Start with the Outer Envelope
The outer envelope is the first thing your guests will see, and it needs to be addressed formally. If you’re addressing an invitation to a family, write the parents’ names on the top lines of the envelope. You can either write them with their full names, such as “Mr. and Mrs. Michael Smith,” or with their informal names such as “Mike and Sarah Smith.” If the parents have different last names, list them in alphabetical order.
Include the Children’s Names
If the family’s children are invited, their names should follow their parent’s names, in order of age from oldest to youngest. If the children are under 18, use their first and last names. If the children are over 18 and living at home, they should be listed on their parents’ invitation, with “and guest” if they are allowed to bring one. If the children are married or living on their own, they should receive their own separate invitation.
Consider the Inner Envelope
The inner envelope is an optional envelope that goes inside the outer one and is used to include additional information such as RSVPs and reception cards. It’s also a way to add a more personal touch to your invitations. The inner envelope can be addressed to the individual family members you’re inviting, and it can be more informal than the outer envelope.
For example, on the inner envelope, you could address the family as “Mike and Sarah” or “The Smith Family.” If you choose to use the children’s first names on the outer envelope, you can address the inner envelope to the kids by their first names only. You can also use the inner envelope to indicate who is and isn’t invited, such as “Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Kids” or “Mike and Sarah, Adults Only.”
Be Clear About Who’s Invited
If you’re only inviting some family members, make sure you’re clear about who is and isn’t invited. You can do this by addressing the invitation only to the family members you’re inviting. For example, “Mr. and Mrs. Michael Smith and John Smith” instead of “The Smith Family.” You can also include a note with the invitation that explains who is and isn’t invited, such as “Due to limited capacity, we regretfully cannot invite extended family members at this time.” This can help avoid any confusion or hurt feelings.
Choose the Right Tone
When addressing a wedding invitation to a family, it’s important to choose the right tone for the occasion. Formal invitations require formal language, so make sure to use titles such as “Mr.” and “Mrs.” If you’re having a more casual wedding, you can use more informal language, such as “Mike and Sarah.”
In addition to the tone, the style of the invitation should also match the event. For example, if you’re having a formal black-tie wedding, choose a more elegant invitation with traditional designs. If you’re having a rustic outdoor wedding, choose an invitation with natural colors and rustic fonts.
Conclusion
Addressing a wedding invitation to a family isn’t difficult, but it does require some attention to detail. From the outer envelope to the inner envelope, make sure you address the invitation correctly. Be clear about who’s invited and choose the right tone for the occasion. With these guidelines, your invitations are sure to impress your guests and set the tone for a memorable wedding day.