Avenue Abbreviation Etiquette For Wedding Invites: To Type Or Not?

When it comes to wedding invites, there are a lot of things to consider, from the font and paper type to the wording and formatting. One small but important detail is whether to write out Avenue in full or abbreviate it. While it may seem like a minor detail, it's essential to know the proper etiquette, especially if you're going for a formal or traditional invitation style.

Abbreviations vs. full words

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few rules to follow regarding abbreviations and full words. While weddings are becoming less formal, and the rule book has become more of a loose guideline, it is still important to follow certain etiquette, especially when addressing wedding invitations.

In general, abbreviations should be avoided when addressing wedding invitations. This includes titles such as "Mr." and "Mrs.", which are acceptable to abbreviate. However, the title "Doctor" should always be spelled out in full. Street titles, such as "Street", "Drive", and "Avenue", should also be written out in full. This is considered more formal and proper etiquette for wedding invitations.

Additionally, directional words such as "North", "South", "East", and "West" should not be abbreviated. City and state names should also be spelled out in full, rather than using abbreviations such as "St." for "Street" or "Ave." for "Avenue". Zip codes, on the other hand, are typically written in numerical form, such as "90210" for Beverly Hills, California.

When addressing individuals, it is important to use their full names, including middle names if known. However, middle names should not be abbreviated. For example, "Mr. John Isaac Smith" instead of "Mr. John I. Smith". Courtesy titles such as "Miss", "Ms.", or "Mrs." may be used, but it is important to use the correct title based on the woman's age and marital status. "Miss" is typically used for girls under the age of 18, while "Ms." is used for unmarried women or married women who have chosen to keep their maiden name. If you are unsure, it is best to use "Ms."

When addressing married couples, the traditional format is "Mr. and Mrs. [Husband's First and Last Name]". However, in modern times, many women prefer to include their first names, such as "Mrs. Sarah and Mr. John Smith". If the wife has chosen to keep her maiden name, her name is typically listed first, followed by her husband's name, such as "Ms. Sarah Thompson and Mr. John Smith".

In the case of unmarried couples living together, their names are typically written on separate lines without the word "and", indicating that they are not married. For example, "Ms. Sarah Thompson, Mr. John Smith".

When addressing children on wedding invitations, it is important to note that children over the age of 18 should receive their own invitation, even if they still live at home. Formal etiquette dictates that boys under the age of 13 are addressed as "Master", while girls and young women under the age of 18 are addressed as "Miss".

Overall, when in doubt, it is best to opt for a more formal approach when addressing wedding invitations. This shows that you have put thought and care into the invitations, and it helps to set the tone for your wedding day.

Titles and their usage

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to consider the titles of your guests. This is especially important if you are having a formal wedding, but it is also good to be mindful of titles even if your wedding is more casual. The titles you use will depend on the marital status, age, and professional qualifications of your guests.

For a single woman, the preferred title is "Ms." unless she is under the age of 18, in which case "Miss" is more appropriate. A single man is addressed as "Mr." If you are inviting a family with young children (under 18), the outer envelope is addressed to the parents, and the names of each child are listed on the inner envelope. Boys under the age of 13 are addressed as "Master", while girls under 18 are called "Miss".

When addressing a married couple, the outer envelope should include their titles and either the husband's first name and full last name, or the wife's first name and their full last name if she has kept her maiden name. If the wife has a hyphenated last name, her full name is used. On the inner envelope, you can use their titles and last name only. If the couple has different last names, the wife's name is traditionally written first, and their names are connected with the word "and" to imply marriage.

If one or both members of the couple are doctors, the titles will appear as "Doctor and Mrs." if the husband is a doctor, or "Doctor [wife's full name] and Mr. [husband's full name]" if the wife is a doctor. If both are doctors, write "The Doctors [last name]"." For other professional titles, such as judges, elected officials, or military personnel, the higher-ranking title is listed first.

In less formal settings, it is acceptable to omit titles altogether and use only names. However, if your wedding is formal or black-tie, it is best to stick to the traditional rules of address.

Inner and outer envelopes

The use of inner and outer envelopes for wedding invitations is a long-standing tradition that dates back to the days of horse-drawn carriages. While it is no longer necessary to protect invitations from the rigours of snail mail, using two envelopes can still serve a practical purpose by providing an extra layer of protection to ensure your invites arrive in pristine condition.

