Handwritten Wedding Envelopes: A Personal Touch?

There are various options available for addressing wedding envelopes, and it is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer to handwrite their wedding envelopes, as it is seen as more traditional and adds a personal touch. However, others may opt for printing or hiring a calligrapher, especially if they have messy handwriting or are concerned about legibility. While printing may be more convenient and cost-effective, some consider it less personal and not in line with traditional wedding etiquette. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual preferences, budget, and the level of formality desired for the wedding.

Pros and cons of handwriting wedding envelopes

Handwriting wedding envelopes can be a time-consuming task, but there are several reasons you may want to consider it. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide whether to handwrite or print your wedding envelopes:

Pros of Handwriting Wedding Envelopes:

• Traditional wedding etiquette suggests that it is proper to handwrite wedding envelopes, adding a personal touch to your invitations.
• You have the freedom to choose any colour, including opaque and metallic inks, to match your wedding theme or personal style.
• DIY addressing can be very cost-effective, especially if you do it yourself or have a friend or family member with nice handwriting help you.

Cons of Handwriting Wedding Envelopes:

• If you have poor handwriting or inconsistent penmanship, your envelopes may not look polished or professional. Illegible handwriting may also cause issues with delivery.
• Hiring a calligrapher can be costly, and even then, some recipients may find the calligraphy hard to read.
• Handwriting multiple envelopes can be tedious and time-consuming, especially if you have a large guest list. Mistakes and errors can lead to wasted envelopes and increased costs.
• Fancy pens and inks can be expensive, adding to the overall cost of handwriting your wedding envelopes.

Ultimately, the decision to handwrite or print your wedding envelopes is a personal one. Consider your budget, time constraints, and the overall style and formality of your wedding when making your choice.

Pros and cons of printing wedding envelopes

There are various factors to consider when deciding between handwriting and printing wedding envelopes. Here is a detailed list of pros and cons to help you decide:

Handwritten Wedding Envelopes:

Pros:

• Traditional wedding etiquette suggests that it is proper to handwrite wedding envelopes, as social correspondence is usually handwritten.
• Adds a personal touch to your invites, making them feel more special and intimate.
• You can choose any ink colour, including opaques and metallics, to match your wedding theme or personal style.
• DIY addressing is cost-effective and can save money, especially if you have nice handwriting and don't need to hire a calligrapher.

Cons:

• If you have bad handwriting, your envelopes may look unpolished and could even be difficult to read or deliver.
• Hiring a calligrapher can be expensive, and it might be challenging to find one who suits your style and budget.
• Handwriting multiple envelopes can be time-consuming and tiring, especially if you have a large guest list.

Printed Wedding Envelopes:

Pros:

• Digital printing is a modern, quick, and easy way to address envelopes, ensuring consistent and legible addresses on every envelope.
• Great for those with messy handwriting who still want neat and readable envelopes.
• You can mix and match fonts and graphics to create a modern and stylish look.
• DIY printing can be cost-effective if you have access to a suitable printer and are able to do it yourself.

Cons:

• Printing addresses does not follow traditional wedding etiquette and may be seen as less personal.
• The personal touch is lost, and the envelopes may feel less unique or intimate.
• Print colours may be limited, and special printing methods like foil or letterpress can be expensive.
• DIY printing may be time-consuming and challenging without the proper knowledge or equipment.

Ultimately, the decision between handwriting and printing wedding envelopes depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the amount of time you're willing to invest. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that aligns best with your wedding vision and practical considerations.

Handwriting wedding envelopes yourself

Handwriting your wedding envelopes can be a great personal touch, and it follows traditional wedding etiquette. It can be a fun DIY project, and you can choose any colour of ink you like. However, it can be very time-consuming, and mistakes can lead to wasted envelopes and money. If you have a large number of guests, it can be a lot of work, and if your handwriting isn't clear, your envelopes may be difficult to read or deliver.

If you decide to handwrite your envelopes, it's a good idea to get some extra envelopes in case of mistakes. You can also use tools like a ruler or a template to help keep your writing straight and centred. If you're worried about your handwriting, you can practice with worksheets or take a calligraphy class. Alternatively, you can ask a friend or family member with nice handwriting to help you, or hire a professional calligrapher for a luxurious touch.

