Bride's Mate

Review the following rules of etiquette on addressing your envelopes. Keep in mind that these are formal guidelines. Many brides are less formal in their approach to addressing. For example, they use first names on the inner envelopes (Ex: John and Mary). We suggest you enter your guest's names the way you feel most comfortable.

Outer Envelopes

Example:
   Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jackson

Do not write "and Family" if children are to be included on the invitation. Write their first names on the inner envelope beneath their parents' names. (See "Inner Envelopes" below)

Write out the words "Street," "Boulevard," "Avenue," "Road," etc.

Do not use symbols. Spell out the word "and".

Use figures only when writing house numbers and zip codes.

Example:
   225 Third Street

Spell out state names.

Inner Envelopes

Example:
   Mr. and Mrs. Jackson

Write the first names of children to be invited below the parents names in age order.

Example:
   Mr. and Mrs. Jackson
   Susie, Jane and Thomas

Children over the age of 16 should receive their own invitation.

Omit names of children if you are planning an adult-only celebration.

If an invitation to a single guest extends to an unknown escort, address the inner envelope with your friend's name followed by "and Guest".

Example:
   Miss Jones and Guest

Formal Invitation Addressing Samples

Bride's Mate
35 Glenhaven Drive
St. Louis, MO 63122
1-800-279-1989
1-800-854-2478 (fax)