Here are answers to common etiquette questions, as well as how to format a guest list for the Calligraphy Lady®. We offer addressing of envelopes by long hand or by computer calligraphy:
- All guest lists MUST be typed. Handwritten lists will not be accepted.
- Please do not use all caps. Number your addresses.
- Do not use initials or abbreviations (except for titles): spell out first and last names, street
names, apartment, place, court, avenue, number and states. Do not use "&" instead of "and" (for example -- do not put Mr. & Mrs. Smith). - Always include titles. For example: Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, Dr., etc.
- Use only the five-digit zip code.
- Please obtain the correct title for clergy or military guests.
- Professional designations
such as Esq., MD, PhD, etc. are not appropriate for wedding stationery. However, a title such as Dr. is appropriate. "Dr." may be used instead of "Doctor". - "And Family", "And Guest" and children's names do not go on the outer envelope. These phrases and names appear on inner envelopes only in an envelope set. If you have only outer envelopes (no inner envelopes), then it is acceptable.
- "Sr.", "Jr." and "III" only appear on the outer envelope after the man's last name. However, these are not put on the inner envelope.
- Inner envelopes should include a title and last name only (except for invited children younger than 18 in which case only the first name is used). Less formal invitations allow for the use of first names such as Mom and Dad, or Kimberly and Todd on inner envelopes.
- Children older then 18 should receive their own invitation, even if they are still living at home.
- Use home addresses only.
- Lists should be typed using a standard font like Times and a 12 point font, in the following format. Put your name, contact info., marriage date and completion date needed at the top of the list. Also put any specific requests as well:
Computer calligraphy for envelopes, addressing invitations. 1. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Adams 2458 Southwest Pine Place Pine Valley, Georgia 55555 Mr. and Mrs. Adams Erika and Joel 2. Mr. Robert Kelly, Sr. 12 Madison Avenue Apartment 4G New York, New York 55555 Mr. Kelly and Guest NOTE: Envelopes will be addressed exactly as they appear on your guest list. Need to check an address or zip code while creating your invitation list? CLICK HERE for the US Postal Service website. Can't find the answer to your etiquette question on this page? For an additional resource, check out the Online Etiquette Handbook | Outer Envelope | Inner Envelope | ||||
Unmarried female | Miss or Ms. Rose Baines | Miss or Ms. Baines and Guest | |||
Divorced female, kept married name | Mrs. Anna Beckley | Mrs. Beckley and Guest | |||
Maiden name | Miss (or Ms.) Paula Weigel | Miss (or Ms.) Weigel and Guest | |||
Widowed female | Mrs. Cindy Mitchell or Mrs. Gregory Mitchell | Mrs. Mitchell and Guest | |||
Unmarried male | Mr. Daniel Bischler | Mr. Bischler and Guest | |||
| Outer Envelope | Inner Envelope | ||||
Married Couples | Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Robbins | Mr. and Mrs. Robbins or (less formal -- Sarah and Christopher) | |||
Married Couple, woman kept maiden name | Ms. Kimberly Jones and Mr. Todd Anderson | Ms. Jones and Mr. Anderson | |||
Unmarried couples who do not live together or live together. Send to the person you know best, if they do not live together. | Miss (or Ms.) Jennifer Clark Mr. Alfred Young | Miss (or Ms.) Clark Mr. Young | |||
| Two men or women over 18 who live together -- address either alphabetical by last name or to the closest friend first | Mr. Todd Vanderbilt Mr. Sam Patterson | Mr. Vanderbilt Mr. Patterson | |||
| Outer Envelope | Inner Envelope | ||||
Child under age 18 | Do not include on outer envelope. If you do not have an inner envelope, then put "and family" on the second line of address | Caroline(listed under the parent's name) 2 or more children - list by age, oldest first - Todd and Caroline Mr. and Mrs. Anderson Todd and Caroline | |||
Children over 18 should receive their own invitation | Miss Jessica Clemons or Mr. Matthew Slack | Miss Clemons (and Guest) Mr. Slack (and Guest) | |||
Children over 18 should receive their own invitation. If they are two grown children of the same sex: | Misses Jessica and Nancy Clemons or Messrs. Matthew and Anthony Slack | The Misses Clemons (and Guest) or The Messrs. Slack (and Guest) | |||
| Outer Envelope | Inner Envelope | ||||
Judge | The Honorable and Mrs. Gerald Rocha | Judge and Mrs. Rocha | |||
Clergy | Reverend and Mrs. John Mattingly | Reverend and Mrs. Mattingly | |||
Officer Man (active or retired) | Commander and Mrs. Rich Richards | Commander and Mrs. Richards | |||
Woman who is an officer or has any title like "Dr." | Dr. Jessica Young and Mr. William Young | Dr. Young and Mr. Young | |||
