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In an age of email, texts, and tweets, there’s still something special about receiving a wedding invitation in the mail. From the weight of the paper to the names carefully written on the envelope, it sets the tone for everything to come. For a destination wedding, it’s the first taste of a shared experience. And, while how to address wedding invitations might seem like a small detail, it says a lot about your style, your guests, and even the celebration itself.

At Sandals Resorts, we’ve helped plan weddings across the Caribbean for decades, and we’ve seen first-hand how much couples care about the big picture as well as the little touches. Whether you’re heading to an overwater chapel in Saint Lucia or a rooftop reception in Barbados, your invitation is the first peek at the adventure to come. We’ve put this guide together to help modern couples navigate the etiquette and creative freedom that comes with addressing wedding invitations today. We’ll walk you through what matters, what’s flexible, and how to make every envelope reflect your unique story.

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The Basics: How to Address Wedding Invitations

Traditional wedding invitation etiquette has its roots in 18th and 19th century society, when every detail, from the paper weight to the recipient’s title, was dictated by social norms. These days, the rules are more flexible, but they still serve a purpose: clarity, courtesy, and giving your celebration a sense of occasion. Although modern etiquette has loosened, some time-tested traditions still make sense. Knowing these basics will help you set the right tone and avoid awkward (and sometimes costly) mistakes.

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Where to Put an Address on an Envelope

Before we dive into names and titles, let’s talk logistics. If you’re sending your invitations with the USPS, it’s important to ensure that they follow standard postal rules. The front center of the envelope is where the guest name(s) and full mailing address belong. Use three to four lines, and avoid abbreviations (spell out “Street,” “Avenue,” “Apartment,” and state names).

Here’s the correct format:

Mr. and Mrs. James Bennett
245 Oceanview Avenue
Charleston, South Carolina 29401

Stick to black or blue ink, use legible handwriting or professional calligraphy, and make sure your envelopes can be processed by the USPS (avoid glitter, wax seals, or bulky embellishments on the outer envelope).

Expert tip: Before buying stamps, take one fully assembled invitation to the post office and have it weighed by a postal clerk to determine the postage price.

Outer vs. Inner Envelopes

When sending out your invitations, you can use just a single envelope, or both an inner and outer envelope. The second option allows you to be more elaborate and creative, and incorporate elements like wax seals and glitter.

Outer envelopes carry the mailing address and must be USPS-friendly.
Inner envelopes, if used, are more personal. They’re where you can include familiar names or nicknames (e.g., “Uncle David and Aunt Renee”) and note exactly who is invited.

If you’re sending more casual invitations, using a single envelope is totally fine. Just be sure to list all invited parties on the outer envelope. This is especially important for plus-ones and families.

Name Etiquette and Examples

The below guidelines use personal titles like Mrs., Mr., and Ms. However, if some of your guests don’t identify in this way, you can use the gender-neutral personal title Mx. Or simply drop these titles in favor of first and last names. It’s always a good idea to check with your guests to find out their preferences.

To a married couple with the same last name:

Outer envelope:

Mr. and Mrs. James Bennett
Mr. James and Mrs. Kelsey Bennett
Mr. James and Mr. Michael Bennett

Inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Bennett OR James and Kelsey

To a married couple with different last names:

Outer envelope:

Ms. Nicole Carter and Mr. Daniel Lee
Ms. Nicole Carter and Ms. Daniela Lee

Inner envelope: Ms. Carter and Mr. Lee OR Nicole and Daniel

Expert tip: Always list the person you’re closer to first or go alphabetically if unsure.

To an unmarried couple living at the same address:

Outer envelope: Mr. Thomas Nguyen and Ms. Rachel Hill
Inner envelope: Mr. Nguyen and Ms. Hill OR Thomas and Rachel

To a single guest without a plus one:

Outer envelope: Ms. Olivia Brooks
Inner envelope: Ms. Brooks OR Olivia

To a single guest with a plus one:

Outer envelope: Ms. Olivia Brooks and Guest
Inner envelope: Ms. Brooks and Guest OR Olivia and Guest

*Expert tip: The term “and Guest” should only be used if you’re truly giving them an open plus one. If they have a named partner (who does not live with them) then use their name.

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To a family with children under 18:

Outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Wallace OR The Wallace Family

Inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Wallace, Miss Sophia, Benjamin and Miss Grace OR Adrian, Melanie, Sophia, Benjamin and Grace

*Expert tip: Children over 18 should receive their own invitations unless they live at home and are clearly still part of the household.

