How to Address Wedding Invitations Properly: Tips for Etiquette and Accuracy

1. Understanding Formality Levels

Before you start addressing your invitations, it’s essential to decide on the level of formality for your wedding. Formal weddings generally require traditional addressing styles, such as titles and full names, while informal weddings can adopt a more relaxed approach. Consistency is key, so pick a style that aligns with your wedding vibe and stick with it across all invitations.

• Formal Example: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
• Informal Example: John and Sarah Smith

2. How to Address Married Couples

For married couples, traditional etiquette typically uses the husband’s full name preceded by titles. However, with changing times, many couples now prefer using both spouses’ first names. You can choose either traditional or contemporary styling based on the tone of your wedding.

• Traditional: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
• Modern: Mr. John and Mrs. Sarah Smith

3. Addressing Unmarried Couples

When addressing invitations to unmarried couples living together, it’s respectful to include both names on separate lines. Always list the guest with whom you have a closer connection first.

• Example:
  Ms. Sarah Brown
  Mr. John Taylor

4. Inviting Families with Children

If you’re inviting families with children, etiquette traditionally places the parents’ names first, followed by the children’s names. Only list the children’s names on the outer envelope if you plan to invite them to the wedding. For children 18 or older, it’s best to send them a separate invitation.

• Example:
  Mr. and Mrs. Robert Green
  Master Jake Green
  Miss Emma Green

5. Addressing Same-Sex Couples

For same-sex couples, the same etiquette applies as with opposite-sex couples. If the couple is married, you can use the traditional “Mr. and Mr.” or “Mrs. and Mrs.” format. Otherwise, list each name on separate lines in alphabetical order.

• Example for Married Couples: Mr. Daniel Martin and Mr. James Lopez
• Example for Unmarried Couples:
  Ms. Emily Lee
  Ms. Jessica White

6. Using Titles Correctly

Titles show respect and recognition for guests’ professional and social accomplishments. This is especially important for doctors, military personnel, or government officials. Always use professional titles for individuals with specific honorifics, such as Dr. or Captain.

• Example: Dr. and Mrs. James Lewis or Capt. John Reed, U.S. Navy

7. Addressing Plus-Ones

If you’re allowing guests to bring a plus-one, make it clear by adding “and Guest” to the primary guest’s name. However, if you know the name of the plus-one, it’s always more personal to include their name on the invitation.

• Example: Ms. Rachel Moore and Guest
• Or, if you know the guest’s name: Ms. Rachel Moore and Mr. Alex Bennett

8. Special Circumstances

If you’re addressing divorced couples, widows, or children in special family situations, it’s essential to follow specific etiquette. For example, widows may be addressed using their late husband’s name, but it’s polite to confirm their preference.

• Divorced Couples Example: Ms. Susan Green (use maiden name if preferred)
• Widowed Example: Mrs. John Doe or Ms. Jane Doe, depending on preference