Addressing Invitations - Outer vs. Inner Envelope

I often get questions about how to address invitations and what the inner envelope is for. It's a shame more people don't know the etiquette, which would save the brides & grooms a lot of stress.

There is actually a reason for the inner envelope - besides the historic reason (when the mail system wasn't what it is now...take the pony express for instance - you can imagine the outer envelope getting mightly dirty during the trip from your house to the guest's). The inner envelope is your opportunity to declare who EXACTLY is invited. For instance, say you decide you do not want your single friends to bring a date - the outer envelope and inner envelope are addressed only to your friend. If you are inviting them to bring a guest, the outer envelope would be addressed only to your friend and the inner envelope would say "Mark and Guest" indicating it is ok for Mark to bring a date. Same goes for children. The outer envelope would be addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Mark Bloom. The inner envelope, assuming the kids are invited, would be addressed to "Mark, Jane, Tom and Sara"

Having the inner envelope helps you control your guest list - now, if only everyone understood the etiquette and complied!!


Not always the planner....sometimes the guest....

My best friend from childhood, Alissa (whom I have known for almost 30 years) was married last weekend in Albuquerque, NM. I was able to sit back and relax and enjoy the wedding! Not that I don't always enjoy it, but I do work my tail off! Here's a picture of the gorgeous bride and I.


Happy Planning!

-Melissa

www.MoonriverWeddings.com