ASK ANDREA

Here is a common question I get:

Hi Andrea:

I have a question for you about addressing envelopes.

Some of my friends that are married go by their maiden names; what is the proper way to address the envelopes for them? I can't believe I am having a hard time figuring this out!

Cary Grant and Marilynn Monroe

This is an excellent question:

Address the invitation the same way you would address one to a couple who is living together but not married (in other words, any couple with different last names). Names are listed alphabetically, no matter which person (woman or man) comes first. The outer envelope should look like this

Mr. Cary Grant and Ms. Marilynn Monroe