Wedding Invite Etiquette: Southeast Or South East?

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to ensure that the address is written correctly and clearly. One common question that arises is whether to write southeast or south east on the envelope. In this discussion, various opinions are shared, including writing out the direction in full or abbreviating it as SE. The decision may also depend on the specific location being referenced, such as Washington, DC, where the directional abbreviation is commonly used. Ultimately, the choice between southeast and south east can be a matter of style and consistency, ensuring that the invitation maintains a polished and elegant appearance.

Spell out 'South East' in full on wedding invites

When writing out addresses on wedding invites, it is generally best to spell out "South East" in full. Abbreviations like "SE" are best avoided unless they are part of a postal address, such as "London, SW1", or a street name like "SE Elm Street". In the latter case, "SE Elm Street" would be written out as "Southeast Elm Street".

If the directional indicator is part of a street name, it should always be written out in full. For example, "West Street" would be correct, rather than "W. Street". The same rule applies to other directionals like "North", "East", and "South", as well as words like "Street", "Road", "Boulevard", "First", and "Second".

For addresses in certain cities, like Washington, DC, or Grand Rapids, the directional indicator comes at the end of the address. In these cases, you would write "1234 Street Name SE (or NE/SW/NW)". If the address is "SE Elm Street", then it is written out as "Southeast Elm Street".

In conclusion, it is best to spell out "South East" in full on wedding invites for clarity and consistency. This ensures that your guests can easily locate the wedding venue and adds a touch of elegance to your invitation.

SE is acceptable if it's an official postal address

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's essential to ensure that your guests can easily find the location. One crucial aspect is how you abbreviate the direction, such as southeast or south east.

If you're wondering whether to use "SE" or spell it out on your wedding invites, the answer depends on whether it's an official postal address. "SE" is acceptable if it's a recognised postal abbreviation for the area, like "SW1" for London. This standard format makes it clear and concise for your guests.

However, if the directional is not part of a formal postal address, it's best to write it out as "Southeast" or "South East". This ensures clarity and a consistent presentation throughout your invitation. For example, if your venue is on "SE Elm Street," it would be written as "Southeast Elm Street."

It's worth noting that some cities, like Washington, DC, have specific conventions. In the case of DC, you'd use "SE" for southeast. Similarly, in Grand Rapids, you'd use "SE" after the street name, like "1234 Street Name SE."

In summary, when addressing wedding invitations, it's generally best to write out the direction in full unless it's an official postal address that uses a standard abbreviation like "SE" for southeast. This approach ensures your invitations are both aesthetically pleasing and easy for your guests to understand.

The Southeast US is a great region for a wedding

For those seeking a fairytale setting, The Kentucky Castle in Versailles, Kentucky, is a medieval castle nestled on 50 acres of pristine farmland. The venue includes a ballroom, event centre, spa, terrace, courtyard, and rooftop, providing ample space for indoor and outdoor celebrations.

If a private island experience is more your style, Sunset Key Cottages in Key West, Florida, offers an exclusive and romantic setting for your nuptials. Exchange vows with the soothing sound of waves in the background and enjoy the picturesque scenery of this premier destination.

For a rustic wedding with a touch of luxury, Race & Religious in New Orleans, Louisiana, combines the charm of exposed brick buildings from the 1800s with a lush outdoor courtyard. The award-winning venue can accommodate up to 300 guests and provides a truly authentic New Orleans experience.

The Southeast also boasts venues with breathtaking mountain scenery, such as Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, North Carolina. This venue is specially designed for weddings, with designated spaces for your ceremony and reception, set against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Whether you choose a castle, a private island, a rustic estate, or a mountain retreat, the Southeast US offers incredible weather, unbelievable venues, and a range of options to make your dream wedding a reality. With its mix of natural beauty, Southern charm, and cultural appeal, the Southeast is a perfect choice for your special day.

Washington, DC uses 'SE' in its addresses

When addressing wedding invitations, it is customary to write out the full name of the direction, such as South East or Southeast. However, if the address uses initials, such as SE, it is acceptable to use the abbreviated form.

Washington, DC, uses "SE" in its addresses, along with NE, SW, and NW, to designate quadrants. For example, an address in Washington, DC, might look like "10th St SE". When filling out an address form, "Washington" is designated as the city, and "DC" is designated as the state. Some online forms have drop-down menus that list "DC" as a state option, while others may list "Washington, DC". If filling out an address by hand, it is acceptable to write "Washington, DC" as the city and "DC" as the state, or simply "Washington" as the city and "District of Columbia" as the state.

The UK's East Coast is a popular wedding region

The UK's East Coast is a popular region for weddings, with its diverse range of venues and natural beauty spanning from the tip of Maine to the southern charm of Florida. Whether you're a local or just love the East Coast, it's a great place to tie the knot.

The Natural Beauty of the East Coast

The East Coast offers thick forests, sprawling shorelines, mountain ranges, and famous cities, catering to nearly every wedding vision. For a warm and intimate wedding, there are plenty of rustic barns to choose from. For something elegant, there are seaside resorts. Or, for a more modern celebration, there are cool hotels and museums with cultural appeal.

Top East Coast Wedding Destinations

Some of the top wedding destinations on the East Coast include Newport, Rhode Island, for its coastal beauty and historic charm; Savannah, Georgia, for its southern hospitality; and Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, for its idyllic island setting. Asheville, North Carolina, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers magical forest escapes, while Virginia Wine Country provides the perfect romantic winery setting.

Unique East Coast Wedding Venues

The East Coast is also home to many unique wedding venues. The Ocean House in Newport, Rhode Island, offers a private beach and a variety of indoor and outdoor event spaces. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is another iconic venue, with a magnificent château, lush gardens, and breathtaking landscapes.

For a blend of history and contemporary style, there's The Liberty Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. This historic landmark turned luxury hotel offers intimate ceremony spaces in its courtyard and grand receptions in its ballroom.

South East England

If you're looking for a wedding venue in South East England, there are plenty of options to choose from. The region includes dynamic cities such as Buckinghamshire, Kent, and Oxfordshire, and offers a range of venues from historical manors to laid-back beach weddings.

South East England is also home to some of the best-rated wedding vendors in the UK, with Kent revealed as the second-best region for vendors, including the county's third-best cake service, All Shapes & Slices Cake Co.

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