When it comes to wedding planning, the devil is in the details — and nowhere is this more true than with wedding invitations. They’re the first glimpse your guests will have of your big day, setting the tone for what’s to come.
But before you can charm your guests with the design and paper quality, there’s a big question to answer: how do you address them? From surnames to doctors and deceased parents, let’s guide you through the etiquette of addressing wedding invitations.
What Is the Proper Way to Address Wedding Invitations?
General wedding invitation etiquette suggests using formal titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., etc.) followed by first and last names.
But hey, every couple on your guest list is unique, so here’s a cheat sheet:
- Married couples: Go traditional with “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith.”
- Unmarried couples living together: “Ms. Jane Doe and Mr. John Smith” on separate lines.
- Same-sex couples: Either alphabetically by last name or by whomever you’re closest to first. For example: “Mr. John Doe and Mr. James Smith.”
- Families: “The Smith Family” or list parents and children’s names as detailed above.
- Titles: For guests with titles, use the appropriate honorific, such as “Dr. Jane Doe and Mr. John Smith.”
Do You Put Surnames on Wedding Invitations?
The short answer is yes. Surnames keep things crystal clear — no mix-ups on who’s invited.
For example, “Mr. John Smith and Ms. Jane Doe” is more formal and appropriate than “John and Jane.” This formality adds a touch of class and respect to your invitations.
How to Address Wedding Invitations When Wife Is Doctor
Got a doctor in the house? Then let’s give credit where credit’s due. If she’s the doc, lead with her title: “Dr. Jane Doe and Mr. John Smith.” Two docs in the house? Double the fun: “Dr. Jane Doe and Dr. John Smith.” Or, if they share a last name, make it “Drs. Jane and John Smith.”
Do You Put Plus Ones on Wedding Invitations?
The plus-one scenario can be tricky. If you know a single guest is in a serious relationship, it’s courteous to include their partner’s name on the invitation. Address it to “Ms. Jane Doe and Mr. John Smith.”
Do You Address Wedding Invitations with “Guest”
When inviting single guests who may not have a significant other, consider letting them bring a date. This can be done by adding “and Guest” after the invited individual’s name, for example: “Ms. Jane Doe and Guest.”
Can You Address a Wedding Invitation to a Family?
Absolutely! If you’re inviting children, the outer envelope can be addressed to the parents, while the inner envelope can list the parents’ titles and surnames followed by the children’s first names.
For example, the outer envelope might read “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith,” and the inner envelope would read “Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Michael, David, and Sarah.”
Addressing a Wedding Invitation to Couples with Distinct Titles
For couples with different professional or social titles, such as military officers and civilians, address each person with their full title. For example, “Captain John Smith, US Navy, and Dr. Jane Doe.” This shows respect for both individuals’ professional identities.
Tips for Addressing Wedding Invitations
Here are some extra tips to make sure your envelopes are as spot-on as your centerpieces:
- Get organized with a spreadsheet. Before picking up a pen, start with a spreadsheet that lists everyone’s names, titles, and addresses. It’ll be a lifesaver when you’re knee-deep in envelopes and need to check, double-check, and triple-check.
- Consistency is key. Whether you’re going full formal or keeping it casual, stick to your style across all invitations. Mixing up formal with casual can confuse guests about the vibe of your wedding.
- When no plus-one is a plus. Sometimes, you just can’t invite everyone and their plus-one — budgets and venue sizes are real, folks! If certain guests aren’t getting a plus-one, be clear but gentle. Address the invitation solely to the individual guest with no “and Guest” tag-along. You can also include a line on your RSVP card or wedding website clarifying, “We have reserved 1 seat for you.”
- Double-check names and spellings. Nothing says “oops” like misspelling someone’s name. It’s worth the extra time to double-check. Call up your mom, your partner’s mom, or that friend from college to make sure you’ve got it right.
And there you have it! A guide to making your wedding invitations as unique and special as the guests you’re inviting. Remember, it’s all about making everyone feel included, respected, and excited to celebrate your love 💌