How to Address Your Wedding Invitations

Whether you're hiring a calligrapher to address your wedding invitations or you're trying your own hand at the task, know the proper procedure. Here are the ins and outs of addressing wedding invitations, right at your fingertips.

The outer envelope: This is where you write the recipients' full names, official titles, first names, and the rest. It's where tradition is upheld, decorum celebrated; that means no cutting corners with abbreviations like Dr., NY, or St. (Mrs., Mr., Ms., and Jr. are the only acceptable shorthands). Some examples:

• Single Recipient

  If the single guy or girl is bringing a date who is someone you know, get the individual's address and send a separate invitation because "& Guest" on an outer envelope can be impersonal. Roommates who aren't honeys should each receive their own invite.

  Ms. Abigail Ansch
  44 Acorn Drive
  Houston, Texas 11111

• Married Couple, Traditional

  Mr. and Mrs. Harold Paris
  92 Pacific Avenue
  New York, New York 12121

• Married Couple, Modern

  Harold and Emma Paris
  92 Pacific Avenue
  New York, New York 12121