Traditionally, especially for formal weddings, two envelopes are used, the inner and outer envelopes. The unsealed inner envelope will be slipped inside of the outer envelope. An inner envelope is not necessary, but is very helpful and is the best method to inform your guests exactly who is invited and who is not so as to avoid confusion.
If you have decided not to use the inner envelope and you want to include an entire family, you may write “and family”. Please use this same style if you wish to give your guest the opportunity to bring an escort. You may write “and guest” on the outside of the outer envelope. The main reason why this is not the preferred method is because your guest might bring more people than you expect. “And family” to your guests may include parents who do not live with them.
Your envelopes should be handwritten unless your printer can duplicate handwriting. Many couples choose to hire a calligrapher for an elegant appearance. Please refrain from computer generated labels. Current addresses, including postal codes, are particularly important as all of your invitations should be mailed, even those addressed to parents. The invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks before your wedding date—at least eight weeks for out of town guests. However, before mailing all of your invitations assemble a test sample, including all of your enclosures. Have it weighed for correct postage.
Even If you are hiring a calligrapher to address your invitations it is still nice to know the proper etiquette for addressing the envelopes.
Traditional address for married couple
| Outer Envelope |
Inner Envelope |
| Mr. and Mrs. James Smith |
Mr. and Mrs. Smith |
| 10070-170 Street |
*(John, Aaron, and Christopher if children are invited) |
| Edmonton, Alberta T6Y 4N8 |
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- *This is the best method to inform your guest that their children are invited.
- Children are listed by age, older to younger.
- Children over the age of 18 should be sent their own invitation.
- Children are not mentioned on outer envelope.
A couple who live together, but have different last names:
| Outer Envelope |
Inner Envelope |
| Mr. James Smith |
Mr. Smith and Ms. Jones |
| Ms. Julie Jones |
|
- If the couple is married, there would be an “and” between the names on the outer envelope.
- Notice also that the names are written in alphabetical order—gender is not an issue.
Siblings or other adults living at the same address:
| Outer Envelope |
Inner Envelope |
| Mr. James Smith |
Mr. Smith (and guest) |
| Ms. Julie Jones |
Ms. Jones (and guest) |
- List names alphabetically.
- Unmarried females can be listed as Ms. or Miss.
- Divorced women can be listed as Ms. or Mrs.
- All men over the age of 18 should be addressed as Mr.
Married woman using a professional title:
| Outer Envelope |
Inner Envelope |
| Dr. Julie Jones |
Dr. Jones and Mr. Smith |
| Mr. James Smith |
|
- The ‘and' is not used on the outer envelope.
- If they are both doctors, the outer and inner envelopes would read, The Doctors Smith.
Close Family and Friends:
| Outer Envelope |
Inner Envelope |
| Mr. and Mrs. James Smith |
Julie and James Smith |
- You may use familiar titles or nicknames on the inner envelope, such as Auntie, or Tim instead of Timothy.
| DON'T |
- Use labels
- Use nicknames on the outer envelope
- Use abbreviations for cities, provinces, and streets
- Write first name and addresses on the inner envelope
- Glue the inner envelope
- Hand deliver invitations
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| DO |
- Handwrite envelopes
- Use an initial if you do not know the full name.
- Use only these abbreviations: Mr, Mrs, Ms, Jr, Dr.
- Write titles and last names on the inner envelope
- Mail children over the age of 18 their own invitation
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