If you're concerned about the time and effort involved, there are other options to consider. You can print your envelopes at home, use a printer or a service like Minted to address them for you, or use labels or stamps. While these options may be less traditional, they can save you time and money. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you can decide what works best for your wedding and your budget.

Hiring a professional calligrapher

Budget

Calligraphy is intricate and time-consuming, so it's not cheap. The cost for calligraphy services varies depending on the calligrapher's experience and the style of writing. Envelope calligraphy typically ranges from $2.50 to $6 per envelope, while smaller items like escort cards or place cards are less expensive, ranging from $1 to $3 per piece. It's worth noting that most calligraphers have a turnaround time of about two to three weeks for 100 envelopes, so be sure to plan accordingly and book early.

Style Preferences

When searching for a calligrapher, it's essential to consider your style preferences. Do you prefer a formal, traditional style, or something more modern and contemporary? Pinterest and wedding blogs are excellent resources for finding inspiration and discovering different calligraphers' styles. You can also search for local calligraphers' guilds if you prefer a more traditional approach.

Location

Don't feel limited by your geographical location when choosing a calligrapher. Envelopes and other wedding stationery are lightweight and easy to ship, so you can work with someone across the country or even the world.

Stationery and Materials

Most calligraphers do not include the cost of materials in their pricing, so you'll need to provide them with the stationery you want to be calligraphed. Be sure to order extra envelopes (about 15-20% more) to allow for corrections and last-minute additions.

Prepare Your Guest List

Calligraphers will write exactly what you provide them with, so it's crucial to proofread and double-check your guest list before sending it to them. Most calligraphers will request your list in a specific format, such as Microsoft Excel or Google Spreadsheets, so be sure to ask for their preference.

Calligrapher's Background

When hiring a calligrapher, it's essential to inquire about their background and experience. A good calligrapher should have a degree or certificate in the arts. Ask about their turnaround time, minimum order policy, and pricing. It's also a good idea to ask for samples of their work to ensure that their style aligns with your vision.

Faux calligraphy

• Start with the right tools: You will need good-quality paper envelopes, preferably with a matte finish, and two types of writing instruments—a pen with black ink and another with coloured ink (such as a felt-tip pen). The black pen will be used for reinforcing the downstrokes, so choose one with a fine tip for precision.
• Practice your cursive writing: Before you begin addressing the envelopes, take some time to practice your cursive writing. Write out the addresses you will be using a few times to get a feel for the flow and rhythm of the letters. This will help you achieve consistent and legible calligraphy.
• Write in cursive: Using your coloured pen, write out the addresses in your best cursive writing. Take your time to ensure that the letters are formed correctly and that the lines are smooth and fluid.
• Reinforce the downstrokes: Once you have written the address in cursive, go back and trace over the downstrokes of each letter with your black pen. This is what creates the illusion of professional calligraphy and gives your writing a bolder, more dramatic look.
• Practice consistency: To achieve a polished result, aim for consistency in your letterforms. Ensure that your letters are evenly spaced and that the downstrokes are reinforced with the same thickness throughout.
• Allow for drying time: As you will be working with two different inks, allow each address to dry completely before moving on to the next envelope. This will prevent any smudging or smearing.
• Consider envelope colour: When choosing envelopes, consider opting for lighter colours, such as ivory, cream, or soft grey. Darker envelopes may not show up your calligraphy clearly, especially if you are using a darker ink colour.
• Practice on scrap paper: Before writing directly on the envelopes, practice your faux calligraphy on scrap paper. This will help you get a feel for the technique and ensure that you are happy with the style and thickness of the downstrokes.
• Take your time: Addressing envelopes with faux calligraphy can be time-consuming, so be sure to give yourself enough time to complete the task without feeling rushed. Enjoy the process and consider it a labour of love for your special day!
• Ask for help: If you have a large number of invitations, don't be afraid to ask for help from your bridal party or friends. They can assist you in writing out the addresses in cursive, and you can then go back and reinforce the downstrokes yourself.

Frequently asked questions