Wedding invitations are a crucial part of any wedding planning process. They are the first glimpse your guests will have of your wedding and are a reflection of your personality and style. Therefore, it’s essential to get them right. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to address wedding invitations.
Step 1: Determine the Formality of Your Wedding
Before you start addressing your wedding invitations, it’s essential to determine the formality of your wedding. The level of formality will guide you in selecting the appropriate wording and etiquette. If you’re having a formal wedding, you will want to use more traditional language and follow strict etiquette rules. If you’re having a more casual wedding, you can use more relaxed language and have more flexibility with the etiquette rules.
Step 2: Determine the Guest List
Before addressing your wedding invitations, you need to determine your guest list. It’s essential to have a final headcount before ordering your invitations to ensure you have enough. You can also use your guest list to address your invitations correctly. Make sure to gather all the necessary information, such as full names, titles, and addresses.
Step 3: Addressing the Inner Envelope
The inner envelope is the first envelope that your invitation goes into. It’s essential to address it correctly to ensure that your guests receive their invitations. For a formal wedding, you should use titles and full names, such as Mr. and Mrs. John Smith. For a more casual wedding, you can use first names only, such as John and Jane. Make sure to include all the names of the guests invited and exclude any children or plus-ones if not specified on the envelope.
Step 4: Addressing the Outer Envelope
The outer envelope is the envelope that goes through the mail. It’s essential to address it correctly to ensure that it arrives at the correct address. For a formal wedding, you should use full names and titles, such as Mr. and Mrs. John Smith. For a more casual wedding, you can use first names only, such as John and Jane. Make sure to include the full address, including the zip code.
Step 5: Using Return Address Labels
It’s important to include a return address on your wedding invitations, in case they get lost in the mail. You can use return address labels or have them printed directly onto the envelopes. Make sure to include your full name and address.
FAQs
1. Do I need to include my middle name when addressing my wedding invitations?
It’s not necessary to include your middle name when addressing your wedding invitations, but it’s a personal preference. If you have a formal title, such as Dr. or Rev., you should include it.
2. How do I address a wedding invitation to a family with children?
If you are inviting children to your wedding, you should include their names on the inner envelope. If the children are under 18, you can address the envelope to their parents, such as Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, and include the children’s names on the inner envelope. If the children are over 18, you should send them a separate invitation.
3. How do I address a wedding invitation to a widow?
You should address a wedding invitation to a widow using her late husband’s name and her first name, such as Mrs. John Smith. If she has remarried, you should address it using her new husband’s name, such as Mrs. Jane Johnson.
4. How do I address a wedding invitation to a same-sex couple?
You should address a wedding invitation to a same-sex couple using both of their names, such as Mr. John Smith and Mr. Michael Johnson or Ms. Jane Smith and Ms. Emily Johnson.
5. How do I address a wedding invitation to a couple who is not married but living together?
You should address a wedding invitation to a couple who is not married but living together using both of their names, such as Mr. John Smith and Ms. Jane Johnson.
Conclusion
Addressing wedding invitations can seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it can be a breeze. Remember to determine the formality of your wedding, gather your guest list, address the inner and outer envelopes correctly, and use return address labels. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are addressed correctly and arrive at their intended destination.