Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Listing Children's Names

Wedding invitation etiquette is a complex business, and one of the most confusing scenarios is how to address families with children. If you're using inner and outer envelopes (formal), the outer envelope should include the parents' names, and the inner envelope should list each family member's name, with children under 18 listed under their parents' names, from oldest to youngest. Children over 18 and living with their parents should receive their own invitation. If you're using a single outer envelope (informal), the envelope should include the guest's complete and formal name, mailing address, and list children under their parents' names.

Formal invitations: Inner and outer envelopes

If you're using inner and outer envelopes, the outer envelope should be formal. Write the guest's full name, including their personal title(s). For example, for a married couple, you could write "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren". If you're inviting a family with young children, the outer envelope should include the name(s) of the parent(s) or guardian(s).

The inner envelope is more informal, and you can leave out one or two elements of the formal name format. For example, for the married couple, you could write "Mr. and Mrs. Warren" or "Thomas and Michelle". If you're inviting a family with children, list each child by name on the inner envelope. For girls under 18, you can use "Miss". Boys don't need a title until they're 16, at which point they can be addressed as "Mr.".

If you're inviting a family with children over the age of 18, they should each receive their own invitation, even if they're still living at home. If you're only using a single outer envelope, write the guest's full name and complete mailing address. Children under 18 should be included under their parents' names, from oldest to youngest.

Informal invitations: Single outer envelope

When it comes to informal wedding invitations, a single outer envelope is a perfect option. This style of the invitation allows you to list your guests' names, including their children, directly on the envelope. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you through the process:

For this style, you will only need one envelope, which will contain your invitation suite. This means that your guests' names, including their children, will be written on the front of this envelope. A typical format for an address with children would be: "The Smith Family," which indicates that the entire family is invited and provides a warm and welcoming tone.

If you are inviting a family with children to your wedding, you can list their names individually or use a general term like "and family." For example, you could write, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith and family" to indicate that their children are also invited. This approach simplifies the process and still conveys the necessary information.

When addressing the family with young children or babies, you might want to include their names to make the invitation more personal. For example, "The Smith Family, little Emma and Oliver included!" This adds a charming touch and ensures there is no ambiguity about who is invited.

In some cases, you may want to specify the names and ages of children, especially if you are inviting older children or teenagers. For example, "The Smith Family, including Emma (age 12) and Oliver (age 10)." Doing so gives the parents a better idea of the age range of guests attending your wedding, which can be helpful for them when making arrangements.

Remember, when using a single outer envelope, it is essential to be clear and specific. You want to ensure that your guests understand who is invited, especially when children are involved. This method of invitation is casual and friendly, perfect for a more relaxed wedding theme. It also saves on costs and simplifies the assembly process, making it a popular choice for couples.

I hope this helps provide some guidance on addressing wedding invitations when including children.

Addressing children under 18

When it comes to addressing children under 18 on wedding invitations, there are a few different options and some etiquette to consider. Firstly, it is recommended that children under 18 are not included on the outer envelope. Their names should only appear on the inner envelope, listed underneath their parents' names. If you are using a single outer envelope, the same rule applies: list children under their parents' names, from oldest to youngest.

When addressing children under 18, the correct title to use for girls is "Miss". Boys under 18 do not require a title. However, if you wish to add a layer of formality, you can use the title "Master" for boys under 13.

If you are inviting an entire family, you can address the outer envelope to "The [Family Name]" or "Mr. and Mrs. [Parents' Names]". The inner envelope is where you would list each family member's name, including the children under 18. For example: "Alan, Emily, Roger, Chance, Miss Jennifer, and Miss Lily".

It's important to be clear about who is invited to avoid any confusion or assumptions. Parents may assume their children are included, so it's best to make it explicit by listing the children's names on the inner envelope. This ensures that your guests understand your intentions and can plan accordingly.

If you are inviting children over the age of 18 who live with their parents, they should receive their own invitation.

Addressing children over 18

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations to families with children, there are a few different scenarios to consider. Here are some guidelines specifically for addressing children over the age of 18:

Invitations to Children Over 18 Living at Home:

Children aged 18 and above who still live at home with their parents should be included in the family format. Their names should be listed on the inner envelope, underneath their parents' names. Here is an example:

On the outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham

On the inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham

Daniel, Jeffrey, Miss Brittany and Mx. Kelly (if over 18)

Invitations to Children Over 18 Living Independently:

If the children over 18 have moved out and are living independently, they should receive their own invitations. You don't need to use titles, but you may do so if you wish. Be sure to use the correct identifiers. Here is an example:

On the outer envelope: Ms. Audrey Abraham

On the inner envelope: Ms. Abraham

Formal and Informal Invitation Formats:

The guidelines for addressing children over 18 differ depending on whether you are using formal or informal invitations.

• Formal invitations typically include both inner and outer envelopes. For children over 18 living at home, their names are included on the inner envelope only. For those living independently, a separate invitation is required.
• Informal invitations usually consist of a single outer envelope. In this case, children over 18, whether living at home or independently, should be listed on this envelope along with their parents' names.

Other Considerations:

When addressing children over 18, the use of titles such as "Mr.", "Miss", "Ms.", and "Mx." is a matter of preference. Be mindful of using the correct titles and identifiers, especially if the children have reached adulthood. Additionally, consider the level of formality you wish to convey and whether you want to include specific names or use a more open format such as "The [Last Name] Family".

Including children's names

When inviting children to a wedding, it is important to be clear about who is and isn't invited. The traditional way to indicate whether a child is invited is to include their name on the invitation. If using both an outer and inner envelope, the child's parents' names should be on the outer envelope, with the child's name(s) written underneath on the inner envelope.

If you are using a single outer envelope, the parents' names and their children's names should be listed underneath. Children should be listed in order of age, from oldest to youngest. For children under 18, girls are addressed as "Miss" and boys do not require a title.

For example, if the parents are "Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson" or "Mr. Alan Thompson and Mrs. Emily Thompson", the inner envelope would list the names of the family members invited: "Alan, Emily, Roger, Chance, Miss Jennifer, and Miss Lily".

If the children in the family are over 18, they should each receive their own invitation.

Frequently asked questions