HOW TO ADDRESS WEDDING INVITATIONS
Compiling a guest list is the first part of planning an event. This is will help with budgeting and venue planning. I know it may sound odd, but you would be surprised how many guests you are planning on inviting once they are penned to paper. When you start to list all of your guests, start filling in the addresses as well. You will need them sooner than you think, and it will take much longer to gather then you would have anticipated.
Download our Addressing Template.
Below is a guide to help in the addressing process, you will most likely find answers to common questions as well. Always remember formality is key. Whether you’re having a black tie or black jeans event, it is still an event your taking the time to formally invite guests too.
The clearer the envelope is written the easier it is on the post office.
STATE ABBREVIATIONS
Below is a list of all US states
ADDRESS ABBREVIATIONS
When addressing envelopes abbreviations should not be used, all words should be properly spelled out.
PROPER NAMES
To address the envelopes using proper etiquette, you want to use your guest’s proper names on the envelopes. Example: “Mike” should be written out as “Michael”, and “Sue” should be written out at “Susan”.
HOW TO LIST NAMES ON THE ENVELOPES
The etiquette guide below is from The Emily Post Institute (https://emilypost.com/advice/addressing-sending-wedding-invitations/)
The outer envelope is addressed conventionally using titles, first, (middle), and last names. Middle initials aren’t used, so either write out the middle name or omit it.
Titles are abbreviated (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr.)
To roommates residing at the same address
An invitation to two people residing at the same address is addressed with both names connected by “and.” Use one or two lines, depending on length.
Example:
Mr. Timothy Harris and Miss Stephanie Jones
OR
Mr. Timothy Harris
Miss Stephanie Jones
To an unmarried couple living together
An invitation to an unmarried couple living together is addressed with both names connected by “and.” Use one or two lines, depending on length.
Example:
Mr. Robert McCarthy and Miss Katherine Wilson
OR
Mr. Robert McCarthy
Miss Katherine Wilson
To a married couple
Invitations are always addressed to both members of a married couple, even though the bride may know only one or knows that only one will attend.
Example: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith
or
Mr. Robert and Mrs. Kimberly Smith
To a married woman doctor or two married doctors
If the woman uses her husband’s name socially, the address is “Dr. Barbara and Mr. James Werner.” If she uses her maiden name both professionally and socially, it is “Dr. Barbara Hanson and Mr. James Werner.” If the husband is also a doctor, the address is either “The Drs. Werner” or “Drs. Barbara and Robert Werner.”
How to add “and Guest”
When addressing an envelope where an unknown guest is invited “and Guest” is added after the invited guest.
Example: Mr. James Smith and Guest
How to send an invitation to a family
Generally, an invitation to parents and children is addressed to the parents, but you may include “and Family” or list the child’s name under the parent’s names.
Example:
Mr. and Mrs. James Arthur Darling
and Family
or
Mr. and Mrs. James Arthur Darling
Sarah Darling
Adam Darling