Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Addressing Procedures

Formal Addressing Conventions

Guidelines for addressing envelopes to married couples, unmarried couples, widowed individuals, divorced individuals, and families with children, emphasizing titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., etc.) and name order.

• Married Couples: Addressing both spouses, including preferred forms (e.g., "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith," or "Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Jane Smith").
• Unmarried Couples: Addressing both partners on separate lines or using "and" depending on the relationship's formality.
• Widowed Individuals: Using Mrs. or Ms. followed by the individual's first and last name, as preferred.
• Divorced Individuals: Using Ms. or Mrs., or the honorific the individual prefers, followed by their first and last name. If remarried, the new title and spouse's name would apply.
• Families with Children: Addressing parents' names on the first line, followed by "and Family" or listing children's names below.

Informal Addressing Conventions

Considerations for a less formal approach, including using first names, nicknames, and omitting titles. Appropriateness depends on the relationship with the recipient and the overall wedding formality.

Inner and Outer Envelope Usage

Explanation of the purpose of inner and outer envelopes. The outer envelope contains the complete formal address, while the inner envelope often uses a less formal approach with names only (e.g., "John and Jane").

Calligraphy and Hand Addressing

The tradition of hand-addressing invitations, the role of calligraphy, and the advantages of professional calligraphers. Alternatives like computer-generated fonts mimicking calligraphy are also discussed.

Digital Addressing and Printing

Considerations for using digital printing methods for addressing invitations. Discussed are font choices, legibility, and matching the style of the invitation suite.

Addressing Professionals and Those with Titles

Specific instructions for addressing doctors (MD, PhD, DDS), judges, military personnel, and clergy members, paying attention to rank and specific title conventions.

Addressing Envelopes with Return Addresses

Proper placement and formatting of the return address on the envelope, typically located on the upper left-hand corner or the back flap.