How to address wedding invitations: your personal guide

Just when you think you’ve done the tricky part getting the invitation wording perfect, reflecting you, your day, the time has come to pop them in their envelope, add a stamp and send them on their way! But now there’s another decision; what do you write on the front of the envelope? 

Sending out wedding invitations can be very exciting but also a little daunting. Wedding invites usually set the scene for what is to come, whether formal or informal, smart or casual. So how are you going to address your envelopes?

Many people like to write titles such as Mr and Mrs, which may be suiting for more traditional guests or if your wedding is quite formal. However, if you are having a more casual event then maybe you don’t need to use titles, maybe you want to show that your wedding is going to be laid back and informal.

The question also isn’t only about using titles when addressing your wedding invitations, but how to address them for different recipients. How do you address the envelope for married or dating couples, plus ones, big families? 

Look no further, we have the answers, just keep scrolling. 

How to address wedding invitations to a married couple

Traditionally you should use Mr. and Mrs. followed by the husband’s first name and then the last name. For same-sex couples, either name can go first.

Formal: Mr & Mrs Brown or Mr & Mrs Harry Brown

Informal: Kate & Harry

How to address wedding invitations to a married couple with different last names 

 Write the wife’s name first and then the husband’s name on the same line.

Formal: Mrs L Bream & Mr J Smith or Mrs Lydia Bream & Mr Joel Smith

Informal: Lydia Bream & Joel Smith or Lydia & Joel 

How to address wedding invitations to a dating couple

For unmarried couples, living at the same address, include both names on one line, listing the person closest to you first. If you know the couple equally well, add the names in alphabetical order.

Formal: Ms Faye Williams & Mr Lewis Ali or Ms F Williams & Mr L Ali

Informal: Faye & Lewis or Faye Williams & Lewis Ali

How to address wedding invitations to a same-sex couple

It is up to you which name you put first on the envelope but most often it is best to list them alphabetically.

Formal: Ms Hannah Lowe & Ms Rebecca Newman or Ms H Lowe & Ms R Newman

Informal: Hannah and Rebecca or Hannah Lowe & Rebecca Newman

How to address wedding invitations to a single female

Traditionally, ‘Ms’ is used by women regardless of their marital status and ‘Miss’ for unmarried women, usually those under 18. 

Formal: Ms Mary Westhall or Mary Westhall

Informal: Mary or Mary Westhall

How to address wedding invitations to a single male

Use ‘Mr’ if he is over 18, otherwise no title is necessary. 

Formal: Mr John Elster

Informal: John or John Elster

How to address wedding invitations to families

Formal: Mr and Mrs Simon Johnson, Lily, Charlie and Emma.

Informal: The Johnsons

How to address wedding invitations for plus one

Traditionally you would only feature the name of the person you know on the envelope and put plus one/and guest on the invite. However, if you aren’t writing names on the invite, you can put it on the envelope.

Formal: Ms Joanna Thompson

Informal: Joanna Thompson and Guest

Ultimately, it is completely your choice how you decide to address your guests. You may choose to mix it up between guests, depending who you are addressing. You may choose to address your best friend informally and your grandparents with a more traditional approach. There is no right and wrong, it’s all down to personal preference! But hopefully this helps a little, however you choose to address your envelopes. 

Happy envelope addressing!

P.S. If you’re buying your invites from us and would like us to address your envelopes, just holla x