Wedding season is upon us, and that means invitations, RSVPs, and thank you cards. But before we get to the details of those wedding stationery items, let’s focus on the basics – addressing the wedding card envelope!
The way you address a wedding card envelope will depend on who you are sending it to and how you know them. In general, the goal is to be polite and make sure you include all the necessary information. Here’s a guide to help you out.
Married Couples
If you’re sending a wedding card to a married couple, you’ll want to use both of their names on the envelope. The most traditional way to address a married couple on the envelope is this:
Mr. and Mrs. {Husband’s first and last name}
This can also be written as:
{Husband’s first and last name} and {Wife’s first and last name}
If the wife has kept her maiden name, you can still use the same format or write:
Ms. {Wife’s first and last name} and Mr. {Husband’s first and last name}
Remember to spell out all titles and degrees, like “Doctor” or “Professor,” and don’t use abbreviations like “Dr.” or “Prof.”
Unmarried Couples
For unmarried couples, you can address the envelope using either both of their first names or with just one first name and both last names. Examples of how to address an unmarried couple on the wedding envelope are:
{First Name} {Last Name} and {First Name} {Last Name}
or
{First Name} {Last Name} and {First Name} {Last Name}
If you’re not sure about the couple’s preferences, it’s best to ask them in advance.
Families
It’s perfectly acceptable to send a wedding card to an entire family. In this case, you can address the envelope to the family name, followed by the individual names.
The {Family Name}: {First Name} {Last Name}, {First Name} {Last Name}, and {First Name} {Last Name}
Remember to include the children’s names if they are invited to the wedding.
Singles and Plus-Ones
If you’re sending a wedding card to a single person, use their full name on the envelope and include any necessary titles or degrees.
Ms. {First Name} {Last Name}
If the single person is bringing a plus-one to the wedding, write their name on the envelope as well.
Miss {First Name} {Last Name} and Guest
For a more personalized touch, you can also address the envelope to “and Guest” with the person’s name.
Same-Sex Couples
When addressing a wedding card envelope to a same-sex couple, you can follow the same guidelines as you would for a heterosexual couple. Simply use their names in the same format as appropriate, and don’t make any assumptions about the roles they play in the relationship.
Conclusion
Addressing a wedding card envelope can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With this guide, you can confidently address your wedding cards and send them off to the happy couple. Remember to double-check everything before sending, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the couple if you have any questions about how to address their envelope properly.
FAQ
What do you write on the envelope of a wedding card?
When it comes to addressing a wedding card, the envelope is just as important as the card itself. It’s the first thing your guest will see, so it’s essential to get it right. While you may be tempted to simply write the guest’s name and address on the envelope and call it a day, there are actually a few guidelines you should follow to properly address a wedding invitation.
As a general rule of thumb, the outer envelope tends to be more formal. It’s where you’ll want to feature your guest’s full name along with their title, followed by their full address. For example, if you’re addressing the card to a married couple, the outer envelope should read “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith” followed by their full address. If the couple is unmarried but living together, the envelope could be addressed to “Ms. Jane Doe and Mr. John Smith.”
If you’re inviting guests with professional titles, it’s important to include that information as well. For example, if you’re inviting a guest who is a doctor, the envelope should read “Dr. Jane Doe.” Similarly, if you’re inviting someone who is in the military and holds a rank, their rank should be included. So, if you’re inviting Captain John Smith, the envelope should read “Captain John Smith” followed by their full address.
When it comes to the inner envelope, it’s generally more informal. Instead of including a guest’s full name, the inner envelope can simply include their first name, their last name and title, or even just their initials. For example, if you’re inviting the same married couple mentioned earlier, the inner envelope could simply read “John and Sarah Smith.” If you’re inviting a single guest, the inner envelope could read “Ms. Doe” or “Jane” depending on your level of formality.
Addressing a wedding invitation envelope requires attention to detail and following general etiquette guidelines. Generally, the outer envelope should be more formal and include a guest’s full name and professional title, while the inner envelope can be more informal and simply include a guest’s first name or initials.
What name do you put on wedding envelope?
When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there are certain etiquette guidelines that should be followed to ensure that your invitations are well-received by guests and convey the appropriate level of formality for the event. One of the most important considerations is how to address each envelope, especially when it comes to determining what name to use for each guest.
Traditionally, when addressing an invitation to a male guest, “Mr.” should be used followed by his full name. This is usually straightforward since most men’s names include a prefix. However, when it comes to addressing a female guest, “Ms.” should be used followed by her full name. This is to avoid any confusion as to whether or not she is married, as using “Mrs.” incorrectly can be perceived as rude or disrespectful.
It’s important to note that many women choose to keep their maiden name throughout their lives, even after getting married. For this reason, using “Mrs.” followed by a husband’s name may not always be the best option. To avoid any awkwardness or confusion, it’s best to stick with “Ms.” and the guest’s full name.
For non-binary or gender-neutral guests, the appropriate prefix to use is “Mx.” followed by their full name. This is an inclusive and respectful option that acknowledges the diversity of your guest list.
If you are sending an invitation to a widowed woman, it is important to be respectful and sensitive to her situation. It is common to address the envelope using her married name, but if you are unsure, it is always better to ask for her preference. She may prefer to be addressed by her maiden name or a combination of her married name and maiden name.
Addressing wedding invitations can seem daunting, but by following the appropriate etiquette guidelines and using the correct prefixes and names for each guest, you can create an elegant and respectful invitation that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Do you write a wedding card to Mr. and Mrs?
When it comes to wedding cards, it’s important to make sure you’re including both members of the newlywed couple in your message. Addressing your message to just one spouse could come across as a bit thoughtless or inconsiderate, so make sure you’re taking the time to address them both by name.
In general, it’s a good idea to start your wedding card with a congratulations or well wishes for the couple. Wedding cards are a great opportunity to share your excitement and joy with the newlyweds, so don’t be shy about expressing your love or admiration for them.
When addressing the card itself, make sure you’re using both the husband and wife’s names. Traditionally, a wedding card might be addressed to “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith,” for example. However, it’s becoming increasingly common to use both the bride and groom’s first names, or to address the couple as “Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Jane Smith.”
The most important thing is to make sure both members of the couple feel included and valued in your message. Take the time to think about what you want to say, and make sure your card feels thoughtful and heartfelt. With a little bit of care and attention, you can create a wedding card that the couple will treasure for years to come.
