Wording Inner Envelope Of Wedding Invitation: Etiquette Guide

Wedding invitations can include an inner envelope, which is optional. The inner envelope is smaller than the outer envelope and has traditionally been marked only by the titles and last names of the guests. The inner envelope is more informal, giving you the option to leave out one or two elements of the formal name format of the outer envelope.

How to word the inner envelope for a married couple with the same last name

The inner envelope of a wedding invitation is more informal than the outer envelope, so you have the option to leave out one or two elements of the formal name format. Here are some ways to word the inner envelope for a married couple with the same last name:

• Using titles and full names: "Mr. and Mrs. [First name] [Last name]" or "Mr. and Mrs. [Last name]". For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren" or "Mr. and Mrs. Warren".
• Using titles and first names: " [Title] [First name] and [Title] [First name]". For example, "Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Michelle".
• Using first names only: "" [First name] and [First name]". For example, "Thomas and Michelle".
• Using titles and last name only: " [Title] [Last name]". For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Warren".

If the couple has different last names or uses a hyphenated last name, you would follow a similar format but list their names separately. For example, "Ms. Celine Elgin and Ms. Jacqueline Purcell" or "Mr. Marcus Craft and Mr. Brian Crosby-Craft" on the outer envelope, and "Ms. Elgin and Ms. Purcell" or "Mr. Craft and Mr. Crosby-Craft" on the inner envelope.

How to word the inner envelope for a married couple with different last names

When addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple with different last names, there are a few etiquette rules to follow. Firstly, the inner envelope is more informal than the outer envelope, so you have the option to leave out certain elements of the formal name format. For example, you could use personal titles and last names, or go for a more casual vibe with just first names.

For the outer envelope, the general format is to write the names of the married couple on the same line, with the woman's name listed first. If their combined names are too long to fit on one line, you can list them separately. Here are some examples:

• "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez"
• "Ms. Celine Elgin and Ms. Jacqueline Purcell"

For the inner envelope, you have a bit more flexibility. You can choose to include titles and last names or just use first names. Here are some options:

• "Ms. Stevens and Mr. Estevez"
• "Maria and David"
• "Ms. Elgin and Ms. Purcell"
• "Celine and Jacqueline"

Remember to consider the couple's preferences and always double-check their preferred names and titles before addressing the envelopes.

How to word the inner envelope for a single person with a plus one

When addressing a wedding invitation to a single person with a plus one, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use the correct title and full name of the invitee on the outer envelope. For example, for a male guest, use "Mr." followed by their full name. On the inner envelope, you can simply use their first name, or continue with the title and full name if you prefer a more formal approach. If you are inviting a non-binary guest, the abbreviation "Mx." followed by their full name is appropriate.

If the single person you are inviting has a plus one, it is best to include their name on the outer envelope if you know it. On the inner envelope, write the invitee's name followed by "and guest". This is a clear and elegant way to indicate that they are invited with a plus one. For example, the outer envelope could be addressed to "Mr. Tyler Morris" and the inner envelope to "Mr. Morris and guest".

If you do not know the name of the plus one, you can simply write "and guest" on the inner envelope. This is also appropriate if the single person you are inviting is allowed to bring a casual date. It is important to note that the inner envelope is more informal, so you have the option to be more flexible with the wording.

Including both an outer and inner envelope is a great way to clarify who is invited, especially if you are inviting children or plus ones. However, it is not necessary to include an inner envelope, and many modern invitations only include one envelope or are sent online. If you are sending online invitations, be sure to clearly address all invitees at the beginning of the email.

How to word the inner envelope for an unmarried couple

When addressing an inner envelope to an unmarried couple, the general format is to include the full names of each guest, either on one or two lines, with the appropriate titles placed before their names. It is best to open with the name of the person you are closest to.

• Ms. Alysson Schulz and Mr. Ricardo Gonzales
• Ms. Schulz and Mr. Gonzales
• Ms. Alysson Schulz

Mr. Ricardo Gonzales

The same format applies to same-sex couples:

• Ms. Lily Pike and Ms. Jane Pearce
• Ms. Lily Pike

Ms. Jane Pearce

If the unmarried couple does not live together, they should receive separate invitations.

How to word the inner envelope for a family with children

When addressing a wedding invitation to a family with children, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to note that wedding invitation envelopes typically include an outer and inner envelope. The outer envelope is what is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope only contains the names of the invitees. The inner envelope is optional and is used to indicate the specific people invited and to keep the outer envelope pristine.

When addressing a family with children, the outer envelope is typically addressed to the parents only. You can use their titles and full names, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham" or "Mr. Alan Thompson and Mrs. Emily Thompson". If the family has different last names, list each person separately, such as "Mr. Bob Smith and Mrs. Barbara Smith".

The inner envelope is where you can list the names of the children. For girls under 18, you can use "Miss", while boys don't need a title until they're 16, when they can be addressed as "Mr.". List the children's names in order of birth, with the oldest first. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham Daniel, Jeffrey, Miss Brittany and Mx. Kelly". If you are inviting multiple families with children, you can address each family separately on the inner envelope, or you can create a general invitation for "The Carter Family" or "The Smiths and Children".

If you are not using an inner envelope, it is important to clearly indicate that children are invited on the outer envelope. You can list their names below the parents' names, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Bob Smith, Miss Betty Smith". Alternatively, you can use "and family" or simply address the invitation to "The Smith Family". However, this may cause confusion, as some guests may assume that all family members, including extended family, are invited. To avoid this, it is best to list the names of the invited guests individually.

Frequently asked questions