Invitation Etiquette
Planning your big day means getting all the details just right, and that includes how you address your wedding invitations. After all, your guests deserve that special touch! Here's a quick and easy guide to help you navigate the ins and outs of invitation etiquette, so every guest—from couples to families—feels perfectly addressed.
Married Couples: Traditional Names
For couples who share the same last name, here’s how to address the envelopes:
Outer envelope:
Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Sandra Smith
OR Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Smith
Inner envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
OR Joe and Sandra
Married Couples With Different Last Names
When addressing a married couple with different last names, list the person you’re closest with first. If you know both equally, alphabetical order works!
Outer envelope:
Mr. Joseph Smith and Mrs. Sandra Johnson
Inner envelope:
Mr. Smith and Mrs. Johnson
OR Joseph and Sandra
Unmarried Couples Living Together
For unmarried couples, both names should appear on separate lines.
Outer envelope:
Mr. Robert Hill
Ms. Rebecca Wright
Inner envelope:
Mr. Hill
Ms. Wright
Married Woman Doctor or Two Married Doctors
If a woman uses her maiden name professionally or socially:
Outer envelope:
Dr. Annie Bright and Mr. Peter Blaire
If she uses her husband's last name:
Outer envelope:
Dr. Annie and Mr. Peter Blaire
If both are doctors, you can write:
Outer envelope:
Doctors Annie and Peter Blaire
Inner envelope:
Dr. Bright and Mr. Blaire
OR The Doctors Blaire
Distinguished Titles: Military, Judges, and More
When addressing guests with special titles, the same rules for doctors apply to military personnel, judges, reverends, etc. If both have titles and they don’t fit on one line, indent the second line.
Outer envelope:
The Honorable Lisa Kelly and Lieutenant Johnathan Kelly, US Navy
For couples with the same rank:
Outer envelope:
Captains Lisa and Johnathan Kelly, US Navy
Inner envelope:
Judge Kelly and Lieutenant Kelly
OR The Captains Kelly
Families with Children
Children under 18 can be listed on the inner envelope but should not appear on the outer envelope.
For girls under 18, use “Miss,” and boys don’t need a title until they’re 18.
Outer envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Hughes
Inner envelope:
Daniel, Jacob, Miss Bella, and Miss Kylie
Children 18 and Older
If children are 18 or older, they should receive their own invitation, even if they still live with their parents.
Outer envelope:
Ms. Audrey Kelly
OR Mr. Jack Kelly
Inner envelope:
Ms. Kelly
OR Mr. Kelly
Important Note: Are Kids Invited?
If you don’t include children’s names, this typically signals that kids aren’t invited. However, to avoid confusion, you may want to ask your family and bridal party to help spread the word or include a note on your wedding website. For any misunderstandings, a gentle follow-up may be necessary to clarify that your celebration is adults-only.
By following these simple etiquette tips, you'll ensure that your invitations reflect your attention to detail and respect for your guests’ unique statuses. Happy planning!
