January 25, 2021
Addressing invitations can be really tricky and can seem super overwhelming. It’s so important to get right, though, because the correct format tells your guests so many things and makes them feel welcome. That’s the entire point of etiquette, right?
Let’s spend some time today going over how to correctly address your envelopes and why it’s important you address them properly.
Double or Single Envelopes?
You’ve probably wondered what’s the point of two envelopes?! Is that really necessary? As time goes on, more and more couples opt to eliminate the second envelope but I promise you they serve a major purpose. Beyond keeping the inner envelope from getting dirty and allowing the inner envelope to be lined, double envelopes make it extremely clear as to who is invited to your wedding. This is extremely important. You can make it clear who is invited because you can state, individually by name, who is invited on the inner envelope. This clears up any confusion about adults-only weddings. Ta-da!
Inner/Outer Envelope Format
Using an inner and outer envelope combination? Addressing these are easy peasy!
Your outer envelope is addressed with a formal name and address.
Your inner envelope lists first names only, and can be as formal or informal as you’d like.
Outer Envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. Jackson
123 Sunnyvale Court
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15044 always spell out the address in full
Mr. and Mrs. Jackson
Miss Samantha and Mr. Ethan Jackson if children are invited
123 Sunnyvale Court
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15044 always spell out the address in full
Inner Envelope
Jason and Melissa
Jason and Melissa
Samantha and Ethan
Outer Envelope Only Format
If you’ve ever sent a Christmas card, a birthday card, or anything in the mail for that matter, you’ve used an outer envelope. Addressing these for your formal wedding invitations isn’t much different buuuuut you want to be particularly careful so your guests know exactly who is invited. Avoid using phrases like “and family” on your envelopes because it literally invites the family to the wedding and you don’t want that to happen! Instead, try this:
Mr. and Mrs. Jackson
Miss Samantha and Mr. Ethan Jackson if children are invited
123 Sunnyvale Court
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15044 always spell out the address in full
Ms. Samantha Jackson and Guest
123 Sunnyvale Court
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15044 always spell out the address in full
Mr. Ethan Jackson
123 Sunnyvale Court
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15044 always spell out the address in full
I know it seems rather daunting, but I’m here to walk my brides through the formatting every step of the way and even include an excel spread sheet with a guide. Are you ready to be a #blushbride? Contact me today! Let’s get this paper party started.
