The Art Of Handwritten Wedding Envelopes: Etiquette Or Expression?

Wedding invitation envelopes can be a tricky business. There are many different ways to address envelopes, depending on the couple's titles, surnames, and whether they are married or unmarried. While handwriting addresses on the outer envelope is considered proper etiquette, it is not necessary. Printing addresses is a modern, cost-effective, and time-saving method. However, handwriting can add a personal touch to your invites.

Handwritten vs. printed envelopes

There are differing opinions on whether wedding invitation envelopes should be handwritten or printed. Some people believe that handwriting addresses on the outer envelope is the proper etiquette, while others think it is outdated and that printing is more modern and efficient. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide which option suits their style and budget.

Handwritten Envelopes

Handwriting wedding envelopes is often seen as a traditional and personal approach. It follows the idea that social correspondence should be handwritten, while business correspondence can be printed. Handwriting allows for creativity in terms of colour and style, and it can be a cost-effective DIY option. However, it may be time-consuming and challenging, especially for those with poor handwriting. Hiring a calligrapher can add a touch of elegance, but it can also be costly.

Printed Envelopes

Digital printing offers a modern, quick, and cost-effective solution for addressing wedding envelopes. It ensures legibility and consistency in formatting and can be done at home or through professional services. Printing is ideal for those with messy handwriting who want to avoid the hassle and potential errors of handwriting. However, it may not align with traditional wedding etiquette, and the personal touch may be lost. Additionally, print colours may be limited, and certain printing methods can be expensive.

A Combination of Both

Some couples choose to combine both methods. For instance, they may handwrite the inner envelopes, which are more informal, and print the outer envelopes to ensure legibility and consistency. This approach adds a personal touch while maintaining a polished and professional look.

Other Considerations

When addressing wedding envelopes, it is essential to consider the guests' titles, relationship status, and the presence of children or plus-ones. The outer envelope should be formal, including the recipient's full name and title. The inner envelope is more casual, allowing for flexibility in the use of titles and names. For families with children, the outer envelope typically includes the parents' names, while the inner envelope lists each child's name.

Married couples with the same last name

When it comes to addressing wedding envelopes, there are a few options to consider. Traditional wedding etiquette suggests that it is proper to handwrite wedding envelopes, as social correspondence is written and business correspondence is printed. Handwriting can also add a personal touch to your invites. However, digital printing is a modern, quick, easy, and cost-effective way to address your envelopes.

If you are addressing a married couple with the same last name, the traditional way is to use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's first and last name. For a same-sex couple, either name can go first.

Outer envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren"

Inner envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Warren" or "Thomas and Michelle"

However, many modern women may not appreciate having their names left out and lumped in with their husbands. In this case, you can address the envelope as follows:

Outer envelope: "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren"

Inner envelope: "Mr. Warren and Mrs. Warren" or "Thomas and Michelle"

If you are addressing a married couple with the same last name, and one or both of them have distinguished titles, such as doctors, military personnel, judges, etc., the person with the higher ranking title should be listed first.

Outer envelope: "The Doctors Smith" or "Drs. Matthew and Angela Smith"

Inner envelope: "The Doctors Smith" or "Matthew and Angela"

Married couples with different last names

When it comes to addressing wedding envelopes, there are a few options to consider. While traditional wedding etiquette suggests that it is proper to handwrite envelopes, digital printing is a modern, quick, and cost-effective way to address envelopes.

If you choose to handwrite your envelopes, you can either write them yourself or hire a calligrapher. Handwriting can add a personal touch, but it may be costly if you opt for a calligrapher. On the other hand, digital printing allows you to mix and match fonts and graphics for a modern style. However, it may not follow traditional wedding etiquette, and the personal touch may be lost.

Now, let's focus on the specific scenario of addressing envelopes to married couples with different last names. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Outer Envelope:

When addressing the outer envelope, you have the option to list the names on the same line or on separate lines. Here are both formats:

• Mrs. [Wife's First Name] [Wife's Last Name] and Mr. [Husband's First Name] [Husband's Last Name]
• Mrs. [Wife's First Name] [Wife's Last Name]

[Address Line 1]

Mr. [Husband's First Name] [Husband's Last Name]

Inner Envelope:

For the inner envelope, you can address the couple more informally since you have already provided their full names on the outer envelope. Here are some options:

• [Wife's First Name] and [Husband's First Name]
• [Wife's First Name] [Wife's Last Name] and [Husband's First Name] [Husband's Last Name]
• [Wife's First Name] and [Husband's First Name] [Husband's Last Name]

Additional Tips:

• It is considered outdated and inappropriate to assume that the wife has changed her name. Always use the wife's first name and address her as "Mrs." if you are unsure whether she has changed her name.
• Avoid using only the first name of one person and the last name of the other, as this may appear as if one person is an afterthought.
• Always provide titles (Mr., Ms., Mrs.) when addressing adults.
• If you are close friends with one of the spouses, you can list their name first, regardless of traditional conventions.

Remember, these guidelines are flexible, and you can adapt them to fit your specific situation and relationships.

Single guests with a plus one

It is generally considered good etiquette to hand-write wedding invitation envelopes, and this thoughtful touch often extends to the addresses of your guests' envelopes too. While it is not necessary to hand-write every single envelope, doing so for those offering a plus one can be a lovely gesture. This is a guide to help you navigate the etiquette of hand-writing wedding envelopes, especially for single guests with a plus-one invitation.

When it comes to single guests who have been offered a plus one, it is entirely up to you whether you hand-write their envelope. This is a nice way to recognize that you are giving them the option to bring a guest and can make them feel valued. Hand-writing this envelope adds a personal touch and shows that you are happy for them to bring a date, making them feel more included in your special day. It is a thoughtful way to acknowledge their plus one and can be especially meaningful if you know your guest well.

If you do choose to hand-write the envelope, be sure to include the name of the guest's expected plus one. This can be a simple "and Guest" or, if they have already informed you of their date's name, include that instead. This personalized approach ensures clarity and avoids any confusion, letting your guest know that you are thinking of them and their plus one as an important part of your celebration. Taking the time to write out the envelope by hand demonstrates effort and can be a lovely surprise for your guests, adding to the excitement of your wedding.

However, it is also perfectly acceptable to leave the plus-one's name off the envelope, especially if you are expecting a more informal wedding or if your guest is unlikely to know the name of their date in advance. In this case, a handwritten envelope addressed to your single guest and a separate insert or note indicating they are welcome to bring a plus one is a thoughtful alternative. This way, you still show attention to detail while offering flexibility and a more modern approach to wedding etiquette.

Unmarried couples

When addressing wedding invitations to unmarried couples, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to include both names of the couple on the envelopes, with each name having its own line. Secondly, the person who is closest to the host should be listed first, or you can go by alphabetical order if you are equally close to both guests. Here is an example:

Outer envelope: Mr. Aaron Triguiero

Mr. Gabriel Reyes

Inner envelope: Mr. Triguiero

Mr. Reyes

Or

Outer envelope: Ms. Alysson Schulz

Mr. Ricardo Gonzales

Inner envelope: Ms. Schulz and Mr. Gonzales

Or

Outer envelope: Ms. Lily Pike

Ms. Jane Pearce

Inner envelope: Ms. Pike and Ms. Pearce

It is also important to note that if the unmarried couple does not live together, they should receive separate invitations.

Frequently asked questions