Handwritten Wedding Invites: Old-School Charm Or Outdated?

Wedding invitations are a special part of the wedding planning process. They are a way to give guests a glimpse of the wedding's tone and atmosphere. While printed invitations are common, some couples opt for handwritten invitations for a more personalised touch. Handwritten wedding invitations can be a time-consuming but meaningful endeavour, allowing couples to infuse their unique style and personality into the design. Traditionally, handwritten invitations were reserved for the most privileged classes, but today, couples can choose between handwritten calligraphy or calligraphy fonts to achieve a sophisticated and elegant look. Ultimately, the decision to handwrite wedding invitations depends on personal preference, time constraints, and budget considerations.

Handwritten wedding invitations can be a time-consuming task

Time Commitment

Handwriting wedding invitations can be a significant undertaking, especially if you have a large guest list. It is essential to start the process early and give yourself ample time to avoid rushing and ensure a polished result. For context, a professional calligrapher can typically address 50 to 75 envelopes per day.

Practice and Skills

Calligraphy and hand-lettering are skilled arts that require practice to perfect. If you're considering handwriting your invitations, allow extra time for practice, proofing, and test runs. Experiment with different nibs, inks, and paper to find the right combination that suits your style and writing pressure.

Consistency and Legibility

Maintaining consistency and legibility across all your invitations is crucial. Take the time to refine your technique and ensure that your handwriting is clear and easy to read. Remember that ornate and decorative styles are beautiful, but they should not compromise readability, especially when it comes to names and addresses.

Cost and Budget

Handwriting your own invitations can be a cost-effective option, as you invest your time instead of a significant portion of your budget. However, consider the cost of materials, including pens, paper, envelopes, and any spares for mistakes and ink spills. If you're concerned about the consistency or legibility of your handwriting, hiring a calligrapher may be a better option, though it will likely be more expensive.

Personalisation and Uniqueness

Handwritten invitations offer a unique and personal touch. You can customise the invitations to reflect your style and the tone of your wedding. If you have the time and enjoy the craft, writing your own invitations can be a meaningful and memorable endeavour.

In conclusion, while handwritten wedding invitations can be time-consuming, they can also add a special and personalised element to your wedding celebrations. With proper planning, preparation, and practice, you can create beautiful invitations that your guests will cherish.

You can hire a calligrapher to write your wedding invitations

Wedding invitations are a practical way to inform your guests about the "when and where" of your big day. They also offer a glimpse into the tone, aesthetic, and atmosphere of your wedding. Handwritten invitations, in particular, create a unique and personalised impression.

If you want to add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your wedding invitations, you can hire a calligrapher to write them for you. Here are some reasons why you might consider doing so:

Time and Effort Savings:

A professional calligrapher can complete 50 to 75 addressed envelopes per day, which saves valuable time for the couple. Handwriting invitations can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large guest list.

Professional Expertise:

Calligraphers have the skills and experience to ensure your invitations are beautifully crafted. They know the right type of ink to use, can guide you on etiquette, and will proofread all the envelopes before returning them to you.

Customisation and Personalisation:

Calligraphers can work with you to customise your invitations and reflect your unique style. You can choose from a range of fonts and even combine different lettering styles to create a visually appealing suite.

Stress Reduction:

DIY invitations can be stressful and time-consuming. By hiring a calligrapher, you can focus on other aspects of your wedding planning while ensuring your invitations are in capable hands.

Special Touch:

Handwritten invitations, especially those with calligraphy, add a unique and elegant touch to your wedding stationery. They set the tone for a personalised and intimate celebration and let your guests know that you are thinking of their experience from the moment they receive the invitation.

When hiring a calligrapher, be sure to review their online portfolios and social media presence to understand their style and capabilities. You can also request samples to see and feel the quality of their work in person.

While hiring a calligrapher may be more costly than DIY options, the benefits of their expertise, time savings, and the special touch they bring to your invitations can be well worth the investment.

