If addressing a card to a married couple, which name comes first?

Question

Example: John and Jane Doe OR Jane and John Doe?

The first sounds better but I have heard somewhere to never separate a man's first name from his last name. THANKS!

Answer 1

Man first.

Answer 2

This is a carry-over from when men were the dominant members of relationships. It goes Mr. and Mrs.---so, it would be John and Jane Doe.

However, this changes based on honorary titles. If one is a doctor or reverend, then that name comes first. So, if the wife is a doctor but he is "just" a mister, then it would be Jane and John Doe.

There's no reason to worry about separating his first name from his last.

Answer 3

In formal ettiquette you should use only the man'sname: Mr & Mrs John Doe. If you are addressing a less formal card, you can use John & Jane Doe but if this is for a wedding invitation or thank you - go with Mr & Mrs

Answer 4

The man's name goes first. It would be John and Jane Doe. Also this way if you're going formal, which you probably should, in which case you say Mr. and Mrs. John Doe.

Answer 5

If you're using first names the woman's name is first--Jane & John Doe, other wise it's Mr. & Mrs. John Doe

Answer 6

Mr and Mrs John Doe

or to just the wife

Mrs John Doe

Answer 7

I've usually seen it written as Mr. John and Mrs. Jane Doe. I've always put the man's name first. Kinda a head of household type thing.

Answer 8

It depends on how formal you want to be. Formally, it would be Mr. and Mrs. John Doe. I have a lot of women in my family who do not like to be defined by their husbands, however, so I often address cards Mr and Mrs John and Jane Doe.

It's somewhat of a personal preference, truly!

Answer 9

Mr & Mrs John Doe

Answer 10

Mr and Mrs John Doe

(unfortunately the woman's first name in not there!)

Answer 11

Mr. and Mrs. John Doe