Wedding Invitation Guest Address Etiquette

The following guidelines on addressing envelopes are based on the rules of formal etiquette.

OUTER ENVELOPES

Use full names, including the first names:

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Weber

or

Mr. Andrew Weber & Guest

Married Couple with different surnames can be written as:

Ms. Melissa McKay

and Mr. Jonathan Schwartz

Married couple: the word “and” goes between the names.

Unmarried couple: there is no “and”.

Adding Children: If inner envelopes are not being used, children’s names can be included on the outer envelope, listed below their parents.

Surnames can be added depending on how many names are being included, available space on the envelope and what looks best.

• Write out the words "Street," "Boulevard," "Avenue," "Road," “Apartment,” etc.

• Spell out state names.

• Academic titles or “Post-nominal abbreviations” such as “Professor” or “Ph.D.” are not typically used in social correspondence.

Addressing an invitation envelope to a family

Wedding invitations are sent to the adult members of a household, and etiquette suggests that children over the age of 18 should receive their own invitation. If only Outer envelopes are being used, write the first names of children to be invited below the parent’s names in age order.

Mr. and Mrs. Jackson

Susie, Jane and Thomas Jackson

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INNEr ENVELOPES

Some Guidelines for Inner Envelopes (if applicable)

Exclude the first names of the guests

Married Couple:

Mr. and Mrs. Jackson

Unmarried Couple:

Miss / Ms. Sanderson

Mr. Jackson

Write the first names of children to be invited below the parent’s names in age order.

Mr. and Mrs. Jackson

Susie, Jane and Thomas

If an invitation to a single guest extends to an unknown escort,

address the Inner Envelope with your friend's name followed by "and Guest".

Miss Jones and Guest