We are heading into Wedding Season here at Belleza e Luce and with that comes the many events associated with weddings: bridal showers, bridesmaid luncheons, rehearsal dinners, day-after brunches, and of course the wedding itself. As you prepare your guest lists for your celebrations, keep in mind the following invitation envelope etiquette.
| Couples | ||
| Outer Envelope | Inner Envelope | |
| Married Couples | Mr. and Mrs. David Smith | Mr. and Mrs. Smith (or less formal: Michelle and David) |
| Married Couples, woman kept maiden name | Ms. Michelle Taylor and Mr. David Smith | Ms. Taylor and Mr. Smith |
| Unmarried couples living or not living together (mail to the person you know best if the couple does not live together) | Ms. (or Miss) Rebecca Jones
Mr. Robert Smith |
Ms. (or Miss) Jones
Mr. Smith |
| Two women or men over age 18 living together, address alphabetically or by the person you know best | Mr. Benjamin Adams
Mr. James Roberts |
Mr. Adams
Mr. Roberts |
| Children | ||
| Outer Envelope | Inner Envelope | |
| Child under 18 | Do not include on outer envelope, if you do not have an inner envelope, then add “and family” on the second line of address | Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Leah 2 or more children – written in order of birth, oldest first Mr. and Mrs. Smith Leah, Joseph, and Michael |
| Children over 18
receive their own invitation |
Miss Barbara Taylor
or Mr. Thomas Smith |
Miss Taylor
If allowing the invitee to bring a guest: Mr. Thomas Smith and Guest |
| Single Guests | ||
| Outer Envelope | Inner Envelope | |
| Unmarried Male | Mr. David Smith | Mr. Smith and Guest |
| Unmarried Female | Ms. or Miss Rebecca Jones | Ms. or Miss Jones and Guest |
| Widowed Female* | Mrs. Nicole Taylor | Mrs. Taylor and Guest |
| Divorced Female, *
kept married name |
Ms. Jessica Roberts | Ms. Roberts and Guest |
| Divorced Female, *
maiden name |
Ms. Amanda Thomas |
Ms. Thomas and Guest |
| Special Titles | ||
| Outer Envelope | Inner Envelope | |
| Doctor, Male | Dr. and Mrs. David Smith | Dr. and Mrs. Smith |
| Clergy | Reverend and Mrs. John Taylor | Reverend and Mrs. Taylor |
| Officer, Male
(retired or active) |
Commander and Mrs. James Roberts | Commander and Mrs. Roberts |
| Judge | The Honorable and Mrs. Thomas James | Judge and Mrs. James |
| Female with any special titles | Dr. Emily Taylor and Mr. John Taylor |
Dr. Taylor and Mr. Taylor |
* It is always considerate to inquire with the female relative or friend how she prefers to be addressed in these circumstances or if you are unsure of her last name status. In the event that you feel awkward speaking directly to this person, ask someone else who would know the answer; it will be appreciated that you care enough to make sure your guest is addressed appropriately.
