It may be something you don't pay much attention to, but when it comes to weddings these are the etiquette details that tend to cause a stir when overlooked. We got talking to
Disha Mehta from Customizing Creativity who gave us the low down on the correct etiquette of addressing your invitation.
Disha says " As a rule of thumb, the outer envelope of your wedding invitation should be more formal. This means complete with titles and full names, or leaving out first names or titles and last names (if you're very close to the guests). Preferably the ladies names comes first for all sections!
To a Married Couple
On the main envelope:
Mrs. Mehak and Mr. Anand
Or
Mrs. and Mr. Anand Shahani
Or
Mehak & Anand (if they are very close friends)
Pet names are a big NO NO for any wedding invitation!
To a Married Woman Doctor or Two Married Doctors
On the outer envelope:
If a woman uses her maiden name professionally and socially, the outer envelope should read:
Dr. Mehak Sagar and Mr. Anand Shahani
Or, if she uses her husband's name socially:
Dr. Mehak and Mr. Anand Shahani
If both parties are doctors, you can address the outer envelope:
Doctors Mehak & Anand Shahani
Or
The Doctors Shahani
To Children and Families
Younger guests can be included on the main envelope as :-
Mrs. & Mr. Mukesh Ambani
Anant, Aakash & Isha
(for a more personalized touch)
OR
Mrs. & Mr. Mukesh Ambani & family
To Married couples living with the Inlaws
They should receive their own invitations. For eg, one invite goes out on the in-laws names & another one with the younger couples names!
Note : If you don't include each child's name, you're implying that children are not invited. That said, don't be surprised if some guests still mistakenly assume their children are welcome. If you're concerned this will happen with your guests, ask your immediate family and bridal party to help spread the word that the wedding will be adults-only. In the end, you may have to follow-up with guests who don't get the message via phone to gently explain the situation"
For those gasping in shock, small parties with adults only (18 yrs+) invited are QUITE common abroad and we've heard of a few in our land too
Also read:
Invitation wording ideas
[handbook]
[vendor]
