Addressing Wedding Invites: Handwritten Or Printed?

Wedding invitations are a key part of the wedding planning process. They set the tone, theme, and style of your wedding, and provide guests with essential information. But what's the best way to address them? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, here's a look at some of the most common approaches to help you decide.

Hand-addressing vs printing

Wedding invitations are a chance to showcase your style and set the tone for your big day. But with so many options available, how do you choose between hand-addressing and printing your envelopes? Here's a detailed guide to help you decide.

Hand-addressing Wedding Invitations

Hand-addressing your wedding invitations can add a personal and elegant touch to your stationery. It is a traditional and formal approach that shows you've put time and effort into your invitations. If you have nice handwriting or know someone with beautiful penmanship, this can be a great way to make your invitations stand out. Additionally, you can hire a calligrapher to elevate the look of your envelopes and ensure consistency. Calligraphers offer different styles, from classic to modern, to match your wedding theme. This option is ideal if you want to maintain a traditional aesthetic or create a luxurious feel.

However, hand-addressing can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large guest list. It may also increase the risk of errors, as mistakes cannot be easily corrected once the invitations are mailed.

Printing Wedding Invitations

Printing your wedding invitation envelopes is a convenient and modern approach. It saves time and effort, especially if you have many invitations to address. Printing is a good option if you're concerned about legibility or want to ensure uniformity across all your envelopes. You can choose from various fonts, including those that resemble handwritten scripts, to achieve the desired look.

Printing is also more flexible, allowing you to make last-minute changes or corrections. This method is cost-effective, especially if you're on a tight budget. However, printing at home may lead to issues like smeared ink or inconsistent ink cartridges. Using printed labels can also be risky, as they may smear or not last through the mailing process.

The decision between hand-addressing and printing depends on your personal preferences, budget, and time constraints. Hand-addressing is ideal for creating a traditional, elegant, or luxurious feel, while printing offers convenience, flexibility, and cost savings. Consider your guest list size, time availability, and desired level of formality to make the best choice for your wedding invitations.

Formality and etiquette

When it comes to wedding invitations, you don't want to make any etiquette mistakes. This is especially true for something as important as your wedding invitations, which set the tone, theme, and style of your wedding. The invitation also provides your guests with all the information they need ahead of the celebration.

Traditionally, wedding invitations were hand-addressed using calligraphy or nice handwriting. However, today's couples have more options and can choose from a variety of addressing methods while still adhering to etiquette guidelines. Here are some tips to ensure your wedding invitations follow the proper formalities and etiquette:

• Outer and Inner Envelopes: Wedding invitations typically include an outer and an inner envelope. The outer envelope is what gets stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope contains the names of the invitees and the invitation itself. The inner envelope is optional and is used to indicate the specific guests invited if there are multiple people at the same address.
• Handwriting vs. Printing: While hand-addressing wedding invitations was the traditional method, it is no longer a requirement. You can choose to handwrite the addresses, print them, or use address labels. Handwriting adds a personal touch, but it can be time-consuming and may not be feasible for large guest lists. Printing or using labels can be more efficient and still look elegant.
• Etiquette for Handwriting: If you decide to handwrite your addresses, use neat handwriting or calligraphy. Ensure that you have legible handwriting, as you don't want your invitations to be illegible. It's also essential to allow enough time for addressing, as it can be a time-consuming process.
• Etiquette for Printing: When printing addresses or using labels, choose a font that complements the style of your invitation. Avoid using fonts that are too casual or resemble junk mail. Minted, for example, offers free address printing with various font options, including some that resemble handwriting.
• Guest Titles and Names: It is essential to use proper titles and full names on the outer envelopes. For married couples, use "Mr." and "Mrs." or "Mr. and Mr." for same-sex couples. For unmarried couples living together, include both names on one line. For single guests, use "Mr." for men, "Ms." for women, and "Mx." for non-binary guests. When addressing children, use "Miss" for girls under 18 and no title for boys under 16. Spell out all words in the address, including street names and state names, to maintain a formal tone.
• Return Address: The return address is typically printed on the back flap of the envelope. While traditional etiquette called for blind embossing or raised lettering, most couples now opt for printing the return address in the same style as the invitations.
• Proofreading and Timing: Regardless of your chosen addressing method, proofread your guest list and addresses carefully. Double-check spellings, titles, and addresses to avoid any embarrassing mistakes. Give yourself enough time to assemble and send out your invitations, aiming for about six to eight weeks before the wedding.

Remember, while following etiquette guidelines is important, you can also add your personal touch to your wedding invitations. Whether you choose to handwrite, print, or use labels, ensure that your invitations reflect the style and tone of your wedding while adhering to the basic rules of formalities and etiquette.

Hiring a calligrapher

Cost of Hiring a Calligrapher

Calligraphy services are typically priced per piece, with envelopes being the most common unit of measurement. The cost can vary depending on the calligrapher's experience and location, but it usually ranges from $3.50 to $5.50 per envelope. It is essential to remember that the quality of the work often reflects the price, so be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.

