Master vs Mister

myname1234

I haven't seen this one on here, but i apologize if it's been covered.

I have a few young boys that will be attending my wedding (ring bearer, sons of the wedding party).

Is it still considered appropriate to use "Master" for their title?  It sounds dreadful to me, but "Mr." seems out of place on a 3 year old.

side note: without creating undo posts, I wanted to thank those that have given me the decorating suggestions last month.  I was able to work out some part-timers to come in and do set up.  I had to cut a bit appetizer assortments down from 5 to 3, but I think (hope) it's worth it to not have to ask my wedding party to help out.

dumdumfroggie

Are you having a formal wedding?

If you're not, I'd probably forego the titles for the boys.  However, if you are going to use them, Master is the correct title, though I think you could probably use Mr. as well.

kcscejal

Yes, but I didn't like the way it sounded, so I just listed kids without titles.

myname1234

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_master-vs-mister?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:4c1645cd-bc7c-47b1-90d3-04036f220922Post:37e6c704-4d23-4919-af18-8c33a871fbec">Re: Master vs Mister</a>:
[QUOTE]Are you having a formal wedding? If you're not, I'd probably forego the titles for the boys.  However, if you are going to use them, Master is the correct title, though I think you could probably use Mr. as well.
Posted by dumdumfroggie[/QUOTE]

It's leaning more toward formal, but I messed up with the invite selection (I ordered them out BEFORE I learned about the 'formal invites set the tone' theory).

Everything is titled/full names (Thomas instead of Tom, etc) otherwise.

ChristineNB

I don't know the etiquette here but master does not sound appropriate for a small child.

aragx6

My grandmother used to send correspondence my little brothers with them listed as master, but I'm not sure I've seen it since. I think it's awfully cute, but is definitely pretty antiquated at this point!

aragx6

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_master-vs-mister?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:4c1645cd-bc7c-47b1-90d3-04036f220922Post:f95524dc-4cf4-4141-a394-7c9cda1c0870">Re: Master vs Mister</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't know the etiquette here but master does not sound appropriate for a small child.
Posted by ChristineNB[/QUOTE]

It's perfectly appropriate.

<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_(form_of_address" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_(form_of_address</a>)

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

You'll get differing opinions, but I've heard of a cut-off age of 10, 13, 16 and 18 for the use of Master vs. Mister. A 3 year old should definitely be Master.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_master-vs-mister?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:4c1645cd-bc7c-47b1-90d3-04036f220922Post:f95524dc-4cf4-4141-a394-7c9cda1c0870">Re: Master vs Mister</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't know the etiquette here but master does not sound appropriate for a small child.
Posted by ChristineNB[/QUOTE]

Uh, when else would you use it if NOT on a small child? That's like saying a 5 year old girl shouldn't be addressed as Miss.

OliveOilsMom

I addressed my nephews invitations (2 & 5) as Master.  My aunt used to send birthday cards in the mail addressed as Master to my brothers.  As kids, we always thought it was funny.  So I knew my brother would get a kick out of seeing his kids' names written with Master. 

But as rachers said, I would go with Master or no title at all.

Tami87

I ended up putting Mr. for all the men, even for small children. Master is the correct term for young boys, but it sounded old fashion to me and I could see my family finding it odd. Maybe they will find Mr. for young kids odd too but oh well it is already done and invites go out this weekend!

NOLAbridealmost

I agree with CMG. Master is always proper for a 12 and under male guest.  It's like Star Wars: Master Luke!

PhoneCardLady

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_master-vs-mister?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:4c1645cd-bc7c-47b1-90d3-04036f220922Post:24a05dda-f05a-4fc0-8504-8919ba0d6df6">Re: Master vs Mister</a>:
[QUOTE]Master is the corrrect title for any boy age 12 or under.  Miss is the correct title for any unmarried female, with Ms. also proper.
Posted by CMGr[/QUOTE]

This with a note:  Females under the age of 18 are referred to as Miss.  Divorced females are referred to as Ms. but older unmarried females may also be referred to this way.