How to address and when to send invitations is an etiquette question that I get asked quite often. And, rightfully so! It’s these last details that bring your invitation suite full circle right before they land into your guest’s mailbox. First things first. According to etiquette, your envelopes should be formal. Include titles and full names, as well as writing out all street names and the state. However, more and more couples are ditching tradition to a certain extent and addressing envelopes a bit more informal, especially if that’s your style. If you’re hosting a backyard wedding, a rustic barn soiree, or even a tented wedding under the stars, you can address your envelopes to fit that aesthetic. Do you and your fiancé have a free-spirit that’s laid back? Then it also makes more sense for you to go with a more casual envelope style. Keep the titles, but feel free to abbreviate the state name instead of spelling it out. Are you inviting an entire family (including children)? You can even address that specific invitation to “The Smith Family”, instead of writing all the children’s names. Keep in mind if the child’s name or the word “family” of that particular household is not included on the envelope, it is implied the children are not invited.

HOW TO ADDRESS YOUR WEDDING INVITATIONS

FORMAL – NO Children
Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Taylor
123 Love Lane
North Bergen, New Jersey 07047

FORMAL – Inviting Children
Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Taylor
Miss Sofia Taylor
123 Love Lane
North Bergen, New Jersey 07047

FORMAL/INFORMAL – Inviting guest with a plus one
Mr. Zachary Taylor and Guest
123 Love Lane
North Bergen, New Jersey 07047

*Pro-Tip: Once you invite a guest with a plus one, there is no turning back. The same rule applies for save the dates. Once a save the date is sent, you do have to invite them to your wedding (with a plus one, if you include that on the save the date envelope.)

FORMAL/INFORMAL – Engaged Couple
The Future Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Taylor
123 Love Lane
North Bergen, New Jersey 07047

INFORMAL/CASUAL – NO Children
Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Taylor
123 Love Lane
North Bergen, NJ 07047

INFORMAL/CASUAL – Inviting Children
The Taylor Family
123 Love Lane
North Bergen, New Jersey 07047

Once you have your envelopes addressed and stamped with the correct amount of postage, it’s time to send them off to family and friends. Your wedding invitations should be sent out SIX to TEN weeks prior to your wedding day. My best advice? Don’t give guests too much time to respond as they are more likely to forget to send their response card back, leaving you to track those guests down later. Destination wedding invitations should be sent out sooner, approximately three months in advance, especially if the wedding will be abroad. This will ensure guests have enough time to make travel arrangements. Still have questions?

CLICK HERE for more on mailing your invitations and wedding stationery etiquette.

Photos by Amie Retz, Liz Andolina Photography and Idalia Photography