One of the questions I get asked a lot from our clients is how to properly address their wedding invitations. This is an important question, as this is probably the most important piece of mail you will send, and proper etiquette does show the importance that such a special occasion merits. Additionally, if you are having a formal, traditional wedding, the following rules are applied: Man or Woman First? Traditionally, the woman's name went first, so that the man was not separated from his surname: Carol and John Smith Nowadays, it is acceptable for either to come first. Mr. and Mrs. John Smith Mr. and Mrs. Carol and John Smith unless one or the other outranks in title: Dr. Carol Smith and Mr. John Smith If they are unmarried, and living together, the names go on separate lines: Dr. Carol Lewis and Mr. John Smith Adding Children, the entire names on the outer envelope, Formal: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith Master (if boy is under 13) Charles Smith Miss Faye Smith Children, Informal: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith Charles and Faye Streets and States are written out in full: Avenue, California. And, if in doubt, I say address how you would like. If you are having an informal wedding, it is perfectly acceptable to address your invitations in a way that seems appropriate to you. For example, for my own outdoor affair, I addressed all as I called them, as that seemed more "me." For example, Kim Lewis was Kim Lewis, not Ms. Kimberly Lewis. And Grandpa and Grandma Barker were addressed as such. It just seemed appropriate to address this way, and in the end, you should be comfortable with your choices on all aspects of your wedding. For a comprehensive look on addressing, postage, and mailing, please see Martha Stewart Weddings guide on the subject. Calligraphy above by Stacey Shapiro on Phoebe and Andrew's custom wedding invitation.
0 comments