Envelope Etiquette
helpful hints for addressing envelopes
When would you use just an outer envelope? An outer envelope (one envelope) is standard and typically what you see when you receive any type of mail. Just an outer envelope is used for save the dates and most wedding invitations.
Etiquette for Addressing
Single Woman
Ms. Rachel Jones
*add “and Guest” if applicable
Single Woman Under 18
Miss Rachel Jones
Widowed Woman
Mrs. Rachel Jones
*Mrs. (or Ms.) followed by her late husband’s last name
*add “and Guest” if applicable
Single Man
Mr. Henry Jones
*add “and Guest” if applicable
Unmarried Couple, Living Together
Ms. Rachel Jones
Mr. Robert Karp
*List on separate lines with woman's name listed first.
Married Couple with Same Last Name
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jones
Married Couple with Different Last Names
Mrs. Rachel Jones and Mr. Henry Ellsworth
*List on same line because they are married
Married Same-Sex Couple, Different Last Names
Mr. Alex Brooks and Mr. Henry Jones
*List on same line because they are married. List names alphabetically
Married Same-Sex Couple, Same Last Name
The Messers
Alex and Henry Jones
Unmarried Same-Sex Couple
Mr. Alex Brooks
Mr. Henry Ellsworth
*List names on separate lines alphabetically
Engaged Couple
The Future
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jones
Man is a Doctor
Doctor and Mrs. Henry Jones
Both are Doctors
The Doctors Jones
or
Doctor Rachel Jones and
Doctor Henry Jones
Woman is a doctor
Doctor Rachel Jones and
Mr. Henry Jones
Families with Children Under 18
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jones
Rachel, Olivia, and Jessie
*Children under 18 are listed on the line below their parents’, in age order.
OR
The Jones Family
Children Over 18 Living at Home
Miss Rachel Jones
Mr. Henry Jones
*Children over 18 should receive their own invitation
Other Tips
Do not abbreviate except for Mr., Mrs. or Ms.
Do not use symbols. Spell out the word “and.”
Use figures only when writing house numbers and zip codes.
Write out the words “Street,” “Boulevard,” “Avenue,” etc.
Do not abbreviate state names.
Envelope Etiquette
helpful hints for addressing envelopes
When would you use just an outer envelope? An outer envelope (one envelope) is standard and typically what you see when you receive any type of mail. Just an outer envelope is used for save the dates and most wedding invitations.