calling all you etiquette experts... invitation wording help!

[Jen_91909]

Ok, so we have decided to take the less formal route in addressing the invitations in that we are dropping the Mr. & Mrs. titles and just going with first and last names.

The question is, for a married couple sharing the same last name, is there a "proper" order to list the names in (man or woman first?)

Ex:
Lauren & Michael Doe
123 Oak Street
Anytown, USA
55555

or

Michael & Lauren Doe
123 Oak Street
Anytown, USA
55555

Or does it not matter at all? Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Blair138]

It should be the man first.

 

[brightlight]

Date: 5/26/2009 10:00:14 PM
Author:Jen_91909
Ok, so we have decided to take the less formal route in addressing the invitations in that we are dropping the Mr. & Mrs. titles and just going with first and last names.

The question is, for a married couple sharing the same last name, is there a ''proper'' order to list the names in (man or woman first?)

Ex:
Lauren & Michael Doe
123 Oak Street
Anytown, USA
55555

or

Michael & Lauren Doe
123 Oak Street
Anytown, USA
55555

Or does it not matter at all? Thanks in advance for the help!

I believe the wife''s name comes first. From what I remember, the man''s name is never separated from the last name.

 

[Jen_91909]

Ha, see I''ve heard both these answers before, hence my confusion!

 

[ash313]

I would put the woman''s name first, for the reason Brightlight suggested. That''s what I recall being appropriate. However, since you''re dropping titles, you''re going a little less formal anyway, so I would go with whatever feels right to you!

Sorry, that is not helpful AT ALL, is it?

 

[brightlight]

If we disregard what''s proper in terms of etiquette, I''m also thinking "ladies first" might apply here like with wedding favors.

 

[kama_s]

You can follow one of two rules, but stick with the same rule for all your invitations:

- Alphabetically
- Woman first (which is my preference)

In your case, whichever rule you use, Lauren''s name comes first.

 

[DiamondsforDee]

Brightlight is correct! A man is never separated from his last name. I''m sure most people would not notice or care, but technically it should be Lauren and Michael Doe.

 

[meresal]

Ditto to DFD. Women's first. The woman could have changed her last name or kept her maiden name, it doesn't matter, but the man should always be attached to his last name.

Judy James marries Jon Doe. They will be addressed, Judy and Jon Doe.