Adressing Envelopes for Invitations

Addressing the Inner Envelope
Write the guests' names only. Use "Mr. and Mrs." for married guests; first names for children under 13 years old (i.e. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, Matthew and Kate) ; and family names for relatives (i.e., "Aunt Donna," "Grandmother," etc.).

Addressing the Outer Envelope

Avoid the expression "and family."

If the couple lives together, use their full names and join them with an "and" (i.e. Mr. John Smith and Ms. Elizabeth Wheat)

Print the list of names with the appropriate titles: Mr. - Mrs. - Ms. - Miss - Dr. - Reverend - Captain - Lieutenant - Rabbi - Fr. - Messrs. - Honourable - etc.

Spell out the addressee's middle name if you are going to include it, otherwise leave it out.

Use full addresses with no abbreviations. Always spell out "Street," "Drive," "Road," and "Boulevard."

For a married couple, address the envelope to both parties:
Mr. and Mrs. Allen Johnson

If a widow: Mrs. John Smith

If divorced: Mrs. Susan Smith (as opposed to using her ex-husbands first name).

For children over 13 and living at home, they receive their own invitation or are list their individual names separately on the inside envelope of their parent's invitation:

Over 13, living at home with parents:
Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Shaw
Ms. Melissa Shaw

Under 13
Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Shaw
Melissa

If inviting two people sharing a home or living together, or a married couple with different names, use both full names:
Dr. Katrina Ross
Mr. Peter Campbell


If you are graciously inviting single people to bring a guest, this appears on the inside envelope:
Mr. David Trusler and Guest.


Return Addresses Traditionally, the outer envelope did not include a return address. However, it is a good idea to have your return address engraved on the envelope flap, as a guest may have moved or mail otherwise diverted.

Many Stationery companies will offer to flat-print your return address on the outer envelope for a fee. This is highly recommended, as invitations returned by the post office will allow you to invite those individuals personally.

Tip: The process of engraving outside envelope flaps may leave the outside flap feeling “grainy” or “sandy”. To remove this, simply wipe the outer envelope flap with a clean towel.


Mailing and Stamps When to Mail
Send your invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding.


Stamps
When purchasing postage for the outer envelopes, take a fully stuffed envelope (invitation, inner envelope, response card/envelope, reception card, map, etc.) to the post office. Correct postage is determined by weight and size. If sending different enclosures to differing groups of people, take an example of each. Remember, postage to foreign countries is higher.

If you are sending invitations to other countries, do not pre-stamp the response envelope. Postage stamps can only be used for mail originating in your country or territories and possibly through the armed services.
If you've ordered "thank you" notes for your wedding gifts with the names of the bride and groom, you can write, seal and stamp the thank you note as the gift is received, but do not send out before the actual marriage ceremony is performed.
Use commemorative stamps when you mail your invitations such as the “love” or “heart” stamps.

©	Copyright 2005