Does Mr or Mrs Go First on Wedding Invitations? A Simple Guide to Proper Etiquette

When planning your wedding, every detail matters, including how you address your invitations. You might wonder about the proper order for names. Traditionally, the bride’s name goes first on wedding invitations, followed by the groom’s name. Many couples choose to personalize their invitations based on their preferences.

If you’re part of a same-sex couple or want a more modern approach, you have flexibility. Some opt to use both partners’ names equally, which can create a more balanced representation. The choice is ultimately yours, allowing you to reflect your unique relationship.

Understanding these options can help you feel confident about your wedding invitations. With a little guidance, you can make choices that fit your style and celebrate your love story.

The Basics of Wedding Invitation Wording

When planning your wedding invitations, choosing the right wording is key. You want to make sure you reflect the couple’s relationship status and address guests correctly while keeping it elegant.

Titles and Forms of Address

Using titles correctly sets the right tone for your wedding invitation. For a married couple sharing the same last name, use “Mr. and Mrs.” followed by the husband’s full name. For example, “Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Jane Smith.” If it’s a same-sex couple, you can use “Mrs. and Mrs.” or “Mr. and Mr.” depending on their preferences.

If you want a less formal approach, you might skip the titles. Using just the first names can create a more casual feel, like “John and Jane Smith.” Remember to consider your relationship with the couple when deciding on how formal or informal to be.

Order of Names

Tradition suggests that the bride’s name goes first on wedding invitations. So, you would list “Jane Smith and John Doe,” since Jane is the bride. This order has historical significance and helps guests understand who is getting married.

For couples with the same last name, you can simply use both first names. A good example is “Sam and Alex Johnson.” Make sure to reflect their relationship status clearly so there’s no confusion.

Addressing Invitations to Various Guests

When addressing wedding invitations, it’s important to reflect your guests’ identities. Start with the outer envelope, where you will put the formal titles and full names.

For a married couple with the same last name, use “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” If they have different last names, list them separately, like “Mr. John Doe and Mrs. Jane Smith.”

For same-sex couples, you might write “Mr. Alex Brown and Mr. Jamie Green” or “Mrs. Ella White and Mrs. Sarah Black.” Choose the order based on your preference or alphabetical order.

For unmarried couples, it’s best to write both names on the same line. For example, “Ms. Lisa Adams and Mr. Mike Jones.” This shows respect for their relationship without implying marriage.

When addressing single guests, use “Mr.” for men and “Ms.” for women. If you are unsure about a woman’s marital status, “Ms.” is always a safe choice.

For children, you can simply add their names on a separate line, such as “Emily and Jacob.” For family units, consider using nicknames if they are commonly used and known by your guests.

If your guest has a professional title like “Doctor” or “Judge,” you should include that: “Dr. John Smith” or “Honorable Jane Doe.”

Make sure all names are spelled correctly to avoid any awkwardness.

Design Elements and Extra Details

When designing your wedding invitation, think about the artistic touch. A skilled calligrapher can add elegance to the text. They can make the names of the couple stand out beautifully.

Your invitation should include essential details. Be sure to mention the location of the wedding clearly. Also, include the dress code; this helps your guests know how to dress for the occasion.

If you’re inviting married couples, you might choose to address them as “Mr. and Mrs.” or use both names. For example, “Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Jane Smith” for a heterosexual couple.

Consider adding a note for your RSVP request. This can be as simple as, “Please respond by [date].” If you want your guests to bring a guest, include “plus-one” on the invitation.

For more casual weddings, you can use fun and informal language. Formal invitations typically require a more traditional approach, while casual ones can be light-hearted and warm.

Including enclosures can also be helpful. You might add cards for directions, hotel information, or details about the reception. This keeps your guests well-informed and ready for a lovely event.