Finding a Calligrapher

To find a calligrapher in your area, you can start by contacting your local calligraphy guild or association. Most states or major cities have these organizations, and they can provide listings or referrals to local calligraphers. Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends or family who have recently wed are also a great way to find a calligrapher whose style you like.

Timing

It is recommended to book your calligrapher early in the process, ideally when you book your invitations. Client lists for popular calligraphers can fill up quickly, and there may be physical limitations to the amount of work they can take on. Aim to get on their production calendar as soon as possible to secure your desired timeframe.

Benefits of Calligraphy

Calligraphy adds a timeless and artistic element to your wedding invitations, setting the tone for your wedding and giving guests a hint of what to expect on the big day. It is a form of decorative handwriting that can be created with various tools, including pointed pens, broad-edge pens, chisel-tip pens, or ink brushes. Calligraphy can also be used on non-traditional surfaces like tiles, stones, shells, and bottles, adding a unique and personalized touch to your wedding.

Other Considerations

When hiring a calligrapher, provide them with a neatly printed guest list, including full addresses and social and professional titles. This process can take time, so start early and confirm spellings and addresses with your guests. Additionally, discuss the specific style or "hand" of calligraphy you want with your chosen calligrapher, as there are many varieties to choose from.

Addressing envelopes to different recipients

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to follow certain rules of etiquette. Here are some guidelines for addressing envelopes to different recipients:

Married Couple:

For a married couple who share the same last name, the traditional format is "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's first and last name. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. John Rivera". If the couple has different last names, list their names separately with their respective titles, such as "Ms. Celine Elgin and Ms. Jacqueline Purcell".

Unmarried Couple:

For unmarried couples living together, include both names on the envelope. Each name should be written on a separate line, with the person you are closest to listed first or in alphabetical order. For example, "Mr. Aaron Triguiero" and "Mr. Gabriel Reyes".

Same-Sex Couple:

When addressing a same-sex couple, use their names and titles on the same line, separated by the word "and". For example, "Mrs. Claire Wood and Mrs. Natalie Jones" if they are married, or "Miss Claire Wood and Miss Natalie Jones" if they are unmarried.

Family with Children:

When inviting a family with children, include the children's first names below the parents' names on the outer envelope. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith" on the first line, followed by "Marilyn, Emma, and Jack" on the second line. If the children are under 18, you can use "Miss" for girls and "Mr." for boys over 16.

Divorced or Widowed Woman:

When addressing a divorced woman, use the title "Ms." followed by her first name and preferred last name, which could be her maiden or married name. For a widowed woman, it is traditional to use "Mrs." followed by her late husband's first and last name, such as "Mrs. Henry Jones".

Non-Binary Person or Couple:

For a non-binary person or couple, use the title "Mx." when addressing formal correspondence. Alphabetically write their names to create a sense of equality. For example, "Mx. Alex Humble" for an individual, or "Mx. Alex Humble and Mr. Avery Morgan" for a couple.

Formal Business Invitations:

Formal business invitations follow similar rules as wedding invitations. Use full names and avoid abbreviations. Be sure to use proper titles and spell out all names.

Overseas Military Personnel:

When addressing military personnel stationed overseas, include their military title, first and last name, unit, box number, APO (Air/Army Post Office), state code, and ZIP code. For example, "Sgt. Robert Smith, Unit 1234, Box 567, APO AE 12345".

Remember, it is important to use full names and avoid abbreviations in addresses. Handwriting is preferred, but printing addresses is also acceptable, especially if done in a way that resembles handwriting.

Inner and outer envelopes

Wedding invitations traditionally include an inner and outer envelope. The outer envelope serves a practical purpose, protecting the inner envelope and its contents from damage during delivery. The outer envelope is also used for formality, with guests' full names and titles included.

The inner envelope is more informal and is used to specify exactly who is invited to the wedding. For example, if only the parents' names are on the outer envelope, the inner envelope would include the names of any children who are also invited. This helps to eliminate any confusion and potential awkwardness regarding the guest list.

Using two envelopes is also beneficial when sending invitations to families with young children. The outer envelope is addressed to the parent(s) or guardian(s), while the inner envelope lists each child by name.

While the use of two envelopes is a more traditional and formal option, it is not mandatory. Couples may choose to omit the inner envelope or use other methods to indicate who is invited, such as including this information on the outer envelope or on a separate card within the envelope. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the desired tone of the wedding.

When addressing envelopes, it is important to use guests' preferred titles and full names. For married couples, their names are usually put on the same line, although there is no requirement to include titles such as "Mr." and "Mrs.". If the couple has different last names, the person closest to the invitees is listed first, or alphabetical order is used. For unmarried couples, each name is written on a separate line.

Frequently asked questions