What Does the ‘M’ Mean on a Wedding Invitation?

According to The Wedding Report, there were about 1,300,000 marriages in 2020 in the United States. The current pandemic has impacted weddings and caused a lower number than in previous years. 

Between 2000 and 2016, the amount fluctuated over 2,000,000. However, this statistic shows that countless couples want to spend the rest of their lives with one another despite the worldwide virus. 

That said, you’ve most likely been invited to a wedding before. Have you ever opened the request, taken a look at it, and said: “Wait, I’m confused.” You’re not alone; one of the most frequent wonders is: what does the ‘M’ mean on a wedding invitation? 

The ‘M’ Is a Formal Wedding Tradition

The ‘M’ indicates where the invitee can write their preferred title, whether Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss. Quick question: Do you know the difference between Ms. and Miss? Ms. is applicable for single or married women; Miss is reserved for only unmarried women.

Then, they would follow with their names and their spouse, if applicable, on the following line. If the invitee carries another title such as ‘Dr.,’ they will need to fill out their response card like everyone else. 

Usually, couples follow the tradition by filling out the form with the husband’s title first, including his first and last name—for example, Mr. and Mrs. John Doe. Same-sex couples would follow a similar process.

Since we’re in the 21st century, there’s no need to continue such tradition, and guests can fill out the form in whatever way they feel appropriate, as long as their name(s) are listed. 

If the two guests have different last names, no worries; they would fill out the line with their two separate names, including their titles.  

Other Options

When RSVPing for a wedding, there are multiple ways to go about accepting or declining an invitation without needing the ‘M.’ 

Sometimes, the letter includes a ‘guest name(s)’ line with the corresponding number (this is important to ensure that the bride and groom can accommodate everyone attending). 

There are also check-boxes or lines to indicate whether the guest will accept or decline. They can always send back the card with a personalized note to clarify anything, especially if there may be any possible misunderstanding about who will be attending. If the couple is expecting the guest to bring children,their names will be listed. Be sure to note if there’s any indication that it will be an adult-only event.

What Not to Do

It would be helpful to avoid including a line without an indicator that the guest needs to respond. Sometimes, invitees won’t write their name at all, making it more difficult for the bride and groom later on. 

If the invitee doesn’t send back their RSVP, it’s assumed that they aren’t attending, so they should not worry the couple by attending the event without a heads up. 

If they’re planning on going, they need to confirm everything is appropriately filled out and return the invitation by its appropriate due date.