As you probably know, there are many things to consider when planning a wedding, including how to word your invites and address your wedding invitation envelopes. One of the most important wedding planning tasks is addressing wedding invitations—guaranteeing they reach the right people and setting the tone for your big day. Whether you’re addressing wedding invitations to a single person, a couple or a family, getting it right is imperative.
While it might sound like a simple task, there are some things to know before you start addressing your wedding invitation envelopes. By the end of this article, you’ll understand how to address wedding invitations, the difference between an inner and outer envelope, and the best envelope addressing tools to help you through it all.
Source: Custom envelopes via VistaPrint
How to address wedding invitations
When it comes to addressing wedding stationery, the details matter. Let’s break down some of the common scenarios you might encounter when writing your wedding invitations and envelopes.
Handwriting vs. printing addresses
The first decision you’ll face is whether to handwrite or print the addresses on mailing labels using an envelope addressing service. Both options have their pros and cons.
Handwriting addresses gives your wedding invitations a personal touch, making each envelope feel special. It’s a more traditional choice and many guests will appreciate the effort. However, handwriting every envelope can be time-consuming and challenging, especially if you’re not confident in your penmanship or if you have hundreds of guests to invite.
Printing addresses on mailing labels can save you time and ensure consistent quality. Although printed addresses can feel less personal, this option is perfect for couples with a long guest list or those who want their wedding invitation envelopes to have a polished look.
Source: Floral wedding invitations suite via VistaPrint
The correct format for names
Names are an important part of your envelope addresses. You’ll want to make sure you’re using the correct format, especially when addressing couples. A common mistake is reversing the order of titles, like writing “Mrs. & Mr.” instead of the traditional “Mr. & Mrs.” For married couples, the husband’s name typically comes first, such as “Mr. & Mrs. John Smith.” However, you should always accommodate the recipients’ preferences, so if you know a couple prefers the wife’s name first, then go with that.
Envelope types: Outer and inner
When it comes to wedding invitations, the envelopes you use are important. Custom envelopes allow you to add your wedding monogram or logo for a personalized look. Your invitations will likely have two envelopes: an outer and an inner envelope. The outer envelope is the envelope that gets mailed. It should include the recipient’s full name(s), title(s) and address. It’s formal and should be as accurate as possible.
The inner envelope is placed inside the outer envelope and usually only includes the recipients’ names without an address. The inner envelope is less formal and can be more personalized, offering more opportunity for a custom design. If you’re inviting a couple and their children, the inner envelope might include the first names of each family member.
Source: Custom envelope seal to add a personal touch via VistaPrint
When to send out wedding invitations
Timing is everything when it comes to sending out wedding invitations. Send them out at least eight weeks before the wedding to give your guests plenty of time to RSVP, book accommodation and make any necessary travel arrangements. If you’re hosting a destination wedding, consider sending your invitations even earlier, around three months in advance.
Etiquette for addressing wedding invitations
Proper addressing etiquette goes beyond just getting your guests’ names and titles right. It’s also important to order and address them correctly. The general rule is to be as respectful and accurate as possible, so use titles like “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” or “Dr.” on the outer envelope. When addressing couples, if both individuals have titles, include both (e.g., “Dr. Emily Clark and Mr. James Clark”).
For married couples, the husband’s name typically comes first, and for unmarried couples, you’d list the person you’re closest to first. However, a more contemporary take on this tradition would be to name the woman first if you are closer to them, even if the couple is married. For families, list the parents first, followed by the children’s names.
While tradition leans toward handwritten addresses, it’s not a hard-and-fast rule. If you have a large guest list or prefer a more modern approach, printing the addresses is perfectly acceptable. Just make sure the font is elegant and easy to read.
Examples of addressing wedding invitations
Now that you understand the basics let’s look at some specific examples of how to address your wedding invitations. These examples cover different scenarios, so you can feel confident no matter who you’re inviting.
