A Married Couple
On the outer envelope:
Mr. Rob and Mrs. Jessica Johnson
-Or-
Mr. and Mrs. Rob Johnsons
On the inner envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson
-or-
Rob and Jessica
A Married Couple With Different Last Names
List the person you're closest with first on the outer and inner envelopes.
If you're similarly acquainted with both, list them in alphabetical order
On the outer envelope:
Mr. Brody Olson and Mrs. Sarah Jensen
On the inner envelope:
Mr. Olson and Mrs. Jensen
-Or-
Brody and Sarah
An Unmarried Couple Living Together
with a married couple, both names should be included on the envelopes,
but in this case, each name gets its own line.
On the outer envelope:
Mr. Aaron Larson
Ms. Abby Olson
On the inner envelope:
Mr. Larson
Ms. Olson
A Same-Sex Couple
Use the same rules you would for any other unmarried or married couple.
If the couple is married, list the names on the same line.
On the outer envelope:
Ms. Robin Benson and Ms. Jackie Foster
-Or-
Robin Benson and Jackie Foster
On the inner envelope:
Ms. Benson and Ms. Foster
-or-
Robin and Jackie
A Married Woman Doctor or Two Married Doctors
If a woman uses her maiden name professionally and socially,
the envelopes should read:
On the outer envelope:
Dr. Annie Bright and Mr. Peter Blaire
If she uses her husband's name socially:
Dr. Annie and Mr. Peter Blaire
If both parties are doctors, you can address the outer envelope:
Doctors Annie and Peter Blaire
On the inner envelope:
Dr. Bright and Mr. Blaire
-Or-
The Doctors Blaire
Those With Other Distinguished Titles
Apply the same rules you use for doctors for military personnel, judges, reverends and so on.
If both titles don't fit on one line, indent the second line.
On the outer envelope:
The Honorable Jane Kelly and Lieutenant Jonathan Kelly, US Navy
Or if they're both captains in the military:
Captains Jane and Jonathan Kelly, US Navy
On the inner envelope:
Judge Kelly and Lieutenant Kelly, US Nav
-Or-
The Captains Kelly
Children and Families
Younger guests can be included on the inner envelope of their parents' invitation
by their name(s)-they should not be addressed on the outer envelope.
For girls under 18, use "Miss."
Boys don't need a title until they're 18-then they're addressed as "Mr."
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Hughes
Daniel, Jacob, Miss Bella and Miss Kylie
Children 18 and Older
Children 18 and older should receive their own invitations
(unless they're living at home with their parents).
On the outer envelope:
Ms. Audrey Kelly
-Or-
Mr. Jack Kelly
On the inner envelope:
Ms. Kelly
-Or-
Mr. Kelly
Note: If you don't include each child's name, you're implying that children are not invited. That said, don't be surprised if some guests still mistakenly assume their children are welcome. If you're concerned this will happen with your guests, ask your immediate family and bridal party to help spread the word that the wedding will be adults only and add the message to your wedding website. In the end, you may have to follow up with guests who don't get the message via phone to gently explain the situation.
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