Deborah Chan
Wedding invitations are a chance to make your guests feel special and welcomed, and the proper way to label them is an important part of this. Traditionally, wedding invitations have an inner and an outer envelope, with the outer envelope containing the recipient's name, street address, return address, and postage, and the inner envelope containing the name(s) of the person(s) being invited. The outer envelope is more formal, with titles and full names, while the inner envelope is more informal, with first names or titles and last names. In modern times, it is also acceptable to use just one outer envelope, with all the necessary information. While traditional etiquette calls for handwritten addresses in black ink, modern alternatives include printing, computer calligraphy, and address labels. Labels can be clear or white, with clear labels being preferred for non-white envelopes, and can be purchased from online retailers and stationery stores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Outer envelope | Recipient's name, street address, return address, postage |
| Inner envelope | Name of the person(s) being invited |
| Abbreviations | It is acceptable to abbreviate titles (Dr., Mrs., etc.). |
| Ink colour | Traditionally, wedding invitations should be hand-addressed in black ink. |
| Return address | The return address should be printed on the back envelope flap. |
| Labels | Clear labels are preferred over white labels. |
What You'll Learn
Outer and inner envelopes
The outer envelope is the larger of the two envelopes and contains the recipient's name, street address, return address, and postage. Traditionally, this envelope is formal and includes the recipient's full name and title. For example, for a heterosexual married couple, you would write "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren". For a same-sex couple, either name can go first. If the couple has different last names, write their names on the same line with the person you are closest with or the person with a higher-ranking title first, regardless of gender. For unmarried couples living at the same address, include both people's names on one line.
The inner envelope is more informal and includes the names of the invited guests in the household, including children whose names do not appear on the outer envelope. Traditionally, the inner envelope is not sealed with a gummed flap and is addressed as if it were being hand-delivered. If you are inviting a single person, use "Ms." or "Miss" for a woman and "Mr." for a man. If they have a distinguished title, such as a doctor or lawyer, it is proper to use this on the envelope.
It is important to note that the names of the bride and groom should not appear together in print until after the wedding. If the bride's parents are hosting the wedding, the return address on the outer envelope should be their address.
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Abbreviations
For example, when addressing doctors, it is customary to abbreviate their title on the inner envelope. On the outer envelope, the title "Doctor" should be spelled out, but on the inner envelope, it can be shortened to "Dr." This is also the case for military personnel, judges, and other distinguished titles.
Additionally, when addressing young girls under the age of 18, the title "Miss" is typically abbreviated on both the outer and inner envelopes.
It is also worth noting that the use of "Mr." and "Mrs." is often abbreviated in informal or casual wedding invitations. While this is not traditional, it may be appropriate for a very informal wedding, such as a backyard barbecue or picnic.
In general, it is best to avoid abbreviations when addressing wedding invitations to maintain a formal and respectful tone. However, in certain cases, such as with distinguished titles or when addressing young girls, abbreviations can be used appropriately.
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Return address
The return address is typically placed on the back flap of the outer envelope. This is the address of the person or couple hosting the wedding. For example, if the bride's parents are hosting, their address is used. It is also possible to include the return address on the front of the outer envelope, along with the recipient's name, street address, and postage.
Traditionally, the return address on wedding invitations is handwritten in black ink, but printed labels are becoming more acceptable. If you opt for labels, clear labels are often preferred for their discreet appearance. Printed labels are also a good option if you have a large number of invitations to send out, as they save time and ensure a neat and consistent look.
If you want to stick with tradition and handwrite the return address, you can enlist the help of friends and family with good penmanship. You can also consider hiring a professional calligrapher to inscribe your envelopes, adding a personal and elegant touch.
- Traditional etiquette suggests spelling out all words in the address, including "Street" instead of "St." and "Apartment" instead of "Apt." However, this can be time-consuming and delay delivery, so using standard abbreviations is also acceptable.
- The return address should not include names, as it is considered a formal address.
- If the couple is unmarried and living together, the return address is typically addressed to the bride only.
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Handwritten vs printed
When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there are a few options to consider: handwritten, printed, or a combination of both. Here are some details on handwritten vs. printed wedding invitation labels to help you decide which option is best for you:
Handwritten Wedding Invitation Labels
The traditional and formal way to address wedding invitations is by hand. This option can add a personal and elegant touch to your invitations. If you have beautiful handwriting or are confident in your calligraphy skills, this can be a great way to make your invitations stand out. However, it can be time-consuming and tedious, especially if you have a large guest list. In this case, you may want to consider asking a friend or family member with nice handwriting to help, or hiring a professional calligrapher. While this adds an extra expense, it can be worth it for the polished look it provides.
Printed Wedding Invitation Labels
If you're looking for a more convenient and cost-effective option, printing your wedding invitation labels is a popular choice. You can use a script or calligraphy-style font to achieve a similar look to handwriting, without having to write out each address by hand. Printed labels can be purchased from online retailers or stationery stores, or you can print them yourself at home. This option is usually faster and more budget-friendly, especially if you have a large number of invitations to send out. However, it may lack the personal touch that handwritten addresses provide.
