Over the years, the White Sparrow Barn blog, has become digital destination for readers looking for info on all things wedding – latest flower trends, hottest picture ideas, wedding etiquette tips and more. Recently, a reader expressed her frustration about knowing the appropriate way to address wedding invitations when inviting an unmarried couple who lives together.
So we went to the experts and gathered everything you’d ever need to know about addressing your wedding invitations!
One thing to always remember – the outer envelope should always be more formal than the inner envelope. While you’re expected to use full names or titles on the outer envelope, you can skip this detail on the inner invitation.
How to address: A Married Couple
On the outer Envelope: “Mr. Alex and Mrs. Carrie Hathaway” or “Mr. and Mrs. Alex Hathaway”
On the inner envelope: “Mr. and Mrs. Hathaway” or “Alex and Samantha”.
How to address: A Married Couple with Different Last Names
The rule is to address first the person you’re closest with. For example, if you’re more acquainted with the wife, that’s who you should address first.
But if that’s hard to determine or you’re similarly close with both, go with the alphabetical order.
On the outer envelope: “Mr. Alex Hathaway and Mrs. Carrie Bernard”
On the inner envelope: “Mr. Hathaway and Mrs. Bernard” or “Alex and Carrie”
How to address: An Unmarried Couple Living Together
In this case, you should address both names, but – wait for it – each name gets its own line!
On the outer envelope:
“Mr. Alex Hathaway
Ms. Carrie Bernard”
On the inner envelope:
“Mr. Hathaway
Ms. Bernard”
How to address: Children and Families
You can include the names of your guests with their parents’ names on the inside envelope. Remember – don’t include their names on the outside envelope. Also, use the title “Miss” for girls under 18. Boys do not need a title (Mr.) at all until they are 18 or above. Here’s an example,
Mr. and Mrs. Alex Hathaway
Samuel, John, Miss Agatha and Miss Christy
How to address: Young Adults (18 and older)
This one is simple. Just send them their own invitations unless they are staying with their parents.
On the outer envelope: “Ms. Jane Austen” or “Mr. James Austen”
On the inner envelope: “Ms. Austen” or “Mr. Austen”
Quick note. If you (for some reason) don’t include each child’s name, it implies that children are not invited. If that’s what you truly intended, sad to mention but that will hardly work on all of the guests! Some people assume that children are invited, unless specified.
If that concerns you, be proactive and enlist the help of your family and friends to spread the word that your wedding is going to be an Adults Only affair. You can also put this message up on your wedding website or blog, if you’ve any.
