Guide To Perfectly Addressing Wedding Invitation Envelopes

Wedding invitation typos happen—and they're never fun. But there's no use crying over spilt milk, and you might not be totally out of luck.

If you've noticed a typo on your wedding invitations, the first thing to do is talk to your stationery designer or printer and discuss your options. If the mistake is their fault, they may offer to reprint the invitations at a discount. If not, or if you're using a smaller boutique vendor, try looking into online retailers, who often have lower costs and faster turnaround times.

If you're pressed for time or simply don't want the added expense, you can always mail the invitations as they are. As long as the error doesn't change any critical information, chances are most guests won't even notice.

How to assemble your wedding invitation envelope

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process, but it's not too difficult. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble your wedding invitation envelope:

Step 1: Create an Assembly Line

Before you begin, clear a table and give it a wipe down. You don't want any smudges or stains on your pristine invitations. Then, lay out all the necessary pieces in neat piles. This includes the invitation, any enclosure cards, additional envelopes, and adornments like belly bands, vellum or tissue paper overlays, ribbons, and wax seals.

Step 2: Start with the Invitation

The wedding invitation is the largest card and forms the base of your assembly. Place it face up on the table.

Step 3: Layer on Tissue Paper or Vellum Overlay (Optional)

If you have chosen to include a sheet of tissue paper or vellum, place it on top of the wedding invitation. Tissue paper was traditionally used to prevent smudging, but it is mostly decorative today.

Step 4: Add the Reception Card

Place the reception card, which outlines the time and location of the wedding reception, on top of the invitation or tissue paper, face up.

Step 5: Include Other Enclosure Cards

Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information cards, face up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards of different sizes, start with the largest and work your way down.

Step 6: Don't Forget the RSVP Card

Place the RSVP envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards. Insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face up, so that the printed side is visible. Remember to pre-address and stamp the RSVP envelope.

Step 7: Assemble the Invitation Suite

If you are using two envelopes (an inner and an outer envelope), insert the assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope first, with the left edge going in first for a single card, or the folded edge for a folded invitation. The printed side should be facing up so that when the envelope flap is opened, the text is visible. Then, insert the inner envelope into the outer envelope.

If you are using a single envelope, insert the assembled invitation suite directly into the outer envelope, following the same guidelines for orientation and text visibility.

Step 8: Seal and Send

Use an envelope moistener to seal the outer envelope, being careful to not use too much liquid. Add a return address label or stamp, and your invitation is ready to be mailed!

How to address a wedding invitation to a single person

When addressing a wedding invitation to a single person, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, always use the guest's full, formal name. For example, "Mr. Steven Lewis Nelson" instead of "Uncle Steve". If you are inviting a single woman, use "Ms." if she is over 18, and "Miss" if she is under 18. For a single male guest, use "Mr." if he is over 18; otherwise, no title is necessary.

When addressing the envelope, be sure to use the correct titles and avoid abbreviations. Write out street names and state names in full, rather than using abbreviations or numeric street names. If the guest has a distinguished title, such as "Dr." or "Esq.", be sure to include this on the invitation.

If you are inviting a single guest with a plus-one, it is preferable to know the name of the plus-one in advance and include it on the invitation. If you do not know the name, you can simply write "and guest" after the guest's full name. Keep in mind that "and guest" is written in lowercase letters.

Outer envelope: "Ms. Elizabeth Lemon" or "Miss Donna-Jo Tanner"

Inner envelope: "Ms. Lemon" or "Miss Tanner"

Outer envelope: "Mr. George Costanza" or "Mr. George Nelson" (if under 18)

Inner envelope: "Mr. Costanza" or "George"

If your single guest identifies as non-binary, you can use the honorific "Mx." If you are unsure of the guest's preferred pronouns or title, it is best to ask them beforehand.

How to address a wedding invitation to a married couple

When addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use the couple's full names, avoiding any nicknames or abbreviations. If the couple has the same last name, you can use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's full name. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren". If you prefer to address both partners equally, you can use both the husband's and wife's full names, such as "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Linda Belcher".

