How to address the invitations Whether you're hiring a calligrapher to pen the names of your invited guests or you're trying your own hand at the task, know the proper procedure. Here are the ins and outs of addressing 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 Ms. Abigail Ansch 44 Acorn Drive NOTE: 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. MARRIED COUPLE, TRADITIONAL Mr. and Mrs. Harold Paris MARRIED COUPLE, MODERN Harold and Emma Paris MARRIED COUPLE, DIFFERENT LAST NAMES / UNMARRIED COUPLE, LIVING TOGETHER Connie Chideya & Dr. Darren Duncan NOTE: Always list the names in alphabetical order. INVITED WITH KIDS Mr. and Mrs. Ebert Estonia & Farrah Estonia NOTE: Names of children under 18 years old need not appear on the outer envelope, but over-18-ers who live at home should either appear on their parents' envelope or, preferably, be sent their own invitation. THE INNER ENVELOPE Formal invitations are always slipped into an unsealed inner envelope to be placed inside the outer envelope. They are addressed in a more informal fashion -- typically only title abbreviations and last name -- and include the names of all invitees at the address, including children. SINGLE RECIPIENT, TRADITIONAL Ms. Ansch SINGLE RECIPIENT, MODERN Abigail or Aunt Abigail MARRIED COUPLE, TRADITIONAL Mr. and Mrs. Bailey MARRIED COUPLE, MODERN Ben and Tamika MARRIED COUPLE, DIFFERENT LAST NAMES / UNMARRIED COUPLE, LIVING TOGETHER Ms. Chideya & Dr. Duncan or Connie and Darren A FAMILY Mr. and Mrs. Estonia & Farrah, Gilbert, and Harriet