Printing Wedding Invitation Addresses: A Simple Guide

Printing your own wedding invitation addresses can be a great way to save money and time. There are several ways to do this, including printing directly on the envelopes, using clear labels, or purchasing a custom stamp. If you choose to print directly on the envelopes, you will need to create a template in a program like Microsoft Word or Excel with the correct fonts and spacing. You can then use a mail merge function to populate the addresses from your guest list. Another option is to use clear labels, which can be purchased from stores like Walmart or Staples and printed at home. Alternatively, you can buy a custom stamp with your address, which can be used to quickly address multiple envelopes.

Printing wedding invitations at home

Step 1: Choose Your Invitation Style

Decide on the style of your invitations. Do you want something traditional and formal, or casual and themed? This will help you determine the type of paper, enclosures, and embellishments you'll need.

Step 2: Order Invitation Paper and Envelopes

Purchase an invitation suite that includes blank invitations, enclosures, and envelopes. Alternatively, you can buy cardstock and matching envelopes separately if you don't mind cutting the invitations to size yourself. Order at least 20-25% more than you need to allow for mistakes. Don't forget to order envelopes for any enclosures, such as response cards.

Step 3: Design the Invitations

Use a word processing or design software to create your invitations. Choose a maximum of two fonts—one script and one block—for a clean and readable design. Experiment with font sizes, alignments, and line spacing to find the most aesthetically pleasing combination. You can also add graphic elements and pops of color to create visual interest.

Step 4: Print the Invitations

Before printing, run a test print to ensure your design comes out correctly. Feed the cardstock or invitations into your printer's paper slot and adjust the printer settings to match the paper size. Stay by the printer during the printing process to catch any issues and have extra printer ink on hand.

Step 5: Assemble and Send

Once your invitations are printed, it's time to assemble them. Put the printed invitations into their envelopes, adding any enclosures or embellishments as needed. Finally, take a complete invitation to the post office to have it weighed and purchase the correct postage. Send out your invitations 5-8 weeks before the wedding.

Printing your own wedding invitations can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these steps, you'll be able to create beautiful and personalized invitations while saving money.

Using Microsoft Word to print addresses on envelopes

Printing wedding invitation envelopes at home is a great way to save money. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Microsoft Word to print addresses on envelopes:

Step 1: Prepare Your Guest List

Start by creating an Excel spreadsheet with all your guest addresses. Include columns for names, street addresses, city, state, zip code, and country if you have international guests. This will make it easier to format and print the addresses on the envelopes.

Step 2: Set Up Your Envelope in Microsoft Word

Open Microsoft Word and go to the "Mailings" tab. Click on the "Envelopes" button in the "Create" section of the toolbar. This will open the Envelopes and Labels window.

Enter the delivery address in the text box below the "Delivery address" heading. You can type the address manually or import it from your electronic address book by clicking "Insert Address".

If you want to include a return address, type it in the "Return address" box or use the pre-configured one if you have set it up previously.

Step 3: Configure Envelope Options

Click on "Options" to open the Envelope Options window. Go to the "Envelope Options" tab and select the size of your envelope from the "Envelope size" drop-down menu. If you can't find the exact size, select "Custom size" and enter the dimensions of your envelope.

Next, go to the "Printing Options" tab. Here, you will select the feed method for your envelope. This determines the position of the envelope (right, middle, left) and whether the long or short edge is fed into the printer. Follow the diagram in the "Feed box" to place the envelope correctly in the printer tray.

If you are using a custom envelope size or have a long delivery address, you can adjust the margins by selecting "Options" before printing.

Step 4: Insert Envelope and Print

Once you have configured the envelope options, insert the envelope into your printer according to the selected feed format. Click "Print" in the Envelopes and Labels window, and your envelope will start printing.

It is recommended to print a test envelope first to ensure that your settings are correct. If you encounter any issues, refer to your printer's documentation or update your printer driver.

Tips for Success:

• Play around with different fonts and text formatting to achieve the desired look for your envelopes.
• If you are using metallic or shimmer envelopes, print in small batches to avoid smudging due to wet ink.
• Consider adding a "Kindly deliver to" detail to your envelopes for a personal touch.
• Always double-check the spelling and accuracy of the addresses before printing.

Using Excel to create a guest address spreadsheet

Printing your wedding invitation envelopes at home is a great way to save some money. To do this, you'll need to create an Excel spreadsheet containing your guests' addresses.

Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a guest address spreadsheet using Microsoft Excel:

• Open Microsoft Excel: Start by opening the Excel application on your computer or device.
• Create column headers: In the first row, create column headers for each piece of information you need. Suggested columns include "Name" (for the guest's name or names), "Street Address", "Street Address 2" (for apartment or suite numbers), "City", "State", "Zip Code", and "Country" if you have international guests. You can also add additional columns as needed, such as "Number of Guests Invited", "Dietary Restrictions", "Email", and "Phone Number".
• Input guest information: Start filling in the rows below each column header with the corresponding guest information. Be sure to double-check all spelling, capitalisation, and punctuation to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Format zip codes: When entering zip codes, be sure to format the zip code column cells as "zip code" or "text" to prevent Excel from dropping the leading zero. To do this, select the zip code column, then click "Format", "Cells", "Special", and finally "Zip Code".
• Separate guest names and addresses: If you prefer to have guest names and addresses separated, you can use one column for names and another for addresses. This can be useful if you plan to use a specific format or include titles such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", or "Dr.".
• Save your work: Don't forget to save your spreadsheet regularly to avoid losing any information. You can also consider uploading it to a cloud storage service or sharing platform for easy access and sharing with others.
• Review and edit: Before finalising your spreadsheet, take the time to review and edit the information. Double-check for any missing addresses or errors. You may also want to consider sorting your guest list alphabetically or by another relevant factor to make it easier to locate specific guests.
• Prepare for printing: If you plan to print your addresses directly onto envelopes or labels, ensure your spreadsheet is properly formatted and compatible with your printing method. You may need to export your guest list as a CSV or XLS file for compatibility with printing services or software.
• Export and upload: If you're using an online printing service, you may need to export your Excel file as a CSV or XLS file and then upload it to the service's website. Follow the instructions provided by your chosen printing service to ensure a smooth process.

By following these steps, you'll be able to create a comprehensive and organised guest address spreadsheet using Excel. This spreadsheet will not only help with printing addresses but will also be a valuable tool for managing your guest list, tracking RSVPs, and planning other wedding-related tasks.

Printing on clear labels

Printing clear labels for your wedding invitations is a great way to save money and add a personal touch. Clear labels are also a good alternative if you don't want to risk damaging your envelopes by printing directly on them. Here are some steps and tips to help you print clear labels for your wedding invitation addresses:

Step 1: Purchase Clear Labels

You can find clear labels from various brands, such as Avery, Enko Products, or even generic options from stores like Walmart or Office Depot. Consider the size and quantity of labels you need before purchasing.

Step 2: Prepare Your Mailing List

Use a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel to create a list of all your guest addresses. Include columns for names, street addresses, apartment numbers, city, state, zip code, and country if applicable. Double-check that all the information is accurate and up-to-date.

Step 3: Design Your Labels

Open a new document in a word processing program such as Microsoft Word. Search for "address labels" in the search field and choose a template that fits the size of your labels. Play around with different fonts, font sizes, colours, and spacing to create a design that suits your wedding theme. Remember to keep the font legible and not too creative, so that the addresses are easy to read.

Step 4: Merge Your Data

Use the mail merge function in your word processing software to combine your mailing list with the label template. This will allow you to populate the labels with your guest addresses automatically. Make sure to match the fields in your mailing list with the corresponding fields in the label template.

Step 5: Print Your Labels

Choose your printer and select the appropriate settings for the type of labels you are using. Print a test page on plain paper first to ensure that the alignment and formatting are correct. Once you are happy with the preview, load your clear labels into the printer and start printing.

Tips:

• Be careful when applying the clear labels to your envelopes to avoid air bubbles or lint underneath.
• Consider using a combination of fonts, such as a block font and a cursive font, to add visual interest.
• If you want to print return addresses on the back of the envelopes, you may need to do some trial and error to figure out the correct way to insert the envelopes into your printer.

Using a calligrapher

Finding a Calligrapher

Calligraphy is a time-consuming and detailed art form, so it's important to work with a professional. If you're working with a stationery designer, they may have a list of trusted calligraphers they can recommend. You can also try searching online for calligraphers near you or contacting your local calligraphy guild or association. When choosing a calligrapher, be sure to look at their portfolio and reviews to get a sense of their style and the quality of their work.

Timing

It's important to book your calligrapher early, as client lists can fill up quickly. Calligraphers may be booked months in advance, especially if you have a specific artist in mind. The general rule of thumb is to send out wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, so be sure to give your calligrapher plenty of notice.

Cost

The cost of calligraphy services can vary depending on the calligrapher's experience, the complexity of the order, and the local market. For envelope addressing, prices typically range from $2.50 to $6 per envelope. Place card calligraphy is slightly less expensive, starting at around $2 per card. When requesting a quote, be sure to include your wedding date, guest count, wedding style, and the specific services you're interested in.

Working with a Calligrapher

When working with a calligrapher, be prepared to provide a spreadsheet or table with each guest's title, first name, last name, street address, city, state, and zip code. This information will ensure that your envelopes are addressed accurately and beautifully. If you're ordering escort cards or place cards, the calligrapher may request similar information.

Benefits of Calligraphy

Calligraphy adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding invitations. It is a traditional way to greet your guests and set the tone for your wedding. With the variety of calligraphy styles available, from traditional to modern, you can find a look that fits your unique style. Calligraphy can also be added to other elements of your wedding, such as seating charts, menus, and even non-paper items like mini sparkling wine bottles or seashells.

Frequently asked questions