The inner envelope is usually more informal and includes the names of everyone invited, such as children or additional family members, whereas the outer envelope is typically addressed only to the heads of the household. This can help to clarify who is invited, especially if you are planning an adults-only wedding.

The outer envelope should be formal and include the recipient's full name and title, such as Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms., or Mx. For example, an invitation addressed to a married couple might read, "Mr. and Mrs. Walter Stuart Brown" on the outer envelope and "Mr. and Mrs. Brown" on the inner envelope.

If you are inviting a married couple and the wife has retained her maiden name, the outer envelope could read, "Ms. Emily Jones and Mr. John Williams", with the inner envelope addressed to "Ms. Jones and Mr. Williams".

The inner envelope is usually left unsealed and can be embellished with wax seals or envelope liners for added formality and style.

While the use of inner and outer envelopes is a long-standing tradition for formal weddings, it is ultimately a matter of personal preference. You may choose to forgo this tradition if it doesn't align with your wedding vision or style.

Formal vs. informal

When it comes to wedding invitations, the way you address your guests on the envelope can set the tone for the event. While weddings are becoming less formal, there are still some rules to follow, especially if your wedding is formal or black-tie.

Formal

For a formal wedding invitation, the outer envelope should include the full name(s) of the recipient(s), including their personal title(s). This works for couples of all genders, regardless of whether they share a surname. For example, for a married couple, you would write:

> "Mr. and Mrs. John Rivera"

If the couple has different last names, you can write:

> "Ms. Celine Elgin

> Jacqueline Purcell"

If you are inviting a family with young children (under 18), the outer envelope should only include the name(s) of the parent(s) or guardian(s). Each child's name should be listed on the inner envelope. For example:

> "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham

> Daniel, Jeffrey, Miss Brittany, Mx. Kelly"

Informal

If you are having a more laid-back wedding, you can make the envelope less formal by dropping the titles. For example, instead of "Mr. and Mrs.", you can simply use the couple's names. For a married couple, you could write:

> "Anna and David Jones"

For a family with young children, you could write:

> "Anna and David Jones

> Daniel, Jeffrey, Brittany, Kelly"

In general, the inner envelope is more informal than the outer envelope. You can leave out one or two elements of the formal name format, such as using first names only. For example:

> "Sam and Guest"

You can also choose a more whimsical calligraphy style and a fun ink colour to convey a less formal tone.

Single-envelope invites

When it comes to wedding invitation envelopes, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your invites are both aesthetically pleasing and informative. Here are some guidelines specifically for single-envelope invites:

Formatting and Style:

• Avoiding Abbreviations: In general, it is best to avoid abbreviations and instead write out words in full. This includes titles like "Street", "Avenue", "Boulevard", etc. Numerical house numbers above 10 can be written in digit form, while those below 10 should be written out (e.g. "Twelve Dunmore Drive").
• Guest Names: It is recommended that you write out the full name of your guests, including their personal titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, etc.). For unmarried women, "Ms." is generally preferred over "Miss", which is typically used for girls under the age of 18. If you are unsure of a guest's preferred title, it is best to err on the side of formality.
• Professional Titles: If a guest has a distinguished professional title, such as Doctor, Lawyer, Judge, or Military rank, it is proper etiquette to include this in their address. For example, "Dr. Anne Barker and Mr. Peter Underwood" or "Lieutenant Jonathan Kelly, US Navy".
• Children: If you are inviting children under the age of 18, their names should be listed on the inner envelope. Boys under the age of 16 do not need a title, while girls under the age of 18 can be addressed as "Miss". If you are inviting children over the age of 18, they should receive their own invitation, even if they live with their parents.
• Plus-ones: When addressing a single guest with a plus-one, include "and Guest" on the inner envelope. If you know the name of the plus-one, it is more personal to include their name on a separate line.

Practical Considerations:

• Timing: It is recommended that you send out your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to respond and allows you to get a reliable headcount.
• Handwriting vs Printing: While handwritten addresses are considered more formal and elegant, printed labels or computer calligraphy are also acceptable, especially for less formal weddings.
• Return Address: Don't forget to include a return address on your invitations. This is typically printed on the envelope's back flap.
• Postage: Ensure that you use the correct postage for your invitations, especially if they are heavier or require special handling. Consider hand-cancelling your invitations at the post office to prevent damage caused by machines.

Frequently asked questions