Expert: Robin Gifford - 11/3/2006

Question
Thank you.  What if the wife is a doctor also and uses her maiden name?

outer envelope- Doctor Michelle Dew and Doctor Frank Smith
inner envelope- ?????
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
My wedding officiant is Pastor Frank Smith.  He also has a PHD.  His wife Michelle is a medical doctor.  I feel I should give attention to his Pastor title since he is the officiant but I am not sure.  Could you please help me with addressing the outer and inner envelope?

Outer envelope:  Pastor and Doctor Frank Smith
  or
Outer envelope:  Doctors Michelle and Frank Smith.

Inner envelope:  Doctors Smith
  or
Inner envelope:  Pastor and Doctor Smith

Thank you for your help.
-----Answer-----
Dear Angela,

Thank you for your question. It can get a bit confusing when so many titles are given.

Here is the proper protocol when addressing invitations to a Protestant clergyman who is a doctor and his wife, also a doctor:

The outer envelope:
The Reverend Dr. Frank Smith and Dr. Michelle Smith
address

The inner envelope:
To quote Letitia Baldrige: "Address to a person with his or her or their family name and title only. If children are invited, their given names are included on the inside envelope.
Ex: Doctors Smith
  Jane, Ben and Eric
With that said, you should address like this:
Doctors Smith

You didn't ask, but if you are using place cards at the reception, you would simply put Dr. Smith on each card.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have additional questions.

Robin

Answer
Dear Angela,

The same rules apply.

The Reverend Dr. Frank Smith and Dr. Michelle Dew. Lead with the husband, especially since he is your officiant. I know that "The Reverend Dr..." is a little odd sounding if you aren't use to it. I worked with a person with this title for a long time and had to publish it over and over, so got use to it.

On the inner envelope you will write:
Dr. Smith and Dr. Dew

You're going to get this one right!

Thanks for the follow up.

Robin