Inner and outer wedding invitation envelopes use different wording.
The wedding invitations are finally finished and it is time to mail them out, but addressing the envelopes can be tricky. Whether the event is of epic proportions or a backyard family celebration, the same guidelines stand. Etiquette is not the only issue that couples face when mailing wedding invitations. Proper spelling and correct address wording are very important as well. Many invitations use three envelopes: an outer envelope to send the entire invitation package, an inner envelope that contains the actual invitation and a stamped return envelope that guests can use to return the RSVP card.
Instructions
1. Check the guest list to ensure you have correct spellings for names and current addresses. Double-check with friends and family if there is any doubt about a name or address.
2. Decide the level of formality you want to convey, and write guest names on the envelopes appropriately. For informal weddings, first and last names of each guest are acceptable instead of formal titles such as "Mr." and "Mrs." Write formal social titles before names if you are having a more formal wedding or simply want to follow traditional etiquette. For an unmarried female, use "Miss" or "Ms." and write her full name on the outside of the envelope. On the inner envelope, or on the invitation itself, use "Miss" or "Ms." and her last name. Also write "and guest" if you are allowing her to bring a date of her choosing.
3. Write "Mr." plus his full name on the outside of the envelope for any unmarried male guests. On the inner envelope or on the actual invitation, write "Mr." and just his last name. Write "and guest" if you are allowing him to bring a date of his choosing.
4. Write the guest names for married couples with the same last name by writing "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the male’s full first and last name on the outside of the envelope. For the inner envelope or invitation, use "Mr. and Mrs." and their last name only.
5. Write the guest names for married couples with different last names by writing "Mrs." and her first and last name and "Mr." and his first and last name on the outside of the envelope. For the inner envelope, write "Mrs." and her last name, followed by "Mr." and his last name.
6. Write the guest names for couples who are not married or do not live together. Mail the invitation to whomever you know better. Address it only to the recipient on the outside, using "Miss" or "Mr." followed by the first and last name. On the inner envelope or on the actual invitation, use "Miss" and "Mr." and follow it with each person’s last name.
7. Write the guest names for couples who are not married but live together. Word the envelope in alphabetical order by last name. Write "Miss" and "Mr." and both the first and last names on the outside of the envelope, and use "Miss" and "Mr." followed by only the last names on the inner envelope or invitation. These guidelines also apply to same-gender couples.
8. Write names of children under 18 years of age only on the inner envelope or invitation, and list their first names from oldest to youngest. Children older than 18 who still live at home should receive their own invitation.
9. Address the outer envelope underneath the recipient’s names by writing their street address (number and street name) on the next line. Write using street abbreviations such as "St." and "Ave." If you write out the full word, like "Street" or "Avenue," it is harder for the post office to determine the proper delivery address. Write the city, state, and ZIP code on the third line.
10. Center the text on the envelopes. Match the font with the invitation font if possible and with the return address font. The couple’s return address does not need to be written on the outer envelope, but you can include it on the back flap if you would like.
11. Print the couple's names and return address on the return card envelope. Place appropriate postage on the return envelope so all guests have to do is insert the RSVP card, write their return address and place it in the mail.
Tags: last name, inner envelope, first last, guest names, outside envelope