It would seem as though there are more rules for addressing your wedding invitations that any other element of your wedding day. Here are a few guidelines to get you started.
The outer envelope. The outer envelope is more formal and should include titles and full names of your guests. There are several rules that apply to unique circumstances. These are the most common:
Married couple:
Mr. and Mrs. George Brown
Married couple, each keeping their own name:
Ms. Alice Jones and Mr. George Brown
Or
Ms. Alice Jones
and Mr. George Brown
Or
Ms. Alice Jones
and Mr. George Brown
Living together, but not married:
Ms. Stacy Jones
Mr. Allen Smith
Mr. Allen Smith
Guests with distinguished titles. Apply the same rules for military personnel, judges, and reverends that you use for doctors. If both titles don’t fit on one line, indent the second line.
Married couple, doctors:
The Doctors Brown
or
Doctors (Drs.) Alice and George Brown
or
Doctors (Drs.) Alice and George Brown
Married couple, only husband is a doctor:
Dr. and Mrs. George Brown
Married couple, only wife is a doctor:
Dr. Alice Brown and Mr. George Brown
or
Dr. Alice Brown
and Mr. George Brown
or
Dr. Alice Brown
and Mr. George Brown
Married couple, wife is doctor AND kept her maiden name:
Dr. Alice Jones and Mr. George Brown
or
Dr. Alice Jones
and Mr. George Brown
or
Dr. Alice Jones
and Mr. George Brown
Living together, but not married:
Ms. Stacy Jones
Mr. Allen Smith
Mr. Allen Smith
Inviting Children:
Etiquette dictates that not including the names of children on the envelope implies they are not invited. However, some people may miss that distinction. It’s a good idea to ask immediate family and bridal party to make sure that guests with children understand your intent. If you are inviting children, they should be listed on the inner envelope. Little girls are titled Miss and young boys Master. If the children are over 18 and not living at home, they should receive their own invitation.
The inner envelope. The inner envelope can be less formal than the outer. You can choose to address as first names only or titles and last names.
Last minute checks
- Take one fully assembled and addressed invitation to the post office to verify postage required.
- Printed side of invitations should face the underside of the envelope.
- Inserted pieces go on top of the printed side of the invitation. Tissue inserts are optional.
- Verify inner and outer envelopes match before sealing.
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