ENVELOPE ADDRESSING GUIDE
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SOCIALLY CORRECT ADDRESSING: TIPS & RULES
Outer Envelopes
It is traditional to use the complete, formal name and address of your invited
guests on the outer envelope of a double envelope set (or on the outside of a
single envelope). For US addresses, the zip code should be included on the same line with the city and state.
Inner Envelopes
The inner envelope of a double envelope set carries only the last name preceded by titles (Mr., Mrs., Doctor) of the primary person or couple being invited. There are no addresses on the inner envelope.
Invited children’s first names appear under the parents’ names. (Invited children over 18 or older still dwelling with their parents should receive separate invitations).
If you are allowing single people (who are not dating anyone long-term) to bring a guest, you would indicate this on this inner envelope by adding “and guest” to their title and surname.
Single Envelopes
If your invitation set does not include double envelopes, write the complete, formal name and address of your invited guests on the outside of the single envelope. Children’s names should be listed below parents’ names on the envelope.
If you are allowing single people (who are not dating anyone long-term) to bring a guest, you would indicate this on the outside of the single envelope by adding “and guest” line beside the single guest’s name.
No Abbreviations!
Do not use abbreviations on the envelope other than “Mr.” or “Mrs.”
Spell out Avenue, Road, Street, etc. as well as the State name.
Postage
Remember, before purchasing stamps, have one fully assembled invitation weighed at the post office to determine proper postage. Don’t forget to purchase stamps for the response (Rsvp) envelopes as well.
Addressing Titles
• Mr. - adult males
• Miss - never married female, regardless of age
• Mrs. - married, separated, widowed or divorced female
• Master - young male, usually under the age of 18
• Ms. - separated or divorced females, married females who kept their maiden name
• Mmes. - Mesdames, married same sex female couple with same last name
• Mssrs. - Messieurs, married same sex male couple with same last name
• Doctor - usually used for Medical Doctors only, but it’s common for most doctoral degrees
• The Honorable - federal and state judges, justices of the peace, and magistrates
Addressing Order
• Children - oldest to youngest if listed individually
• Unmarried couple living together - list the lady’s name first
• Married couple with different last names - list the lady’s name first
• If one person is a Doctor - list the Doctor first, regardless of gender
• If both are Doctors - Use “The Doctors Doe” on inner and outer envelopes
• If one person is a Reverend - list the Reverend first, regardless of gender
• If one person is Military - list that person first, regardless of gender
• If both are Military - list the person with higher rank first, regardless of gender
• If one person is a Judge/Justice - list that person first, regardless of gender
• Gay couple - oldest first unless they’ve stated differently
Use of Plurals
when names end in:
• o add an s - The Delanos
• y add an s - The Purdys
• s add an es - The Joneses
• z add an es - The Cortezes
• sh add an es - The Marshes
• x add an es - The Foxes
• ch add an es - The Bunches
Never use apostrophe in family names to indicate plural:
• WRONG: The McCarthy’s
• CORRECT: The McCarthys
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