Mail usually traveled by horse through dusty streets to get to its destination. Once it arrived, the household butler would free the clean inner envelope from its dirty outer shell, and deliver the crisp, clean invitation to the master of the house. While we might not use the Pony Express, or have butlers to deliver our mail in pristine condition these days, there's still a place for double envelopes – especially when it comes to formal wedding invitations. Why Should I Use Double Envelopes? Besides keeping your wedding invitation protected and clean during mailing and making them instantly elegant, using double envelopes can be extremely helpful with the confusing task of addressing envelopes and make it clear exactly who is invited to your wedding. The outer envelope is addressed, traditionally, using titles, first, and last names. The inner envelope includes the name of each person invited (including or excluding children, plus ones, etc. ). So while your inner envelope might be addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Ian Howard, your inner envelope might list Mr. Howard, and their children Emily and Julie.
There are also supplement materials like response cards, reception cards, directions, and other information. These cards deliver important information to guests and dictate the style of the celebration. Wedding Invitation Design and Key Information Wedding invitations always include the couple's names, date and time, and where the ceremony and reception will take place. These cards also carry the wedding theme. Imagine your guests opening rustic-styled invites or a tropical getaway invitation package. Are your cards telling the story you want them to tell? You can also include other key pieces of information such as dress code or where to find your gift registry. Wedding invitations will be the priciest part of your overall envelope with an average cost between $400 to $650. However, wedding invitations are a timeless keepsake that will help you share your love story with friends and family. Make sure they turn out exactly how you want and plan ahead for these in your wedding budget. Also, check out our guide for more detailed information on what your wedding invitations will cost.
It is a great way to communicate to your friend whether she or he is welcome to bring a guest. When a guest is invited but his or her name is unknown, it is proper etiquette to only address the outer envelope to your friend "Miss Kennedy" and address the inner envelope to your friend and her guest "Miss Kennedy and Guest". If the inner envelope is addressed to only "Miss Kennedy", it should be clear to your friend that she should not bring a guest. For your close friends and family, it is entirely acceptable to address the inner envelope in informal or familial terms. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your invitation. Addresses All house numbers are written in numeric form except for "one, " which is spelled out. Apartment, suite, and zip codes are written in numeric form. Avoid using state abbreviations. Cities, states and numbered streets are written out in full (with the exception of D. C. ). Avoid abbreviating the common words like "Street, " "Boulevard, " "Avenue. " The only optional abbreviations are for Saint (St. ) or Mount (Mt.
Give yourself enough time to get the addresses in order (double check anyone you're not sure about) so you can send your invitations out in time. Once you have all the information you need, head over to The Knot Invitations to check out the guest addressing service. Ready to get the invite process started? Here's exactly how to address wedding invitation envelopes for different scenarios. How to Address Wedding Invitations to A Married Couple If you're inviting a married couple, put their names on the same line. You're free to forgo titles and list the names separately (as shown below in example one). If they have different last names, list the person you're closest with first. If you're equally close with them, go in alphabetical order. Or, if one person has taken the other person's name, you can address the invitation to reflect that (shown below in example two). Example One: On the outer envelope: Ms. Celine Elgin and Ms. Jacqueline Purcell Or Celine Elgin and Jacqueline Purcell On the inner envelope: Ms. Elgin and Ms. Purcell Or Celine and Jacqueline Example 2: On the outer envelope: Mr. John and Mrs. Samantha Rivera Or Mr. and Mrs. John Rivera On the inner envelope: Mr. Rivera Or John and Samantha How to Address Invitations to An Unmarried Couple Living Together If you're wondering how to address invitations to an unmarried couple living together, it's similar to married couples.