How to Address Military Invitations

When planning a wedding, you want everything to be perfect. Every detail is important, and each circumstance requires special attention. One detail that requires careful thought is how you address your wedding invitations. You want to use proper wedding invitation etiquette, especially when addressing invitations to military personnel, to ensure your guests are honored by your request to take part in your special day.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Assemble your guest list. Make your list as complete as possible by including the full names of each guest and their addresses.

2. Address the outer envelope of the invitation with the recipient's full name and address. Avoid nicknames. Use the recipient's military rank. Do not abbreviate the name of the city or state. For example:
   
   Sgt. and Mrs. John Smith
   200 North Pecan Drive
   Durham, South Dakota 71234

3. Address the inner envelope with only the last name of your guest. If your guests have children, place their names on the second line. On the inner envelope, spell out the military title of your guest completely. For example:
   
   Sergeant and Mrs. Smith
   James, Lauren, Beth

4. For a female military officer, use two lines to specify the recipient of the invitation on both the outer and inner envelopes. For example:
   
   On the outer envelope:
   Mr. John Smith
   Sgt. Jane Smith
   200 North Pecan Drive
   Durham, South Dakota 71234
   
   On the inner envelope:
   Mr. Smith
   Sergeant Smith
   James, Lauren, Beth

References

• Wedding Invitation Etiquette