Now let’s talk about the actual envelopes. Traditionally speaking, there are two different types of envelopes in your wedding stationery set: the inner and the outer. The outer envelope is for mailing and must include a mailing and return address. Guests names should be written in full, including their title. Titles may be abbreviated, but all other words should be spelled out (i.e. city names, states, road, boulevards, etc.)
The second type of envelope is the inner envelope and holds the invitation suite. The outer envelope typically includes your envelope liner as well and is addressed to include the title and last names of each individual invited to the wedding. This is your opportunity to clearly identify who is invited to the wedding; no other information is needed.
Along with formatting, stationery etiquette requires a few formalities that you may not expect.
Children over 18, even if they live at home, should receive their own invitation addressed with or without their first name using the appropriate title of Miss, Ms. or Mr.
When addressing a medical doctor, the title should be written out as such: Doctor Joseph Mason. If the doctor has a PhD, then the abbreviation of Dr. is appropriate.
Officers (military, police, etc.) active or retired, may also have their professional titles used in place of Mr., Mrs., etc. For example: Colonel and Mrs. Bergman.
Judge and clergy men/women also are formatted based on their job title, such as The Honorable and Mrs. Henry Smith.
Now that you’ve gone through our crash course in addressing specifics, browse the variety of options for envelopes to see what best suits your needs. If you’re ready to begin designing stationery for your 2020 wedding, get in touch with Kenzie here.
And to help keep that guest list nice and tidy be sure to download my free guest list tracker below!