How to address wedding invitations & etiquette
Wedding etiquette! Probably the most difficult thing when it comes to wedding invitations!
You want to make sure that you don't offend anybody, and make sure that everything is clear and elegant.
Here are some of the most used way to address your guest!
How to address a couple?
A married coupleOn the outer envelope: Mr. John and Mrs. Jane Smith Or Mr. and Mrs. John Smith ___ On the inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Smith Or John and Jane |
A married couple with different last namesList the person you're closest with first, if you're similarly acquainted with both, list them in alphabetical order. On the outer envelope: Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Jane Gibson ___ On the inner envelope: Mr. Smith and Mrs. Gibson Or John and Jane |
An unmarried couple living togetherAs with a married couple, both names should be included on the envelopes, but in this case, each name gets its own line. On the outer envelope: Mr. John Smith ___ On the inner envelope: Mr. Smith |
How to address an invitation for children?
Children 18 and olderThey should receive their own invitations (unless they're living at home with their parents). On the outer envelope: Ms. Linda Smith Or Mr. Patrick Smith ___ On the inner envelope: Ms. Smith Or Mr. Smith |
Children and familiesYounger guests can be included on the inner envelope of their parents' invitation by their name(s)—they should not be addressed on the outer envelope. For girls under 18, use “Miss." Boys don't need a title until they're 18—then they're addressed as "Mr." Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
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What if you don't include children in the invitation?
If you don't include each child's name, you're implying that children are not invited.
However, having said that, do not be surprised if some guest assume that their children are welcome.
Often they will contact you to ask if their kids are invited, but sometimes it is helpful to ask your immediate family and bridal party to help spread the word that it is an adults only wedding!
How to address someone with a title?
A married woman doctor or two married doctorsIf a woman uses her maiden name professionally and socially, the envelopes should read: On the outer envelope: Dr. Jane Gibson and Mr. John Smith If she uses her husband's name socially: Dr. Jane and Mr. John Smith If both parties are doctors, you can address the outer envelope: Doctors John and Jane Smith ___ On the inner envelope: Dr. Gibson and Mr. Smith Or The Doctors Smith |
Those with other distinguished titlesApply the same rules you use for doctors for military personnel, judges, reverends and so on. If both titles don't fit on one line, indent the second line. On the outer envelope: The Honorable Jane Gibson and Lieutenant John Smith, Royal Navy Or if they're both captains in the military: Captains Jane and John Smith, Royal Navy ___ On the inner envelope: Judge Jane and Lieutenant Smith, Royal Navy Or The Captains Smith
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