The Art Of Addressing: A Guide To Formal Wedding Label Etiquette

Writing wedding address labels is a crucial part of the wedding planning process. It's important to ensure that your invitations are addressed correctly and formally to make your guests feel welcome and respected. While you can choose to handwrite the addresses, this can be time-consuming and may not be feasible if you have large numbers of guests. An alternative option is to use wedding address labels, which are stickers that display names and addresses, giving your envelopes a sophisticated look. These can be purchased from online retailers and stationery stores, with options ranging from minimalist designs to more elaborate options featuring gold foil or wedding invitation wax seals. When addressing the labels, it is important to use the correct titles, spell out all words in the address, and include the names of all invited guests, including children.

Using a computer to print labels

Step 1: Finalise your guest list

Before you start printing, ensure that your guest list is finalised and that you have the correct and up-to-date addresses for everyone. It is also essential to decide on the format you will use to address your guests, such as including titles and honorifics or using a more informal style.

Step 2: Choose your label type and size

Select the type and size of labels you want to use. There are various options available, such as clear or coloured labels, and different sizes to fit your envelopes. Some popular options include Avery labels, which offer a range of sizes and templates to choose from.

Step 3: Prepare your address list

Format your guest addresses into a spreadsheet or document. Include columns for names, addresses, and any other relevant information. Double-check that all the information is accurate and that you have included everyone on your guest list. Proofread for any typos or errors to avoid mistakes.

Step 4: Download a template

Once you have your guest addresses ready, download a template that matches the label type and size you have chosen. Templates are usually available on the manufacturer's website or can be downloaded through software or a mail merge program. Using a template will ensure that your labels are correctly formatted and aligned for printing.

Step 5: Merge your addresses

Use a mail merge program or software, such as Microsoft Word or Excel, to merge your guest addresses with the downloaded template. Follow the program's instructions to match the "fields" or "columns" from your address list with the template. This process will automatically populate your guest information into the label template.

Step 6: Customise and print

Customise your labels by choosing fonts and styles that complement your wedding theme. You can also add design elements, such as a wedding date seal or a personal message, to make your invitations more eye-catching. Once you are happy with the design, print a test sheet to ensure everything is aligned and accurate. Then, print your labels, and you're ready to start sticking them on your envelopes!

Handwriting vs. calligraphy

Handwriting and calligraphy are two distinct art forms with different methods and tools used to create letters. Handwriting is the act of writing by hand, using a pen or pencil, and is typically done in a person's unique style. On the other hand, calligraphy is the art of writing letters and words in a decorative, elegant, and stylised manner. It involves specific tools like pointed nibs, broad-edged nibs, brushes, and fountain pens.

When addressing wedding invitation envelopes, the outer envelope should be formal, including the recipient's full name and personal title, such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Mx. The inner envelope is more informal, allowing for the use of just first and last names. For unmarried couples living at the same address, their names are written on the same line of the outer envelope, with the person you are closest to listed first. For married couples with the same last name, the outer envelope can be addressed to "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's first and last name. If the couple has different last names, their names are written on the same line, with the woman's name listed first.

While handwriting your wedding invitation envelopes is a nice personal touch, it can be time-consuming and challenging if you have bad penmanship. In that case, you may consider alternatives such as wedding address labels, which are stickers displaying names and addresses, or hiring a local calligrapher to add a sophisticated touch to your envelopes.

Calligraphy, as an art form, elevates the look of your wedding invitation envelopes and can be particularly impressive if you have beautiful penmanship. However, it requires specific tools and skills, and you may need to hire a professional calligrapher, which can be costly. Ultimately, the decision between handwriting and calligraphy depends on your personal preference, time constraints, and budget.

Married couple, different surnames

When addressing a married couple with different surnames, it is important to remember a few key points to ensure your guests feel welcome and respected. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you navigate this situation:

Outer Envelope:

The outer envelope is typically more formal, and there are a few options for how to address a married couple with different last names:

• Write the wife's name first, followed by the husband's name on the same line. If their names are too long, you can list them separately: Mrs. Natalia Evans and Mr. Daniel Bing.
• Use their titles (Mr. and Mrs.) followed by the husband's first and last name: Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Thomas. This option is more traditional and may be preferred by some couples.
• If the wife has chosen to hyphenate her last name, address her as Ms. or Mrs., with her first name and hyphenated last name, and the husband as Mr. with his full name: Mr. Nathan Andrews and Ms. Samantha Davis-Andrews.

Inner Envelope:

The inner envelope is more informal, and you have some flexibility in how you choose to address the couple:

• Use their first names only: Natalia and Daniel.
• Use their titles and last names: Mrs. Evans and Mr. Bing.
• Use a combination of the above, depending on what feels right: Mrs. Natalia Evans and Daniel.

Additional Considerations:

• Always use the correct titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., etc.) and spell out the full names to avoid any confusion.
• If the wife has kept her maiden name, do not assume she has taken her husband's last name. Address her by her own last name.
• Avoid using only the husband's full name with "and Mrs." instead of the wife's name, as this erases her identity.
• When in doubt, ask the couple how they prefer to be addressed. They will appreciate being asked rather than receiving a misaddressed invitation.

Examples:

Outer envelope: Mrs. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez

Inner envelope: Maria and David

Outer envelope: Ms. Celine Elgin and Mr. Jack Purcell

Inner envelope: Ms. Elgin and Mr. Purcell

Outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Thomas

Inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas

Unmarried couple

When addressing wedding invitations to unmarried couples, there are a few guidelines to follow. Firstly, it's important to include both names on the envelopes. The names can be listed on the same line or on separate lines, depending on the format you choose. Here are some examples:

On the outer envelope:

• "Mr. Stanley Kim and Ms. Amanda Rhee"
• "Mr. Aaron Triguiero and Mr. Gabriel Reyes"
• "Ms. Lisa Rodriguez and Mr. Michael Smith"

On the inner envelope:

• "Mr. Kim and Ms. Rhee" or "Stanley and Amanda"
• "Mr. Triguiero and Mr. Reyes"
• "Ms. Rodriguez and Mr. Smith"

When deciding on the order of the names, you can list the person you are closest to first, or you can go in alphabetical order by last name. It's also worth noting that some modern couples may prefer to omit titles and use only first and last names. In this case, ensure you double-check the preferred names and spelling with your guests.

Single male/female

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to use the correct titles and formats for your guests' names. Here are some guidelines for addressing single male and female guests:

Single Female:

For a single female guest, the outer envelope should be addressed using her title and full name. The title "Ms." is generally used for women over the age of 18, while "Miss" is used for younger girls. If you are unsure about the guest's age or preference, it is safer to use "Ms." Here's an example:

Outer envelope: "Ms. Stephanie Chen"

For the inner envelope, you can use just the title and last name or the first name only. If the guest has been offered a plus-one, you can indicate this by adding "and guest" to the inner envelope only. Here are some examples:

Inner envelope: "Ms. Chen" or "Stephanie and guest"

Single Male:

For a single male guest, the format is similar to that of a single female. Use the title "Mr." for men over the age of 18, and no title is necessary for younger boys. Here's an example for the outer envelope:

Outer envelope: "Mr. James Montgomery"

For the inner envelope, you can use just the title and last name or the first name, followed by "and guest" if a plus-one has been offered. Here are some examples:

Inner envelope: "Mr. Montgomery" or "James and guest"

Remember to use your best judgment, and if you are unsure about a guest's preferred title or name format, it is always better to err on the side of caution and use a more general form of address.

Frequently asked questions