Get engaged over the holidays and compiling your guest list? I suggest formatting the guest list properly from the beginning to eliminate headache when it is time to send out the Save the Dates and Invitations.
Here are a couple tips to follow:
Married Couple
Outer: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Inner: Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Married Couple – Wife uses Maiden Name
Outer: Ms. Jane Brown and Mr. John Smith
Inner: Ms. Brown and Mr. Smith
Married Couple – Both are Doctors
Outer: The Doctors Smith
Inner: The Doctors Smith
Married Couple – Wife is a Doctor
Outer: Dr. Jane Brown and Mr. John Smith
Inner: Dr. Brown and Mr. Smith
To a Single Friend Bringing a Guest
Outer: Mr. John Smith
Inner: Mr. Smith and guest
To a Single Friend or Family Member in a Long-Term Relationship
- Invite that person and his or her significant other by name even though they aren’t married.
Unmarried Couple Living Together
Outer: Ms. Jane Brown
Mr. John Smith
Inner: Ms. Brown
Mr. Smith
Unmarried Couple Not Living Together
Outer: Ms. Jane Brown (person who lives at the address)
Inner: Ms. Brown
Mr. Smith
Same Sex Couple
- List in alphabetical order by last name
Outer: Mr. John Smith
Mr. Mark Toller
Inner: Mr. Smith
Mr. Toller
To Invite a Family with Children Under Age 18
Outer: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Inner: Mr. and Mrs. Smith Jake and Rita
Outer Envelopes:
1. Use full names and formal titles. Do not abbreviate.
2. Do not use symbols. Spell out the word “and”.
3. Do not use initials. Spell out all names.
4. Do not write “and family” if children are to be included in the invitation (See #2 of Inner Envelopes).
5. Use figures only when writing house numbers and zip codes. Ex: 1747 Second Avenue South
6. Write out the words “Street”, “Boulevard”, “Avenue”, etc.
7. Do not abbreviate state names.
Inner Envelopes:
1. Use full names and formal titles. Do not abbreviate. Ex: Mr. and Mrs. Steven Johnson
2. Type the first names of children to be invited below the parents’ in order of age.
Ex: Mr. and Mrs. Stevens
Lisa, Adam, and Julia
Formal: A boy under the age of 13 is “Master.” Girls and young women under age 18 are called “Miss.”
3. Omit children’s names if you are planning an adult‐only celebration.
4. If an invitation to a single guest extends to an unknown escort, address the inner envelope with your guest’s name followed by “and Guest”. Ex: Miss Andrews and guest
Single Outer Envelopes:
If you have selected an invitation that does not include an inner envelope or choose not to use your inner envelope, you may follow traditional addressing rules for outer envelopes or create a new way that works best for you.
1. For a traditional single outer envelope address, include the names of the children to be invited below the parents’ names as on a standard inner envelope.
2. Write “and guest” as it would have appeared on an inner.
Calligraphy and Photo Credit: Write by Mike
