Nancy Favorito Calligraphy

Beautiful Handwritten Calligraphy

Etiquette

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Contact Info:

Nancy Favorito

 

Phone:

201-232-5817

 

E-mail: calligraphy@nancyfavorito.com

Invitations set the tone for an event.  Although rules of etiquette are not cut in stone and vary by region or culture I will provide some basic guidelines to assist you in in addressing your guests.

The Outer Envelope of the Invitation: The outer envelope is the first impression of your event and also what is used by the post office to deliver the invitation. It is typically only addressed only to the person(s) living at the address and in the long formal format (example: Mr and Mrs. Joshua Jones). Children who are invited are not included on the outer envelope. If any additional guests over the age of 18 also reside at the same address, a separate invitation is typically sent.

 

The Inner Envelope: The inner envelope has the name of person(s) who are invited to the event. If children are invited, their names typically appear on the second line of the inner envelope. If you are inviting a single guest with a date include the name of the date (if it is known) or Guest/Friend so it is clear that their date is welcome. Many people like to use less formal names for the inner envelope such as “Nana and Grandpa” or “Uncle Jimmy”. This is your decision and perfectly acceptable.

 

The Table Cards or Escort Cards: If you choose to have cards set out to convey a table assignment these are typically written in simple formal language (example: Mr. and Mrs. Jones). However, if your family has many guests with the same last name, you may choose to include the man’s first name (example: Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Jones). You could also choose a more informal option (example: Joshua and Jill Jones). Unlike the inner envelope it is best to be consistent across the place cards because the cards will usually be displayed together on a table. It is proper etiquette to find out the name of any dates your guest may invite.  It is preferable to include their name on the place card instead of “Guest” or “Friend”.

 

Place Cards vs. Escort Cards: Technically, a place card is placed a person’s table setting and only contains the name of the person who is to sit there. An escort card is placed on a table and gives the guests (typically couples) their table assignments.  The use of place cards went out of style for many years but has made a resurgence with the growing trend of having very large long tables. It is not uncommon to use a personalized favor as a place setting.  When addressing formal place cards for women it is important to note that some women prefer to be addressed with their husband’s name, (example Mrs. Harold Rustin) and others may prefer their first name, (example Mrs. Mary Rustin). Place cards do not necessarily need to be consistent and both are acceptable.

 

Examples of  Addressing

Envelopes