As many of my brides are in the midst of sending out their Save the Dates (invitations are right around the corner), I thought this would be a perfect time to do a "refresher" blog on the proper etiquette when addressing your guests!
In addition to the specific examples below, remember to:
- Completely spell out Street, Boulevard, Avenue, etc. as well as the State
- Create separate columns for titles and first and last names if possible on your excel spreadsheet
- Indicate the female guest's name first when possible
SINGLESSingle unmarried couple living together:Ms. Sophie SmithMr. Steven Jordan21711 PaxtonMission Viejo, California92692
Single guest bringing someone and you don't know their guest's name:Ms. Jennifer Pitts and Guest348 Cleveland AvenueStaten Island, New York10302
MARRIED COUPLESMarried couple with the same last name:Mr. and Mrs. Nick Tozzi123 Mulberry StreetNew York, New York10013
Married couple with a wife who has maintained her maiden name:Mrs. Agnes FrattaMr. David Washington16 Coburn StreetMalden, Massachusetts02148
Same gendered married couple with the same last name (Female):The Mesdames* Sarah and Linda Jones110 Hecker AvenueDarien, Connecticut06820*plural form of Madam
Same gendered married couple with different last names (Female - alpha order):Ms. Linda JonesMs. Sarah Smith110 Hecker AvenueDarien, Connecticut06820
Same gendered married couple with the same last name (Male):The Messrs.** Jim and Thomas Moore21 Annawon AvenueWest Haven, Connecticut06516**plural form of Mister... Period at the end is optional
Same gendered married couple with different last names (Male - alpha order):Mr. Jim MooreMr. Thomas Smith21 Annawon AvenueWest Haven, Connecticut06516
CHILDREN Married couple with children:Mr. and Mrs. Chuck DaltonJan, Stephen, Louis and Samantha***58 Prestwick DriveHoschton, Georgia30548***and Family is also acceptableChildren over the age of 18 should receive their own separate invitation, even if they are still a part of their parent's household.
PROFESSIONALSWhen the Husband is the doctor:Dr. and Mrs. Patrick Pender17701 Hillcrest DriveCountry Club Hills, Illinois60478
When the Wife is the doctor:Dr. Kimberly Pender and Mr. Patrick Pender17701 Hillcrest DriveCountry Club Hills, Illinois60478
When both the husband and the wife are doctors:The Doctors Pender17701 Hillcrest DriveCountry Club Hills, Illinois60478Note: Married attorneys do NOT need Esq.
This is a pretty basic list, please let me know other tricky addressing tips I missed! Have good weekends! --ct