How to Address Wedding Invitations

Addressing the Outer Envelope

The outer envelope is where the formal addressing will occur. This is the one that will be mailed. Below are different scenarios for various types of guests.

Married Couple

• Formal: Use Mr. and Mrs. for heterosexual couples.
  • Example:Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
• Modern/Formal (for same-sex couples): List both names and use Mr. or Ms. as needed.
  • Example:Mr. John Smith and Mr. Michael Lee or John Smith and Michael Lee
• Casual: You can use just the first names of the couple, if that is the style you prefer.
  • Example:John and Emily

Unmarried Couple (Living Together)

If they live together or are in a committed relationship, you can list both names. Typically, the woman’s name goes first, but modern etiquette allows flexibility.

• Formal: Use Mr. and Ms. with full names.
  • Example:Mr. John Smith and Ms. Emily Williams
• Casual: You can use first names or an informal approach.
  • Example:John and Emily

Single Guest

If the guest is single, you can address them by their title and last name or just their first name for a less formal touch.

• Formal:Mr. James Anderson or Dr. Margaret Hayes
• Casual:James Anderson or Margaret Hayes

Guest with Plus-One

If you know the name of the plus-one, list both individuals’ names. If not, you can simply write “and guest.”

• Formal (Known plus-one):Mr. James Anderson and Ms. Jessica Cooper
• Formal (Unknown plus-one):Mr. James Anderson and Guest
• Casual (Known plus-one):James and Jessica
• Casual (Unknown plus-one):James and Guest

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Step 3: Addressing the Inner Envelope

The inner envelope (usually an unsealed, smaller envelope inside the main one) is often used for more specific guest information, such as family members and formal titles. This is where the invitation itself will be enclosed.

• For Married Couples (Formal):Address the inner envelope to both individuals without Mr. or Mrs., using just their last names.
  • Example:The Smiths or John and Emily Smith
• For Families: Use “and family” to address families that include children or other relatives.
  • Example:The Anderson Family or John, Sarah, and Elizabeth Anderson
• For Unmarried Couples:Address both by full names or “and guest” if unsure about the guest.
  • Example:Mr. John Smith and Ms. Emily Williams or John and Emily (casual)
• For Single Guests (Formal): Use just their last name or first and last name depending on the level of formality.
  • Example:Mr. James Anderson or Mr. Anderson
• For Plus-Ones: If you don’t know the plus-one’s name, write and Guest.
  • Example:Mr. James Anderson and Guest