ENVELOPE ETIQUETTE
Helpful Hints for Addressing Envelopes
OUTER ENVELOPE
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.
INNER & OUTER ENVELOPE
When would you use both an inner and outer envelope? An inner envelope is paired with an outer envelope for a more traditional and classic feel. The inner envelope holds all the suite pieces but does not have a mailing address, just the guest name(s). The outer envelope, or the mailing envelope, holds the inner envelope and is fully stamped and prepped for mailing.
Etiquette for Addressing the Outer Envelope
If you choose to use both outer and inner envelopes, head(s) of the household are the only names listed on the outer envelope. Kids and guests are reserved for the inner envelope only.
Single Woman
Ms. Rachel Jones (and Guest if Applicable)
Unmarried Couple Living Together
Ms. Rachel Jones
Mr. Bennett Fox
List on separate lines with woman’s name first
Married Same-Sex Couple, Different Last Names
Mr. Andy Bishop and Mr. Henry Jones
List on same line alphabetically
Engaged Couple
The Future
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jones
Single Woman Under 18
Miss Rachel Jones
Married Couple with Same Last Name
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jones
Married Same-Sex Couple, Same Last Name
The Bishops / Andy and Henry Bishop
Woman is a Doctor
Doctor Rachel Jones and Mr. Henry Jones
Man is a Doctor
Doctor and Mrs. Henry Jones
Couple
Brad and Noele
Single Man
Brad and Guest
“Guest” to appear on the inner envelope only, if applicable
Single Man
Mr. Henry Jones (and Guest if Applicable)
Married Couple with Different Last Names
Mrs. Gwyneth Paltrow and Mr. Brad Falchuck
Unmarried Same-Sex Couple
Mr. Andy Bishop
Mr. Bennett Fox
List on separate lines alphabetically
Both are Doctors
The Doctors Jones
or Doctor Rachel Jones and Doctor Henry Jones
Families with Children Under 18
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jones
Poppy, Cara and Jack
Children under 18 are listed on a line below in age order
or
The Jones Family
Etiquette for Addressing the Inner Envelope
The inner envelope lists exactly who is invited to your wedding so here is your opportunity to clear any confusion. Are kids invited? Do they have a plus one? All of these details are included on the inner envelope only. Because the outer envelope lists names more formally, we suggest keeping the inner envelope less formal, with first names only.
Single Woman
Noele and Guest
“Guest” to appear on the inner envelope only, if applicable
Family With Children Under the Age of 18
Brad and Noele
Poppy, Cara and Jack
Kids listed under parents’ names, first names only, oldest to youngest. Kids to appear on the inner envelope only.
Other Helpful 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.