Wedding Address Etiquette: A Complete Guide

When it comes to wedding planning, every detail counts—including how you address your invitations. Proper wedding address etiquette not only shows respect for your guests but also sets the tone for a formal and thoughtful event. Whether you’re planning a traditional ceremony or a modern celebration, here’s everything you need to know about addressing your wedding invitations with grace and accuracy.

---

1. Use Formal Names and Titles

Unless your wedding is extremely casual, it’s best to err on the side of formality. Use full names (no nicknames) and appropriate titles. For example:

• Married couple:
  Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Smith
• Unmarried couple living together:
  Ms. Emily Turner and Mr. David Lee
• Same-sex couple:
  Mr. Daniel Hayes and Mr. Thomas Rivera
• Single guest with a guest:
  Ms. Rachel Gomez and Guest

Titles such as “Doctor” or military ranks should always be included and correctly formatted.

---

2. Spell Out Everything

For formal invitations, avoid abbreviations. Spell out street names, state names, and even apartment numbers. For example:

• Correct: 123 West Maple Avenue, Apartment Four, Brooklyn, New York 11211
• Incorrect: 123 W. Maple Ave., Apt. 4, Brooklyn, NY 11211

This small detail adds elegance and reinforces the importance of the occasion.

---

3. Know Who to List First

Etiquette generally places the name of the person you know best first. If you know both equally, default to traditional forms—such as listing the man first in heterosexual married couples, unless otherwise preferred by the couple. For same-sex couples or non-traditional pairings, listing alphabetically is a respectful and neutral option.

---

4. Include Children’s Names Only When Inviting Them

If children are invited to the wedding, you can include their names on the envelope, especially if they’re over 18 and receiving their own invitation. For younger children, their names can appear below the parents’ names:

• Mr. and Mrs. Steven Clarke
  Liam, Sophie, and Noah

If children are not invited, be sure the envelope is addressed only to the adults to avoid confusion.

---

5. Inner vs. Outer Envelopes (Optional but Traditional)

Formal invitations often include an outer envelope (with full names and addresses) and an inner envelope (used to list exactly who is invited). For example:

• Outer: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gray
• Inner: Thomas and Elizabeth
  (or) Mr. and Mrs. Gray and Emily

The inner envelope allows you to be more personal and specify who exactly is invited without writing “and guest” or including children on the outer envelope.

---

6. Double-Check Spelling and Titles

Before sending anything, triple-check the spelling of names and addresses, and verify titles such as “Dr.” or “Colonel” are correctly used. A misspelled name or incorrect title can come across as careless and diminish the personal touch you’re trying to convey.

---

7. Return Address Matters Too

Place your return address on the back flap of the envelope. Traditionally, this is the address of the person handling the RSVPs—often the bride’s parents or the couple themselves. Make sure it’s clear and accurate in case an invitation is undeliverable.

---

Final Thoughts

Addressing your wedding invitations properly may seem like a small detail, but it carries a big message: that your guests are valued and that this is a meaningful occasion. Taking the time to follow proper wedding address etiquette shows thoughtfulness, care, and respect—all the qualities that make your wedding celebration truly special.

---

Would you like a downloadable version of this article for a wedding website or printed guide?