envelope ADDRESSING

INNER ENVELOPE & OUTER ENVELOPE

Traditionally, invitations included both an inner envelope and an outer envelope. We love this combination, and we love to modify and modernize it slightly. The function of the inner envelope is twofold; first, to clarify whom the invitation is addressed to, and second, to protect the invitation. When clients prefer to be a little more modern, we recommend suite additions such as folios, wraps, and pockets to serve the same purpose(s) of the inner envelope.

Traditional Example:

Outer Envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
1234 Mountain Drive
Apartment 123
Denver, Colorado 80123
Inner Envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

FORMATTING FOR YOUR STATIONER

It’s important to format properly for your stationer so that everything stays organized and is accurate! Here is our recommended formatting document, we encourage you to use it as you build out your invitation list.

Etiquette Design // Guest Address Template

ETIQUETTE FOR The outer envelope

First, no abbreviations or middle initials should be used when addressing formal invitations. The only abbreviations that are acceptable are title abbreviations such as Mr., Mrs., and Dr.
Traditionally, the man’s first name should never be separated from his last name (“Drs. Jane and John Smith” rather than “Drs. John and Jane Smith”
Make sure to spell out the street names in full (Blvd. should be Boulevard, Apt. should be Apartment) and state names should be fully spelled as well.
The numbers 1-10 should be written out in letters, rather than numerals.

Couples:
Married Couples: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Married Couple where woman has kept her last name: Ms. Bridget Jones and Mr. John Smith
Unmarried Couples: Ms. Bridget Jones and Mr. John Smith (on one line, but if the names are too long, two lines is fine!)
And Guest: Mr. John Smith and Guest (if using an inner envelope, indicate “and Guest” on the inner envelope and omit the “and Guest” on the outer)
Two Doctors: [The] Drs. Smith or [The] Drs. Jane and John Smith
One Doctor: Dr. Jane and Mr. John Smith

We often receive questions about the ordering of names for unmarried couples or other pairs of guests. We prefer that you list the person with whom you are closest, but your preferred ordering is acceptable. Ultimately, you know your guests best, so do what feels correct based on your relationships with them.

Singles:
Single man, young boy, widower, separated/divorced: Mr.
Single woman (over 18) or married woman who has kept her last name: Ms.
Young Girl: Miss
Widow: Mrs.

Other considerations:
Even if you know that a guest is unable to attend your wedding, or has verbally declined, it is still recommended that you extend an invitation as a courtesy.
Married couples should be invited to the wedding together, in most circumstances.
It is recommended to address your guests with their preferred pronouns.