter of preference and formality. If you are having a black-tie, classic, or formal wedding, using both sets of envelopes can help set the tone for your event. On the other hand, if your wedding is more laid-back and intimate, or if you want to reduce expenses and paper usage, you may opt to use only the outer envelope.

Outer envelopes are stamped and addressed, while inner envelopes contain the names of invitees

Wedding invitations can include both an inner and outer envelope, but the inner envelope is optional. The outer envelope is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope contains the names of the invitees and the invitation itself.

The outer envelope is formal and traditionally includes the recipient's full name and title. However, personal titles can feel restrictive, so it is becoming more modern to use first and last names only. It is also important to check each attendee's preferred title beforehand.

The inner envelope is more informal and can include titles and last names or just first names. This envelope is usually more casual since the outer envelope is already addressed formally.

If you are only using an outer envelope, all invited parties should be listed. This includes guests that are usually only listed on the inner envelope, such as plus-ones and children.

When inserting the invitation into the envelope, the text should be print-side up so that when the flap is opened, guests can immediately read the text.

Use titles and surnames for outer envelopes, and titles and first names for inner envelopes

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to consider the different scenarios that will change how you write guests' names on the envelopes. Here are some tips for using titles and surnames on outer envelopes, and titles and first names on inner envelopes:

Outer Envelope:

• For a married couple with the same last name, use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's full name. For a same-sex couple, either name can go first. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren".
• If the couple prefers a more modern approach, list both full names. For example, "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren".
• For a married couple with different last names, write their names on the same line with the person you are closest with first. For example, "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez".
• When addressing a married couple where one spouse has a hyphenated last name, include both full names. For a same-sex couple, either name can go first. For example, "Mr. Marcus Craft and Mr. Brian Crosby-Craft".
• For an unmarried couple living at the same address, list both full names on one line, with the person you are closest with first. For example, "Mr. Stanley Kim and Ms. Amanda Rhee".
• When inviting a single female, use "Ms." if she is over 18, and "Miss" if she is under 18. For example, "Ms. Stephanie Chen" or "Miss Stephanie Chen" (if she is younger than 18).
• For a single male, use "Mr." if he is over 18. For example, "Mr. James Montgomery".

Inner Envelope:

• For a married couple with the same last name, use titles and their surname, or first names. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Warren" or "Thomas and Michelle".
• If the couple has different last names, you can use their titles and surnames or just their first names. For example, "Ms. Stevens and Mr. Estevez" or "Maria and David".
• When addressing a married couple where one spouse has a hyphenated last name, use their titles and surnames or just their first names. For example, "Mr. Craft and Mr. Crosby-Craft" or "Marcus and Brian".
• For an unmarried couple, use titles and surnames or first names. For example, "Mr. Kim and Ms. Rhee" or "Stanley and Amanda".
• If a single female has been offered a plus one, use "and guest" on the inner envelope. For example, "Ms. Chen and guest" or "Stephanie and guest".
• In the case of a single male with a plus one, reserve the "and guest" language for the inner envelope. For example, "Mr. Montgomery and guest" or "James and guest".

If using only outer envelopes, list all invited parties

If you're opting to use only outer envelopes for your wedding invitations, it's important to list all invited parties clearly on the front. This includes guests that would traditionally only be listed on the inner envelope, such as plus-ones and children. If you're short on space, you can replace children's individual names with "and Family" or the family's surname, e.g. "The Abraham Family".

Married Couple with the Same Last Name

• Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Clarke
• Mr. Jackson Clarke and Mrs. Mary Clarke

Married Couple with Different Last Names

• Mrs. Gwyneth Brookes and Mr. Cyan Matthews
• Mr. Cyan Matthews and Mrs. Gwyneth Brookes

Unmarried Couple Living Together

• Ms. Alysson Schulz
• Mr. Ricardo Gonzales

Single Person with a Plus-One

Mr. Tyler Morris & Guest

Single Person without a Plus-One

Ms. Ali Johnson

Family with Young Children (under 18)

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

Family with Children Aged 18 or Older

Ms. Audrey Abraham

Engaged Couple

Mr. Luis Smith and Ms. May Hyde

Couple with Distinguished Titles

Dr. Anne Barker and Mr. Peter Underwood

Military Couple

Lieutenant Jonathan Kelly, US Navy and Mrs. Jane Kelly

Inner envelopes are optional and unnecessary for modern weddings

Wedding invitations can include an inner envelope and an outer envelope, but inner envelopes are optional and unnecessary for modern weddings. The outer envelope is what is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope only has the names of the invitees and contains the invitation inside.

The use of inner envelopes can be traced back to tradition and served the purpose of protecting the invitation suite in transit. However, in modern times, this is no longer necessary due to the proper handling of invitations by automated readers.

While some may prefer the ornate and formal look of a double-envelope setup, using only an outer envelope has its benefits. It reduces expenses and paper usage, simplifies the assembly process, and is more environmentally friendly.

Ultimately, the decision to use inner envelopes is a matter of personal preference. However, it is worth noting that outer envelopes are sufficient for addressing wedding invitations, and the trend is moving towards sustainability and simplicity with just a single envelope.

Frequently asked questions