Envelope Etiquette...A'hem

Addressing envelopes can be tricky. Just follow these tips to get it right.

Where to Put the Return Addresses

Traditionally, the return address is written on the front, upper left-hand corner. But some use the back flap, either centered or across the top.

Where to Put the ZIP Code

Tradition would have you write the ZIP directly after the state or province and on the same line. For countries where states or provinces are not used in the address, the postal code goes after the city name. The country always follows on the next line.

How to Address an Envelope to Married Women

If a woman has adopted her husband's last name, it's usually safe to use her husband's first name "Mrs. William Joyner." This can be a bit old school, however. We favor using a woman's first and last name, which (good news) even the stuffiest etiquette hounds agree is A-OK these days.

You choose which title you want to use

"Mrs. Katherine Joyner" or "Ms. Katherine Joyner." For informal letters, first and last name alone is perfectly acceptable (as in, "Katherine Joyner").

How to Address an Envelope to Widows

If the recipient still uses her husband's last name, and especially if she is older, address the envelope with her former husband's first and last name: "Mrs. William Joyner."

How to Address an Envelope to Divorcees

If the recipient still uses her married last name, and especially if she is older, address the envelope with her first name and her married last name: "Mrs. Katherine Joyner" or "Ms. Katherine Joyner." If she has re-adopted her last name: "Ms. Katherine McCormack."

How to Address an Envelope to Couples

Formal correspondence to a married couple with the same last name should read: "Mr. and Mrs. William Joyner." Informal correspondence should read: "Kate and Will Joyner." Note that the woman's name is listed first.

When a married woman has not taken her husband's name, correspondence is addressed as "Ms. Katherine McCormack and Mr. William Joyner" on the same line. Again, the woman is listed first unless the husband has a professional title, such as Reverend: "Reverend William Joyner and Ms. Katherine McCormack." Living together but not married? List the names on separate lines.

Doctors are different. It really depends how the doctor is referred to socially. If she uses her title socially, then "Dr. Katherine and Mr. William Joyner" is the way to go. If both are doctors, then we prefer "Drs. Katherine and William Joyner."

Lawyers and justices of the peace: Refer to these folks as esquires. When using "Esquire" or "Esq.," just list the name: "Katherine Joyner, Esq." When writing to an esquire and her spouse, drop the "esquire."

How to Address an Envelope to Children

Until around the age of 10, first and last name is perfectly appropriate. From the age of about 10 to 21, young ladies are properly addressed as "Miss" and young men as "Master." After 21 years old, women are addressed as "Ms." and men as "Mr."