With wedding season ramping up and summer just around the corner a lot of couples are beginning the daunting task of addressing their wedding invitations. Here are a few basic etiquette tips to help you avoid the most common mistakes!

Be sure you are using the proper title (Mr. & Mrs. etc.). Be especially careful with earned titles such as Dr. as some people may get offended if they are not addressed properly.

 When addressing a married couple with the same last name, the traditional way is Mr. and Mrs. John Smith.

 If the couple is unmarried, address them like this, Mr. John Johnson and Ms. Sarah Smith

 If you are giving a guest a plus one but do not know their name put, Mr. John Smith and Guest

 For a family with children (if you are inviting the children), you can address the invitation one of three ways.

The Smith Family –address the entire family at once

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Family –name the parents and include the children all in one

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Samantha and Mark Smith –List everyone individually, by name

You’ve already narrowed down your guest list which is the hardest part! Addressing your invitations weather you are doing your own calligraphy or having them printed is all a part of the home stretch!