Hiring Experts For Addressing Wedding Invitations: Is It Worthwhile?

Wedding planning can be a stressful and time-consuming process. One of the many tasks to consider is how to address your wedding invitations. While it may seem straightforward, there are a few key factors to keep in mind, such as the level of formality, titles, and honorifics. One option is to hire a professional calligrapher to add a touch of timeless elegance to your envelopes. This luxurious option can elevate your wedding experience and make a memorable first impression on your guests. However, it can be expensive, ranging from $1 to $6 per envelope. Alternatively, you can enlist a friend or family member with impeccable handwriting or use custom printed labels for a more convenient and efficient solution.

Professional calligraphers can be expensive, with prices ranging from $1 to $6 per envelope

Hiring a professional calligrapher to address your wedding invitations can be a luxurious touch, but it is an expensive option with prices ranging from $1 to $6 per envelope. This price depends on various factors, including the calligrapher's experience, the time it will take to complete the order, the style of calligraphy, and the materials used. For example, special materials like metallic or custom ink colours can increase the cost.

If you are working with a stationery designer, they should be your first point of contact when looking for a calligrapher. Most stationery boutiques have a list of trusted calligraphers they work with and can match you with an artist who suits your needs and style. Alternatively, you can find and hire your calligrapher, but it is important to do so in advance as good calligraphers book up fast.

If you are considering hiring a professional calligrapher, it is essential to plan and budget accordingly. The high cost is due to calligraphy being a time-consuming and intricate art form. This option is ideal for formal and traditional weddings, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to your invitations.

There are other options available if you want to add a personal touch to your wedding invitations without the high cost of a professional calligrapher. You could utilise your own handwriting skills or enlist the help of a friend or family member with impeccable handwriting. Another option is to explore faux calligraphy, where you write the address in cursive and reinforce the downstrokes with a black pen, creating the illusion of professional calligraphy.

Faux calligraphy is a DIY option where you reinforce your cursive writing with a black pen

Faux calligraphy is a great DIY option if you want to achieve the look of calligraphy without the cost of hiring a professional. It is also a good way to address wedding invitations if you are unable to use regular calligraphy tools on your chosen surface.

To create faux calligraphy, start by writing out your desired word or phrase in cursive with your chosen writing utensil, leaving a fair amount of space between the letters. This can be anything from a regular pen to chalk or a crayon.

Next, identify the downstrokes in your word. Downstrokes occur when you pull your pen down to create a stroke. Reinforce these downstrokes by drawing parallel lines that hug the contours of your original downstrokes. It doesn't matter which side of each downstroke you draw your new lines on, as long as you maintain consistent and pleasing spacing.

Finally, fill in the downstroke reinforcements with your pen. This will create a clear contrast between the strokes in your word, strongly resembling pointed pen calligraphy.

If you want to take your faux calligraphy to the next level, you can try adding some flourishes or embellishments to your letters. You can also experiment with different writing utensils and surfaces to create unique effects. For example, you could use an embossing pen or leave the downstroke reinforcements unfilled for a more minimalist look.

Faux calligraphy is a fun and accessible way to add a personal touch to your wedding invitations. It may take some time and practice to perfect your technique, but the results will be well worth it!

You can print addresses on envelopes yourself, but it may not be considered traditional

Wedding invitations are a chance to set the tone and mood for your guests. While you can print addresses on envelopes yourself, it may not be considered traditional. Handwritten envelopes, especially in calligraphy, are seen as more elegant and formal and can even be framed as a piece of art.

If you're aiming for a white-tie, formal affair, hiring a professional calligrapher is the most luxurious option. It is a beautiful art form that requires practice to perform well. However, calligraphy is time-consuming and can be expensive, ranging from $1 to $6 per envelope.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can write the addresses yourself or enlist a friend or family member with good handwriting to help. This option still follows wedding tradition and etiquette and adds a personal touch.

