Because the envelope is the very first thing guests will see, every bride needs an invitation envelope that will compliment the invitation cards and inserts inside. First impressions are everything!
Although deciding on an envelope may be the easiest part when it comes to sending out invitations, addressing your guests properly on the envelope can be even trickier.
So, here are the basics in addressing envelopes for one of the most important events in your lifetime.
Addressing Married Couples
For married couples with the same surname:
Mr. and Mrs. John Vanderbilt
[Address Line 1]
[Address Line 2]
If you want to include the first name of the woman:
Mr. John Vanderbilt and Mrs. Grace Vanderbilt
[Address Line 1]
[Address Line 2]
If the names are too long to fit on one line, you can separate them into two lines with each name on its own line.
For married couples with different last names:
Mr. John Vanderbilt and Ms. Grace Williams
Take note that instead of Mrs., you should use Ms. to refer to the wife. If the wife hyphenates her last name, she can be addressed as either Ms. or Mrs.
Mr. John Vanderbilt and Ms. Grace Williams-Vanderbilt
Again, if the names are too long, separate the husband’s and the wife’s name, but be sure to use the conjoining word “and.” For unmarried couples living together, don’t use the word “and” between their names. Each name gets its own line, but without an “and.”
Mr. John Vanderbilt
Ms. Grace Williams
[Address Line 1]
[Address Line 2]
If you’re hosting an informal wedding, you can address your invitation envelope informally too.
John and Grace Williams
[Address Line 1]
[Address Line 2]
Remember that your invites set the tone for the wedding, so if your wedding is going to be laid back and you want to make sure your guests understand that, here are some tips to think about when you’re writing your invitations.
No name titles
Don’t use the Mr. and Mrs. to let your guests know that you’re having an informal wedding. For guests with titles, you may still want to include it out of respect.
Choose a less formal calligraphy style
Instead of the traditional calligraphy style, use a less formal style to indicate that your wedding is not going to be formal.
Color
You can go loud with colors and pick the brightest pink or purple, for example, especially if that’s the theme of your wedding. Formal weddings, on the other hand, should stick with black, white, silver, and/or gold color schemes.
Ready to Pick Your Invitation Envelopes?
If you don’t have an invitation supplier yet and you’re thinking of DIYing your invites, check out Cardstock Warehouse for specialty papers and envelopes. They have a wide selection of brands and colors to choose from, whether you’re hosting a formal or an informal wedding.
Cardstock Warehouse accepts retail and wholesale orders. Contact them now.
