How to Address an Envelope to a Married Couple

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It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the etiquette of addressing a couple. Fortunately, traditions are changing and there's no longer a "right" or "wrong" way. Consider whether the couple uses the same last name, hyphenates, or uses different names. Then determine if you'd like to use formal titles or just list their names. Always remember to put accurate mailing information and include your return address on the envelope.

EditSteps

EditWriting a Formal Envelope

1. Use "Mr. and Mrs. [His First Name Last Name]" for a traditional approach. Although the rules of etiquette are quickly changing, traditionally couples are addressed using the husband's name. For example:^[1]
   
   • Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gaiman
   • Mr. and Ms. John Steele
   • Mr. and Mrs. Bill Oster
2. Put just the titles and couple's last name for a bold look. If you don't want to write the couple's first names, write their titles and the family name. For example, put Ms. and Ms. Gaiman or Mr. and Mrs. Cameron.
   
3. Write the person's official title before their name if applicable. If either person or both people are in the military, have a graduate degree, or are members of the clergy, write their title before listing their first or last name.^[2]
   
   • For example, you might write Dr. Matt Rivers and Dr. Megan Merritt. If one of them is clergy, you may list The Reverend and Mrs. Jordan. For military, you could write Lieutenant Beth March and Mr. Greg Wharton.
4. Include first names if you're writing a last name with a hyphen. If one of the person's married name is hyphenated, list each person's title and first name. You should also list the full name of the person who's married name isn't hyphenated.^[3]
   
   • For example, write Mr. Matthew Vargas and Ms. Sofia Townsend-Vargas.

EditAddressing an Informal Envelope

1. List the couple's first names for an informal style. To keep it personal and casual, write the couple's first and last names and forgo the titles. Put either of the names first or place them alphabetically.^[4]
   
   • For example, write Adam and Ruben Martinez or Olivia and Jackson Montgomery.
2. Put the couple's names and then "and Family" for a casual envelope. If you'd like to address a married couple along with their household, list the couple's first names along with their shared last name or different last names. Then write "and Family" after the names.^[5]
   
   • For example, write Ava and Mark Lee and Family. For different last names, write Ava Tan, Mark Lee, and Family.
3. Write the family's last name if you don't want to list individual names. For a simple way to address the couple and their family, just write the family name. For example, write The Lee Family or The Tan-Lee Family.^[6]
   

EditWriting Address Information

1. Write the couple's names on the center of the envelope. Once you've decided how you'd like to address the couple, put their names in the center of the envelope. Leave yourself lots of space to write out their names on a single line.
   
2. Include the address under the names. On the line below the names, write the street address or P.O. box, name of the city, state or province, and postal code. For example, your address may look like this:^[7]
   
   • Mr. and Mrs. Riggs
     2044 Willowbend Rd.
     Columbia, MO 65201
3. Put your return address in the upper left corner of the envelope. List either your full name or last name in the top left corner. Under your name, write your full mailing address. For example, your return address may look like:^[8]
   
   • Cole Jameson
     1254 Heather St.
     Grand Lake, CO 80448

EditTips

• If you're sending the envelope internationally, write the name of the country on the line below the postal code.
• If you're addressing a large number of envelopes, choose a single method and remain consistent.
• To address an envelope to an unmarried couple, list their names in alphabetical order.^[9]

EditSources and Citations

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