Ettiquette

COMMON ETIQUETTE QUESTIONS

Envelope Addressing

Traditional addressing is simple. Its not complicated as long as you follow a few rules.

Standard three line address consist of the

Name of Guest
address
city, state zip code

What formality you use for the guest name has many factors. For example are you having an evening event? Is it formal attire? What type of affair is it? If you are having an evening affair and the attire is formal. Then the formal use of your guests name should be used.

Mr. and Mrs. John Steven Smith
1234 Somewhere Street
Here, State 56789

Are you having an afternoon barbecue then a more familiar or less formal version can be used.

John and Karen Smith
1234 Somewhere Street
Here, State 56789

Do your best if you are using the formal style that you use your guests full name, including middle name and titles. This can be a wonderful conversation as you try to get that conversation and make connections with your guest.

More Addressing Etiquette

Although we want our loved ones to be with us on our special occasions. This is not always the case. Please keep in mind about how your guest will feel when making your decision on how to address. The tradition for a widow is as follows:

Mrs. John Steven Smith
1234 Somewhere Street
Here, State ZipCode

If you know that your guest may not be comfortable with that form then I suggest this:

Mrs. Karen Amelia Smith
1234 Somewhere Street
Here, State ZipCode

In this day and age there are many co habiting couples. Please remember whether or not your relationship is with him or her, the female name will go first. Since they are just cohabiting and not legally married the word “and” will not be used.

Miss Karen Amelia Smith
Mr. John Steven Smith
1234 Somewhere Street
Here, State ZipCode

If you want you can use the Ms. abbreviation instead.

You have a guest that will be bringing someone but not sure yet whom.

Ms. Karen Amelia Smith and guest

Please note that since you don’t know who the guest will be it is not capitalized.

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