Handwritten Wedding Invites: A Must Or A Myth?

Wedding invitations are a time-consuming affair. From choosing the right design, colours, and wording to assembling the invitation package, there are many rules to consider. One of the most common questions asked by couples is whether wedding invitation addresses need to be handwritten. While it is generally recommended to handwrite addresses, it is not necessary. Etiquette-approved options include handwriting, printing addresses on envelopes, or using a specific type of skinny wrap label. Handwriting addresses or hiring a calligrapher adds a nice touch, but printing addresses is an easy and completely acceptable alternative.

Handwritten vs. printed labels: Handwritten is preferred, but printed labels are an acceptable alternative

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there are a few options to consider. While handwritten addresses are the preferred option, printed labels are also an acceptable alternative. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Handwritten Addresses

Handwriting your wedding invitation addresses is a nice touch and is generally the preferred option. It adds a personal and thoughtful element to your invitations. If you have neat handwriting, you can write the addresses yourself. This option allows you to connect with your guests on a more intimate level and show that you've put time and effort into the invitations.

However, if your handwriting isn't the best, you can always hire a calligrapher to do it for you. Calligraphers can provide elegant and consistent handwriting, ensuring your invitations look polished and professional. Just be sure to give them enough time, usually about two to three weeks, to complete the task. Additionally, provide them with a neatly printed guest list, full addresses, and any relevant social and professional titles (such as Mr., Mrs., or Doctor) to ensure accuracy and proper etiquette.

Printed Labels

While printed labels were once considered inappropriate for wedding invitations, times have changed, and they are now an acceptable alternative. The key is to make the printed addresses look handwritten. Services like Minted offer invitation envelope printing that coordinates with your invitation suite, and the final product looks so similar to handwriting that no one will notice the difference.

This option is especially useful if you want to avoid the common pitfalls of printing addresses at home, such as smeared ink, inconsistent ink cartridges, and the tedious task of hand-typing each address. By choosing a service that specializes in invitation printing, you can ensure a seamless and stress-free process.

In conclusion, while handwritten addresses are preferred, printed labels that mimic handwriting are also a tasteful choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference, budget, and the level of formality you wish to convey.

Formality: Depending on the level of formality, you may want to hire a professional calligrapher

Formality plays a significant role in deciding whether to hire a professional calligrapher for your wedding invitations. If you're planning a formal wedding, paying attention to the finer details, such as elegant handwriting, becomes essential.

A professional calligrapher can elevate the look and feel of your invitations, adding a touch of sophistication and luxury. They will ensure that your envelopes are inscribed with precision and artistry, creating a lasting impression on your guests even before they open the envelope.

However, if your handwriting is neat and legible, you may choose to address the envelopes yourself. This personal touch can make your guests feel special and valued. It adds a unique and intimate element to your invitations, reflecting the time and care you've invested in each guest.

When deciding whether to hire a professional calligrapher, consider the overall tone and style of your wedding. If you're opting for a more casual and relaxed atmosphere, your handwriting might align better with the theme. On the other hand, if you're envisioning a grand and formal celebration, a professional calligrapher can help you achieve the desired level of elegance and refinement.

Additionally, it's important to plan ahead. Professional calligraphers often require at least two to three weeks to complete the task, and some may need even more time. Therefore, it's advisable to start your search early and provide them with a neatly printed guest list, including full addresses and titles. This attention to detail will ensure that your invitations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also accurately addressed, demonstrating your thoughtfulness and consideration for your guests.

Full names: Guests' names should be written in full on the outer envelopes, avoiding nicknames or initials

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to use the guest's full name on the outer envelope. Avoid nicknames or initials, and always write out the full name, including middle names if you know them. If you are unsure of the middle name, it is better to omit it than to use initials. The outer envelope is the more formal of the two envelopes and should include the guest's full name and any relevant titles.

For a single female guest, use "Ms." if she is over 18. For those under 18, "Miss" is the acceptable choice, and it should be written out in full, not abbreviated. For example, the outer envelope could read "Ms. Stephanie Chen" or "Miss Stephanie Chen" for a guest under 18.

For a single male guest, use the title "Mr." if he is over 18. If the male guest is under 18, no title is necessary. An example of the outer envelope for a male guest could be "Mr. James Montgomery".

When inviting a married couple with the same last name, the outer envelope could read "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren". If the couple would prefer that the wife's name is not left out, you could write "Mr. Thomas Warren and Mrs. Michelle Warren".

