Wedding Invites: Abbreviations, A Stylish Solution Or An Eyesore?

Wedding invitations are a chance to make a good impression on invitees, and the right etiquette must be followed. While the world of wedding invitation etiquette can be complex, there are some basic rules to follow. Abbreviations should be avoided, with the exception of Dr. for Doctor. All words in the address should be written out in full, including titles, street names, and state names. This attention to detail shows invitees that the couple has put thought and care into their invitations.

Abbreviations for titles: Dr, Mr, Mrs, Ms, Miss, etc

When it comes to titles, it is important to use the correct abbreviation, especially on formal occasions such as weddings. Here is a guide to the most common honorifics and how to use them.

Mr.

The title "Mr." is used for men, regardless of their marital status. It is an abbreviation of "mister", which was originally used for men of high authority. It is pronounced "mister".

Mrs.

"Mrs." is the abbreviation of "missus" and refers to married women. It is also used by some widowed or divorced women. It is pronounced "missiz" or "miziz" in the Northern United States, and "miziz" or "miz" in the Southern United States.

Ms.

"Ms." is used for women regardless of their marital status or when it is unknown. It came about in the 1950s as women sought to differentiate themselves from being known solely by their marital status, and it is now often the default for women. It is pronounced "miz" or "muhz".

Miss

"Miss" is used for young girls or unmarried women. It is also used when a woman's marital status is unknown or unimportant. It should always be spelled out and is pronounced "miss".

Mx.

"Mx." is a gender-neutral title for those who do not identify with gendered honorifics or do not wish to specify their gender. It is pronounced "miks" or "muhks".

Dr.

"Dr." is the abbreviation for "doctor" and is used as a title for those holding a doctoral degree (e.g. PhD) or for medical practitioners, dentists, and veterinary surgeons. It is pronounced "doktor".

Other Titles

Other titles may be used for specific professions, such as Professor, Captain, General, Lieutenant, or military and noble titles such as Lord or Lady.

Using Titles on Wedding Invitations

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to use the correct titles and abbreviations. The outer envelope should include the recipient's full name, including their personal title. For example, for a single woman over 18, "Ms." is appropriate, while Miss is used for younger girls. For a married couple with the same last name, the outer envelope can be addressed as "Mr. and Mrs. [Last Name]".

The inner envelope is more informal, and you may choose to leave out some elements, such as last names. For example, for a married couple with the same last name, the inner envelope can simply say "Mr. and Mrs.".

When addressing a married couple where one person has a distinguished title, such as "Dr.", this should be included on both envelopes. For example, "Dr. Anne Barker and Mr. Peter Underwood" on the outer envelope, and "Dr. Barker and Mr. Underwood" on the inner envelope.

If both members of the couple have the same distinguished title, such as "Dr.", this can be abbreviated to "The Doctors" on the inner envelope, for example, "The Doctors Underwood".

In general, it is always best to ask a person how they wish to be addressed and follow their preference.

Abbreviations for addresses: St, Ave, Rd, etc

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are differing opinions on whether or not to use abbreviations in address lines. Some sources advise against the use of abbreviations, recommending that all words in the address be spelled out. This includes spelling out "Street" instead of using "St.", and writing out "Post Office Box" instead of "P.O. Box". This approach ensures a more formal and traditional presentation.

On the other hand, other sources suggest that it is acceptable to use certain abbreviations, particularly for specific street suffixes. According to the U.S. Postal Service standards, when writing a formal address with a numbered street, only "Avenue", "Boulevard", and "Street" should be abbreviated as "Ave.", "Blvd.", and "St.". All other street suffixes like "Drive", "Road", and "Alley" should be spelled out. Additionally, when using these abbreviations in a numbered address, they should be capitalised without a period, as in "2210 Wilbur Ave.". However, when these terms are part of a formal street name without a number, they should be spelled out and capitalised, such as "Wilbur Avenue".

It is worth noting that the use of abbreviations may depend on the formality of the wedding and the couple's preferences. Abbreviations can be used in a more casual or informal setting, whereas a formal wedding may call for a more traditional approach of spelling out all words. Ultimately, the decision rests with the couple, and they may choose to follow the standard conventions or adapt them to suit their style.

