Here's why:
* Formal Tone: Invitations are typically formal documents, and using ampersands can make them appear less polished.
* Clarity: Using the full word is more straightforward and avoids any confusion about what the abbreviation stands for.
* Traditional Etiquette: Traditional invitation etiquette generally dictates writing out full words, including names and addresses.
Alternatives:
* Write out the full word. For example, "and" instead of "&".
* Use a comma instead. If you're trying to save space, a comma can be used in place of "and" in some cases.
Exceptions:
* Company names: If a company's official name includes an ampersand, you can use it on the envelope.
* Informal occasions: For casual events like birthday parties, using an ampersand might be acceptable, but it's still better to err on the side of formality.
Ultimately, the best approach is to consider the tone and formality of your event and choose the most appropriate way to write the word "and."