1. Include titles for each guest, e.g. Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms., Doctor. The Reverend, military
titles.
It is traditional in formal invitations to include the complete name:
Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Stuart Smith

In less formal invitations, initials may be used or first names only:
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Smith
Or
Mr. and Mrs. Frank S. Smith

How to address in less common circumstances:

For a couple where the wife is the doctor, the correct addressing form is
Doctor Alice Rose Smith
Mr. Franklin Stuart Smith.

(Middle names may be omitted in less formal addressing.)

An unmarried couple living together: It is considered correct etiquette to list either by the woman's name first, or alphabetically:

Miss (or Ms.) Alice Rose Barton
Mr. Franklin Stuart Smith

Or

Mr. Jeffrey Griggs
Ms. Laura Taylor

A married couple when the woman has retained her maiden or professional name. List by woman's name first or alphabetically:

Mrs. Jean Marie Taylor
Mr. Benjamin Allen Smith

2. When a guest is a “junior”, it is preferred to write:

Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Stuart Smith, junior
It is acceptable to write
Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Stuart Smith, Jr.

No comma is used preceding II, III, etc.

Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Stuart Smith III

3. The inner envelope traditionally does not use first names of adults.
The following examples are correct:

Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Or
Miss Barton and Mr. Smith

4. Do not include children's names on the outer envelope UNLESS there is no inner envelope.
When there is an inner envelope, include the invited children's names,
in birth order from oldest to youngest, beneath the parents' names.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Alexander, Jillian and Keith

A child 18 or older, even still living at home, should receive his or her own invitation.

5. Include the name of a guest if it is known. Otherwise, it is proper for the inner envelope to say:

Miss Taylor and Guest (or Escort)
Or
Mr. Smith and Guest

6. Many people want to write “and Family” on the outer envelope
if there is no inner envelope. It is always much more courteous
to list each invitees' name. It is sometimes necessary
but not the best way. Please don't do this unless you just have to.

7. Do not use abbreviations in the street address or in the state.
Those should always be written out except for something like FM 1468.
If a house number is “1”, that will be written out as One.
Other numbers will be written as numerals unless you request otherwise.

8. Please use only the 5-digit zip code. Also, please be sure all zip codes are included in your list.
www.usps.com is a great resource for addresses and zip codes.
If I see something that looks incorrect I will check it.

9. On your list, please do indicate how you want the names on the inner envelope.
If you desire a less formal approach, it is acceptable to write Aunt Suzy and Uncle George on the
inner envelope. After all, it IS your wedding!

10. The # sign will be written out as Number. If you want me to write Apartment, Suite or Unit, please do not use the # sign, but indicate Apartment, Suite, or Unit.


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