Involving Children In Your Wedding: Invitation Etiquette

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few different ways to indicate that children are invited to the event. One way is to list the children's names on the inner envelope but not on the outer envelope. This method is traditionally used for children under the age of 18. For children 18 and older, it is customary to send them their own invitations. Another way to indicate that children are invited is to use the word family on the invitation. However, this may be interpreted broadly, so it is important to be clear about who is invited. Including each child's name on the invitation is a nice touch and makes them feel especially invited.

Children under 18 are listed on the inner envelope only

When it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, there are a few different scenarios to consider when addressing guests' names on your envelopes, especially when inviting families with children. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you navigate this process:

Outer Envelope Etiquette:

The outer envelope is the more formal of the two and follows specific etiquette rules. When inviting a family with children under the age of 18, the outer envelope should only include the names of the parent(s) or guardian(s). This is an important signal to guests that their children are not invited. Here's an example:

Outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

Inner Envelope Etiquette:

The inner envelope is more informal, and this is where you would list the names of children under 18. Including each child's name is a nice touch and makes them feel especially invited. Here's how you can format it:

Inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Smith Peter, Paul, and Mary

Note: If you are inviting children who are 18 or older, they should receive their own invitations.

Formatting and Titles:

When addressing children under 18 on the inner envelope, there are certain titles you can use. For girls, the title "Miss" is appropriate, while boys under 16 do not need a title and can be addressed by their names only. Boys aged 16 and above can be addressed as "Mr."

Order of Names:

When listing multiple children's names on the inner envelope, it is customary to list them in order of age, from oldest to youngest. For example: "Christopher, Jenny, and Samantha."

Informal, Single Envelope Option:

If you opt for a single outer envelope without an inner envelope, you will need to include all invited family members' names on the front. In this case, you can choose to list each child's name or use "and Family" to indicate that children are invited. Here's an example:

Outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham, Daniel, Jeffrey, Brittany, and Kelly

Remember, these are just guidelines, and you can adapt them to fit your preferences and the style of your wedding. The most important thing is to ensure your invitations accurately reflect your guest list and that your guests feel welcome and well-informed for your big day.

Adult children (18+) should get their own invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, the general rule is that adult children aged 18 or over should receive their own invitations. This is considered the traditional and proper way to address wedding invites.

If you are inviting an entire family, including children under 18, 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 can be addressed to "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the family name. The inner envelope can then include the parents' names and list their children underneath.

However, it is important to note that some cultures have different norms. For example, in some cultures, adults may live with their parents until marriage, and it is common to send one invitation per household, listing all family members' names.

If you are working with a tight budget, it is generally acceptable to send one invitation per household. You can include all family members' names on the envelope to clarify that everyone is invited. Alternatively, you can put multiple invitations in one larger envelope to save on postage.

When in doubt, consider what level of clarity you want to provide for your guest list. Sending individual invitations to adult children ensures there is no confusion about who is invited and can make each person feel especially welcomed.

Use Miss for girls under 18, no title needed for boys

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when indicating children. Firstly, it is traditional to list the children's names on the inner envelope, not the outer one, if they are under 18. Adult children, aged 18 or older, should receive their own invitations. This is a general guideline that can help ensure your invitations are appropriately addressed.

Now, regarding your specific request: "Use Miss for girls under 18, no title needed for boys." This is indeed a valid approach and here's how you can implement it:

For girls under the age of 18, the title "Miss" is appropriate and respectful. On the inner envelope of your wedding invitation, you would list their names with "Miss" as the title. For example, "Miss Jane Smith". This is a polite and formal way to address young girls, and it is widely recognised as the standard convention.

On the other hand, for boys under the age of 18, no title is required. Simply write their names on the inner envelope without any prefix. For instance, "John Smith". This approach is consistent with traditional etiquette guidelines and avoids any confusion or misinterpretation.

It is worth noting that the use of titles can vary depending on regional customs and personal preferences. However, by following the "Miss" for girls under 18 and no title for boys under 18 guideline, you can ensure your wedding invitations are appropriately and respectfully worded.

Remember, the key is to be clear and considerate when addressing your invitations. If you have any doubts or concerns about a particular situation, it is always a good idea to seek additional advice or guidance to ensure your invitations are both polite and accurate.

Addressing the whole family? Use The [surname] Family

When inviting an entire family to a wedding, it is important to convey who specifically the invitation is for. If the family has children over 18, they should receive their own invitations. If the children are under 18, they are only listed on the inner envelope. The outer envelope is reserved for the parents' names.

If you are inviting the whole family, a traditional way to word the invitations is to list the children's names on the inner envelope but not on the outer one. The outer envelope can be addressed to "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the family surname. On the inner envelope, you can include the children's names, for example: "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Peter, Paul, and Mary".

If you don't know the names of the children, you can use "and Family" or "and Children" on the second line. For instance, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Family".

It is also acceptable to use the plural form of the family surname, for example, "The Smiths".

If you don't list children's names, you're implying they're not invited

When it comes to wedding invitations, the general rule is that if you don't list children's names, you're implying that they're not invited. This is especially true if you're only inviting the parents and not their children.

If you're inviting a family with young children (under 18), wedding invitation etiquette dictates that the outer envelope should only include the names of the parents or guardians. Each child's name should be listed on the inner envelope. This makes it clear that the children are also invited and gives them a sense of being specially included.

However, if you choose not to list the children's names on the inner envelope, it could be interpreted as them not being invited. This is a subtle way to indicate that your wedding is adults-only. That said, some guests may still mistakenly assume that their children are welcome, so it's important to be prepared for this possibility.

To avoid any confusion, you can also include a line on the RSVP card indicating the number of seats reserved for the invited guests. For example, "We have reserved ___ seats for you at the reception." This reinforces the fact that children are not included in the invitation if their names are not listed.

Additionally, if you have a wedding website, you can mention that the event is adults-only or specify any age restrictions for attendees. This way, guests can refer to the website for clarification and you can avoid potential misunderstandings.

Frequently asked questions