Wedding invitation etiquette — I’m a stickler for it, but I come by it naturally: I’m a calligrapher and dwell in wedding invitation envelopes. I must confess: I can’t cram names anymore! Two adult names plus three children’s names PLUS an address were never supposed to go one envelope.

And it’s ok.

You didn’t know.

Here’s a quick reference list for wedding addressing invitation rules — I hope it helps give some guidance!

1 | Don’t use nicknames.

C’mon, they got a rockin’ full name. This is their chance to shine! If you don’t know their full name, send that Facebook message … and there is always something called Google and voter registration database. I’m not saying, but I’m just saying.

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2 |  Don’t use initials.

Dunno the middle name? Drop the initial.

3 | Don’t abbreviate “Doctor” or “Lieutenant,” etc.

They worked hard for that title. Let’s give ’em the whole word.

4 | Abbreviating Sr., Jr., etc. is ok! But if spelling them out, have a comma before. For example, “William Frederick Carter, junior”

5 | Don’t abbreviate street names

It’s not St. — it’s a street. And yeah, Boulevard is a long word, but dangit if it doesn’t look beautiful in calligraphy!

6 | Don’t use numerals for numbers under 13 — write it out!

Example, “One Felder Avenue”

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7 | Don’t abbreviate directions.

Example, “Henley Court Southeast”

8 | Don’t abbreviate the state

Example, “New Hampshire”

Bottom line? Don’t abbreviate anything on the fanciest invitation you’ll send — of all times, this is your chance to channel your inner Princess Di and send out that classy correspondence to full names and addresses.

Need a bit of help getting started with that wedding invitation list? Grab my free spreadsheet template here!