How to... Center a Guest List

When I ask a client how they want their envelopes justified (left, staggered, or centered) they usually pick centered. I agree it usually looks best. However the problem is that I usually get a guest list that looks like this:

Mr. John Henry.....1234 Sea Shore Drive......Holly, Michigan 49555

and the client wants me to eyeball that address and center it PERFECTLY on an envelope. Well, this is where I have to say it is impossible to get right all the time and I believe most calligraphers would agree. What happens is that I end up rewriting lots of addresses. I've decided that if I educate my clients on how to create a guest list that is easily centered using excell then we both win. I have an easier time writing out the addresses and the client gets practically perfect centered lines! Here is how....

To begin with create an alphabetized guest list just as I explain here. Be sure that the four line address is stacked in the same cell by pressing ALT + ENTER at the end of each line of address. Once you have completed these tasks highlight your entire list and press the centering tool on your toolbar. You will end up with a beautifully centered list like the one below. And should help to make your calligraphy more perfect than ever!

How to...Create an Alphabetized Excell Guest List

Most of the time I receive Guest Lists that have no organization to them at all. They especially are not alphabetized, which makes it almost impossible to go over a guest list with a client when I have questions. I end up making some statement like this, "Mr. Jones address which is on the page that has Mrs. Palmer at the top." Not exactly professional. Today, I would like to give a simple "How To" on creating an alphabetized guest list on Excell.

First on all, there is one extra step that you must take that most don't even realize. You must designate the very first column as "Last Name" only. It is this step alone that allows you to alphabetize your guest list. Type in every guest, couple or family as you see below.

IMPORTANT: I really want the three line address just like it is below, stacked. You can do this very easily by pressing ALT + ENTER at the end of each line to create another line for the address. Press them together when the cursor is at the end of the line of address. See my next How To blog on centering addresses.

After you have two or three columns filled in (only two if you don't have inner envelopes) highlight ALL your information in one box just like it is below. Then move your cursor to the tool bar at the top and click the button that says "AZ" with an arrow pointing down, also known as "Sort Ascending". You can see that button highlighted below.

After you press the "Sort Acending" button (or what I call the alphabetizing button) your information will be alphabetized!!! It is that easy. Check it out below. The best part is that you can do this periodically as you go along making your guest list to help you keep track if you already have Grandma on the list or not! Just follow the same directions over again. Excell is super easy if you just use the right tools!

Ashley and James' Wedding Envelopes

I have been busy creating these super fun envelopes for Ashley and James' Wedding coming up in June. Ashley won a giveaway that I hosted on April Foster's blog back in January and chose to use her prize toward envelope addressing. I just adore the color of these envelopes and can't wait to see the rest of her wedding ideas! She hasn't even seen these beauties yet...but I wanted to give you all a little sneak preview. Don't you want you receive one of these in your mailbox come April or May??? Congratulations Ashley and James!

Envelope Addressing Etiquette for Outer Envelope Only Invitations::Including Children

Having inner envelopes is the formal way to list childrens names on an invitation normally. But if your invitation does not have inner envelopes, the first (listed below) is the most accepted "formal" way of all. I prefer the second if there are more than 2 children as it gets really sloppy and sometimes impossible to write it nice the first way. You can use different options for different families depending on how many children, how well you know them, etc. It's your day so you choose. ALWAYS, list by age and give a separate invitation to children over 18 years of age!

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

Miss Amy Smith and Mr. Joseph Smith
1234 Main Street

Anytown, Michigan 4444

or

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

Amy, Susan, Joel and Joseph Smith
1234 Main Street

Anytown, Michigan 4444

or

(use if listing is too long or you don't know the children's names)

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Family
1234 Main Street

Anytown, Michigan 4444

Envelope Addressing Etiquette for Outer Envelope Only Invitations

Many brides are opting for a less formal invitation, for very good reasons, too. They are saving paper and money by choosing folder or enveloped invitations which don't require an inner envelope. Or they are just saying no to the inner envelope completely creating a laid back style that is fresh and new.

What happens with fresh and new is that there are not many resources to help us use proper etiquette to address the envelopes to our loved ones. Don't fear. I have compiled a useful guide that gives you options, choose the one that fits your wedding best. But be certain that you are addressing in a way that includes everyone, including children. Yet still gives your wedding the style you want it to have. This guide will be a two part post to help keep it short for those looking for something in particular.

The first post includes standard outer envelopes with only adults.

Traditionally, envelopes are addressed this way:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
1234 Main Street
Anytown, Michigan 4444

Although some brides want it to be more personal. They would write the names informally this way, but only if there is no inner envelope and you don't want it to be formal:

John and Nancy Smith
1234 Main Street
Anytown, Michigan 4444

If you are addressing envelopes to an unmarried couple living together (I also included the proper way to write out an apartment):

Mr. John Smith
Ms. Nancy Smith
1234 Main Street
Apartment 345
Anytown, Michigan 4444

If the husband is a doctor:

Doctor and Mrs. John Smith
1234 Joy Lane
Anytown, Michigan 4444

If the wife is a doctor:

Doctor Nancy Smith and Mr. John Smith
1234 Blue Boulevard
Anytown, Michigan 4444

If they are both doctors:

The Doctors Smith
1234 Main Street
Anytown, Michigan 4444


These rules are the same for outer envelopes with inner envelopes...the next post will highlight things that change!!!