Save the dates are an important part of any wedding announcement as they inform guests of the upcoming event and give them ample time to prepare themselves for the big day. However, save the dates also come with their own set of etiquette rules, particularly when it comes to addressing them. In this blog post, we will discuss the proper etiquette for addressing save the dates, including the right way to address couples, families, and guests.
Addressing Couples
When addressing a save the date to a couple, it is important to use both of their names, especially if they are not yet married. Traditionally, the man’s name goes first, followed by the woman’s name. For example, the envelope can be addressed as “Mr. John Smith and Ms. Jane Doe” or “John Smith and Jane Doe.”
However, if you are closer to the woman in the couple, or if the couple is in a non-heterosexual relationship, it is perfectly acceptable to put the woman’s name first. If you are unsure about which name to put first, consider asking the couple themselves to avoid any confusion.
Addressing Families
Addressing save the dates to families can be a bit tricky, especially if you are not well-versed in the etiquette rules. The proper way to address a save the date to a family is to include the parents’ names on the envelope. If the family has children, their names can also be included below their parents’ names.
For example, if you are addressing a save the date to the Smith family with parents named John and Jane and two children named Lucy and Jack, the envelope could be addressed as “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and family.” Alternatively, you could address it as “The Smith Family.”
Addressing Guests
When it comes to addressing save the dates to guests, there are a few things to keep in mind. If the guest is single, simply include their name on the envelope. If they have a plus one, make sure to include their plus one’s name as well.
For example, if you are inviting your friend Sarah to your wedding and you know she is bringing her boyfriend, the envelope could be addressed as “Ms. Sarah Johnson and Mr. James Smith.” If you are unsure about whether or not a guest has a plus one, it is okay to politely ask them before addressing the save the date.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to addressing save the dates, it is important to be mindful of etiquette rules to ensure that everyone feels included and respected. While you may be tempted to take shortcuts or abbreviate names, it is best to take the time to write out full names to show that you have put in the effort to make your guests feel valued.
Remember, save the dates are the first impression your guests will have of your wedding, so it is important to make sure that they are addressed correctly and reflect the tone and style of your event. By following these guidelines for addressing save the dates, you can ensure that your guests will appreciate the thought and care you put into your wedding planning.
FAQ
Do you put Mr and Mrs on Save the Dates?
When it comes to wedding etiquette, addressing invitees with their proper titles has been a time-honored tradition. However, couples often wonder whether they should include titles like Mr. and Mrs. on their Save the Date cards. The answer to this question is not a straightforward one, as it entirely depends on personal preference and the tone of the wedding.
Traditionally, wedding invitations include titles like Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., Rev., etc. This helps to convey the formality of the event and show respect to the invitees. However, Save the Date cards serve a different purpose than the formal wedding invitation. The purpose of these cards is to give guests a heads up about the date and location of the wedding so that they can mark it in their calendars and make travel arrangements.
When it comes to Save the Date cards, including titles is entirely optional. Some couples prefer to include titles because it feels more formal and cohesive with the wedding’s overall tone. Conversely, other couples may choose to forego titles on Save the Dates because it can feel too stuffy or overly formal, especially if their wedding is more casual.
It’s worth noting that there are a few exceptions where including titles may be a necessity. For instance, if a couple is inviting their parents’ or grandparents’ friends, it may be appropriate to include titles to show respect for their age, status, and relationship with the couple’s family.
Whether or not to include titles on Save the Date cards is a matter of personal preference. The important thing is that the invitation wording and addressing style are consistent with the couples’ overall wedding tone and that the invitees feel welcomed and excited about the big day.
Whose name should go first on Save the Dates?
Save the Dates are usually the first communication piece that guests receive regarding your upcoming wedding. They serve as a pre-invitation informing guests of the date and location of your wedding, so it’s important to get the wording and etiquette right. One of the most common questions when it comes to Save the Dates is whose name should go first?
Traditionally, the bride’s name is listed first on Save the Dates, followed by the groom’s name, and this is still the most common practice today. While some may think it’s because the bride is the center of attention, the reason behind this is that historically, the bride’s family paid for the majority of the wedding expenses. As a result, the bride’s name was listed first as a way of acknowledging the family’s contributions.
However, times have changed, and many couples today share the cost of their wedding or pay for it entirely themselves. In this case, there’s no hard and fast rule as to whose name should go first. Some couples choose to list the name of the person who initiated the wedding planning process first, while others simply list the names alphabetically.
If you and your partner have different last names, there are a few options available to you. The first is to use your shared last name, if applicable. For example, if the bride’s name is Jane Smith and the groom’s name is John Doe, you could list your names as Jane and John Smith-Doe. This not only avoids confusion but also highlights your newly shared identity.
Alternatively, you could list your first and middle names only, without using your last name. For example, Jane Elizabeth and John William. This is a simple option that can work well if you and your partner don’t feel the need to include your last names.
To sum up, tradition dictates that the bride’s name should be listed first on Save the Dates, followed by the groom’s name. However, many modern couples opt to list their names alphabetically or by the name of the person who initiated the wedding planning process. If you have different last names, you can use your shared last name or just list your first and middle names. the decision as to whose name should go first is a personal one and depends on your individual circumstances and preferences.
How do you address a formal save the date envelope?
When addressing a formal save the date envelope, it is important to follow proper etiquette to ensure that your guests receive the invitation in a clear and respectful manner. To begin with, start by addressing all the recipients with proper salutations, titles, and names of all the guests attending the wedding. Use appropriate titles such as Mr., Mrs., or Ms. when addressing your guests, followed by their surname. If the recipients are unmarried and living together, list their names in alphabetical order with the woman’s name first.
After addressing the guests, the next step is to add a phrase that states the purpose of the envelope. You should include the phrase “Save the Date” or a similar wording, along with your wedding date, and the location where the ceremony will be held. While it may seem obvious to include the details of your wedding day and location, it is important to ensure that you have accurately spelled out the date and the exact address of the ceremony site.
Another useful addition to your save the date envelope could be a notification indicating that a formal invitation will follow. You can include the words “Formal invitation to follow” or “Invitation to follow.” This information is particularly helpful because it lets guests know that this is only a save the date notification, and a formal invitation will be coming soon.
Addressing formal save the date envelopes is a crucial precursor to a successful and well-attended wedding. By following proper etiquette guidelines and carefully wording your envelope, you can ensure that your guests receive the information accurately and in a timely manner, making it easier for them to plan for your big day!
