what's the proper way to address this envelope?

pottershand

The mom has a hyphenated name, and the rest of the family has just the last part (eg, Smith-White is the mom's last name, and White is the husband and kids' last name).

I am addressing it to the whole family. Usually I just write their first names, but does anyone know what the right way to do this is? Thanks!

(And YES, the mom would care if I just wrote "white family")

dpdw

I would go with "Mrs. Smith-White and Family"

npeacock

This depends on the person.  One of my friends prefers to go with 'The White Family' and another prefers 'The Smith-White Family'.

If I am addressing to just the parents, I address it to Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Jane Smith-White.

crazynervous

I would do

Mr. Name White and Mrs. Name smith- white and Family

pottershand

Also, this is just for a thank you note, so it doesn't have to be so formal. I want to do The (Smith-)White Family just to be funny, but I know that's not right

4Speedy

You are asking two different questions.   The "proper" way, according to ettiquette, is Mr. & Mrs. John White and family

But you are also asking "what should I do in this case," and that could have a different answer.  If it is a formal, printed invitation you are mailing, I would follow the rules of ettiquette.  If it is an informal, hand-written note, I would address the woman as she prefers.  (Mr. John White & Mrs. Jane Smith-White and family)