Addressing the Inner Envelope
Historically, the footman would deliver the wedding invitations, set inside an outer envelope. A servant would receive the package and remove the inner envelope from the outer. They would then deliver the invitation to the appropriate member of the household to whom the inner envelope was addressed.
Today, many brides continue to use both an inner and outer envelope, as it has become part of traditional wedding invitation etiquette. The inner envelope is smaller than the outer envelope and has traditionally been marked only by the titles and last name(s) of the guest(s).
Here are some guidelines (both traditional and contemporary) for addressing your inner envelopes. Either format is acceptable and will depend on your personal style and the level of formality of your event.
Married Couple (same last name)
Formal:
Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin
Contemporary:
James and Heather
Married Couple (different last names)
Formal:
Ms. Swift and Mr. Brookes
Contemporary:
Sandy and George
Single Woman
Formal:
Miss Cartwright and Ben (only if you do not know the name of the guest should you write "and guest")
Contemporary:
Cynthia
Single Man
Formal:
Mr. Anderson
Contemporary:
Ben
Unmarried Couple (at same address)
Formal:
Ms. Smith and Mr. Green
Contemporary:
Colleen and James
If children or families are invited, their names are listed under those of the parents:
Formal:
Mr. and Mrs. Brown or Kevin and Katrina
Contemporary:
Andrea, Steve and family or Andrea, Steve, Kevin and Katrina
Judge
if single: Judge Brown
if married: Judge Brown and Mrs. Brown
Doctor (Medical)
if single: Doctor Grimes and Guest
if married: Doctor and Mrs. Grimes
Doctor (PhD)
if single: Dr. Henry Skinner and Guest
if married: Dr. and Mrs. Skinner
Married Woman Doctor
Doctor Strokes
Mr. Miller
Married Couple, Both Doctors
The Doctors Kelly
Clergy
The Reverend White
Officer- Male, active duty or retired from service
Captain and Mrs. Greene
Officer- Female, active duty or retired from service
Captain Hart
Mr. Carl Waters