Using honorary or professional titles:

Titles like Dr., Reverend, Judge, and Captain should be used when applicable and listed according to ranking. When one person has a title and the other does not, list the titled person first. Here are a few examples:

Dr. Amelia Reyes and Mr. Paul Reyes (for a couple where one is a doctor)
Drs. Amelia and Paul Reyes (for a couple where both are doctors)
The Reverend Samuel Thompson and Mrs. Thompson (for a clergy member)

Return Address Rules

Your return address is both functional and traditional. It ensures returned mail gets back to you and it signals who is hosting the wedding (which can be useful for RSVP clarity). It goes at the top left of the front envelope or on the back flap.

Whose name goes there? Typically, the couple (if they’re hosting), or whoever is handling RSVPs.

Ms. Zoe Chan and Mx. Ingrid Flores
104 Palm Grove Lane
Austin, Texas 78704

Or, if the bride’s parents are hosting:
Mr. and Mrs. David Chan
112 Maple Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60614

Don’t forget: If you’re including RSVP cards with pre-addressed envelopes, the return address on those should match the person managing responses.

Destination Wedding Invitations: What to Consider

Planning a destination wedding comes with its own set of etiquette rules, as well as a few extra logistics to keep in mind. When your celebration involves passports, flights, and PTO, giving your guests time and clarity becomes even more important.

When to Send Destination Wedding Invitations

While local weddings can get away with invitations going out 8–10 weeks in advance, destination weddings should aim for 6–8 months, or even earlier if you’re marrying during a busy travel season. If your destination requires a passport (like the Caribbean), then a save the date at least 9–12 months beforehand gives your guests time to renew documents, make travel arrangements, and plan ahead.

What to Include in Destination Wedding Invitations

Beyond the basic details, your invitations are a chance to reassure guests and create excitement about the experience to come. In addition to the main invitation and RSVP card, consider adding:

Group travel or resort booking details
A mini itinerary outlining events beyond the ceremony (like welcome drinks or a beach bonfire)
A travel tips insert for passports, airport transfers, or local weather expectations
Or, a link to a wedding website with all of the above information.

Sound complicated? No worries! Sandals Resorts makes the whole process easy with exclusive access to a complimentary Wedding and Honeymoon Gift Registry for our couples, complete with a Wedding Website and RSVP tool!

Cultural and International Etiquette

If your guest list includes friends or family from abroad, take a moment to consider naming customs and titles that differ from U.S. norms. In some cultures, formal titles like “Herr” or “Señora” may be expected, while in others, surnames come first. Be thoughtful about how your international guests are addressed and research how to address wedding invitations in their country. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, small errors can create confusion or even unintentionally offend. Here are a few missteps to watch for.

Using incorrect or outdated titles: It’s important to avoid assumptions about marital status, gender, or titles when addressing your guests. Double-check name preferences (especially for doctors, clergy, or same-gender couples), and when in doubt, ask.

Not clarifying children or plus-ones: The way you address your wedding invitations should make it absolutely clear whether or not your wedding is child-free or if you’re not including plus-ones. If you feel there may still be confusion, reach out to politely clarify.

Leaving out crucial details: If you're hosting a destination wedding, guests need more than just the basics. Don’t forget to include RSVP deadlines, travel timelines, and booking links, or you’ll be fielding questions for weeks.

Sending too late: Especially for Caribbean weddings, timing is everything. Flights and accommodations book up fast. If you send your invitations too close to the date, even your nearest and dearest might have to decline.

Skipping a proofread: Whether you’re using a calligrapher or printing at home, proof every envelope. A misspelled name or wrong zip code could mean a missed invite (or hurt feelings!).

Missing or misplaced return addresses: This one’s easy to overlook, but without a return address, the post office can’t send back undeliverable invites, and your guests won’t know who to contact. Make sure the return address matches the RSVP name and location.

Why Addressing Wedding Invitations Still Matters

Wherever you’re exchanging vows, your wedding should feel personal, intentional, and uniquely you. That starts with the envelope in their mailbox. Following these guidelines for how to address wedding invitations isn’t about following a strict set of rules, but rather a way to make sure your guests have the information they need, and feel welcomed and excited about your big day.

Ready to start planning? If you’re captivated by the idea of a tropical wedding, we want to hear from you! Visit our inquiry page and let’s turn your dreams into reality.

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