Handwritten Wedding Invites: Envelope Etiquette Explained

There are differing opinions on whether wedding invitation envelopes should be handwritten or not. Some people believe that handwritten envelopes add a personal touch and follow traditional wedding etiquette. On the other hand, others argue that printing addresses on envelopes or using labels is more convenient, especially for those with messy handwriting or large guest lists. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide which option suits their preferences, budget, and time constraints.

Pros and cons of handwritten vs. printed envelopes

There are various factors to consider when deciding between handwritten and printed envelopes for wedding invitations. Here is a detailed list of pros and cons to help you make an informed decision:

Handwritten Envelopes:

Pros:

• Traditional and Personal: Handwriting is often considered more personal and intimate, reflecting the sentiment of the occasion. It also adheres to traditional wedding etiquette, adding a touch of elegance and formality.
• Customizability: With handwritten envelopes, you have the freedom to choose any colour, including opaques and metallics, thanks to the availability of various pens and inks.
• Cost-Effective: If you have good handwriting and enjoy DIY, handwritten envelopes can be a budget-friendly option.

Cons:

• Time-Consuming: Writing each envelope by hand can be a tedious and time-consuming task, especially if you have a large number of invitations.
• Mistakes and Wasted Materials: Errors are inevitable when writing by hand, leading to wasted envelopes and increased costs.
• Legibility: If you have messy or illegible handwriting, it may detract from the overall presentation and cause delivery issues.
• Cost of Calligraphy: Hiring a calligrapher can be expensive and may not fit within your budget.

Printed Envelopes:

Pros:

• Legibility and Consistency: Printed envelopes ensure that every address is legible and consistent, reducing the risk of delivery errors.
• Modern Style: You can experiment with different fonts and graphics to create a modern and stylish look that matches your wedding theme.
• DIY Cost-Effectiveness: If you have access to a suitable printer, DIY printing can be a cost-effective option, especially with free online services that offer guest addressing.
• Time-Saving: Printing saves significant time, especially when compared to writing each envelope by hand.

Cons:

• Lack of Personal Touch: Printed envelopes may lack the warmth and personal touch of handwritten ones, potentially making them seem less special.
• Limited Print Colours: You may be restricted in terms of print colour options, which could limit your creative vision.
• Technical Challenges: DIY printing can be challenging without the proper knowledge or equipment, leading to wasted time and materials.
• Higher Costs for Certain Methods: Some printing methods, such as foil stamping or letterpress, can be expensive.

Ultimately, the decision between handwritten and printed envelopes depends on your personal preferences, budget, and time constraints. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that aligns best with your wedding vision and practical considerations.

Cost and time considerations

The cost and time taken to address wedding invitation envelopes can vary depending on the method chosen. Handwriting the envelopes yourself is a cost-effective option, but it can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large number of invitations to send out. It may also require additional time and money spent on materials such as special pens or ink. If you opt for handwriting, it's important to consider your handwriting style and consistency, as messy or illegible writing may detract from the overall presentation.

Hiring a calligrapher to handwrite the envelopes is a more expensive option, but it can add a touch of elegance and personalization to your invitations. This option may be suitable if you have the budget and want to ensure a consistent and polished look. However, it is important to plan ahead, as calligraphers may require several weeks to complete the task, and their services can be in high demand during wedding season.

Printing the envelopes yourself or using a printing service is a modern and cost-effective alternative. It allows for consistency in formatting and legibility, and you can even choose from a variety of fonts and graphics to match your wedding theme. However, it may require some initial investment in learning the process or purchasing suitable equipment. Additionally, printing at home may have limitations in terms of envelope size and print colour options.

Using printed address labels is another option that can save time and money. However, some consider labels less formal and potentially prone to smearing or becoming detached during mailing. Pre-printed envelopes from companies like Minted offer a convenient solution, often with a range of font options, but they may come with additional costs for certain design choices.

Ultimately, the decision between handwriting, printing, or using labels depends on your budget, time constraints, and desired level of personalization and formality for your wedding invitations.

Hiring a calligrapher

There are many options to consider when it comes to addressing wedding invitation envelopes. Some people choose to handwrite the addresses themselves, while others opt for printing the addresses directly on the envelopes or using address labels. Hiring a calligrapher is another popular choice for couples who want to add a touch of elegance and personalization to their wedding invitations. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're considering hiring a calligrapher:

Finding a Calligrapher

To find a calligrapher, you can start by asking for recommendations from family and friends, especially those who have recently gotten married or used a calligrapher for another event. You can also search for calligraphers online or contact your local calligraphy guild or association. Websites like Thumbtack and WeddingWire offer listings of calligraphers and reviews from previous clients, which can be helpful in making your decision.

