As a calligrapher, I’m often asked about correct wedding etiquette when it comes to addressing invitations. There are infinite resources online that go over the guidelines to addressing envelopes, but for me, there is no greater resource than Crane & Co.’s The Wedding Blue Book. It’s my survival guide to all things wedding invitations.
Wedding invitations often come with both an outer and inner envelope. The outer envelope is used to address the couple or single friend/family member that is invited to the wedding. The inner envelope is used to indicate who exactly is included in the invitation. Here, you’ll include children’s names (under 18 years old) that are invited to the wedding or indicate “and guest” if this applies.
Many modern suites do not include an inner envelope. If this is the case, you will use the outer envelope to address all guest names that are invited. “And family” is often used in such a case to save room on the envelope.
By using the formulas provided here, you’ll make your calligrapher very happy!
A married couple
Outer envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. Travis Essl (for formal affairs, a middle name is often included)
3730 Modlin Avenue (always spell out words in your address, no abbreviations)
Dallas, Texas
75208
If you opt for an inner envelope, you will drop the first and/or middle name of the male and address as:
Mr. and Mrs. Essl
Note: If you are inviting children to your wedding, you will indicate this on the inner envelope. For example, you would write…
Mr. and Mrs. Essl
Olive and Matilda (on second line)
If no children are invited, simply leave Mr. and Mrs. Essl as the couple’s name on the inner envelope. Children that are over 18 years old should receive their own individual invitation.
An unmarried couple living together
Outer envelope:
Ms. Lauren Smith (place the female’s name first)
Mr. Travis Essl (second name of couple will go on the second line)
3800 Dorothy Lane
Apartment 212 (always place the apartment or unit number on a separate line)
Dallas, Texas
75204
Inner envelope:
Ms. Smith
Mr. Essl
If a couple is not living together, you may address the invitation as indicated above to acknowledge the couple. Or you may address only your invited party on the outer and include “and guest” or the partner’s name on the inner envelope.
How to address doctors
When addressing doctors, always spell out “doctor” and follow this formula.
If the male is married and is a doctor:
Doctor and Mrs. Travis Essl
3600 Maple Avenue
Dallas, Texas
75252
Inner envelope:
Doctor and Mrs. Essl
If the female is married and a doctor:
Doctor Lauren Essl and Mr. Travis Essl
3600 Maple Avenue
Dallas, Texas
75252
Inner envelope:
Doctor Essl and Mr. Essl
Single guests
Outer envelope:
Miss (or) Ms. Lauren Essl
9002 Preston Park Lane
Dallas, Texas
75252
Inner envelope:
Miss (or) Ms. Essl
If a guest is invited:
Miss (or) Ms. Essl and Guest
When inviting single guests, it is nice to include an “and guest,” especially if they might not know many people in attendance. This is up to the discretion of the bride and groom. I have addressed envelopes where all single guests had an “an guest” and where only some included an “and guest.”
—Lauren Essl, owner of Blue Eye Brown Eye
