Addressing a Traditional Outer Envelope

by Monica Potaczala
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   Below you will find several examples of wording your rehearsal dinner, which can vary depending on various factors.

If a couple is married and the female doesn't mind being addressed as "Mrs." (if she does mind):

Mr. and Mrs. John Doe (Mr. John and Mrs. Jane Doe)
123 Oak Drive
Orlando, Florida
32826-3916

If a couple has kids:

Mr. and Mrs. John Doe (Mr. John and Mrs. Jane Doe)
James, June Doe
123 Oak Drive
Orlando, Florida
32826-3916

If there is more than one child of each gender:

Mr. and Mrs. John Doe (Mr. John and Mrs. Jane Doe)
The Misses Doe, The Messrs. Doe
123 Oak Drive
Orlando, Florida
32826-3916

If a married couple has different last names:

Mr. John Doe and Mrs. Jane Smith
123 Oak Drive
Orlando, Florida
32826-3916

If two people aren't married, are romantically involved, live together:

Mr. John Doe
   Miss Jane Smith
123 Oak Drive
Orlando, Florida
32826-3916

If two people aren't married, are romantically involved, live together:

Mr. John Doe
   Miss Jane Smith
123 Oak Drive
Orlando, Florida
32826-3916

Additional Insights:

If the names are too long to fit on one line, you indent the second name under the first name above it.

If two people aren't married, are romantically involved, do not live together — they get separate invitations.

If two people aren't romantically involved, but live together (roommates) — they get separate invitations.

If two same sex people aren't married, are romantically involved, live together — older person's name is first.

If the woman has been married, use "Mrs.," even if she's divorced. If she's never been married, use "Miss." Technically, there is no "Ms."

Inner envelope, use: title and last name (Mr. and Mrs. Doe) or first and last name (John and Jane Doe).

Never write "and Guest" on an invitation (or place card). Find out the guest's name and send a separate invitation, since the phrase "and Guest" is extremely impersonal and rude.

Never put "and family" on an invitation. It indicates every person in their entire family is invited.

Do not list more than two people on an invitation. This doesn't include inviting children with their parents, like in examples 2 and 3 above.

Name listings should not exceed two lines. Either one person on each line or the parent's names on the first line and their children's names on the second line.

Do not connect names with "and" unless the two people are married.

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