Cost of Hiring a Calligrapher

The cost of hiring a calligrapher can vary depending on their level of experience and the local market. According to Leah Sachs, a full-time calligrapher and wedding invitation designer, the price for envelope addressing typically ranges from $3.50 to $5.50 per envelope. However, you may find calligraphers who charge outside of this range, so be sure to get quotes from multiple calligraphers to compare prices and find one that fits your budget.

Timing

It's important to book your calligrapher early, as client lists tend to fill up quickly. Sachs recommends booking your calligrapher when you book your invitations to ensure you can get on their production calendar. Keep in mind that calligraphic work is a physical job, so there may be a limit to the number of projects a calligrapher can take on.

Styles of Calligraphy

There are different styles of calligraphy to choose from, and it's important to be clear about the style you want for your envelopes. According to Sachs, each style of writing is called a "hand" rather than a "font" because it's created individually. Pointed pen varieties are currently the most popular for wedding invitations, but there are also options for broad-edge or chisel-tip pen hands.

Other Uses for Calligraphy

While envelope addressing is the most common use for calligraphy in weddings, you can also use calligraphy to add personal touches to other elements of your wedding. Consider using calligraphy on place cards, programs, personalized menus, seating charts, or even non-traditional surfaces like tiles, stones, shells, and bottles. Calligraphy can bring an artistic and elegant touch to your wedding and create a memorable experience for your guests.

Etiquette and formality

When it comes to wedding invitations, the envelope is the first impression that guests will have of your wedding. The design of the envelope and invitation inform guests about your wedding theme and how formal the day will be.

There is an ongoing debate about whether wedding invitation envelopes should be handwritten or printed. Traditional wedding etiquette suggests that it is proper to handwrite wedding envelopes, as social correspondence is handwritten and business correspondence is printed. Some argue that handwriting is more personal than printing. However, printing is a modern and typically quick, easy, and cost-effective way to address envelopes.

If you choose to handwrite your envelopes, you can do it yourself if you have neat handwriting. If you don't, you can hire a calligrapher to address your envelopes for you. Handwriting your envelopes can add a personal touch to your invites, and you can choose any colour thanks to cool pens and inks. However, if you have bad handwriting, your envelopes may not look polished or may be difficult to read and deliver. Hiring a calligrapher can also be costly.

If you choose to print your envelopes, you can print them yourself at home, take them to a local printer, or order printed envelopes online. Printing your envelopes ensures consistent, legible addresses on every envelope, which is great for those with messy handwriting. You can also mix and match fonts and graphics for a modern style. However, printing may not follow traditional wedding etiquette and may lose the personal touch. Print colours may also be limited, and some printing methods can be high in price.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to handwrite or print your wedding invitation envelopes is up to you. There is no right or wrong answer, and you should choose the option that best suits your preferences and budget.

Legibility and delivery

Legibility is a key consideration when deciding whether to handwrite or print your wedding invitation envelopes. If you have neat handwriting, handwriting can be a great way to add a personal touch to your invitations. However, if your handwriting is difficult to read, it may be better to opt for printing or hiring a calligrapher. Illegible handwriting may result in your invitations being difficult to deliver, or even returned as undeliverable.

One way to ensure legibility is to use a calligraphy font for printed envelopes. This can give a consistent and uniform appearance, with each letter maintaining the same style and size throughout the invitation. It can also be a time-saving option, especially if you have a large number of invitations to send out.

If you choose to handwrite your envelopes, it's important to allow enough time to complete the task. Handwriting envelopes can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large guest list. It's also important to proofread and test your handwriting before finalizing, to ensure consistency and catch any potential issues.

Another option to consider is hiring a calligrapher to inscribe your envelopes. This can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your invitations, but it can also be costly. If you choose this option, be sure to allow enough time for the calligrapher to complete the task, usually at least two to three weeks.

Regardless of whether you handwrite, print, or hire a calligrapher, it's important to follow proper formatting and etiquette when addressing your wedding invitation envelopes. This includes spelling out all words in the address, using full guest names without nicknames or initials, and including appropriate social titles such as "Mr." and "Mrs.".

Remember, the goal is to make your envelopes clear and legible, so they can be delivered to your guests without any issues. So, whether you choose handwriting or printing, always prioritize readability.

Frequently asked questions