Handwritten wedding invitations can be more expensive

Handwritten wedding invitations can be a beautiful and personal touch to add to your wedding. However, they can also be more expensive than other options. Here are some reasons why handwritten wedding invitations can be more costly:

• Time and Labour: Creating handwritten invitations is a time-consuming and labour-intensive process. It requires careful writing and attention to detail, especially if you want to achieve a polished and elegant look. For couples with large guest lists, addressing and writing each invitation can be a significant undertaking. A professional calligrapher can complete 50 to 75 addressed envelopes per day, which offers a time-saving option for busy couples.
• Materials and Supplies: To achieve the desired look, you will need to invest in high-quality materials and supplies, such as dip pens, metal nibs, bottled ink, and paper. These supplies can be expensive, especially if you need to purchase them in large quantities. Additionally, you may also want to consider purchasing extra cards or envelopes for mistakes and ink spills, further adding to the cost.
• Skill and Practice: Handwriting wedding invitations requires a certain level of skill and practice. If you don't have prior experience with calligraphy or hand-lettering, there may be a steep learning curve involved. The time and effort spent practising and perfecting your technique can add to the overall cost of the invitations.
• Customisation and Personalisation: Handwritten invitations are often customised to reflect the couple's unique style and personality. This may include incorporating specific design elements, flourishes, or embellishments that can increase the cost. Additionally, if you choose to work with a professional calligrapher or stationer, they may offer bespoke services or custom artwork that can be more expensive than standard options.
• Postage and Delivery: Handwritten invitations, especially those with ornate and decorative styles, may require special handling by the postal service to ensure legibility and safe delivery. This could result in higher postage fees, especially for larger invitations or those with unusual shapes or enclosures.

While handwritten wedding invitations can be more expensive, they offer a unique and memorable touch to your special day. If you're concerned about the cost, you can consider semi-custom options, purchase calligraphy fonts, or explore online marketplaces that offer a range of budget-friendly choices. Ultimately, the decision to splurge on handwritten invitations depends on your personal preferences and budget constraints.

Handwritten wedding invitations are a great personal touch

Handwritten invitations are a wonderful opportunity to create a personalised impression on your guests. They convey to your guests that they are worthy of your time and are a special part of the wedding celebrations. The art of handwriting, with its creative expressions and embellishments, goes beyond mere text, making each invitation a cherished keepsake for both the couple and their guests.

Historically, handwritten wedding invitations were reserved for the privileged classes, with monks versed in calligraphy meticulously crafting each invitation. Today, you have the freedom to make this tradition your own. You can choose to write the invitations yourself or hire a calligrapher to address your envelopes, infusing your wedding stationery with sophistication and elegance.

If you decide to write the invitations yourself, it's essential to start the process early and practice. Hand-lettering can be time-consuming, especially for larger weddings. It's also important to invest in the right tools and supplies, such as dip pens, metal nibs, bottled ink, and high-quality paper. This ensures that your invitations not only look polished but are also legible for your guests.

Whether you follow traditional etiquette or modern trends, handwritten wedding invitations add a unique and memorable touch to your special day. They showcase your creativity and serve as a heartfelt gesture that your guests will surely appreciate.

You can print your wedding invitations at home

Printing your wedding invitations at home is a great way to save money and create a unique and personalised design. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Choose Your Design and Software:

Select a word processing or design software to create your invitations. You can use professional desktop publishing software or any basic word processing program. If you're looking for a beginner-friendly option, consider using Canva or Microsoft Word.

Determine Your Fonts and Text Alignment:

Most wedding invitations feature two fonts: one script font and one block font. Experiment with different font combinations, treatments (such as italics), and sizes. Avoid using more than two fonts or font sizes smaller than 9 points to ensure your invitation is easy to read. Decide on the text alignment, typically centre alignment for traditional invitations, but you can also choose right or left justification.

Add Graphic Elements and Colour:

Enhance your invitation with graphic elements like high-resolution clip art or florals, branches, or Victorian flourishes for timeless appeal. Carefully add pops of colour to complement your design. You can also add colour to the finished invitations with embellishments like ribbons or paper strips.

Order Invitation Paper and Envelopes:

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

Print Your Invitations:

Before printing, run a test print to ensure your design comes out correctly. Feed your cardstock into the printer, staying by the printer to monitor for any issues. Make sure you have enough printer ink before starting.

Assemble and Address:

Involve family and friends in assembling the printed invitations. Depending on your design, this may involve mounting printed invitations on cardstock, adding enclosures and embellishments, and placing them in envelopes. Finally, address your envelopes by hand or use printed labels.

Remember to proofread your design and have others review it before printing. By following these steps, you can create beautiful and personalised wedding invitations from the comfort of your home.

Frequently asked questions