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Guidelines for addressing envelopes appropriately

Used primarily with formal invitations, the ungummed inner envelope is simply addressed "Mr. and Mrs. Johnson" (first names omitted, no address).

All family members should be included, however it is best not to use the words "and family." Instead, list all guests' names, keeping in mind that names of children may be spelled out (for example: "Molly and Tristan") and written below the parents' names in order of age.

Feel free to address close relatives informally, i.e. "Aunt Alice."

If you are including an invitation for an escort whose name you do not know, you will need to ask for the escort's name. It is preferable to send the escort a separate invitation.

Middle names may be eliminated or written in full.

After the inner envelope is addressed, it is inserted along with all accompanying enclosure items into the outer envelope.

Example

Outer envelopes should be addressed using no abbreviations with the exception of non-professional titles. (Mr., Mrs., Jr., Esq., etc.) Professional titles such as Doctor should be spelled out.

With the exception of "One," all house numbers are written in figure form, and no commas are used when separating digits in house numbers.

Apartment, suite, and rural route numbers and zip codes are written in figure form.

Do not use symbols; spell out the word "and."

Write out state names as well as the words "Street," "Boulevard," "Avenue," "Trail," etc.

Your envelopes should be mailed out approximately ten days to three weeks for an informal affair and six to eight weeks for a formal event or wedding.

Example

Example

Address it | Addressing Guide | Addressing Envelopes | Preparing to Mail | When to Mail