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HOW TO PROPERLY ADDRESS YOUR GUEST TITLES

Addressing your wedding invitations with the correct social and professional titles is a key aspect of etiquette that demonstrates respect and consideration for your guests. Properly addressing your invitations not only ensures that they are received warmly but also adds a touch of formality and elegance to your correspondence. Navigating the nuances of titles, such as Mr., Mrs., Dr., and other professional designations, can be complex, but with our guidance, you can address each guest appropriately and gracefully. We’ll explore the rules and best practices for using social and professional titles, helping you honor your guests and set the right tone for your special day. Please remember, however, that formality of titles is a personal preference - you are welcome to address how you feel best suits your event!
NDS custom bookings include etiquette consulting. We are happy to guide and direct our couples with how to properly address your wedding invitations!

SOCIAL VS PROFESSIONAL TITLES

Social titles refer to use of "Mr." or "Mrs.". Professional titles refer to use of titles for a persons profession like doctors, judges, clergy, or military personnel. General rule of thumb is the more formal the wedding, the more formal the title should be. The more casual the event, the less the need for titles.

USE OF TITLES FOR THE COUPLE & THEIR PARENTS

Titles for the couple and/or their parents are welcome to be used.

Traditionally, engaged couples do not use social or professional titles. It is common, however, for parents to use social and professional titles.

USING PROFESSIONAL TITLES

The below professions typically use professional titles for wedding invitations:

Doctors
Judges
Clergy
Military

"Doctor" precedes name. 
"Judge" or "Senator" precedes name.
"Reverend" precedes name.
Senior officer titles precede names. Junior officer titles follow names along with branch of service. Noncommissioned officers and enlisted personnel may list branch of service following their name.

Traditionally, the individual with a professional title is listed before their significant other, regardless of gender.

If both individuals hold professional titles, the female is traditionally listed first.

1 - If a single guest is welcome to bring a date, “and guest” will follow the invitees name. (ex: “Mr. Asher Owen and Guest”)
2 - An unwritten social rule states that “Miss” refers to young ladies, typically under the age of 25
3 - If the divorced guest has changed their name back to their maiden name, the married surname can be dropped
4 - Unmarried couples living together can have their names joined by “and”
5 - If the female in a married couple has kept her maiden name, you can address the couple like an unmarried couple with names joined with “and”
6 - Tradition recommends that children 18+ that still live at home receive their own invitation. However, most modern couples, for good reason, can opt to send one invitation to the family. They are welcome to address the invitation to the family name (ex: “The Owen Family”).

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