How to Address Invitations

Graduations, weddings, anniversary parties, bridal and baby showers, retirement parties, and bar mitzvahs all have one thing in common: They usually require a formal invitation. While it's not always necessary to address these invitations formally, taking the time to properly address the invitations is an added flair that is sure to impress your guests.

Things You'll Need

• List of guests
• Addresses for guests
• Invitations and envelopes
• Fine tipped pen or marker
• Return address labels

Instructions

1. Prepare a guest list to ensure that you do not leave out anyone. As you complete and address the invitations, you can mark the individuals off of your list. This will also keep you from sending two invitations to the same person.

2. Gather the addresses for your guests. One way to do this is to compile the addresses in a spreadsheet alongside the name of the guest. This is a great option for brides or graduates who have a long list of people to send invitations to. If you don't have the address in your address book, check with your parents or grandparents who may have the addresses you need.

3. Use informal names when addressing the interior envelope. Some invitations, namely graduation and wedding, have two envelopes. The interior envelope can be addressed with just the first names of the guests. There is no need to add an address to an interior envelope. If your guest is single and you have room for her to invite a guest, use the guest's name followed by the words "and guest". Not all brides and grooms want children at their wedding. If you are inviting the children of your guests include "and children" or the names of the children along with the names of the primary guest.

4. Use formal names for addressing the exterior envelope. For instance use the terms Mr. & Mrs., Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., or Dr. & Mrs. or Ms. when addressing the envelope. Follow the title with the full first name of the guest. If your cousin's name is Joseph, but he actually goes by Joey, address the exterior envelope using the more formal Joseph.

5. Add the return address in the upper left hand corner. Consider ordering or printing your own return address labels to save time when addressing invitations.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your address list handy for the future. If your budget allows, hire someone to address the invitations, especially for a wedding, using calligraphy. This style of writing adds a more formal look to the invitations.

• For informal events, such as bridal showers and baby showers, it's not important to provide formal names on invitations.

• Double check the spelling of all names before adding them to the envelope. Some people are very annoyed when their names misspelled.

• Purchase extra envelopes if possible. This will save you if you happen to misspell a name.