In addition to the street suffix abbreviations mentioned above, here are some other common abbreviations that are recognised by the U.S. Postal Service:

• Apartment - Apt
• Boulevard - Blvd
• Building - Bldg
• Center(s) - Ctr
• Circle(s) - Cir
• Court - Ct
• Expressway - Expy
• Fort - Ft
• Freeway - Fwy
• Height(s) - Hts
• Highway - Hwy
• Island - Is
• Junction - Jct
• Lane - Ln
• Mount(ain) - Mt
• Parkway - Pky
• Place - Pl
• Post Office - PO
• Terrace - Ter
• Turnpike - Tpke

Abbreviations for states: AL, GA, etc

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are differing opinions on whether or not to use abbreviations in address lines. Some sources suggest that you should avoid using abbreviations in addresses, spelling out all words, including the city and state names. For example, instead of "St.", write "Street", and instead of "MN", write out "Minnesota". This ensures a more formal and traditional style.

However, other sources suggest that it is acceptable to use the standard two-letter postal abbreviations for states when writing out addresses, especially on the outer envelope, which is more formal and requires the postal service to deliver the invitation. The two-letter postal abbreviations for the states you mentioned are as follows: "AL" for Alabama and "GA" for Georgia. These abbreviations are in uppercase letters with no spaces or periods between them.

It is worth noting that eight states are never abbreviated in text: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Texas, and Utah. States with five or fewer letters, plus Alaska and Hawaii, are not abbreviated.

Abbreviations for numbers: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc

Abbreviations for numbers, such as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, are generally not used in wedding invitation addresses. Instead, it is more common to spell out the number in full, especially for numbers less than twenty. For example, you would write "One Hundred and Twenty-Fifth Street" instead of "125th Street".

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Firstly, if a street has a word instead of a number, you should spell it out. For example, you would write "Fourth Street" instead of "4th Street".

Secondly, when it comes to house numbers, there is some flexibility. Very short numbers can be written out, such as "One Thousand Ridge Road". However, if the number is longer and requires more than two words, it is better to use the numerical form. For example, write "27071 North 192nd Street" instead of "Twenty-Seven Thousand Seventy-One North One Hundred Ninety-Second Street".

Finally, zip codes should always be written in numerical form, without any abbreviations or punctuation.

Abbreviations for apartment numbers: Apt, Ste, etc

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to ensure that your guests' addresses are written correctly. While you may be tempted to abbreviate apartment numbers as "Apt" or "Ste", there is a specific format that should be followed to ensure your invitations are delivered without a hitch. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for addressing wedding invitations to guests residing in apartments:

Use the Full Form for "Apartment" or "Suite"

According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), it is recommended to spell out "Apartment" or Suite instead of using abbreviations. This means you should write "Apartment" or "Suite" in full, rather than shortening them to "Apt" or "Ste". This helps ensure that your invitations are delivered correctly and avoids any potential confusion.

Include the Apartment or Suite Information in the Delivery Address Line

When addressing a wedding invitation to an apartment, ensure that the apartment or suite number is included in the delivery address line. This means writing the recipient's name, followed by the street address, and then adding a comma or line break before including the apartment or suite number. For example:

"Ms. Jane Smith, 123 Main Street, Apartment 45, New York, NY 10010"

Use Approved Abbreviations for Other Address Elements

While it's best to spell out "Apartment" or "Suite", there are some abbreviations that are commonly accepted by the USPS. For example, you can use BLDG for building, # for number, and directional cues such as "NW" or "SE" for the direction. Just make sure to always include a space between the pound sign (#) and the apartment number if you choose to use it.

Double-Check the ZIP Code

It's crucial to verify the ZIP code for the address to avoid any delays in delivery. Each city may have multiple streets with the same name, and using the correct ZIP code helps ensure that your invitation doesn't end up on the wrong side of town.

Consider Using a Calligrapher

If you're concerned about the legibility of your handwriting or want to add a touch of elegance to your wedding invitations, consider hiring a professional calligrapher. They can help ensure that your guests' addresses, including apartment numbers, are written clearly and beautifully.

Provide a Return Address

Don't forget to include a return address on the back flap of the envelope. This way, if there are any issues with delivery, your invitations can be returned to you, and you can double-check the accuracy of the address.

By following these guidelines and paying close attention to detail, you can ensure that your wedding invitations reach your guests residing in apartments without any issues.

Frequently asked questions