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This article was co-authored by Tami Claytor and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
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It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the etiquette of addressing a couple. Fortunately, traditions are changing and there's no longer a "right" or "wrong" way. Consider whether the couple uses the same last name, hyphenates, or uses different names. Then determine if you'd like to use formal titles or just list their names. Always remember to put accurate mailing information and include your return address on the envelope.
Steps
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![Step 1 Use "Mr.]()
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![Step 2 Put just the titles and couple's last name for a bold look.]()
Put just the titles and couple's last name for a bold look. If you don't want to write the couple's first names, write their titles and the family name. For example, put Mr. and Ms. Gaiman or Mr. and Mrs. Cameron.- This is a good option if you're addressing lots of envelopes and would like to save a little time.
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![Step 3 Write the person's official title before their name if applicable.]()
Write the person's official title before their name if applicable.[3] If either person or both people are in the military, have a graduate degree, or are members of the clergy, write their title before listing their first or last name.[4]- For example, you might write Dr. Matt Rivers and Dr. Megan Merritt. If one of them is clergy, you may list The Reverend and Mrs. Jordan. For military, you could write Lieutenant Beth March and Mr. Greg Wharton.
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![Step 4 Include first names if you're writing a last name with a hyphen.]()
Include first names if you're writing a last name with a hyphen. If one of the person's married name is hyphenated, list each person's title and first name. You should also list the full name of the person who's married name isn't hyphenated.[5]- For example, write Mr. Matthew Vargas and Ms. Sofia Townsend-Vargas.
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![Step 1 List the couple's first names for an informal style.]()
List the couple's first names for an informal style. To keep it personal and casual, write the couple's first and last names and forgo the titles. Put either of the names first or place them alphabetically.[6]- For example, write Adam and Ruben Martinez or Olivia and Jackson Montgomery.
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![Step 2 Put the couple's names and then "and Family" for a casual envelope.]()
Put the couple's names and then "and Family" for a casual envelope. If you'd like to address a married couple along with their household, list the couple's first names along with their shared last name or different last names. Then write "and Family" after the names.[7]- For example, write Ava and Mark Lee and Family. For different last names, write Ava Tan, Mark Lee, and Family.
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![Step 3 Write the family's last name if you don't want to list individual names.]()
Write the family's last name if you don't want to list individual names. For a simple way to address the couple and their family, just write the family name. For example, write The Lee Family or The Tan-Lee Family.[8]- If you're writing a formal envelope that has an inner envelope as well, you can list their individual names on the inner one.
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![Step 1 Write the couple's names on the center of the envelope.]()
Write the couple's names on the center of the envelope. Once you've decided how you'd like to address the couple, put their names in the center of the envelope. Leave yourself lots of space to write out their names on a single line. -
![Step 2 Include the address under the names.]()
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![Step 3 Put your return address in the upper left corner of the envelope.]()
Put your return address in the upper left corner of the envelope. It's important to put a return address so the letter can be returned to you if it can't be delivered. List either your full name or last name in the top left corner. Under your name, write your full mailing address. For example, your return address may look like:[11]- Cole Jameson
1254 Heather St.
Grand Lake, CO 80448
- Cole Jameson
Expert Q&A
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QuestionDo you have to put Mr or Mrs on an informal letter?
Tami ClaytorTami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
Etiquette CoachNot if you're close relatives! Still, there's nothing wrong with including "Mr" and "Mrs" if you'd prefer to be traditional. -
QuestionIs Dr. and Mrs. Will Jones an appropriate address on a condolence note?
Tom De BackerTop AnswererYes, at least it used to be. In modern times, people are shifting to more equality. I would therefore mention both their full names on the envelope: "Dr. Will Jones and Mrs. [First name] [Last name]".
Video
Tips
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To address an envelope to an unmarried couple, list their names in alphabetical order.[12]Thanks
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If you're addressing a large number of envelopes, choose a single method and remain consistent.Thanks
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If you're sending the envelope internationally, write the name of the country on the line below the postal code.Thanks
References
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 16 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.dailywritingtips.com/addressing-a-letter-to-two-people/
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 16 February 2022.
- ↑ https://ideas.hallmark.com/articles/card-ideas/how-to-address-an-envelope/
- ↑ https://www.everafterguide.net/how-to-address-a-letter-to-married-couple-with-different-last-names.html
- ↑ https://www.dailywritingtips.com/addressing-a-letter-to-two-people/
- ↑ https://classroom.synonym.com/how-to-address-an-envelope-to-a-family-12078711.html
- ↑ https://www.brides.com/story/how-to-address-your-wedding-invitations
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 16 February 2022.
About This Article
To address an envelope to a married couple, put both their names at the top, followed by the address. Write out their names in full in the center of the envelope at the top. If you’re addressing the envelope formally, write “Mr. and Mrs.” before their names, like “Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gaiman.” Alternatively, just write their first and last names without titles for a more casual approach, such as “Adam and Ruben Martinez.” If you're writing to a family, simply add the words “and family” after the couple's names so you don't have to write all of the children's names too. Alternatively, you could write “The Smith family” or “The Lee family” if you don't want to mention first names at all. On the line below their names, include the street address, postal code, city, and state or province. For tips on how to address a letter with an inner envelope, read on!
