When it comes to sending out Holiday cards, the last step to sending the perfect greeting is addressing your cards with the proper etiquette.
Miss or Ms. or Mrs.? Miss is an unmarried woman or young girl under the age of 18. Mrs. is a married woman. Ms. can be used for any woman, no matter her marital status. If youâre unsure of the recipientâs marital status, use the titles âMs. Jane Smithâ or âMr. John Smithâ. In business, Ms. is usually the most appropriate.
For married women keeping their maiden name, use her first name and maiden name and her spouseâs first and last name. Use Ms. in this case. For women who are engaged and those living with a spouse, use Ms. with the womanâs maiden name until married.
Use titles for associates and acquaintances. If you are sending Holiday cards to a person that youâre not close with, use formal titles when addressing their envelope, such as âMr. John Doeâ or âMs. Jane Doeâ.
Titles for a married couple: Address a married couple traditionally as âMr. and Mrs. John Doeâ or try âMr. and Mrs. John and Jane Doeâ for a modern twist.
Titles for an unmarried couple that live together: Address an unmarried couple that lives together by joining their names with âandâ, such as âMr. John Smith and Ms. Jane Doeâ.
Titles for a family: Use the familyâs last name to address your card if the card is intended for the entire family, i.e. write âThe Smith Familyâ. (See below for tips to pluralize last names.)
Use professional titles. Always use professional titles when addressing your card to doctors, members of the clergy, or elected officials.
Use informal titles for close friends and loved ones. If youâre sending a card to a person that youâre very close with, you can skip the title and use âJohn Doeâ or âJane Doeâ when addressing your card.
Use a companyâs office address when sending business Holiday cards. If youâre sending cards to a company or a colleague, always send the card to their primary office address.
Donât use abbreviations. Avoid using abbreviations for street names. For instance, spell out âTer.â as âTerraceâ or âSt.â as âStreetâ. Addresses should be printed in all capital letters, according to the US Postal Service. This is to ensure your cards arrive at the correct addresses.
Pluralizing Last Names:
You donât need apostrophes. Incorrect: âThe Howardâs wish you a Happy Holiday.â
Most last names simply need an -s. The SMITHS and The WILSONS and The BUCKNERS
Last names ending in -s, add an -es. The JONESES and The WILLIAMSES
Names ending in -x, -z, -ch or -sh get -es too. The MADDOXES and The MARTINEZES and The FLETCHES
OR add âFamilyâ after the last name. The JONES Family and The SMITH Family
You do need an apostrophe for a possessive with an S. The Smith family is hosting a party should be The SMITHSâ Holiday Party
Happy Holidays from 305 Hive!