Envelope Addressing:
Inner Envelopes
- Inner envelopes bear the title and last names of the specific people invited. It is acceptable to write familiar names for close family members.
Examples: Mr. and Mrs. Sonnek
Aunt Mary and Uncle Phil - The names of children who are 18 years old and younger should be written on separate lines below their parents’ names.
Example: Mr. and Mrs. Sonnek
Leah Sonnek
Logan Sonnek - Children 19 years old or older who still live at home with their parents should receive their own invitation.
- If inner envelopes are not being used, the children’s names are written on the outer envelope below the names of their parents.
Outer Envelopes
- Outer envelopes should be addressed conventionally using titles and full names (first, middle, and last).
- Middle initials aren’t used, so either write out middle names (if known), or omit them.
- All titles should be written out, except “Mr.” and “Mrs.”
- All other words should be written out (Street, Saint, Post Office Box, North, Apartment, etc.). House numbers under twenty should be written out, as well.
- Proper etiquette indicates to write out the state name; however, the two-letter postal code abbreviation is also acceptable when dealing with limited space.
Samples of Addressing:
Married Couple
- Always addressed to both members of a married couple.
Example: Mr. and Mrs. José Anthony Angelil
Fourteen MacArthur Way
South Saint Paul, Minnesota 55075
Unmarried Couple – Living Together
- Addressed to both members of an unmarried couple who live at the same address.
Example: Ms. Amelia Redding and Mr. Jeffrey Burton
25 Xavier Boulevard
South Saint Paul, Minnesota 55075
Married Couple – Professional Titles
- If the woman uses her husband’s name socially:
Example: Doctor Kenya Boudin and Mr. Carter Boudin - If the woman uses her maiden name both professionally and socially:
Example: Doctor Kenya Willaree and Mr. Carter Boudin - If both are professionals:
Examples: Doctors Kenya and Carter Boudin
Including a Guest
- If using inner and outer envelopes:
– Outer envelope reads: Mr. Stephen Richard Humphries
– Inner envelope reads: Mr. Stephen Richard Humphries and Guest - If you’re only using one envelope, include a short note with your invitation.
Example: Dear Stephen, You are welcome to bring a guest to the wedding. Please let me know.
Regards, Michelle.
(If time allows and Stephen supplies the information, you can send his guest an invitation, too.)
