Guide To Addressing Wedding Invitations: Etiquette And Tips

Wedding invitations are a chance to make your guests feel welcome, and the first step to doing so is ensuring their names are addressed correctly. Traditionally, the outer envelope is more formal and includes titles, while the inner envelope is more casual and may include first names. The outer envelope is what is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope contains the invitation inside.

When addressing a married couple with the same last name, the husband's full name is usually written out, with the titles Mr. and Mrs. included. However, this can be seen as antiquated and sexist, and it is becoming more common to list the person you are closest with first, regardless of gender. If the couple has different last names, simply write out their full names with Mr. or Mrs. on the stationery, listing the person you are closest with first.

For unmarried couples living together, list both names on one or two lines, with the appropriate titles, and again, list the person you are closest with first. If the couple does not live together, send separate invitations.

When addressing a single person, use Mr. for men, Ms. for women over 18, Miss for women under 18, and Mx. for non-binary individuals. If a single person has a plus one, simply include and guest after their name.

When addressing a family, you can either address the envelope to the whole family or specify which family members are invited by listing their names. Begin with the parent or parents' names and list the invited children's names in order of age below.

Addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple

There are many ways to address a wedding invitation to a married couple, and the "correct" option depends on the couple's preferences, as well as the formality of the event.

If the couple has the same last name, you can list them together using the husband's first and last name:

> Mr. and Mrs. Robert Belcher

However, this format can be seen as old-fashioned and offensive to some, as it erases the wife's first name and identity. A more modern approach would be to address them using both their first and last names:

> Mr. Robert Belcher and Mrs. Linda Belcher

If the couple has different last names, you can list either name first based on your preference, or alphabetically. The woman's name can be listed first if that is your preference:

> Mrs. Leslie Knope and Mr. Ben Wyatt

If one partner has a hyphenated name, list the hyphenated name last. Either "Ms." or "Mrs." can be used:

> Mr. Andy Dwyer and Ms. April Ludgate-Dwyer

If the couple has children under the age of 18, you can use a two-line format. The first line addresses the couple, and the second line lists the children's first names:

> Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Garcia

> Isobel and Alex

If the wedding is less formal, you may choose to leave out titles and use first names only:

> Robert and Linda

For extremely formal invitations, a traditional approach is to address the couple using the husband's title and last name:

> Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Garcia

However, this format is not recommended as it can be seen as outdated and may offend some guests. A more modern and progressive alternative is to address the couple separately, using their full names:

> Ms. Natalia Correa and Mr. Andrew Garcia

Addressing a wedding invitation to an unmarried couple

When addressing a wedding invitation to an unmarried couple, there are a few options to consider. If the couple lives together, their names should still be included on the envelopes, but each name gets its own line. You can list the person you are closest with first or go in alphabetical order if you have no preference. Here is an example of how to format the outer envelope:

> Mr. Ross Geller

> Ms. Rachel Green

If you would like to list the couple on the same line, the format would be as follows, with the person you are closest with or the person whose name is first alphabetically coming first:

> Ms. Rachel Green and Mr. Ross Geller

This format can also be used for the inner envelope if you are including one, but you can also drop the titles and use only first names for a more informal feel.

Addressing a wedding invitation to 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 you are addressing a widowed woman, it is best to ask for her preference, but it is common to address the envelope with her married name. For example:

> Mrs. Sadie Schwartz

A divorced woman may use either of the titles "Mrs." or "Ms." depending on whether she goes by her maiden name or married name. For example:

> Married name - Mrs. Kristina Vasquez

>

> Maiden name - Ms. Kristina Torres

If the single person is getting a plus one, it is best to know the name of the person they will bring. If not, simply include "and guest" or "& Guest" following the full name of the invitee. For example:

> Mr. Tyler Morris & Guest

If the single person is under 18, do not use any title for males, and use "Miss" for females.

