addressing save the dates

lincoln64

Hi - I made my cousin's save the dates and I'm now working on addressing them and could use some help!  I have two questions:

1) When addressing the save the dates to a single person who will be invited with a guest, should the envelope read: "Mr. John Smith" or "Mr. John Smith and Guest"

2) When addressing the save the date to a family, should it read: "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Family" or "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith & Family".   I'm unsure when to spell out "and" and when to use the "&" symbol.

TIA!

kristinanddan

1) If you know for sure that they will be invited with a guest, I would include it. The entire purpose of a save the date is for your guests to have a heads up and make travel arrangements if necessary, and whether or not someone is invited with a guest could make a difference.
If the person you are inviting is dating someone, you really should try and find out that person's name. If they aren't, or if you can't, "and Guest" is fine.

2) It would be "and." Using "and family" can get you into a bit of trouble though. Is it a couple and their kids? It is more clear if you name everyone, at least imo.

balasj

I agree - if you know that person is invited with a guest, include "and guest" or the dates name if possible so that everyone can start making arrangements in advance.  That happened with my group of friends - one was unclear if she would be with a guest or not to another friend's wedding and wanted to know if she should make her own hotel reservation or if she should find another single friend of ours to room with for the night.  So, helps with the planning to know in advance!

As for family, I think it's most proper to write "and" but I don't think its a big deal to use &.  But do confirm that ALL of those who get an "and family" invitation are welcome to bring kids of all ages.  When in doubt, writing specific names is most clear.  If everyone is welcome regardless of age, "and family" is fine.