The guest list is set, but how exactly do you address the envelopes?  Who comes first, and what is this “and guest” business?  Follow these simple guidelines to get your invitations to the post office in no time.

• Check your guest list to ensure guest names and addresses are correct.

• Be sure to use formal names; no nicknames or initials.  Always spell out titles or degrees, like Doctor.

• Always use Mr. and Mrs. for married couples with the same last name.  If the married couple have different last names, then use Mr. and Ms. and place the names on the same line in alphabetical order.

• If a couple is not married but living together, use Mr. and Ms. and place the names in alphabetical order on separate lines.

• Children’s names should go on the inner envelope.  If you’re not using an inner envelope, be sure the children’s names go on a separate line under the parents’ names.  (If children’s names are left off of an invitation, it implies they are not invited.)  Children over the age of 18 who are living with their parents should receive their own invitation.

• Women who are widowed should be addressed using their late husband’s name with Mrs. as the title.

• When inviting single persons who are welcome to bring a guest, use Mr., Ms. or Miss, followed by their name and “and Guest” on the inner envelope.  If you’re not using an inner envelope, put the guest on a separate line. If you know whom he or she will be bringing, feel free to include that person’s name on a separate line on the envelope.

• All words in the address should be spelled out, including street names and other identifiers, like Apartment or Post Office Box.  The names of the city and state should also be spelled out.

• The return address should go on the back flap of the envelope.  Much like the guest’s address, all words in the return address should be spelled out.

-PaperWerks, Sioux Falls, SD