How to Address Wedding Invitations

Addressing a wedding invitation gives the guest an exact idea of who has been invited for the wedding. For instance, you may not want the guest to bring his children to the wedding. This can be taken care of by just addressing the invitation in the right manner. While what goes inside is important, the first look of the invitation should also be appropriate enough for the guest and family. Take a look at the art of addressing wedding invitations the right way.

A Few Tips before You Start

There are certain thumb rules that should be followed before you start writing out the invitations.

• It is better to address the invitations yourself, or to hire a professional calligrapher to do the same. You may have to address both, inner and outer envelopes, which can be a lot to do; so hiring a professional is a better idea.
• Don't use printed labels (though it is a quicker option) as it appears impersonal as compared to hand written invitations.
• Ensure that you, and only you, address invitations to your side of the guests. Do not mix this up with each other as the process can go wrong if you do so.
• Write the address on the center of the envelope and ensure that it does not exceed five lines.

How Wedding Invitations Should be Addressed

Since addressing such invitations is a sensitive issue, there is a certain etiquette that should be followed while doing so, to avoid a sticky situation. Follow these guidelines when addressing invitations to:

Families
While addressing invitations to a family, adhere to the following rules:

• To a married couple, address the invitation as: Mr. & Mrs. John Smith, followed by the address. If one of the members of the couple has a title such as Dr. then they should be addressed in that manner, irrespective of the gender: Dr. John and Mrs. Eva Smith or Mr. John and Dr. Eva Smith, whichever is applicable.
• The names of children are included in the inner envelope, addressed by their names or as part of 'and family'. If you are unsure about addressing the invitations without inner envelopes then add the children's names on the next line, after you have addressed the couple: Mr. & Mrs. John Smith, Mr. Adam & Miss Susan. If you are addressing more than one boy, you may use the title Messrs. Adam & Douglas Smith. In case of girls, the title Misses Susan and Jill Smith is suitable. Girls above the age 18 should be addressed as Ms. If boys have been named after their father then use the title Mr. John Smith, Jr.
• Always use Roman numerals while addressing generations.
• As far as possible, try avoiding the use of the term 'and family' while addressing the invitation.

Unmarried Couples Who Live Together
While addressing invitations to such a couple, first write the name of the person you are closest to, followed by the name of their partner: Ms. Monica Smith and Mr. Joseph Jones or vice versa. You may also use the same format for same-sex couples.

Single Persons or Widows
While addressing single women or widows, use the title Ms. to be on the safer side. However, how you address them depends on their preference. You could use their name after marriage: Mrs. Eva Smith or their maiden name: Ms. Eva Becker, depending on their choice. Single persons may be offered to bring a guest, which may be addressed on the inner envelope. If there is no inner envelope, you may print 'and Guest' on the RSVP. Try to avoid using the term 'and Guest' on the outer envelope. It is more personal if you can find out the name of the guest and use it on the invitation. However, it is not a rule.

By following this guide you can ensure the presence of all those guests who are important, and who will make the most important day in your life more special.