How to address wedding invitations Having a formal wedding? There's a proper way to address the invitations Couples may or may not share a last name, and that calls for protocol After a divorce or a death, names may or may not change Military titles, higher education and judgeships present special circumstances (Real Simple) -- You may have finalized the guest list, but that doesn't mean your wedding work is done. But you're so close! Sending the invitations sounds like a hassle-free to-do (off to the calligrapher they go!), but now's not the time to slack off. To make sure those formal invitations are addressed properly, we turned to Anna Post, author of "Emily Post's Etiquette, 18th edition," for her expert advice. Consult this trusty guide before putting anything in writing. All calligraphy done by Laura Hooper Calligraphy. Married Couple In this case, it is proper to use Mr. and Mrs. Dean Wooley. Spell out the husband's first name. If you decide to include the husband's middle name, it should be spelled out, not abbreviated as an initial. Lake Tahoe, California Monet's Garden, Paris Gallery: Dramatic destination wedding photos Paro, Bhutan Santorini, Greece Montego Bay, Jamaica Todos Santos, Mexico Chicago Strand Kombuis, South Africa Maidens Cove, Cape Town Iceland Playa Del Carmen, Mexico San Diego, California Brides around the world Single Female In the case of a single female guest, it is proper to use Ms. if she is over age 16 or 18. If she is younger, than Miss is the acceptable choice. Hyphenated Last Name In the case of a wife who has chosen to hyphenate her last name, then she should be addressed using Ms. (Mrs. is also acceptable) + her first name + maiden name + married name: Mr. David Crosby and Ms. Lynn Carter-Crosby. Unmarried Couple Living Together The word "and" was once used to represent a marriage, a union. This rule no longer applies. In the case of a couple who is living together, address the male first, followed by the female: Mr. Luke Davis and Ms. Mary Carter. Divorced Female Who Kept Her Married Name After a divorce, a woman might keep her married name. In this instance, it is okay to use Mrs. or Ms. to address the guest and use her first name (spelled out). It is often best to find out what she prefers to go by. Same Sex Couple In this case, it is totally acceptable to put either guest first. If you can't decide, address them in alphabetical order. Widow Traditionally, a widow retains her husband's name until she remarries. Some widows prefer to use their own first name as well. In this case, it is best to ask what she prefers. Mrs. John Dunlop or Mrs. Jane Dunlop would be acceptable. Divorced Female Who Uses Her Maiden Name After a divorce, a woman often stops using her husband's last name. Addressing her by either Ms. or Mrs. is acceptable. Married Couple, Both Doctors In the case of married doctors and the wife has taken her husband's last name, it is proper to use: The Doctors. Another acceptable option: Drs. Barbara and John Kline. Wife is a Doctor If her husband is not a "doctor," address invitations to Dr. Linda Smith and Mr. Mark Smith. Her name comes first because her professional title "outranks" his social title. Married Doctors With Different Last Names If both guests are doctors, but she has chosen to keep her last name, it is appropriate to address her first and with both full names: Doctor Maura Lydel and Doctor John Morris. Wife is a Commissioned Officer If her husband is not a "Captain," address invitations to Captain Sara Trace and Mr. Jake Trace. Husband is a Retired Commissioned Officer In this case, it is important to recognize the husband's position or ranking: Colonel and Mrs. Kurt Shaw. Husband is a Judge In this case it is appropriate to recognize a title, such as a judge: The Honorable Judd Walter and Mrs. Walter. Wife is the Judge If her husband is not a judge, address invitations to the Honorable Ann Lewis and Mr. John Lewis. More from Real Simple: Common Registry Questions Answered 16 Ways to Save on Wedding Expenses Real Wedding Bridesmaid Dress Ideas 13 Unique Wedding Rings 9 Money-Saving Tips for Bridesmaids Top 24 Wedding Etiquette Questions Got a quibble with any of these? Let us know in the comments below. Copyright © 2011 Time Inc.