The envelope sets the stage for great wedding invitations… here are some easy tips for addressing wedding invitation envelopes.

Wedding invitations are typically accompanied by two envelopes, an inner and an outer envelope. Both envelopes must be addressed, the inner with the names of the invited guests and the outer with the complete address as well as the names.

Though it is acceptable to have the return address printed on the outer envelope, you should always address the envelopes by hand.

photo credit: chrstphre

Use both the first and last names on the outer envelope and avoid abbreviating titles, suffixes, and nick – names. It is only acceptable to use “and guest” on the inner envelope and only if the invitee does not have a regular significant other. The significant other should be invited by name.

Etiquette suggests that you send separate wedding invitations to children over 16. Old fashioned etiquette also suggest that you may send invitations to female children included with the invitation to the parents, but the male children over 16 should receive separate invitations.

If a couple has children that are under the age of 16… it is perfectly acceptable to address the invitation to the couple and then the names of the children. If a child is over 16 and perfectly capable of getting themselves to the wedding… then send a separate invitation.

The real point is: Do you want to invite the entire family or only the adults?

Some couples may want to print “Adults Only” on the wedding invitations. Or they may wish to put “Adult Only Reception” in with the invitation.

Is this proper etiquette? No… if you don’t want kids at your wedding or reception, don’t invite them. Also… it’s a good idea to have someone you’re close to share this information with anyone on the invitation list that has children.

Names of each member of the family are not indicated on the outside envelope. They are written on the inside envelope of the wedding invitation… this is so that everyone is clear about just who is invited.

On the outside envelopes go the full names and addresses of the guests. Both husband and wife are invited as a Mr. and Mrs. Name.

Invitation for a Married Couple

Outer: Mr. and Mrs. James Alan Smith
Inner: Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Invitation for a couple with two children – the names of each one of four family members are listed on the inside envelope.

For a married couple with children under eighteen:

Outer: Mr. and Mrs. James Alan Smith

Inner: Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Susan and Jimmy

You may use “And family” as an appropriate alternative on the inner envelope if you would like children to attend your wedding ceremony.

It is not necessary to invite children to a wedding, but if you are inviting one child… then all children in this family should be invited. No child should ever feel excluded.

If someone lives at the same residence… you may send a separate invitation or list them on the inside envelope along with the children. A brother, sister, mother or grandmother living at the same residence should be either included on the invitation or sent a separate invitation.

Invitation for an unmarried couple at the same address (on formal invitation, Ms. is accepted, but not preferred)

Outer: Miss (or Ms.) Susie Smith
Inner: Miss (or Ms.) Smith
Mr. Sutton

Invitation for a single woman (on a formal invitation, Ms. is accepted, but not preferred)

Outer: Miss (or Ms.) Susie Smith
Inner: Miss (or Ms.) Smith

Invitation for a single man

Outer: Mr. Bill Simms
Inner: Mr. Simms

Invitation for a widow, or a separate woman

Outer: Mrs. William Alan Simpson
Inner: Mrs. Simpson

Invitation for a divorcee who is still using her former husband’s name (on a formal invitation, Ms. is accepted, but not preferred)

Outer: Mrs. (or Ms.) Jones Kinkade or Mrs. (or Ms.) Samantha Jones Kindade (Jones being her maiden name)
Inner: Mrs. (or Ms.) Kindade

Invitation for a married couple when the wife uses her maiden name

Outer: Ms. Susan Smith and Mr. James Simpson (Both names are on the same line)
Inner: Ms. Smith
Mr. Simpson

OR

Outer: Dr. Patricia Smith and Dr. James Linker
Inner: Dr. Smith
Dr. Linker

Invitation for a single man or woman and guest

Outer: Mr. Richard Blessing
Inner: Mr. Blessing and Guest

Invitation for a married couple, both doctors

Outer: The Doctors Simpson’s
Inner: The Doctors Simpson’s

Click here for more Wedding Invitation Etiquette

These are just a few tips for basic wedding invitation etiquette:

Wedding invitations are issued first in the name of the bride’s parents, or in the name of the surviving parent.

In cases of death or divorce, the remaining parent’s name alone is correct.

When the bride is a mature woman long out of her parental home, she may announce her own marriage quite properly.

Church and Receptions Addresses for the Invitations

Names of streets are never abbreviated, and addresses are not given in numerals.
The numbers are written out like you write a check dollar amount.

Church Of Christ
Thirty Seven Seventy Four East Phaedra Lane
Small Town, Alabama

On the wedding invitation, you do state the address of the church along with the church name and city.

Include a map to the church as well as to the reception in the invitations for out of town guests.
You can do this by looking up on Google or map quest the directions and make your own direction cards to insert into the invitations. Use a post card size as these fit 4 to a page and a printer can cut them for you.

Include step by step instructions from the hotel to the church and a phone number where someone local can be reached on the wedding day. Include landmarks and notes to personalize it even further.

Don’t include a wedding website you may have set up… this still is not considered proper etiquette.

A note on R.S.V.P cards or notices in invitations:

Unless you put R.S.V.P. on the invitations to your wedding and reception, your guests are under no obligation to reply.
If you need to know the number of guests expected, be sure to indicate on the invitation that a reply is expected; include the address to which the reply is to be sent.

Wording For Wedding Ceremony