My first question: I have lots of family members with younger children that are all invited to our wedding, how should the invitations be addressed? I have read in some articles that children can be addressed on the outer and inner envelope, Or should only be addressed on the inner envelope alone with their parents full name. What is the best way to have this listed if we wish to have the childs name appear on the outer and inner envelope? And can more than one childs name appear on the same line or must it be on different lines? What is the best way? Example: (1st line, outer) Mr. & Mrs. John Doe (2nd line, outer) Miss Ashley Doe & Mr. Jacob Doe. (1st line, inner) Mr. & Mrs. John Doe, Ashley, & Jacob.
My second question: We have a few teenage cousins with boyfriends or girlfriends that are under the age of 18 and we are going to list them on their parents invite. Should "& Guest" be included for the child?
My third question, we are allowing our single family members and friends to bring guests. In some scenarios, this includes family with children. How are these invitations supposed to be addressed? I know the word "guest" or "family" should not be printed on the envelope but how should this appear on the inner envelope?
My fourth question: If you know someone is single and not seeing anyone, must you include "& Guest" on the inner envelope as a courtesy if you know they will not be bringing someone?
My fifth question: We are inviting friends from work to the ceremony/after-dinner reception only. Obviously, we are not including a respond card but how can we let our work friends know that they are welcome to come after the dinner?
Yes, you do have a few questions. So, let's break them down.
1) To invite children with your adult guests. You would write on the outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. John Handly. On the inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Handly Jane Handly (or Jane and Sam) Sam Handly
List all of the children under the parent's names. If these are close family members, you don't have to include the last names for the children.
2) For children over the age of 13, it is best to send separate invitations. Titles would be included, Miss for the girls and Mr. reserved for boys over the age of 18. On the outer envelope: Miss Jane Jones. On the inner envelope: Miss Jones and Guest. It is a bit awkward to invite guests for the children on a 'family' invitation. But, if you want to, it could be written thus: On the outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. John Handly. On the inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Handly, with the children written under their names and "Guest" next to the child who is bringing a guest. The envelope will be fairly full of names though.
3) If all of these people live at the same home and you wish to invite all of them, you may write 'and family' on the outer envelope. We just don't like to do that because it is difficult to control and indicate who is invited. However, you don't have that problem. You would write the invitees name on the outer envelope 'and Family'. On the inner envelope: Ms. James and Guest Mrs. Joan Handly Miss. Sandy Free Shannon and Neil Free
If they are not at the same address, you would have to include a separate handwritten note telling them that they may bring the family members.
4)Yes, if you wish for your single friends to feel free to invite an escort, you may write, 'and Guest' on the inner envelope.
5) There really is no polite way to invite guests to only part of a party. They will think that they were not 'good' enough to be invited to the entire reception.
Lots of Questions!
