Q. In a business salutation to Mr. and Mrs. Mike Stern, do we address the letter to Dear Mike and Irene or Dear Irene and Mike? Please advise.
A. Although CMOS is not primarily aimed at business writers, the manuscript editing department at Chicago is well versed in etiquette, as we are in most things. Proper forms for a business salutation to a married couple are “Dear Mr. and Mrs. Stern,” “Dear Irene and Mike Stern,” and “Dear Mike and Irene Stern.”