Eitquette for Addresses When Mailing Invitations

Address your envelopes properly.

Formally address your guests and maintain the formal look and tone of your invitations by following proper etiquette guidelines when addressing your event invitations.

The Facts

Address your invitations by hand. Calligraphy is ideal. You can either do this yourself or use a calligraphy service that specializes in handwritten calligraphy. Never use address labels. Center the guest name(s) and address on the front of the envelope and put the return address in the center of the back flap of the envelope. Do not use more than five lines for either address.

Titles

Use Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, Dr., or other title accordingly. Use the appropriate titles for judges, clergymen, political figures and military personnel, but always spell out these titles.

Features

Address married couples as "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe" or as "Mrs. Jane and Mr. John Doe," keeping the husband's first and last names together. If the wife retained her maiden name, address your invitation as "Ms. Jane Smith and Mr. John Doe." Use this address for unmarried couples living together as well, or place the second name on the next line.

Considerations

Never use abbreviations. Always spell out "and," "apartment" and all words in the street address. Use "and Family" only on the inner envelope. Include the names of children younger than 18 on the inner envelope or in the second address line on the outer envelope. Children older than 18 receive their own invitations.

References

• Artistic Addressing: Etiquette
• Wrap It Up Party Planning: Address Etiquette