Combining Handwritten and Printed Elements
If you want the best of both worlds, you can also combine handwritten and printed elements. For example, you can print the addresses in a light colour and then trace over them with a pen, or add handwritten quotes or designs to printed labels. This way, you can achieve the elegance of handwritten details while saving time and effort.
Ultimately, the decision between handwritten and printed wedding invitation labels comes down to your personal preference, budget, and time constraints. Whichever option you choose, your guests will appreciate the invitation and the thought behind it.
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Titles and names
The traditional way to address wedding invitations is to include an inner and an outer envelope. The outer envelope is what is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope only has the names of the invitees.
Married Couple with the Same Last Name
Traditionally, the man’s full name is written out, with the titles of “Mr.” and “Mrs.” included. For a same-sex couple, either name can go first.
Outer envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Clarke" or “Mr. Jackson Clarke and Mrs. Mary Clarke”
Inner envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Clarke" or "Jackson and Mary"
Married Couple with Different Last Names
For married couples with different last names, simply write out their full names with “Mr.” or “Mrs.” on the stationery. Either the man or woman can be mentioned first.
Outer envelope: "Mrs. Gwyneth Brookes and Mr. Cyan Matthews" or "Mr. Cyan Matthews and Mrs. Gwyneth Brookes"
Inner envelope: "Mrs. Brookes and Mr. Matthews" or "Gwyneth and Cyan"
Married Couple with One Hyphenated Last Name
In the case of a spouse who has chosen to hyphenate their last name, invitations should be addressed using the following:
Outer envelope: "Mr. Marcus Craft and Mr. Brian Crosby-Craft"
Inner envelope: "Mr. Craft and Mr. Crosby-Craft" or "Marcus and Brian"
Unmarried Couple
For an unmarried couple that lives together, the full names of each guest should either be listed on one or two lines on the stationery, with the appropriate titles placed. It’s best to open the starting line with the person you are closer to.
Outer envelope: "Ms. Alysson Schulz and Mr. Ricardo Gonzales"
Inner envelope: "Ms. Schulz and Mr. Gonzales" or "Alysson and Ricardo"
Single Person
For single persons, whether male, female, or non-binary, the proper prefix should be used in addressing your guests.
For male guests, use “Mr.” then his full name.
For female guests, use “Ms.” then her full name.
For non-binary guests, use the abbreviation “Mx.” then their full name.
Single Person with a Plus One
For a single guest that gets to bring a plus one, it’s best to know the name of the person your invitee will bring. If not, simply include “& Guest” or “and guest,” following the full name of the invitee.
Outer envelope: "Mr. Tyler Morris & Guest"
Engaged Couple
For engaged couples, it can be tricky to know how to address wedding invitations to them. If you want to opt for a more formal route, it’s best to address both people as unmarried. However, if you want to be casual, you can lean into the idea of the couple being future newlyweds.
Outer envelope: "Mr. Luis Smith and Ms. May Hyde"
Inner envelope: "Mr. Smith and Ms. Hyde" or "Luis and May"
Family
In deciding whether or not to invite an entire family, you should be sure of how specific you want your invitation to be. If you want to be general, you can simply address the envelope to the whole family or include “& children” following the names of the married couple.
Outer envelope: "The Carter Family" or "Mr. Max Carter and Mrs. Natasha Carter & Children"
Inner envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Carter" or "Max and Natasha"
If you want to be specific about which family members are invited, simply list down the names of the children (in order of birth) in separate lines after addressing their parents in the opening line.
Outer envelope: "Mr. Max Carter and Mrs. Natasha Carter"
Inner envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. Carter, Mx. Daniel Carter, Miss Alex Carter, Mr. Andrei Carter"
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Frequently asked questions
The traditional way to label wedding invitations is to include an inner and an outer envelope. The outer envelope contains the recipient's name, street address, return address, and postage. The inner envelope has less information and is usually only addressed to the person(s) being invited. The inner envelope is not sealed with a gummed flap and can be tucked inside or sealed with a wax stamp.
While handwritten addresses are considered more elegant and personal, using printed labels can save time and ensure legibility. Printed labels are also a good option if your handwriting is not clear or consistent. If you decide to use labels, choose a style that complements your envelopes, such as clear labels with black or gold foil text.
For a heterosexual married couple with the same last name, use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's first and last name. For same-sex couples, either name can go first. If the couple has different last names, write their names on the same line with the person you are closest with first, or in alphabetical order if you are equally close to both.
When inviting a family with children, the outer envelope should include the family name or the parents' names. On the inner envelope, list the names of the invited guests, including children over the age of 18. For girls under 18, you can use "Miss." Boys do not need a title until they are 16, at which point they can be addressed as "Mr."
