wedding invitation etiquette
Addressing Your LiiArtsa Wedding Invitations with Style & Elegance
Once your wedding invitations are ready to go, it’s time for the finishing touch: addressing the envelopes. But how do you get it right for every guest? At LiiArtsa, we know that every wedding is unique, and so is the way you invite your guests! Whether you're inviting couples, families, singles, or someone with a fancy title, there’s a polite and proper way to address each envelope. To make it easy, here’s a simple breakdown for every type of guest on your list. No guesswork, no stress—just envelope etiquette made easy.
💌 Traditional Wedding Etiquette (Our Top Recommendation!)
Inner & Outer Envelope Method (Formal & Traditional)
A timeless approach that adds an extra layer of elegance:
If using only one envelope, it's best to clearly list all invited guests:
When inviting a family with children, formal etiquette suggests listing each child’s name on the inner envelope. However, if using a single envelope, it can be structured as:
If a couple lives together but isn’t married, list their names on separate lines in alphabetical order:
For married or long-term couples, use the same etiquette as any other couple:
If you’re allowing a guest to bring a plus-one, specify it clearly:
If one partner holds a professional title (Doctor, Judge, or Military Rank), list their title first:
💌 Inviting a Single Guest with a Plus-One
For someone with a plus oneOnly list the person you know on the envelope. Their guest will be included inside the invitation (e.g. “Harper Lane and Guest”).
💌 For an unmarried couple living togetherList both names on one line, with the person you know best first. If you know both equally, alphabetical order is fine.
💌 For a married coupleYou can go modern and casual or stick with traditional formality. Include full names or just the shared surname.
💌 For a married couple with different surnamesPut the person you're closer to first. If equally close, it's polite to list the woman’s name first (but not mandatory).
💌 For a family with childrenOne envelope can go to the whole family. Children's names can be included on the invitation or on the envelope, depending on formality.
💌 For adult children of friends or familyIf they're 18+ and no longer live at home, they should receive their own invitation.
💌 For a single person with a professional titleAlways use the appropriate title, such as Dr or Professor.
💌 For a married couple where one has a titleList the titled individual first unless you’re using more casual wording.
Final Tip:If you're unsure of someone’s preference, lean toward contemporary, respectful simplicity. When in doubt, reach out and ask!
Need printed envelopes or matching stationery to go with your invitations? LiiArtsa’s got your back with beautiful designs, expert tips, and a little party magic.
Using traditional etiquette ensures elegance while making your invitations clear and personal. No matter which method you choose, your invitations should reflect the style and tone of your wedding day!
Stylish Alternatives
If you’d like to skip the inner envelope, consider these elegant options:
💌 Luxurious Invitation Wraps – Keep all your stationery beautifully bundled with a custom-printed band featuring your guests’ names in an elegant script.
💌 Chic Name Tags – A delicate, personalised name tag attached with a stylish paper clip or eyelet that complements your invitation suite. or wax-sealed thread for a refined, handcrafted feel.
💌 Handwritten Calligraphy – Add a bespoke touch with hand-lettered guest names on your invitations or envelopes, making each one a keepsake.
💌 Personalised Vellum Overlays – A translucent vellum layer printed with guest names, secured with a satin ribbon, twine or wax seal for a modern, sophisticated look.
💌 Botanical Accents – Attach a beautiful paper leaf, pressed flower, or personalised wooden tag for a nature-inspired, organic touch.
Stay tuned as we share examples of these in the future!
No matter your style, your wedding invitations should reflect you—so have fun and make them unforgettable!
Once your wedding invitations are ready to go, it’s time for the finishing touch: addressing the envelopes. But how do you get it right for every guest? At LiiArtsa, we know that every wedding is unique, and so is the way you invite your guests! Whether you're inviting couples, families, singles, or someone with a fancy title, there’s a polite and proper way to address each envelope. To make it easy, here’s a simple breakdown for every type of guest on your list. No guesswork, no stress—just envelope etiquette made easy.
💌 Traditional Wedding Etiquette (Our Top Recommendation!)
Inner & Outer Envelope Method (Formal & Traditional)
A timeless approach that adds an extra layer of elegance:
- The outer envelope includes formal titles, full names, and the complete mailing address.
- The inner envelope lists only the invited guests' names, allowing you to specify exactly who is included.
