Addressing invites

[WendyNC]

I have an opinion question about addressing invitations - I don't think I have seen this exact question out here recently.

I can't bring myself to address the invitations "Mr and Mrs John Smith" - it may seem silly, but I just can't. So which way looks better to you?

Mr & Mrs John and Jane Smith

or

Mr John and Mrs Jane Smith

I also read that the inner envelope should read "Mr and Mrs Smith" but I have NEVER seen that on invitations I have received, nor has my mom. I've always seen "John and Jane" so I am going with that on the inside.

[WebLady]

which way looks better to you?

Mr & Mrs John and Jane Smith

or

Mr John and Mrs Jane Smith
Well they are both improper; the first should just be 'John and Jane Smith' if you are going to use both names like that.

The second one should be 'Mr John Smith and Mrs Jane Smith'.

It is common to use 'Mr and Mrs John Smith' or 'Mr and Mrs Smith' for married couples, but if the woman has a different last name then you'd go with the second way and spell out both their names.

Traditionally and the proper etiquette is to use the formal name with Mr, Mrs, etc on the outer envelope and the first names on the inner. But of course you can do it however you feel is right for you.

[gennymac]

I know it looks odd, but it is accurate, formal, and correct. Here are two links that I have found that give the best information on wording for invites, addressing envelopes, outter and inner ones.

Good luck !

This one is fantastic !
http://www.southworth.com/page.php?id=127#envelope

http://www.topweddingsites.com/articles/invitations.html#addressing

[WendyNC]

hmmm... thanks for the suggestions... I might just go w/ the "Mr and Mrs Smith" on the outer envelope. It is just close family and friends attending, less than 50 people, so if the etiquette is wrong, I don't think there will be any harsh repercussions heh... this is just where the "feminist" side of me gets cranky and won't follow the rules. My aunt, my sis-in-law, my best friends - they have first names that are not their husbands' - I just can't write it in the traditional way, it makes me sad.