Wedding invitations are an essential part of any wedding planning process. One aspect that often gets overlooked is how to address the invitations to a whole family. Should you address the invitation to just the parents, or should you include the whole family? In this blog post, we will go over the proper way to address an invitation to a whole family.
The Basics of Addressing an Invitation
Before we dive into how to address a family, it is essential to understand the basics of addressing an invitation. The first thing you need to consider is the formality of the wedding. If the wedding is formal, you will want to include titles on the invitation, such as “Mr. and Mrs.” For example, “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith.” If the wedding is less formal, titles may not be necessary. In this case, the names alone may suffice, such as “John and Emily Smith.”
When addressing the envelope, you should be sure to include the complete address, including the street address, city, state, and zip code. Be sure to write everything out in full, including the state name, and avoid using abbreviations.
Addressing an Invitation to a Family
When addressing an invitation to a family, there are a few things to consider. First, think about whether you want to invite the whole family or just the parents. If you want to invite the whole family, you should address the invitation to “The [Last Name] Family.”
For example, if you are inviting the Smith family, your invitation should read, “The Smith Family.” This implies that you are inviting all members of the family to attend, including children. If you are inviting just the parents, you would address the invitation to “Mr. and Mrs. [Last Name].”
It’s important to note that in some cultures, it’s considered disrespectful to address an invitation to the whole family, as it’s seen as “unexpected” in home countries. Therefore, it’s always best to prioritize cultural sensitivity when addressing your invites.
Etiquette for Inviting Children
If you are inviting children to the wedding, you should be sure to include their names on the invitation. This can be done in a few different ways. You could include the children’s names on the same line as their parents, such as “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Sarah and Thomas.” Alternatively, you could add a separate line below the parents’ names that list the children’s names.
When it comes to addressing an invitation to an entire family, it’s important to consider the parents’ preferences and what they think is best for their kids. For instance, if the parents have very young children, they may not want them present at the wedding. Conversely, if the family has many school-aged children, they may prefer that the children be invited. Make sure you communicate with the parents to get an idea of their feelings.
Conclusion
Addressing invitations to a whole family is an essential aspect of wedding planning. Make sure that you consider the formality of the wedding and the preferences of the family when addressing the invitation. Including children’s names on the invitation is also an important consideration and should be handled with care. With these tips in mind, you will be able to address your invitations with confidence and ensure that your guests feel welcome and included on your special day.
FAQ
How do you write family names on invitations?
When it comes to writing family names on invitations, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it’s important to consider the formality of the event and the preference of the family involved. For more formal occasions such as weddings, graduations, and formal dinners, it is customary to use full names and titles.
If the parents in the household have different last names, it is acceptable to include both last names on the invitation. For instance, “Mr. Lee and Ms. Smith request the pleasure of your company.” This helps to avoid any confusion and ensure that both parents are officially recognized.
If the parents have decided to hyphenate their last names or use a compound surname, this should be included in the invitation as well. For example, “Mr. and Ms. Smith-Lee invite you to join them.”
In some cases, the children in the household may have different last names from their parents due to remarriage, adoption, or other circumstances. In this case, it is acceptable to list each child’s name and last name under the parents’ names. For example, “Mr. Lee and Ms. Smith request the pleasure of your company, along with their children Jenny Johnson and Jackson Bowen.”
Another option for more casual events such as birthday parties and informal gatherings is to simply use the first names of each family member. For example, “Jack, Kim, Jenny, and Jackson invite you to come celebrate with us!”
The most important factor to consider when writing family names on invitations is respecting the preferences and wishes of the family involved. By being sensitive to their circumstances and following basic etiquette guidelines, you can ensure that your invitations are both thoughtful and well-received.
How do you address a family envelope for a save the date?
When it comes to addressing envelopes for a save the date, it’s essential to get it right, particularly in addressing the family envelope. Addressing a family save the date envelope requires you to adhere to a few guidelines to ensure that each recipient receives their invite and knows precisely who it is intended for.
Here are six guidelines for addressing those save the date envelopes flawlessly:
1. Address the guests with “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” or “Ms.”
Using an honorific and a last name is the most formal approach and makes the invitation feel more personal. If you know someone is a doctor or a reverend, you should use their professional title when addressing them.
2. Write the full names of your guests (no nicknames or abbreviations)
When addressing a family envelope for a save the date, it’s essential to use the full names of your guests. Avoid abbreviations or nicknames, as this might be unclear to the receiver.
3. Add kids’ names right after their parents.
Inviting children to attend your wedding should be done explicitly in the invitation. Writing the names of the kids right after their parents’ names will indicate that they’re also invited. For example, “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and family.”
4. Spell out the addresses completely (write out “Street” instead of writing “St.”)
Spell out the complete address, including the street, avenue, road, or boulevard, instead of using abbreviations like st. for street or ave. for avenue. This accuracy will prevent your save the date from getting lost in the mail or being delivered to the wrong place.
5. Use the correct zip code +4.
The zip code is a crucial part of the address. Using the correct zip code ensures that your save the date gets routed to the correct post office, from where it will be delivered to your guests accurately.
6. Double-check for errors before sending
Before sending out your save the date invitations, ensure you double-check for any errors. Check for spelling mistakes, correct addresses, and the correct names of your guests. This might seem like a small detail, but getting this right will ensure that your guests receive your save the date invitation on time, accurately addressed and get excited to attend your big day.
How do you write Mr and Mrs with both names?
When addressing an envelope to a married couple, it is customary to use the titles “Mr.” and “Mrs.”, followed by their last name. However, if you would like to include both individuals’ first names in the address, there are different ways to do so.
The first option is to use the title and last name, followed by both first names. For example, the outer envelope could be addressed as “Mr. and Mrs. Smith, John and Emily”. This style is less formal and may be better suited for close friends or family members.
Another option is to use only the titles and last name, but include both first names on the inner envelope. For instance, the outer envelope would be addressed as “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” and the inner envelope can be addressed as “John and Emily”. This option is more formal and appropriate for formal events such as weddings and official invitations.
It is important to note that when addressing envelopes, you should never write “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith”, as the woman’s identity is subsumed by her husband’s. Always use Mrs. with her own first name, such as “Mrs. Emily Smith”.
When writing the names of a married couple, there are different options for including both first names. You can use both in the address on the outer envelope, or include them on the inner envelope for a more formal occasion. Remember to always use “Mrs.” with the woman’s own first name to show respect for her identity.
