Addressing your wedding invitation can actually be a more difficult process than it would seem on the surface. We were all instructed on how to address envelopes at some point in our lives. However, the rules change a bit when it comes time to address a wedding invitation. Everything about the invitation can be scrutinized, so it is a good idea to have an attention to detail during this process.

Also, the manner in which you address the envelope is important. Following the proper rules of formality and etiquette is crucial in order to avoid possibly insulting a guest. However, before you even get to those rules, you must first understand the distinctions between the outer and inner envelopes.

Wedding invitations were historically delivered in two envelopes. The outer envelope was a large, square envelope meant to absorb all of the wear and tear of the delivery process. The inner envelope would then be part of the design of the invitation and be kept in pristine condition through the mailing process. The two envelope system is still used today. The outer envelope absorbs the stamps, postage markings and any other damages that may occur in the mailing process, while the inner envelope remains well protected. Frequently, the outer envelope will be constructed of the same type of paper as the inner envelope. It will just lack a few of the frills. Having both, the outer and inner envelope is not a necessity of invitation etiquette, but it is common practice.

There are specific rules for addressing each envelope. The outer envelope needs to meet all of the requirements of the postal service. Therefore it must include the name and address of the individual you are inviting, a return address and the proper stamps to take care of postage. If at all possible you should take a completed invitation to the post office to be weighed, so that you know how much postage will be necessary for your invitation. Getting your beautiful, meticulously designed invitation sent back to you covered in postage related ink can be a frustrating experience. This problem is easily avoided by getting postage right in the first place. If you are very worried about your invitation being processed undamaged you may request hand cancelling for your invitation. This service allows your invitations to be processed and mailed out by hand rather then by machine. This will cut down on the potential for damages while minimizing the amount of ink that will be used by the postal service. This service is free in most locations.

Properly writing all of the names and addresses that will be required is one of the main challenges with addressing a wedding invitation. One important rule of thumb is that no titles are to be abbreviated other than Misses, Mister and Junior. All other words and titles should not be abbreviated. The only exception to this rule is when writing the title of doctor. If your invitee is a medical physician, then the word should be written out. But if the intended guest has a P.H.D., then the title is abbreviated. All invited guests do not need to be listed on the outer envelope. You can choose who to include. Be sure to use the proper titles when sending the invitation to your invitees. Judges should be addressed as the Honorable, Clergy members are addressed as Reverend, and if your invitee is either an active or retired officer of the military, then their proper rank should be included as part of his/her title.

The inner envelope has a few nuances that separate it from the outer envelope in style. Most notably, the inner envelope will only include the names of the invited guests. There is no need for a return address or any sort of postage. It is also important to include the names of anybody in the household who will be invited. For example, when inviting an entire family, you may only include the names of the parents on the outer envelope. But on the inner envelope the names of the children should be included. You can shorten all of this by simply addressing the inner envelope as "Mr. - , Mrs. - and children." If you are inviting an individual and a guest, you should write the name of the guest if you know it. The only time you write "and guest," is if you do not know the name of the invitee’s guest. If you are having a formal ceremony you should use titles and last names to list your guests, but if a more contemporary style is fitting to your wedding you can use just the first names of your guests on the inner envelope. This can give the invitation a more personal touch.

The rules of properly addressing your wedding invitation do not make the process of inviting guests difficult, but the potential of insulting guests by not following proper etiquette makes it important to do things the right way. Be sure to take the time and effort necessary to address the envelope for your wedding invitations properly, and your wedding will no doubt be a memorable event.