Handwritten Wedding Invitations: A Personal Touch?

There are several options for addressing wedding invitation envelopes, and it is ultimately up to the couple's preference and budget. Handwriting the envelopes yourself or hiring a professional calligrapher can add a personal and elegant touch, but it can also be time-consuming and expensive. Alternatively, printing the addresses directly on the envelopes or using address labels can be a more convenient and cost-effective solution. While some may consider handwritten envelopes to be more traditional and proper etiquette, modern alternatives like computer-printed envelopes or labels can also look sophisticated and save time and money. Ultimately, the decision depends on the couple's style, budget, and preference for their wedding invitations.

Handwriting vs. printing

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few factors to consider when choosing between handwriting and printing.

Tradition and Etiquette

Following tradition and etiquette is one of the most important considerations for many couples. The history of sending wedding invitations dates back to the Middle Ages when families commissioned monks, skilled in calligraphy, to hand-craft their notices. Traditionalists argue that hand-addressed envelopes follow proper wedding protocol and etiquette, adding a personal touch to a special invitation.

Time and Effort

Handwriting wedding invitations and envelopes can be a time-consuming and tedious task, especially if you have a large guest list. It may also require additional time to practice and perfect your handwriting or calligraphy skills. On the other hand, printing can be a faster and more efficient option, saving you time and effort.

Cost

Hiring a professional calligrapher can be expensive, with prices ranging from $1 to $5 or more per envelope, depending on factors such as turnaround time, style, and special materials. In contrast, printing can be a more cost-effective option, especially if you choose to print the invitations yourself.

Personal Touch

Handwriting, whether it's your own or that of a professional calligrapher, adds a unique and personal touch to your wedding invitations. It conveys a sense of warmth and intimacy that printing may struggle to achieve. However, printing can still be personalised by choosing a scripted font and printing directly onto envelopes rather than using labels.

Accuracy and Legibility

Handwriting your wedding invitations leaves room for mistakes and errors, which can result in wasted time, money, and envelopes. Illegible handwriting can also lead to issues with delivery, as the postal service may have difficulty reading the addresses. Printing, on the other hand, ensures accuracy and legibility, reducing the risk of delays or lost invitations.

Ultimately, the decision between handwriting and printing your wedding invitations depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the level of formality you wish to convey. Both options have their advantages and can result in elegant and memorable invitations.

Formality and tone

If you're opting for a formal and traditional style, there are a few rules to keep in mind. Firstly, use formal names and avoid nicknames. Middle names are not necessary but should be spelled out if used (no initials). It is also considered more formal to spell out all words in addresses, such as "Street" or "Apartment", rather than using abbreviations. Professional titles such as "Doctor" or "Professor" should also be written out in full.

For those who want to follow tradition to the letter, there are a few additional considerations. Historically, wedding invitations were hand-crafted by monks skilled in calligraphy. Today, hiring a professional calligrapher is a luxurious option that can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your envelopes. However, it is an expensive choice, with prices ranging from $1 to $5+ per envelope, depending on factors such as turnaround time, style, and materials used. It is also important to book a calligrapher well in advance to avoid disappointment and additional rush order fees.

If you're working with a tighter budget or prefer a more modern approach, there are other ways to achieve a formal tone. Printed envelopes can be a great alternative, especially if you choose a scripted font. This option saves time and money and can still look elegant and sophisticated. Online stationers often offer free guest addressing services, allowing you to upload your contacts and have the addresses printed directly onto the envelopes. This method ensures consistency and saves you from the hassle of addressing each envelope individually.

In conclusion, whether you choose to handwrite or print your wedding invitation envelopes, the most important factor is that they reflect the desired tone and formality of your special day.

Cost and budget

The cost of wedding invitations varies depending on several factors, including the amount of invited guests, the wedding theme or design, materials sourcing, and location. The average cost of wedding invitations ranges from $400 to $650 for most couples, but can be as low as $256 or as high as $10,000 for a complete wedding invitation package.

The type of paper chosen for the invitations can also impact the overall cost. Cotton fiber paper, for example, is a more expensive option at $29 for 100 sheets, while parchment is the most affordable option at $15 for 100 sheets. Other popular choices include felt cardstock, matte, glossy, vellum, handmade paper, and linen, each ranging in price from $15 to $29 per 100 sheets.

