Wedding invitation labels are stickers that display names and addresses, making it easier to mail out wedding invites. They are a great alternative to hand-addressing each invite, especially if you have bad handwriting or are short on time. You can buy wedding address labels from numerous online retailers and stationery stores, or even create your own with a printable purchased from Etsy. If you're looking for something fancier, you can also opt for a wedding invitation wax seal or pretty wedding postage stamps.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Envelope type | Inner and outer |
Inner envelope contents | Names of invited guests in the household (including children) |
Outer envelope contents | All of the information the postal service needs for delivery |
Return address location | Back flap of the outer envelope |
Return address contents | Physical address, with no names (but names can be included) |
RSVP envelope contents | Names and return address |
Guest names | Full names, no initials or nicknames |
Titles | Appropriate social titles, e.g. Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., etc. |
Name order | Person the couple is closest with first, or alphabetical order |
Address format | Full, with no abbreviations (except for state) |
What You'll Learn
How to address a wedding invite to a married couple with the same last name
When addressing a wedding invitation to a married couple with the same last name, there are a few conventions to follow. The outer envelope, which is more formal, should include both recipients' full names and titles. For a heterosexual couple, use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's first and last name. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren". For a same-sex couple, either name can go first. Alternatively, you can write out both names, for example, "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren".
The inner envelope is more informal, so you can leave out some elements of the formal name format. You could write "Mr. and Mrs. Warren" or use their first names, for example, "Thomas and Michelle".
If you're not a fan of handwriting, you can always use wedding invitation address labels or hire a local calligrapher to address your envelopes for you.
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How to address a wedding invite to 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, it's important to use the correct titles and names for each person. The outer envelope should include their full names, with the woman's name listed first. Here is an example:
> "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez"
If the combined names are too long to fit on one line, you can list them separately:
> "Ms. Maria Stevens
> Mr. David Estevez"
For the inner envelope, you can use their first names or just their titles and surnames:
> "Ms. Stevens and Mr. Estevez" or "Maria and David"
If one of the guests has a distinguished title, such as a doctor, military personnel, lawyer, or judge, this should be included in the address. The person with the distinguished title should be listed first, regardless of gender. For example:
> "Doctor Tami Takata and Mr. David Estevez"
> "Dr. Takata and Mr. Estevez" or "Tami and David"
It's also worth noting that many modern women may prefer to have their names included separately rather than being lumped in with their husband's name. In this case, you can address the invitation as follows:
> "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren"
> "Mr. Warren and Mrs. Warren" or "Thomas and Michelle"
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How to address a wedding invite to a single person
When addressing a wedding invitation to a single person, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use the person's preferred title. If you are unsure, it is better to forgo the title altogether. The outer envelope should include the person's full name and their personal title. For example, if you are inviting a single woman over the age of 18, use "Ms." followed by their full name. For a single man over the age of 18, use "Mr." followed by their full name. If the invitee is under the age of 18, no title is necessary.
If your single guest has been offered a plus-one, there is no need to indicate this on the outer envelope. Simply use "and Guest" on the inner envelope. Here is an example:
Outer envelope: Ms. Stephanie Chen
Inner envelope: Ms. Chen and Guest, or Stephanie and Guest
If your wedding has a casual vibe, you may be able to get away with a less formal approach, such as using only first and last names without titles. However, it is important to consider older or more conservative guests who may expect a more traditional approach.
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How to address a wedding invite to an unmarried couple
When addressing a wedding invitation to an unmarried couple, there are a few things to keep in mind. The invitation should be addressed to both people in the couple, with each name on a separate line. The person you are closest to should be listed first, or you can use alphabetical order if you are equally close to both.
The outer envelope is more formal and typically includes titles and full names. For example, "Ms. Amanda Rhee/Mr. Aaron Triguiero". The inner envelope is more informal, and you can use titles with last names or just first names, e.g. "Ms. Rhee/Mr. Triguiero" or "Amanda/Aaron".
If you are using only one envelope, you can include both names on one line, e.g. "Ms. Alysson Schulz and Mr. Ricardo Gonzales".
It is important to double-check the spelling of your guests' names and their addresses before sending out the invitations.
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How to format the return address
The return address is important as it tells your guests where gifts and RSVPs should be mailed. It is also the address to which undeliverable invitations will be returned.
The return address goes on the back flap of your invitation envelope and the front side of your response envelopes. If you are using double envelopes (inner and outer), the return address only goes on the outermost envelope.
Traditionally, the return address should be handwritten, but it is now also acceptable to have it printed, use a mailing label, or a return address stamp.
The return address on the invitation envelope (or outer envelope) should be formatted as follows:
12 Park Lane
Mobile, Alabama 36695
Formally, no names are included on the outer envelope, but it is okay to include them. If you do include names, use the same format as for the response envelope.
The return address on the response envelope should include names, as this is the address the post office will deliver back to you. Here are some examples:
- Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson – 12 Park Lane, Mobile, Alabama 36695
- Ms. Kari Johnson and Mr. Bradley Shaw – 23848 Dunmore Loop, Mobile, Alabama 36695
- Kari and Bradley – 23848 Dunmore Loop, Mobile, Alabama 36695
Traditionally, the hosts of the event will be listed on the response envelope and will collect the gifts and RSVPs. This is usually the bride's parents, but if the couple is hosting, it is more casual to use a format such as "Kari and Bradley" rather than "Ms. Kari Johnson and Mr. Bradley Shaw".
If you are using mailing labels, you can order just return address labels or a combination of return address and guest address labels. If you order both, you can choose matching designs or two coordinating designs.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can use printed labels, a return address stamp, or even a mailing label. Handwriting is optional and digital calligraphy is becoming increasingly popular.
Traditionally, the man's full name is written out, with the titles "Mr." and "Mrs." included. However, you can also include both first names or put the woman's name first. For same-sex couples, simply indicate the appropriate prefix.
Write out their full names with "Mr." or "Mrs." on the stationery. Either name can go first. For same-sex couples, the same format applies, ensuring you address your guests with the correct prefix.
For male guests, use "Mr." and their full name. For female guests, use "Ms." and their full name. For non-binary guests, use the abbreviation "Mx." and their full name.