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How to Properly Address an Envelope in 2025: A Complete Guide

Even though we live in a digital world, some things are better done the "old-fashioned way." One example is sending letters, both official and informal, through the mail.

Even though we live in a digital world, some things are better done the “old-fashioned way.” One example is sending letters, both official and informal, through the mail. If you plan to keep writing handwritten thank-you notes, holiday cards, and wedding invitations, it’s important to follow the right etiquette rules for each part, especially if you haven’t done it in a while.

After you’ve written a nice thank-you note on your stationery or received your party cards from the printer, the next step is to address the envelopes. It might seem simple, but using people’s names—whether they are friends or just acquaintances—can be a delicate matter. It’s also an important practical matter: The names on the envelope tell the receivers who the invitation, thank-you note, or gift is for. You don’t want to accidentally leave anyone out (or include them).

Thankfully, there are some tried-and-true rules and etiquette guidelines that are easy to follow. We’ve gathered all the important details about writing envelopes in this easy-to-use guide so you can do it correctly every time.

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Using Abbreviations

In formal letters, use the full names of the recipients, like Rebecca instead of Becca, and include their middle name if you have it. Use full names and address types without any short forms, like “Avenue” instead of “Ave.” and “Apartment” instead of “Apt.” For informal messages like thank-you notes and holiday cards, it’s fine to use nicknames and abbreviations if that’s what the person prefers.

Using the Right Titles

Addressing boxes can be tricky because there are many choices and factors to consider. (Note: It’s fine to skip titles when writing informal notes to close friends and family, but you can include them if you want to be sure.) If you’re creating formal wedding cards, take a look at our complete guide here. We’ve included the general rules below.

Addressing Women

  • Girls under 18 should be called Miss (Miss Rachel Harris).
  • Single women over 18 or married women who keep their given name should be addressed as Ms. (for example, Ms. Anna Smith).
  • It’s important to use the right title for divorced and split women, but if you’re not sure, using “Ms.” is usually a good choice. If they’ve returned to their maiden name, Ms. is definitely right. When using “Ms.,” don’t include the husband’s first name. For example, say Ms. Anna Smith (her given name) or Ms. Anna Jones (her married name).
  • For widowed women, the same rule holds, but it’s common to use “Mrs.” followed by their late husband’s first and last names (like Mrs. Henry Jones).
  • When writing to a married woman who has her husband’s last name, you can traditionally use “Mrs.” followed by her husband’s first name, like “Mrs. Henry Jones.” However, you can also use her first name if it seems more suitable for the situation, like “Mrs. Anna Jones.”

Addressing Couples

  • Married pairs where both partners take the husband’s last name should be called Mr. and Mrs. followed by his first and last name (like Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jones).
  • Married couples who have different last names should use “Ms.” and “Mr.” with their full names, connected by “and” (for example, Ms. Anna Smith and Mr. Henry Jones). The order of names doesn’t have to be strict.
  • Unmarried couples and same-gender pairs who live together should also follow the rule mentioned above. In all instances, if both names cannot fit on one line, write them on two separate lines without the “and” (whomever you’re closer to can be listed first, or it’s usual to list same-gender couples alphabetically by last name). (Ms. Emily Wood, Mr. George Swan, or Ms. Nancy Hall, followed by Ms. Elizabeth Sams.)

Addressing Families

When sending invites, clearly state who is invited by listing their names on the envelope. This is especially important for children and weddings.

  • List any children under 18 on the line below their parents’ names, in order of age, without using titles or last names. For example: Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jones (next line): Emma, James, and Stephen.
  • For casual messages meant for the whole family, the way above works well. You can also address the family using the father’s first and last name, like “The Henry Jones Family.”
  • Here’s a simple tip for making last names plural: Don’t use it when addressing a family directly, but you can use it in the return address on an envelope or when signing a holiday card. Just add “s” or “es” to the last name—no apostrophes, please!

Using Professional Titles

When sending invites, clearly state who is invited by listing their names on the envelope. This is especially important for children and weddings.

  • List any children under 18 on the line below their parents’ names, in order of age, without using titles or last names. For example: Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jones (next line): Emma, James, and Stephen.
  • For casual messages meant for the whole family, the way above works well. You can also address the family using the father’s first and last name, like “The Henry Jones Family.”
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