Invitation Etiquette
Thank God for this site! Here are a few scenarios that we`ve run into while creating our invitation list. I need to know the true, Martha Stewart-like, rules of etiquette (not just opinions), when addressing envelopes for the following:
1.) If inviting a widow and her new boyfriend; is it - "Mrs. John Jones and Guest" or "Ms. John Jones and Guest"?
2.) What do you write when inviting a single custodial father, his children, and the new girlfriend? I was thinking - "Mr. John Jones, Guest and Children"
3.) What do you write when inviting a husband and wife, but the wife emphatically uses a hyphenated last name? (For example: John Jones and Jane Anderson-Jones) Should you still write - "Mr. And Mrs. John Jones"? or "Mr. John Jones and Mrs. Jane Anderson-Jones"?
Any knowledge that you all may have would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by Audra; updated 05/14/04
Reply
I just started an at home study program to be a bridal consultant yesterday so I am going to relay what my book says about this..
1). NEVER put "and guest", find out the guests name.
It does not say about a widowed guest so I am going to guess whichever she is comfortable with. The boyfriend should receive a seperate invite.
2). On the outside envelope you may put the father and his girlfriend in alphabetical order, not gender. On the inner envelope you would put their names as well as the childrens. Or you could send the girlfriend a seperate invite.
3). With the lady`s name being hyphenated, she would go first.. Mrs. Lisa Brown-Jackson and Mr. Jackson.
Hope this helps!
Posted by brandy; updated 05/20/04