Another alternative is to use printed address labels or print directly on the envelopes from your computer. This option is convenient, efficient, and cost-effective, but may not be considered traditional. Online stationers like Minted offer free guest addressing services, providing calligraphy-inspired fonts that mimic the look of professional calligraphy.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Consider your wedding's formality, budget, and personal preferences when deciding whether to print addresses on envelopes yourself or explore other options like hiring a calligrapher or using computer-printed labels.

A computer font can be printed lightly on envelopes and then traced over by hand

There are many options available to couples looking to address their wedding invitations. Some opt to hire a professional calligrapher, while others may choose to handwrite the envelopes themselves. Another option is to print the addresses using a computer font. While some may consider this a breach of etiquette, it can be a cost-effective and time-saving solution.

One creative way to address wedding invitations is to combine the use of technology with a handmade touch. This method involves printing a light version of your chosen font on the envelopes and then tracing over it by hand. This technique, often referred to as "faux calligraphy" or "fake calligraphy", can be a more affordable and personalised alternative to hiring a professional calligrapher.

Here's how you can do it:

First, select a font that complements your wedding theme and style. There are thousands of fonts available online, ranging from modern calligraphy to traditional serif fonts. Choose a font that is legible and consider using accent fonts to highlight special text, such as the names of the couple or the wedding date. You can also add extra flair by incorporating glyphs, swashes, or alternate characters.

Once you've chosen your font, print the addresses on the envelopes using a very light colour, such as super light grey. This can be done at home using a standard printer, or you can upload your guest list to an online stationer like Minted, which offers free guest addressing services.

After printing, you can begin the tracing process. Use a pen that complements your wedding colour palette, such as a gold gel pen or a fountain pen. Take your time and try to follow the curves of the font; with practice, it will start to feel more like writing than tracing. This step can be time-consuming, but it adds a personalised and elegant touch to your invitations.

Finally, assemble your invitations, stuff the envelopes, and apply postage. If you're short on time or want to ensure a professional finish, you can hire a custom wedding invitation designer to handle the assembly and mailing process. They can also help with other details, such as creating a cohesive design for your wedding stationery and providing advice on wedding invitation etiquette.

By combining technology and handmade touches, you can create beautiful and unique wedding invitations that impress your guests without breaking the bank.

Wedding invitation designers can advise on etiquette and help keep track of details

Wedding invitation designers can be a great help when it comes to the time-consuming and often stressful task of addressing wedding invitations. Not only can they ensure your invitations are beautifully and elegantly written, but they can also advise on etiquette and help keep track of the many details involved in the process.

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a wedding invitation designer is their expertise in etiquette. They can guide you through the complex rules of wedding invitation etiquette, such as the use of formal titles, spelling out addresses, and the inclusion of guests' full names. This knowledge ensures that your invitations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also follow the appropriate social norms and traditions.

Another benefit of hiring a professional is their attention to detail. They can help you gather your entire guest list, manage the costs of postage, and track RSVP responses. They can also advise on the timeline for sending out invitations, ensuring that your invitations are mailed out on time. This takes a significant burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your wedding planning.

Additionally, wedding invitation designers can elevate the look and feel of your invitations. They can create custom artwork, illustrations, and unique designs that reflect your wedding theme and style. This adds a personal touch to your invitations, making them stand out and creating a lasting impression on your guests.

Hiring a wedding invitation designer can also save you time and effort. They can address the envelopes for you, eliminating the need for you to spend hours writing them yourself or worrying about mistakes and wasted envelopes. This is especially valuable if you have a large guest list or are particular about the presentation of your invitations.

Lastly, wedding invitation designers can offer a range of services beyond just addressing. They can design and create the invitations themselves, incorporating your vision and preferences. They may also provide additional stationery items, such as RSVP cards, reception cards, and maps, ensuring a cohesive and well-designed suite of wedding stationery.

Frequently asked questions