If the married couple has different last names, the outer envelope could be addressed as "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez".

For unmarried couples living at the same address, both people's names should be included on one line. For example, "Mr. Stanley Kim and Ms. Amanda Rhee".

When inviting a family with children, the outer envelope is reserved for the parents' names only. An example could be "Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson".

In all these cases, it is important to use the guests' full names on the outer envelope, avoiding nicknames or initials, to ensure that your invitations are formal and respectful.

Social titles: Use appropriate social titles, e.g., Mr. and Mrs. for married couples

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to use the correct social titles for your guests. The titles you use will depend on their age, gender, marital status, and profession. Here are some guidelines to help you address your invitations with the appropriate social titles:

Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms., and Mx.

The title Mr. is used for men, regardless of their age or marital status. On the other hand, women's titles depend on their marital status. The title Mrs. is used for married women who do not have another professional or academic title. It is an abbreviation of the word "mistress", which was originally applied to both married and unmarried women of the upper class. Today, it is generally considered polite to address a woman by Ms. rather than Mrs., unless you are certain that she prefers Mrs. The title Miss is used for unmarried and young women. It is also used in the UK for married women who continue to use their maiden name, although "Ms." is often preferred in this case. For non-binary guests or those who use they/them pronouns, the gender-neutral title Mx. can be used.

Addressing Married Couples

When addressing a married couple, there are a few options. If the wife has taken her husband's last name, the traditional format is "Mr. and Mrs. [Husband's First Name] [Last Name]". For example, "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith". If the wife has retained her maiden name or uses a different last name, you can list their names separately, with the person you are closest with or in alphabetical order first. For example, "Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Emily Brown". In this case, you can also use "Ms." instead of "Mrs." if you prefer. If both partners use the same last name, you can address them as "Mr. and Mrs. [Last Name]". For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith".

Addressing Couples with Professional Titles

If one or both members of the couple have professional titles, such as "Doctor", "Attorney", or military titles, these should be included in the address. For example, "Doctor Sharon Smith and Mr. Erik Smith" or "Captain Sarah Chao and Mr. Jason Chao". If both guests have military titles, list the guest with the higher rank first.

Addressing Families with Children

When addressing a family with children, the outer envelope should include only the names of the parents or guardians. The inner envelope should list each child by name. Girls under the age of 18 can be addressed as "Miss", while boys do not need a title until they are 16, at which point they can be addressed as "Mr.". If you do not include the children's names, it implies that they are not invited.

Other Professional Titles

When addressing guests with other professional titles, such as "Judge", "Professor", or Esquire, these titles should be included in the address. For example, "The Honorable Sonya Patel and Mr. Niven Patel" or "Professor Michael Brown and Ms. Rachel Brown".

In conclusion, using the correct social titles when addressing your wedding invitations is an important way to show your guests that you have put thought and care into your invitations. It is always a good idea to double-check your guests' preferred titles and spellings before addressing the envelopes.

Suffixes: For a man's name with a suffix, write Mr. Joseph Morales, Jr. or Mr. Joseph Morales IV

When it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your guests feel welcomed and respected. While the rules have relaxed in recent years, it's important to pay attention to the details, especially when addressing guests with specific titles or suffixes.

When addressing a man's name with a suffix, the correct format is "Mr. Joseph Morales, Jr." or "Mr. Joseph Morales IV". The suffix "Jr." indicates that the man is a junior, carrying the same name as his father, while "IV" indicates that he is the fourth person in his family line to have that name.

For a more formal invitation, you can spell out "Junior" instead of using the abbreviation. This adds a touch of elegance and tradition to your wedding invitations. However, either format is acceptable and will convey the necessary information to your guests.

It's worth noting that social titles like "Mr." are not always necessary, especially if you're aiming for a more modern or casual vibe. In such cases, you may choose to omit titles altogether and simply use the guest's first and last name. This approach can be particularly useful when you're unsure of an individual's preferred title or if they don't identify with traditional gendered titles.

Additionally, if you're concerned about the aesthetics or legibility of your handwriting, you have a few options. You can hire a professional calligrapher to inscribe your envelopes, ensuring a polished and elegant look. Alternatively, printing the addresses on your envelopes is an easy and completely acceptable solution, especially if you choose a font that resembles handwritten text.

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