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Inner and Outer Envelopes Explanation and Etiquette


Why two envelopes?
Traditional wedding invitations often come with an inner envelope and an outer envelope. You might be wondering what each envelope is for. Here we've explained the purpose of each envelope and a few examples of how to address them.

The inner envelope holds the invitation ensemble. It goes inside of the outer envelope and includes the title and last names of each individual invited to the wedding. This is the host's opportunity to be clear about who is invited since only those invited to the wedding should be mentioned on the inner envelope. No address or other information is needed.

Inner Envelope

Examples for Addressing the Inner Envelope
  • Single Guest
    Formal:     Ms. Jones or Ms. Jones and Guest (if a guest is allowed. Insert name of guest if known.)
    Informal: Rebecca

  • Married Couple
    Formal:     Mr. and Mrs. Jones
    Informal: Patrick and Samantha

  • Unmarried Couple at the Same Address
    Formal:     Ms. Samantha Jenson and Mr. Patrick Jones
    Informal: Samantha and Patrick

  • A Family
    Formal:     Mr. and Mrs. Jones
    Carl, Ben and Clarissa
    Informal: Patrick and Samantha
    Carl, Ben and Clarissa
The outer envelope is for mailing. Guests should be referred to by title, first, middle (opt.) and last names. Titles may be abbreviated but all other words should be spelled out. State names may be spelled out or written as a two-letter postal code abbreviation.



Outer Envelope

Examples for Addressing the Outer Envelope
  • Single Guest
    Formal:     Ms. Rebecca Jones
    Informal: Rebecca Jones

  • Married Couple
    Formal:     Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Jones
    Informal: Patrick and Samantha Jones

  • Unmarried Couple at the Same Address
    Formal:     Ms. Samantha Jenson
    Mr. Patrick Jones
    Informal: Samantha Jenson
    Patrick Jones

  • A Family
    Formal:     Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Jones
    Informal: Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Jones and Family
    Informal: Patrick and Samantha Jones
    Carl, Ben and Clarissa