Addressing wedding invitations: how to do it the right way

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Raquel Smith

Key points

Here are 3 key points for how to address wedding invitations:

• Make sure to include the full names of those invited.

• Address envelopes by hand if you can, for a personal touch.

• Use honorifics like Mr., Mrs., Ms., and Dr. if you know them.

Introduction to Wedding Invitation Etiquette

Sending out wedding invitations is a pretty big deal since it sets the tone for the big day. You must do it the right way so that people feel welcomed. You can easily make a mistake if you do not know how to address people properly. But it’s nothing to worry about though, We’ll simplify this here.

Importance of Proper Addressing

The way you address your invitations is very important. It’s not great to leave a name off or get it wrong. That’s a fast way to get people pissed off at you. Get the names and titles correct. Take time to do this. Your guests care about feeling they are important.

Traditional vs. Modern Approaches

Wedding invites can be old school or more modern.
The traditional best essay writing service is quite formal. Modern is more easier and straight forward. It’s fine either way you go. Use whatever works for you and your partner. Most important is to get the tone right.

Understanding Titles and Honorifics

Showing respect is using the right titles and marks of honor. Refer to individuals by their desired names. If you’re not sure, Mr, Ms, or Mrs works fine. Miss is for unmarried women. Dr. a symbolizes medical doctor. Don’t make assumptions, just ask if you need.

Mr., Mrs., Ms., and Miss

  • Mr. is for men.
  • Mrs means a married woman.
  • Ms. is appropriate for a woman whether she is single or married, or even divorced.

A “Miss” denotes an unmarried woman Use the option only when you have knowledge of the unmarried lady’s preference.

Military and Professional Titles

The first mention of military titles should be used in full. Subsequently, utilize Surname in order. Check the website if you are unsure of the complete title

Addressing Couples with Different Last Names

If husband and wife have different surnames. Write their names on individual files in full. On the inner envelope, write the woman’s name first then the man’s name.

Addressing Envelopes for Different Scenarios

When sending an invitation to a married couple, both persons’ names should be mentioned on the same line, with the name of the lady written first followed by the man’s name.

It should look like:

Mrs. Jane Doe and Mr.John Doe
123 Main Street
City, State 12345.

Unmarried Couples Living Together

When two people that are not married live together, you’ll put both names on one line like a couple. Use the woman’s name first, then the man’:

Ms. Mary Smith and Mr. Tom Jones
456 Oak Lane
City, State 12345

Single Guests with a Plus-One

For single guests that are permitted a plus-one, write the invited guest’s name on the outer envelope. Next, write Mr. on the membership envelope Jack Black and Guest followed by the address: 789 Elm Street City, State 12345

Families with Children

When you’re writing to families with children, put the parent’s name on the first line, and the children’s on the second.
Oldest to youngest. Here’s an example of the correct way to address an envelope.

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Emily, Michael, and Sarah Smith
123 Maple Street
Townsville, TX 75001

Special Considerations

Be sensitive when addressing wedding invites for those who are going through major changes. If the guest is divorced, just mention their name only and not the words ‘divorced’ or ‘ex-spouse’. The same thing applies to widows and widowers. If you’re attending the wedding of LGBTQ friends, respect their real identities. Love is love!

Divorced and Widowed Individuals

Divorced people should use their current legal name instead of their married name. For widows and widowers, use Mrs./Mr. Firstname Lastname format. It helps to keep things friendly.

Same-Sex Couples

When it comes to same-sex couples, make sure their names and titles, actually match how they identify. If they like Mr or Mr. or Mrs. or Mrs. just go with it. If they’re non-binary or use gender-neutral titles, use them.

Non-Binary and Gender-Neutral Titles

If your invited people don’t employ classic Mr. Mrs. Ms. titles, ask their preference. You can use Mx., Ind, or even no title. Talk to your non-binary and gender non-conforming friends the way they want you to.

Formatting and Presentation

When you’re creating wedding invites, you have to think about how to address everything. These fancy calligraphy and things look too good, but they are not easy. I would just print the addresses on the envelopes. Its faster and still looks good. But if you have the time and want it to look extra special, get it in handwritten calligraphy.

Handwritten vs. Printed Addresses

The handwritten envelopes allow you to add a personal touch to everything. But, it is a lot more work. Although printed addresses are easier to see, look good, and are easy to read, they are not as fancy. It just depends on how much work you wanna put in.

Using Calligraphy

Making invitations look extremely elegant, calligraphy is a technique using steady hands and a lot of patience. Its were talking with those fancy shapes and strokes. Give yourself time, and it will get better with practice. Some individuals even take up calligraphy for these things.

Placement of Return Addresses

Stick your return addy at the back of the envelope on the upper left corner. Makes it easy for guests to RSVP. You can print it out or write it by hand depending on the style of the invite addresses.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Make sure the bride and groom full names are spelled right. If you don’t know, just ask. Better to get it right than to send invitations with wrong spellings.

Incorrect Use of Titles

Avoid assuming Mr., Mrs., Ms. titles.
Check how formally couples want to be addressed. Using the wrong titles can seem rude.

Addressing Envelopes Too Informally

Don’t use nicknames on envelopes Always use full formal names, even if you know the couple well. Everything at the wedding has to look uniform and classy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


What's the best way to address wedding invitations to families with different last names?

List each person’s full name on a separate line. For example:
Mr. John Smith
Ms. Jane Doe
Master Tommy Doe

Should professional titles like Dr. be included when addressing wedding invitations?

Yes, professional titles like Dr., Rev., Judge, etc. should be included out of respect.

How do you address wedding invitations to couples who are living together but not married?

List each person’s name on a separate line without Mr./Ms. titles. For example:
John Smith
Jane Doe

What's the proper way to address wedding invitations to same-sex couples?

Address them the same as you would a heterosexual couple – list each person’s name starting with titles.

Should the inner and outer envelope have the same addressing format?

Yes, the addressing format should be identical on both the inner and outer envelopes.

What if I don't know the relationship status of my wedding guests?

If uncertain, address them with individual names without titles to avoid offense.

How do I address wedding invitations to couples with different titles like Dr. and Mr.?

List the name of the person with the higher title first, followed by the other partner’s name.

What's the proper order for listing names and titles on envelopes?

The order is: Name, Title, Street Address, City State Zip

Should nicknames or initials be used when addressing wedding envelopes?

No, use a person’s full formal name and title on all wedding invitation envelopes.

What's the best font or handwriting style for addressing wedding envelopes?

A simple, legible font like Times New Roman or neat handwriting is best for addressing envelopes.