Written byShutterfly Community Last Updated: Oct 5, 2023
Understanding when to use “Miss”, “Ms.” or “Mrs.” is an important skill. Many women have preferred titles that inform their identity and are important to their sense of self. Luckily, knowing when to use each title is fairly straightforward, as there are specific rules in place that dictate proper etiquette. We’ll explain everything you need to know about using formal titles, including which to write when addressing invitations for your wedding.
Knowing these rules will help you feel confident that you are using a woman’s proper title, both in person and when you are addressing cards and invitations. While the rules are fairly simple, keep in mind that the best title to use always comes down to the woman’s preference. Whether you choose to have a huge event or a more intimate elopement, read on to learn when to use “Miss”, “Ms.” and “Mrs.” for every wedding planning situation.
When to Use Miss, Ms. and Mrs.
Addressing wedding invitations is just as important as the information on the invite itself. Your guests are important to you, which is why they’ve been chosen to be invited to participate in your special ceremony or elopement. Using what you now know regarding the differences between Miss, Ms. and Mrs., address the outer and inner envelopes with the proper title.
Miss: Use “Miss” when addressing young girls and women under 30 that are unmarried.
Ms.: Use “Ms.” when you are not sure of a woman’s marital status, if the woman is unmarried and over 30 or if she prefers being addressed with a marital-status neutral title.
Mrs.: Use “Mrs.” when addressing a married woman.
When to Use Miss
“Miss” should be used when addressing a young, unmarried woman. Most older women who are unmarried prefer to go by “Ms.,” though this often comes down to personal preference. If you are unsure, it never hurts to ask!
Using “Ms.” is often the safest option, as this is a neutral title that can be used for a woman whether she is married or not. This title has become more popular and is now promoted as the female equivalent of mister. If you do not know a woman’s preferred title or marital status, this is often the best option to go with.
When to Use Mrs.
“Mrs.” is the official title to use for a married woman. Keep in mind that some women prefer to keep “Mrs.” in their title even after their spouse passes away or after divorce. When in doubt, it’s best to ask the woman how she would prefer to be addressed.
Additional Titles to Know
In addition to knowing when to use “Miss”, “Ms.”and “Mrs.,” it’s helpful to be familiar with a few additional titles for men and women, and to understand when to use them.
Doctor: Use this title if the woman or man you are addressing is a doctor, or if he or she has a PhD.
Mister or Mr.: This is the term that is used to address men, whether they are married or unmarried. Abbreviate the term “mister” to “Mr.” if you are using it as part of a man’s title.
Master: This title can sometimes be used to address young boys. Once they mature, they are typically referred to as “mister,” regardless of their age or marital status.
Follow the Proper Etiquette When Addressing Cards and Letters
Understanding the proper title etiquette is especially important when you are writing cards and letters. When addressing envelopes for your wedding invitations, for your Christmas cards or for any other occasion, the most important etiquette rule to remember is to be conscientious of the recipient’s preferred title. In addition, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
Style your greeting based on the occasion: Wedding invitations may call for a more formal tone, while Christmas cards and simple greetings will likely be more casual.
Double check the recipient’s address:Misspelling the recipient’s address is the quickest way for your letter to get lost in the mail. It never hurts to double check!
Get creative: Once you’ve got the basics down, feel free to have a little fun with the letter you are sending. Experiment with calligraphy pens, use a brightly colored envelope or add a personalized stamp to really send a message.
Wrapping Up
Addressing a woman by her proper title is a key cornerstone of proper etiquette. Keep these tips in mind so that you always know the best and most thoughtful way to address whomever you encounter. And remember, if you are ever unsure of how to address someone, the best thing you can do is ask! Whether you are addressing your wedding invitations or saying a simple hello in person, the recipient will appreciate that you took the time to inquire about their preference.
