Etiquette for addressing wedding invitations to single people

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When considering the wording you would like to use to address your wedding invitations there are many factors to consider. Since a wedding is usually an extremely formal occasion, great care should be taken to be sure you are observing the rules of formal etiquette. If your occasion is less formal, feel free to convey that by using more creativity in your addresses.

1. Unmarried Woman

   • When addressing an envelope to an unmarried woman over 18, or a divorced woman who maintains her maiden name, the outer envelope should be addressed to Miss (or Ms.) Jane Doe. The inner envelope should be addressed to Miss (or Ms.) Doe and Guest.

   Divorced Woman

   • Send out your invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding.

     If you are addressing an envelope to a divorced woman who is using her married name, address the outer envelope to Mrs. Jane Smith. The inner envelope should be addressed to Mrs. Smith and Guest.

   Unmarried or Divorced Man

   • An envelope that is addressed either to an unmarried or divorced man can be addressed in the same way. The outer envelope should read Mr. John Doe, while the inner envelope should be addressed to Mr. John Doe and Guest.

   Unmarried Couples at the Same Address

   • When sending an invitation to an unmarried couple that lives at the same address, list their names in alphabetical order by last name. The outer envelope should read Miss (or Ms. ) Jane Doe, Mr. John Smith, with each name being on a different line. The inner envelope should be addressed to Miss (or Ms.) Doe and Mr. Smith.

   Unmarried Couples at a Different Address

   • List the names of two unmarried people on seperate lines.

     If you are sending an invitation to unmarried couples that do not share the same residence, send the invitation to the friend who is the closest to you as a couple. The outer envelope should be addressed to Miss (or Ms.) Jane Doe and the inner envelope should be addressed to Miss (or Ms.) Doe and Guest.

   Same Gender Couples

   • When sending an invitation to same gender couples, simply address them alphabetically by last name. The outer envelope should read Miss (or Ms.) Jane Doe, Miss (or Ms.) Susan Smith, with each name on a separate line. The inner envelope should be addressed to Miss (or Ms.) Doe and Miss (or Ms.) Smith.

   Other Etiquette

   • Always be sure to address the envelopes by hand. It may take a little extra time but it is a necessary part of wedding invitation etiquette. If you expect your guests to RSVP, stamp the return envelope as a courtesy to your guests. Send out your invitations six to eight weeks before your big day to allow your guests ample time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements.

Source: www.ehow.com

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