Addressing a single person
Outer envelope:
Mr. John Smith
123 Maple Street
Anytown, USA 12345
Inner envelope:
Mr. Smith
or John Smith
Addressing a single person plus a known guest
Outer envelope:
Ms. Jane Smith
And Guest
456 Oak Avenue
Somewhere, USA 67890
Inner envelope:
Ms. Smith & Mr. Jones
or Jane Smith & William Jones
Addressing a single person plus an unknown guest
Outer envelope:
Mr. Samuel Green
789 Pine Road
Yourtown, USA 54321
Inner envelope:
Mr. Green & Guest
or Samuel Green & Guest
Addressing a married couple with the same last name
Outer envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
321 Elm Street
Othertown, USA 98765
Inner envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
or John and Jane Smith
Source: Handwritten wedding invitation address with colored envelope via VistaPrint
Addressing a married couple with different last name
Outer envelope:
Mr. John Brown and Mrs. Lisa White
654 Birch Lane
Elsewhere, USA 11223
Inner envelope:
Mr. Brown and Mrs. White
or John Brown and Lisa White
Addressing an unmarried couple (living together)
Outer envelope:
Ms. Emily Davis and Mr. Michael Harris
987 Cedar Drive
Anytown, USA 45678
Inner envelope:
Ms. Davis and Mr. Harris
or Emily Davis and Michael Harris
Addressing a family with children under 18
Outer envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Johnson
And Family
432 Spruce Street
Yourtown, USA 78901
Inner envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson
Sarah, Matthew and Emily
or Andrew and Lisa Johnson
Sarah, Matthew and Emily
Addressing a family with children over 18
Outer envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Taylor
And Family
876 Willow Court
Somewhere, USA 23456
Inner envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor
Miss Taylor
Mr. Taylor
or Charles, Charlotte, Lucy and William Taylor
Source: Traditional wedding invitation via VistaPrint
Addressing people with distinguished titles
Addressing people with distinguished titles requires extra attention to detail. It’s important to use their full titles to show respect and recognition. This honors their accomplishments and ensures your invitation is both formal and appropriate.
Addressing a doctor and spouse
Outer envelope:
Dr. and Mr. Lucy Moore
567 Beech Circle
Othertown, USA 34567
Inner envelope:
Dr. and Mr. Moore
Addressing military personnel and their spouse
Outer envelope:
Captain and Mrs. Robert Carter
234 Ash Avenue
Yourtown, USA 67890
Inner envelope:
Captain and Mrs. Carter
Source: Wedding stationery suite via VistaPrint
Tools and services for addressing wedding envelopes
Addressing wedding invitations can be a daunting task, but you don’t have to do it alone. Here are some tools and services to help you get it right.
Envelope addressing tools
If you’re looking for an easy way to address envelopes, try using an envelope addressing tool that allows you to upload your guest list, choose your font and print your custom envelopes professionally with the correct addresses. It makes this big task quick and easy, so you can focus on the fun side of planning your wedding, like choosing flowers or a wedding theme.
Source: Addressing wedding invitations via VistaPrint
Wedding invitation design services
Need help with invitation design? Whether you want something classic or modern, a range of design services and templates to add a custom feel to your big day. For a cohesive look, your wedding stationery should always match the color palette and theme of your wedding.
Have a look at these wedding trends to inspire your wedding aesthetic.
Wedding invitation printing services
Once you’ve finalized your design, print high-quality wedding invitations with VistaPrint. Try to do this 6 to 9 months ahead of your big day to ensure that there’s enough buffer time before mailing them out to your guests.
Free sample kits
Not sure which template, paper type or finish to choose? Get a free wedding invitation sample kit to see the printed invitation design in different shapes, paper stock, colors and finishes, like linen and gold foil, before making a final decision and placing a big order.
Source: Wedding invitation suite via VistaPrint
Ready to address your wedding invitation envelopes?
Addressing wedding invitations might seem like a small detail in your wedding planning journey, but it’s an important one. Whether you choose to handwrite or print your addresses, follow the proper etiquette and consider the different scenarios you might encounter, including married and unmarried couples, plus ones and families. Taking the time to get it right shows your guests that you care and sets the tone for your wedding.
Addressing wedding invitations FAQs
How do you address wedding invitations?
Use the full names of your guests, including titles. The address should be clear and accurate, with the outer envelope including the full address and the inner envelope listing only the names. How you order the names depends on which level of formality you’re opting for, but bear in mind that many wedding guests will expect to be addressed more traditionally, especially in the context of a formal wedding invite.
How should you order guests’ names on wedding invitation envelopes?
For couples, list the husband’s name first unless you know they prefer a different order. For families, list the parents first, followed by the children.
What is the proper etiquette for addressing invitations?
The key is to be respectful and accurate with names and titles. Make sure you’re following any specific preferences your guests might have and don’t make any mistakes.
Should you handwrite the address on wedding invitations?
Yes, handwriting the address adds a personal touch but it’s not essential. If time is tight or you prefer a uniform look, printed addresses on mailing labels offer a great alternative.
