Because it can be a bit confusing, it is recommended that you print out a copy of this list and keep it nearby as you are addressing the envelopes. That way you’ll know you’ve followed proper addressing wedding invitation etiquette.
| Type of Guest |
Outer Envelope |
Inner Envelope |
| Single Guests |
|
|
| Unmarried female |
Miss (or Ms.) Candice Jones |
Miss (or Ms.) Jones (and Guest) |
| Divorced female, uses married name |
Mrs. Veronica Walker |
Mrs. Walker (and Guest) |
| Divorced female, uses maiden name |
Miss (or Ms.) Allison Garrison |
Miss (or Ms.) Garrison (and Guest) |
| Unmarried male |
Mr. John Wolf |
Mr. Wolf (and Guest) |
| Couples |
|
|
| Married Couples |
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ackerman |
Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman |
| Married Couple - woman kept maiden name
|
Mrs. Krystal Lewis
Mr. Bryant Montana |
Mrs. Lewis
Mr. Montana |
| Unmarried couples co-habitating - send to the friend who is closest |
Miss (or Ms.) Rebecca Jamison |
Miss (or Ms.) Jamison
Mr. Stuart |
| Unmarried couples co-habitating - alphabetically by last name |
Miss (or Ms.) Phyllis Garrett
Mr. Eric Campbell |
Miss (or Ms.) Garrett
Mr. Campbell |
| Same gender couples - alphabetically by last name |
Mr. Jeremy Ellis
Mr. Alan Palmer |
Mr. Ellis
Mr. Palmer |
| Children |
|
|
| Under age 18 |
Outer envelope address to parents |
David, Alexis, and Sarah (first names only, oldest to youngest) |
| Over 18 - should receive their own invitation, even if still at home |
Miss Kathleen Day or
Mr. James Argyle |
Miss Day (and Guest) or
Mr. Argyle (and Guest) |
| Miscellaneous |
|
|
| Judge |
The Honorable and Mrs. Alexander Newman |
Judge and Mrs. Newman |
| Clergy |
The Reverend Donald Holmquist |
The Reverend Holmquist |
| Doctor (medical) |
Doctor Craig Oliver |
Doctor Oliver (and Guest) |
| Doctor (PhD) |
Dr. David Abraham |
Dr. Abraham (and Guest) |
| Married Woman Doctor |
Doctor Claire Jefferson
Mr. Matthew Jefferson |
Doctor Jefferson
Mr. Jefferson |
| Married Couple, Both Doctors |
Doctors Timothy and Lauren Hamilton |
The Doctors Hamilton |
| Officer - Man (active or retired) |
Colonel and Mrs. Jeremy Scott |
Colonel and Mrs. Scott |
| Officer - Woman |
Lieutenant Lisa Peterson, U.S. Navy
Mr. Gregory Peterson |
Lieutenant Peterson
Mr. Peterson |
Some people may consider addressing wedding invitation etiquette as a waste of time. If that’s you, just remember that the wedding invitation really sets the tone for the entire wedding ceremony. Ensure that everything is perfect from start to finish and address those wedding invitations with the proper etiquette.