Addressing a wedding invitation to a family

When addressing a wedding invitation to a family, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want to be specific about whom in the family is invited. If you don't want to specify, you can simply address the envelope to the whole family, for example, "The Simpson Family".

If you do want to be specific, write the names of each family member in list form, beginning with the parent or parents' names, and listing invited children's names in order of age below. For example: "The Carter Family" or "Mr. Max Carter and Mrs. Natasha Carter, Mx. Daniel Carter, Miss Alex Carter, Mr. Andrei Carter". Same-sex families follow the same format.

If the whole family is invited, you can use the family name or only the names of the parents on the outer envelope: "The Simpson Family" or "Mr. & Mrs. Homer Simpson". Then, list the first names of all invited family members on the inner envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie" or "Homer, Marge, Bart, Miss Lisa, and Miss Maggie".

If you are inviting children under 18, you only need to name them on the invitation. Children over 18 who do not live with their parents should receive their own invitations. If you are not inviting children, do not name them on the envelope or invitation.

When addressing a married couple with the same last name, you can list them together using the husband's first and last name: "Mr. and Mrs. Robert Belcher". Alternatively, you can use both the husband's and wife's first and last names: "Mr. Robert Belcher and Mrs. Linda Belcher".

For married couples with different last names, simply write out their full names with "Mr." or "Mrs." on the stationery, and list the names in the order of your preference: "Mrs. Gwyneth Brookes and Mr. Cyan Matthews".

For unmarried couples living together, list their full names on one or two lines, with the appropriate titles, starting with the person you are closest to: "Ms. Alysson Schulz, Mr. Ricardo Gonzales".

Remember to use full names and avoid abbreviations, and give yourself plenty of time to assemble and mail the invitations.

Addressing a wedding invitation to those with distinguished titles

When addressing wedding invitations to guests with distinguished titles, it's important to follow the correct etiquette. Here are some guidelines to ensure your invitations are properly addressed:

Doctors

If one partner is a doctor, their name should be listed first, regardless of gender. You can choose to spell out "Doctor" for a more formal approach or use the abbreviation "Dr.".

Outer envelope:

• Dr. Anne Barker and Mr. Peter Underwood
• If the doctor uses their partner's surname socially: Dr. Anne and Mr. Peter Underwood
• If both parties are doctors: Doctors Anne and Peter Underwood

Inner envelope:

• Dr. Barker and Mr. Underwood
• The Doctors Underwood

Military Personnel

When addressing military personnel, ensure you know their correct title and rank. The person with the distinguished title should be listed first, followed by their spouse.

Outer envelope:

• Lieutenant Jonathan Kelly, US Navy and Mrs. Jane Kelly
• If both have military titles: Captains Jane and Jonathan Kelly, US Navy

Inner envelope:

• Lieutenant Kelly, US Navy and Mrs. Kelly
• The Captains Kelly

Lawyers

For lawyers, use the suffix "Esq." after their name. If both partners are attorneys, include "Esq." after both names.

Outer envelope:

Michelle Brown, Esq. and Mr. John Brown

Inner envelope:

Mr. and Mrs. Brown

Judges

Address judges with the title "The Honorable". If the judge is married, include their spouse's title as well.

Outer envelope:

The Honorable Gina Rodriguez and Mx. Alice Rodriguez

Inner envelope:

Judge Rodriguez and Mx. Rodriguez

Other Distinguished Titles

For other distinguished titles, such as members of the clergy or rabbis, follow similar guidelines as above. The person with the distinguished title should be listed first, regardless of gender.

Outer envelope:

• Rabbi and Mrs. Richard Glass
• The Honorable Senator Elizabeth Ann Warren and Mr. Bruce Mann

Inner envelope:

• Rabbi Glass and Mrs. Glass
• Senator Warren and Mr. Mann

Remember to use the appropriate titles and suffixes when addressing guests with distinguished titles. These guidelines will help ensure your wedding invitations are properly addressed and your guests feel respected and valued.

Frequently asked questions