Addressing Wedding Invitations

When addressing wedding invitations, use the same formality or informality that appears on the wedding invitation.

There are two envelopes used with wedding invitations.

The invitation, the RSVP card and return envelope, and any other information cards are placed in the smaller or inner envelope, which is left unsealed.

The smaller envelope is then inserted into the outer envelope.

When addressing your wedding invitations, the smaller or inner envelope, is addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Jones", without the first name, any titles or addresses.

When children under 21 are invited, their first names are written on the inner envelope under the parents names.

Anyone over 21 should receive their own wedding invitation even if they are at the same address as their parents. If there is more than one child over 21, one invitation can be sent to the two of them, listing their names alphabetically.

If the guest is single, you can choose to address the inner envelope to “Miss Mary Jones and Escort” or "Miss Mary Jones and Guest”. Either way is correct.

If you choose, you can address intimate relatives by their title, such as Grandfather, Uncle John, etc.

THE OUTER ENVELOPE

When addressing wedding invitations, the following rules apply:

1. For unmarried females, divorced females using maiden name:

   Miss (or Ms.) Suzy Wong

2. Divorced female using married name:

   Mrs. Suzy Wong

3. Unmarried male:

   Mr. John Smith

4. Married couples:

   Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

5. Married couple where woman kept maiden name:

   Mrs. Suzy Wong
   Mr. John Smith
   

6. Unmarried couples and same gender couples, who live together, are addressed alphabetical by last name:

   Mr. John Smith
   
   Miss(or Ms.)Suzy Wong
   

TITLES

Use the following rules for individuals with titles:

Judge-The Honorable John Smith

Clergy–The Reverend John Smith

Doctor(medical)–Doctor John Smith

Doctor(PhD)–Dr. John Smith

Married Couple, Both are Doctors–Doctors John and Suzy Wong

When inviting a military guest, address the invitation using the military title, as in the examples below.

1. Officer–Man (active duty or retired)–Colonel and Mrs. John Smith
2. Officer–Woman (active duty or retired)–Colonel Suzy Wong and Mr. John Wong(On separate lines, female above her husband's name)

Other Rules

• Make sure you have the correct address.
• Nicknames and abbreviations should be avoided except for Mr., Mrs., Jr., etc.
• Cities, states and numbered streets are written out in full.

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