What is the inner envelope etiquette for a Chinese wedding invitation?

Short answer

Use the inner envelope to show exactly who is invited by name, and leave it blank for anyone not invited. This clear, polite approach avoids awkwardness and makes sure every guest knows they are welcome.

The inner envelope is a classic way to name your guests precisely. Write the full names of each invited person on it, such as 'Mr and Mrs Chen' or 'Aunty Mei and family'. If children are invited, list their names too. If you only invited one half of a couple, write only that person's name. This gentle clarity means no one has to guess whether they may bring a date.

In many Chinese families, the guest list follows household lines, so a married couple is usually invited together. If you are inviting a whole family, you can write the parents' names and add 'and family'. For guests who are not married, address them individually rather than grouping them. Do not use the inner envelope to add children who are not invited, as that can cause confusion. Instead, leave that space empty or simply do not include an inner envelope at all.

If you are unsure how your family expects names to be ordered, ask an elder in the family. Cultural expectations can vary between households and regions. For the legal side of your wedding, the rules differ depending on where you marry, so check GOV.UK, the register office or your place of worship.