In addition to the paper type, design elements such as photography, engraving, foil stamping, letterpress, glitter, and calligraphy can also increase the cost of wedding invitations. For instance, hiring a calligrapher to add a custom element to the invitations can cost $100 to $300, while foil stamping for a set of 100 invitations can add an additional $400 to the total cost.

Envelope pricing is another factor to consider. Some companies include the cost of envelopes in the card stock price, while others charge separately. Buying envelopes separately can cost around $15 to $30 per 100 envelopes.

Finally, shipping costs for wedding invitations should also be factored into the budget. The average wedding postage cost is around $0.49 per envelope for domestic shipping, with additional costs for international shipping or heavier invitations.

Time and convenience

Handwriting your wedding invitations and envelopes can be a very time-consuming process. If you have beautiful handwriting and want to add a personal touch to your invitations, it is a good idea to handwrite them. However, if you have poor handwriting or are sending out many invitations, it may be more convenient to consider other options.

Handwriting each envelope can take up a lot of time, and mistakes can lead to wasted envelopes and money. If you are short on time or want to save costs, there are alternative ways to address your wedding invitations without sacrificing elegance and style.

One option is to hire a professional calligrapher. This option can be luxurious and impressive, but it is also expensive and may not be readable. Calligraphers often require a two-week turnaround time, and good ones can get booked up quickly, so this option should not be left until the last minute.

If you are looking for a more affordable and convenient option, you can consider printing your envelopes using a computer and a nice scripted font. This option saves time and money and is becoming more acceptable. You can also order custom printed labels, which offer a practical and efficient solution.

Another option is to use wedding invitation address labels, which are stickers that display names and addresses. These labels can add a sophisticated look to your envelopes and save you writing time. You can buy these labels online or at stationery stores, and you can choose from various fonts, designs, and styles.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to handwrite your wedding invitations comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and time constraints. Handwriting can add a special touch, but other options can be just as effective and convenient.

Etiquette and tradition

The rules of wedding etiquette are ever-changing, making it challenging for modern couples to find up-to-date information. Here is a comprehensive guide to the etiquette and traditions surrounding handwritten wedding invitations:

History and Tradition:

The tradition of sending handwritten wedding invitations dates back to the Middle Ages when wealthy families commissioned monks, skilled in calligraphy, to craft their invitations. Before this, the town crier would announce impending nuptials.

Etiquette and Modern Practices:

While the rules of wedding etiquette are constantly evolving, some traditionalists argue that hand-addressed envelopes follow proper wedding protocol and etiquette. Handwriting is often seen as a more personal touch for such a special occasion.

However, modern couples have a range of options to consider, from hiring a professional calligrapher to using printed address labels or even computer-generated calligraphy. Here are some key points to consider:

• Hiring a Professional Calligrapher: This option can add a luxurious and elegant touch to your invitations. It is ideal for formal, white-tie affairs. However, it can be expensive, with pricing ranging from $1 to $5+ per envelope, and calligraphers may require a two-week turnaround time.
• Handwriting your own Envelopes: If you have neat handwriting and want to add a personal touch, you can write the envelopes yourself. This option follows wedding traditions and etiquette and makes the envelopes more personal. However, it can be time-consuming and prone to mistakes, leading to wasted envelopes and increased costs.
• Printed Address Labels: Wedding invitation address labels are stickers that display names and addresses, saving you the trouble of handwriting. You can find both return address labels and guest address labels, or opt for coordinating designs. This option offers a streamlined, sophisticated look and saves time.
• Computer-Generated Calligraphy: Directly printing calligraphy on the envelope using a computer is gaining popularity and acceptability. If you decide to print, use a scripted font rather than a standard business font like Times New Roman or Arial.

Formal Addressing Rules:

Regardless of the method you choose, there are a few formal addressing rules to follow:

• Use full names and avoid nicknames or initials.
• Spell out middle names or use no initials if they are included.
• Spell out all words in addresses (e.g., Street, Avenue, etc.).
• Abbreviate titles like Mr., Mrs., Ms., and Jr.
• Write out professional titles like Doctor or Professor.

Frequently asked questions