- Example:
Outer Envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bennett
18 LiiArtsa Pl
Artsville WA 6000
Inner Envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. Bennett
Charlotte & James (if children are invited)
- Example:
If using only one envelope, it's best to clearly list all invited guests:
- Example:
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bennett, Charlotte & James
When inviting a family with children, formal etiquette suggests listing each child’s name on the inner envelope. However, if using a single envelope, it can be structured as:
- Example:
Mr. and Mrs. Bennett and Family
(Note: This implies all children in the household are invited)
If a couple lives together but isn’t married, list their names on separate lines in alphabetical order:
- Example:
Ms. Emily Harper
Mr. Daniel Thompson
For married or long-term couples, use the same etiquette as any other couple:
- Example:
Mr. Lucas Anderson and Mr. James Porter
(or)
Dr. Elizabeth Carter and Mrs. Olivia Carter
If you’re allowing a guest to bring a plus-one, specify it clearly:
- Example:
Mr. Thomas Walker and Guest
If one partner holds a professional title (Doctor, Judge, or Military Rank), list their title first:
- Example:
Dr. Elizabeth Carter and Mr. Jonathan Carter
- Contemporary: Luke Bennett
- Traditional: Mr. Luke Bennett or Mr. Bennett
- Contemporary: Harper Lane
- Traditional: Ms Harper Lane or Ms Lane
💌 Inviting a Single Guest with a Plus-One
For someone with a plus oneOnly list the person you know on the envelope. Their guest will be included inside the invitation (e.g. “Harper Lane and Guest”).
- Contemporary: Elise Moore
- Traditional: Miss Elise Moore or Miss Moore
💌 For an unmarried couple living togetherList both names on one line, with the person you know best first. If you know both equally, alphabetical order is fine.
- Contemporary: Nathan and Jade
- Traditional: Mr Nathan Reid and Ms Jade Foster
💌 For a married coupleYou can go modern and casual or stick with traditional formality. Include full names or just the shared surname.
- Contemporary: Oliver and Mia Taylor or Mr Oliver & Mia Taylor
- Traditional: Mr and Mrs Taylor or Mr & Mrs Oliver Taylor
💌 For a married couple with different surnamesPut the person you're closer to first. If equally close, it's polite to list the woman’s name first (but not mandatory).
- Contemporary: Amelia Wong and Jacob Flynn or Mrs Wong & Mr Flynn
- Traditional: Mrs Amelia Wong and Mr Jacob Flynn
💌 For a family with childrenOne envelope can go to the whole family. Children's names can be included on the invitation or on the envelope, depending on formality.
- Contemporary: The Carters
- Traditional: Mr and Mrs Thomas Carter, Olivia, Max and Zoe
💌 For adult children of friends or familyIf they're 18+ and no longer live at home, they should receive their own invitation.
- Contemporary: Sophie Martin
- Traditional: Ms Sophie Martin or Miss Martin
💌 For a single person with a professional titleAlways use the appropriate title, such as Dr or Professor.
- Contemporary: Dr Patel
- Traditional: Doctor Ravi Patel
💌 For a married couple where one has a titleList the titled individual first unless you’re using more casual wording.
- Contemporary: Dr Tahlia and Mr Reuben Walsh
- Traditional: Professor Daniel James and Mrs Emily James
Final Tip:If you're unsure of someone’s preference, lean toward contemporary, respectful simplicity. When in doubt, reach out and ask!
Need printed envelopes or matching stationery to go with your invitations? LiiArtsa’s got your back with beautiful designs, expert tips, and a little party magic.
Using traditional etiquette ensures elegance while making your invitations clear and personal. No matter which method you choose, your invitations should reflect the style and tone of your wedding day!
Stylish Alternatives
If you’d like to skip the inner envelope, consider these elegant options:
💌 Luxurious Invitation Wraps – Keep all your stationery beautifully bundled with a custom-printed band featuring your guests’ names in an elegant script.
💌 Chic Name Tags – A delicate, personalised name tag attached with a stylish paper clip or eyelet that complements your invitation suite. or wax-sealed thread for a refined, handcrafted feel.
💌 Handwritten Calligraphy – Add a bespoke touch with hand-lettered guest names on your invitations or envelopes, making each one a keepsake.
💌 Personalised Vellum Overlays – A translucent vellum layer printed with guest names, secured with a satin ribbon, twine or wax seal for a modern, sophisticated look.
💌 Botanical Accents – Attach a beautiful paper leaf, pressed flower, or personalised wooden tag for a nature-inspired, organic touch.
Stay tuned as we share examples of these in the future!
No matter your style, your wedding invitations should reflect you—so have fun and make them unforgettable!
Return to Weddings