There
are so many possible variables when it comes to properly addressing an
envelope, card, or letter. This is
especially true today with domestic partners and with ‘Ms.’ as a common option
for women.
Our
confusion, especially for older people, is easy to understand when we take into
consideration that traditionally widowed women would use the title ‘Mrs. husband’s
first name’ instead of her first name.
Today,
however, in many locations women
never use their husband’s first name.
So, what is proper these days in the world of correspondence?
Addressing a Woman Who Uses Two Last Names on an Envelope
Dear
Polite One,
How
do I address a business/social
gathering invitation to a female associate who uses both her maiden and married
name? For example: if they are Denise Dailey-Markham and Dale
is the husband?
Too
Many Names
Dear
Too Many Names,
You
could list her name on the first line with his underneath. We use this
form for business letters quite often.
Example
Denise
Dailey-Markham
Dale
Markham
Most
sincerely,
The
Polite One
How to Address the Envelope to a Couple?
Dear
Polite One,
What
is the correct style when you invite a couple for a function?
1)
Do you address the invitation card as Mr. & Mrs. J. H. Smith. Or,
2)
Mrs. & Mr. J. H. Smith
Visitor
Dear
Visitor,
It
is Mr. and Mr. J.H. Smith. However, if you use first names, it would be
written: Mr. and Mrs. Jane and John Smith or Jane and John Smith. A man
is never separated from his last name. This
is a very silly old rule
that many still follow.
Most
sincerely,
The
Polite One
Is the Address Right Adjusted or Centered?
Dear
Polite One,
On
the outer envelope, I’ve had conflicting advice on how to position the
address. Should the lines be horizontally centered as staggered, or
left-justified, so the start of every line is in the same position?
Outer
Envelope Confusion
Dear
Outer Envelope Confusion,
Centered
is formal, but this is the form we use for the invitation—the inner envelope.
Because we must address these for the post office as well as for the guest,
left-justify these.
Most
sincerely,
The
Polite One
When to Use ‘Master’ On an Invitation for a Boy?
Dear
Polite One,
At
what age do you stop using Master and use Mr. on invitations to young males?
My daughter is in a debutante program and will be sending out party invitations
to the escorts who are 17 and 18 years old. Do we use Master or Mr.?
Mastering
Invitations
Dear
Mastering Invitations,
I
can see the use of ‘Master’ will disappear soon, as this title has a
negative connotation. For now, here is a
list of how to use titles for children:
Boys
under the age of
7
Master John
Smith
Dear John,
Boys
7-18
John
Smith
Dear John,
Man
18 or
over
Mr. John Smith
Dear Mr. John
Smith,
Most
sincerely,
The
Polite One
More
by The Polite One
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