In addition, there are a few key things to keep in mind: When addressing envelopes for your wedding invitations, for your Christmas cards or for any other occasion, the most important etiquette rule to remember is to be conscientious of the recipient’s preferred title. Understanding the proper title etiquette is especially important when you are writing cards and letters. Once they mature, they are typically referred to as “mister,” regardless of their age or marital status.įollow the Proper Etiquette When Addressing Cards and Letters Master: This title can sometimes be used to address young boys.Abbreviate the term “mister” to “Mr.” if you are using it as part of a man’s title. Mister or Mr.: This is the term that is used to address men, whether they are married or unmarried.Doctor: Use this title if the woman or man you are addressing is a doctor, or if he or she has a PhD.In addition to knowing when to use “Miss”, “Ms.” and “Mrs.,” it’s helpful to be familiar with a few additional titles for men and women, and to understand when to use them. When in doubt, it’s best to ask the woman how she would prefer to be addressed.

Keep in mind that some women prefer to keep “Mrs.” in their title even after their spouse passes away or after divorce. “Mrs.” is the official title to use for a married woman. If you do not know a woman’s preferred title or marital status, this is often the best option to go with. This title has become more popular and is now promoted as the female equivalent of mister. Using “Ms.” is often the safest option, as this is a neutral title that can be used for a woman whether she is married or not. If you are unsure, it never hurts to ask! When to Use Ms.

Most older women who are unmarried prefer to go by “Ms.,” though this often comes down to personal preference. “Miss” should be used when addressing a young, unmarried woman. Mrs.: Use “Mrs.” when addressing a married woman.Ms.: Use “Ms.” when you are not sure of a woman’s marital status, if the woman is unmarried and over 30 or if she prefers being addressed with a marital-status neutral title.Miss: Use “Miss” when addressing young girls and women under 30 that are unmarried.and Mrs., address the outer and inner envelopes with the proper title. Using what you now know regarding the differences between Miss, Ms. Your guests are important to you, which is why they’ve been chosen to be invited to participate in your special ceremony or elopement. Whether you choose to have a huge event or a more intimate elopement, read on to learn when to use “Miss”, “Ms.” and “Mrs.” for every wedding planning situation.Īddressing wedding invitations is just as important as the information on the invite itself. While the rules are fairly simple, keep in mind that the best title to use always comes down to the woman’s preference. Knowing these rules will help you feel confident that you are using a woman’s proper title, both in person and when you are addressing cards and invitations.

Addressing an envelope to a widow