How do I address an invitation to a whole family when the kids have a different last name?

Question

Mom remarried and took the new last name (let's say "Smith"). Kids still have the old last name (let's say "Brown"). Usually, to invite the whole family, you'd say "The Smiths" but won't that hurt the kids? What is proper to not call too much attention but not ignore the kids' names?

Answer 1

I'd say "The Smith Family and Kids". Then you kind of get it all in there.

Answer 2

To The Smiths and Family!

Answer 3

The Smith/Brown family
or The Smith family and children

Answer 4

How old are the kids? If they are babies or little and can't read, this is a moot point. haha

My parents were divorced when I was 11. I was kind of resentful when people would send things to the "Jones" family and not to specifically specifying my brother and me. Even now, although I love my step-dad, I get a little annoyed with people when they call my step-dad my "dad." My real dad exists and I love him very much, too. People mean well, so I can't let them see that it bothers me...

My cousin used to write on the envelope, "Everyone At" and then the address. I think that is good and it does not bring much attention to the different last name thing.

You could also send a separate invitation out to the kids. Kids LOVE getting mail... you would make them feel so special! :)

Answer 5

Smith and Browns

Answer 6

I'd just write Mr. and Mrs. _____ Smith and Family.

Family would mean the kids with their different last name. I wouldn't call extra attention to the fact that the kids have their father's last name.

Answer 7

Normally what I do in that situation I would address the following way:

Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Family

or

use the husbands name- "John" Smith and Family. If you are closer to the wife I would address it to the wife and family.

Answer 8

Well, the way I've seen people do it on invitations was

Mr & Mrs Whoever Smith & Family

Answer 9

Mr and Mrs. Smith and family

Answer 10

Mr and Mrs Smith and children