Miss: Use “Miss” when addressing young girls and women under 30 that are unmarried. Ms
Ms
(American English) or Ms (British English; normally /ˈmɪz/, but also /məz/, or /məs/ when unstressed) is an English-language honorific used with the last name or full name of a woman, intended as a default form of address for women regardless of marital status.
.: Use “Ms.” when you are not sure of a woman's marital status, if the woman is unmarried and over 30 or if she prefers being addressed with a marital-status neutral title. Mrs.: Use “Mrs.” when addressing a married woman.
Mrs. is a title used for a married woman. The more neutral title Ms. can be used instead for a woman whose marital status is unknown or irrelevant or who expresses a preference for this mode of address. Mrs. is written with a period because it originated as an abbreviation of “mistress.”
Mrs. is normally used as a title for a woman who is married, or who has been a married in the past. Ms. is normally used as a title for a woman whose marital status is unknown. Miss is normally used as a title for a woman who is unmarried, as well as female children, teenagers and students.
Ms. is used when you are unsure of a woman's marital status. It can also be used for a single woman or a woman who was married but either divorced or separated. Pronounced “mizz.”
In general, it's best to stick to “Ms.,” followed by the recipient's last name if you don't know their name or how they'd like to be addressed. “Ms.” is a universal term for women, whether they are single or married. It's also useful if you don't know if your recipient has any professional titles or designations.
Miss: Use “Miss” when addressing young girls and women under 30 that are unmarried. Ms.: Use “Ms.” when you are not sure of a woman's marital status, if the woman is unmarried and over 30 or if she prefers being addressed with a marital-status neutral title. Mrs.: Use “Mrs.” when addressing a married woman.
Technically, any unmarried woman can be referred to as Miss, but the title can feel a bit juvenile and immature when addressing women of a certain age, or women who've been divorced. It's sticky situations like these that make Ms.the clear best choice, especially in a formal setting.
Ms. is a general title that does not indicate marital status but is still feminine. Mrs. is a traditional title used for a married woman. Miss is a traditional title used for an unmarried woman. Mx. is a title that indicates neither marital status nor gender.
If she is young and unmarried, Miss is the way to go. If she is married, Mrs. is the correct choice. If you are unsure, Ms. is always a safe bet. If you know someone personally, it's okay to ask which one they prefer.
Historically, "Miss" has been the formal title for an unmarried woman, while "Mrs." refers to a married woman. "Ms." is used by and for unmarried and married women.
If she retains her former husband's last name (and many women do so that their surname will be the same as their children's) then Mrs. [or Ms.] Susan Reynolds is correct. If she reverts to her maiden name, Ms. is the correct title, as in "Ms.
Even if you know that this person is married or unattached, when addressing a woman in business, the only correct title is Ms. To send an invitation to a female under the age of 18, use the title Miss.
You can use any title you wish. You might like to be called 'Mrs. ' even after divorce, or you may prefer 'Ms' or 'Miss'. If you don't change your surname, you don't need to complete any legal documentation to change your title - just start using it.
Generally speaking, it is considered proper etiquette to use Mrs. to refer to married women, Miss to refer to unmarried women and young girls, and Ms. to refer to a woman of unknown marital status or when marital status is irrelevant.
If you have met this person before, or you know them already, using their first names is OK, otherwise I'd try not to use just their first names as it is more personal phrasing. Using Mr./Ms. + last name is OK to do in case you don't know the specific title they have.
In business letters and other professional correspondence, “Dear Sir/Madam” can be a suitable greeting when the writer does not know the recipient's name or gender. This is often the case when writing to a company or organization rather than an individual.
There are many women that prefer Mrs.over Ms. (especially older women who have been raised in a generation where this title is considered more respectful). To not use this title can sometimes be viewed as not acknowledging (or disrespecting) their marriage.
Even if you know the woman is married and you know that she has taken her husband's last name, it's always safest to go with “Ms” unless you know for a fact she prefers “Mrs.” Indications of this may be in email signatures, name plates on desks, specific titles given in formal invitations “Mr.
Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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