How to address wedding invitation envelopes (UK)

Getting the envelope right is a small detail that shows respect for your guests. You do not need to guess the order of names or the right titles. Our helper lays out the address the UK way, whether you are inviting a married couple, a single guest or a whole family.

Start by telling us who lives at the address and who you want to invite. If children are included, say so and we will place their names below the adults. For plus-ones, we show the guest's name followed by 'and a guest' on a separate line.

• Use 'Mr and Mrs' for a traditional married couple, or both full names if you prefer.
• Put 'Dr' before the name of a doctor, but not on the second line of a couple.
• Keep children's names on their own lines under their parents.

Many couples worry about whether to use titles or first names. There is no single rule, so choose what feels right for your family and your guest list.

For a married couple, you can write 'Mr and Mrs Smith' or 'Mr John Smith and Mrs Jane Smith'. If both partners have professional titles, list them on separate lines. For a family, put the parents' names first, then the children's names in age order. Do not put children's names on the same line as their parents.

• One envelope per household unless you are inviting everyone individually.
• Write the address in full, including the postcode.
• Double-check that every invited guest is named.

Addressing your invitations is usually done once you have your final guest list. Do it after you know who is coming and who is not, so you do not have to rewrite anything.

Write or print the addresses clearly, with the recipient's name on the first line and the postcode on the last. If you are sending e-invites, paste the same wording into the recipient field so guests know exactly who is invited.

• Ask a friend or family member to proofread the list before you post.
• Keep a copy of your addressing list for thank-you notes later.
• Remember you can always update the wording if someone's name or title changes.