Gain some early etiquette experience by properly addressing graduation invitations.
Addressing a graduation invitation is not as simple as sending a letter to someone. For any event as formal as a graduation, there is a specific etiquette meant to be followed, and even if it doesn't seem important to the student, it will be important to some of the invited guests. Students should use graduation as a first step in getting acquainted with formal etiquette.
Mailing Envelope
Your mailing envelope is the larger one with the gummed flap. Write the formal names of the invitees, but do not include the names of children living in the house. Spell out the full addresses and states. For example, Republican St. should be written as Republican Street, and Concordia, KS should be Concordia, Kansas. If you're unsure if the address is a street, drive, or road, you can look it up with ZIP code plus four look-up.
Titles
On the main envelope, you should use invitee's formal titles. Dr. should be used for anyone who holds a doctorate degree. Mr. refers to men, whether married or not. A married woman who keeps her maiden name should be listed as Ms., as in Ms. Lorna Dochow. If she uses her married name, it should be Mrs. David Chestnut, even if she is widowed. A married couple with the same last name should read Mr. and Mrs. David Chestnut. Miss is optional when referring to someone who is not married, but use Ms. if you are not sure of her preference.
Inner Envelope
This can be addressed informally, such as Aunt Erin or Grandma. You should list every person who is invited on this envelope, including children. If you are intentionally excluding someone within a family, such as children, or a wayward aunt or cousin, do not list them on this envelope. Consider that excluding anyone can be considered poor etiquette, except under extreme situations.
Return Address
Add your return address on the mailing envelope flap as out-of-town guests may use it to send gifts. You can use either appropriately themed pre-printed labels, or it can be handwritten. Be careful with positioning so that it won't be covered with the foil seal.
Writing Tools
Etiquette dictates that addressing should be done by hand. Write legibly using black or blue ink. A calligraphy pen is an excellent choice as it lends itself to the formality of the event.
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