In the case of a married couple with different last names, you can list either name first based on your preference, whom you are closer to, or alphabetically. For example, "Mrs. Leslie Knope and Mr. Ben Wyatt". If one partner has a hyphenated name, list the hyphenated name last, such as "Mr. Andy Dwyer and Ms. April Ludgate-Dwyer".

When addressing a married couple with one envelope, the outer envelope should include both partners' names, while the inner envelope can be more informal, including titles and last names or first names only. For a couple with the same last name, the inner envelope could be addressed as "Mr. and Mrs. Belcher" or "Robert and Linda". For a couple with different last names, the inner envelope could be addressed as "Mrs. Knope and Mr. Wyatt" or "Leslie and Ben".

It is also important to consider any distinguished titles held by either member of the couple, such as "Dr." or "The Honorable". In such cases, the person with the distinguished title is listed first, regardless of gender.

How to address a wedding invitation to an unmarried couple

When addressing a wedding invitation to an unmarried couple, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your invitations are both proper and respectful:

Outer Envelope:

The outer envelope is the more formal of the two and should include the full names of both partners, connected by "and". For example, if inviting an unmarried couple where one person is named Rachel Green and the other Ross Geller, the outer envelope could be addressed as:

> Mr. Ross Geller and Ms. Rachel Green

If the couple has different last names, you can list their names alphabetically by last name on separate lines. For instance:

> Mr. Ross Geller

> Ms. Rachel Green

Alternatively, if you want to highlight that they are a couple, you can list both names on the same line, starting with the person you are closest to or alphabetically by last name. Here's an example:

> Ms. Rachel Green and Mr. Ross Geller

Inner Envelope:

The inner envelope is less formal and typically includes the titles and last names of the invited guests. For unmarried couples living together, you can use the same format as the outer envelope, or you may use their first names only, especially if you are very close to them. Using the example above, the inner envelope could be addressed as:

> Mr. Geller and Ms. Green

> or

> Ross and Rachel

General Guidelines:

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to use full names and avoid abbreviations or nicknames. Be sure to double-check the spelling of your guests' names and their addresses. It is also a good idea to give distinction where it is due; include titles such as "Dr.", "PhD", and "Esq." when appropriate. If you are unsure about a guest's title or preferred pronouns, it is best to ask them directly.

How to seal your wedding invitation envelope

Sealing your wedding invitation envelopes correctly is important to ensure they don't open up during mailing. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to securely seal your wedding invitation envelopes:

• Prepare your materials: Before you begin, clear out a large workspace and set up all your materials, including envelopes, invitations, tissues, response items, stamps, and sealing tools. Ensure you have the correct number of invitations and envelopes.
• Pre-stamp your response envelopes: It is a good idea to pre-stamp your response envelopes to make it easier for your guests to respond.
• Choose a sealing method: You can use a small bottle of envelope sealer, glue, a glue stick, double-sided tape, or a moist sponge. If you opt for a moist sponge, angle-tip moisteners from stationery stores are a cheap and effective option. Alternatively, you can use a damp washcloth or makeup sponge, being careful not to use too much water.
• Gather and assemble your invitation materials: Fold your wedding invitations, if necessary, and assemble all the components, including any additional information cards, direction cards, and response cards. The order of insertion can vary depending on the type of invitation. For flat or single-fold cards, place the additional materials on top. For multiple-fold cards, place the insertions inside the first fold. Typically, additional cards go in size order from largest to smallest, with the largest card on top of the invitation. If using protective tissue, place it directly over the printed invitation.
• Place the complete invitation inside the inner envelope: Insert the invitation, response card/envelope, and enclosures, printed side up, into the inner mailing envelope. Ensure the flap of the inner envelope opens away from you. Traditionally, the inner envelope is left unsealed for courtesy.
• Place the inner envelope inside the outer envelope: Flip the loaded inner envelope so that the guest's name is facing out. Slide it into the outer mailing envelope and seal it securely.
• Double-check bulky invitations: If your invitations are bulky due to multiple layers, pockets, folds, or embellishments, pay extra attention to ensure they are securely sealed. The added thickness can put more pressure on the seams and flap of the envelope, making them more challenging to seal.

Frequently asked questions