I have started taking on the task of compiling addresses for all of my guests. If you have ever had to do this, you know it is no easy task. I began my search by asking others first. But if you have simply exhausted all methods for detecting one’s address, it will not necessarily break any rules of etiquette to ask that person yourself. I chose to start this task now, right before the Holidays, in hopes that people will just figure I am updating my address book for sending out Christmas cards. I don’t know for certain if my method will prove as coy as I have hoped, but in any case, the addresses are rolling in.
Once you do compile your addresses, it is a very smart idea to cross check them with Mapquest, or Google Maps to make sure that exact address really does exist somewhere on this planet. Be sure to address your invitations exactly how they appear once you have looked them up. For example, most people may be accustomed to leaving off the street prefix and suffix, which may cause postal confusion down the line. Lastly, be sure to incorporate a person’s apartment or unit number after their street address, if they live in a multiple unit building.
A typical USPS approved address should look like this:
555 S. State St., Unit 2
Chicago, IL 60605
As for the actual names of your guests, this is entirely up to you. I really depends on how formal or informal your wedding will be. Here are a few simple guidelines:
Married couple:
Once you do compile your addresses, it is a very smart idea to cross check them with Mapquest, or Google Maps to make sure that exact address really does exist somewhere on this planet. Be sure to address your invitations exactly how they appear once you have looked them up. For example, most people may be accustomed to leaving off the street prefix and suffix, which may cause postal confusion down the line. Lastly, be sure to incorporate a person’s apartment or unit number after their street address, if they live in a multiple unit building.
A typical USPS approved address should look like this:
555 S. State St., Unit 2
Chicago, IL 60605
As for the actual names of your guests, this is entirely up to you. I really depends on how formal or informal your wedding will be. Here are a few simple guidelines:
Married couple:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Married couple with children under 18:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, and Family
Single guest:
Mr. John Smith and Guest
If you choose to invite children of guests, and those children are under 18, they can simply be included on their parent’s invitation. If the children are older than 18, they should receive their own invitation.
It is appropriate to include a guest with all single invitee’s. Including a second name on an invitation is usually considered more informal, but that significant other may feel insignificant if they are labeled as just a “guest.” This is up to you.
If you are inviting single’s that are not in a serious relationship, it is still expected to account for a guest in attendance with them.
If numbers are an issue, as most formal dinner receptions are, make sure your RSVP cards allows your guest to denote exactly how many they will have in attendance.
If you choose to invite children of guests, and those children are under 18, they can simply be included on their parent’s invitation. If the children are older than 18, they should receive their own invitation.
It is appropriate to include a guest with all single invitee’s. Including a second name on an invitation is usually considered more informal, but that significant other may feel insignificant if they are labeled as just a “guest.” This is up to you.
If you are inviting single’s that are not in a serious relationship, it is still expected to account for a guest in attendance with them.
If numbers are an issue, as most formal dinner receptions are, make sure your RSVP cards allows your guest to denote exactly how many they will have in attendance.
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