Handwritten Wedding Invites: A Must Or A Myth?

Wedding invitations are a key part of wedding planning, and there are many options to consider when it comes to their design and format. One question that often comes up is whether to handwrite wedding invitations or not. In the past, handwritten wedding invitations were a sign of privilege and elegance, but today, there are many other options to explore. From modern printing techniques to custom envelope designs, couples have a range of choices to create invitations that reflect their unique style and wedding theme.

Handwritten vs. printed

Handwritten wedding invitations have a long history, dating back to when monks versed in calligraphy would handcraft invitations for the privileged classes. Today, couples may choose to handwrite their own invitations or hire a calligrapher for a unique and personalised touch. Handwriting invitations can be a labour of love, allowing the couple's personality and style to shine through. It can also be a cost-effective option, as it only requires an investment in materials such as pens, paper, and ink. However, it is important to consider the time and effort required, especially for larger guest lists.

Printed wedding invitations, on the other hand, offer a consistent and uniform appearance, with each letter maintaining the same style and size. They are also more practical for larger weddings, as a professional calligrapher can address 50 to 75 envelopes per day. Printed invitations can be customised to match the wedding theme and colours, and modern printing techniques allow for a luxurious finish. Address labels, however, are generally not considered appropriate for wedding invitations, as they do not give a high-quality impression.

When deciding between handwritten and printed wedding invitations, couples should consider their budget, time constraints, and the desired level of personalisation. Handwritten invitations can be a meaningful way to connect with guests, but they may not always be feasible. Printed invitations offer consistency and efficiency, and can still be personalised with custom designs and calligraphy-inspired fonts. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the couple's preferences and the overall vision for their wedding stationery.

Formality and tone

Handwritten invitations, whether in calligraphy or a casual script, can add a unique and personal touch to your wedding stationery. They convey a sense of elegance and sophistication, reflecting the couple's personalities and style. If you're opting for a formal and sophisticated affair, a formal script or calligraphy can be a perfect choice. On the other hand, if your wedding has a dreamy or modern romantic theme, a more relaxed and informal cursive style may suit the tone better.

If you're considering handwritten envelopes, it's important to note that they create a more personal impression than printed labels or addresses. Some guests may even consider it rude or impolite to send wedding invitations without handwritten envelopes. However, it's worth mentioning that not everyone may notice or care whether the envelopes are handwritten or not. Ultimately, it's your preference and what aligns with your wedding vision.

If you decide to handwrite your wedding invitations or envelopes, it's essential to plan and start early. Hand-lettering can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large guest list. You may also want to consider hiring a professional calligrapher to ensure consistency and elegance in your invitations. They can provide valuable time savings and expertise in choosing the right tools, inks, and papers.

Whether you choose to write them yourself or hire a professional, handwritten wedding invitations and envelopes allow you to infuse your unique style and create a memorable first impression for your guests.

Time and budget

Handwritten wedding invitations and envelopes can be a beautiful, personal touch. However, they can also be time-consuming and costly. Here are some considerations regarding time and budget:

Time

Handwriting your wedding invitations and envelopes can be a significant time investment, especially if you have a large guest list. It is important to consider the time it will take to carefully write out each invitation and envelope, as well as the time needed for proofing and test runs. For larger weddings, it may be more practical to consider other options, such as printed invitations or hiring a calligrapher.

Budget

If you decide to handwrite your wedding invitations, there are some costs to consider. You will need to invest in materials such as pens, paper, ink, and envelopes. It is recommended to have plenty of extras on hand for mistakes and ink spills. Alternatively, you could consider purchasing a calligraphy font from a calligrapher, which can be a more budget-friendly option while still supporting their art.

DIY vs Hiring a Professional

Handwriting your own wedding invitations can be a labour of love and a cost-effective alternative to hiring a professional. However, it is important to consider the time and skill involved. Calligraphy is a complicated and tedious task, and it may be worth hiring a professional to ensure a polished and elegant result. A professional calligrapher can also provide valuable insight, industry knowledge, and guidance on etiquette.

Combination Approach

You may also consider a combination approach to balance time, budget, and the personal touch. For example, you could handwrite the envelopes but print the invitations, or vice versa. Another option is to incorporate spot calligraphy, where only certain elements, such as the couple's names or headers, are handwritten or done in calligraphy. This can add a unique and personalised touch while saving time and money.

Hiring a calligrapher

Benefits of Hiring a Calligrapher

Calligraphy is a timeless art that adds a "wow" factor to your wedding invitations. It brings an artistic and formal element to your invitation suite, setting the tone for your wedding and giving your guests a hint of what to expect. Calligraphy is also a unique way to incorporate personal touches and your personality into your wedding.

Types of Calligraphy

There are different styles of calligraphy to choose from, such as pointed pen, broad-edge pen, chisel-tip pen, or ink brush. Each style of writing is called a "hand" rather than a "font" because it is individually created. Pointed pen varieties are currently the most popular for wedding invitations, offering a range of styles from ultra-flourished and traditional to organic, feminine, and whimsical.

Cost of Hiring a Calligrapher

The cost of hiring a calligrapher can vary depending on their level of experience and the local market. Typically, calligraphy is priced per piece, with envelopes costing around $3.50 to $5.50 apiece. It is essential to remember that you get what you pay for, so be cautious of prices that seem too low.

Finding a Calligrapher

To find a calligrapher, start by checking your local calligraphy guild or association. Most states or major cities have a calligraphy group that can provide listings of local calligraphers or connect you with their members. Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends or family who have recently hired a calligrapher are also a great option.

Timing

It is recommended to book your calligrapher early in the process, around the same time 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.

Other Considerations

In addition to invitation envelopes, you can use calligraphy on non-traditional surfaces such as tiles, stones, shells, and bottles. It can also be used for place cards, programs, personalized menus, or a seating chart, adding an elegant and personalized touch to any high-touch points your guests will interact with.

Etiquette and assembly

The outer envelope of your wedding invitation should include all the information the postal service needs for delivery. Traditionally, brides-to-be would spend hours writing addresses on envelopes by hand, but nowadays, modern printing equipment can print custom envelope designs, so you don't have to handwrite them anymore. Custom-printed envelopes can be made in a fancy calligraphy style, ensuring that the alignment and spacing are perfectly consistent.

If you're wondering when to send your wedding invitations, the answer is about six to eight weeks before the wedding. This allows your guests adequate time to respond and ensures that you will get a reliable headcount a week or two before the event. The address on a wedding invitation should be handwritten; printed labels are not appropriate (though calligraphy done by computer directly on the envelope is gaining popularity and acceptability).

Depending on your handwriting and the level of formality of your wedding, you may want to have your envelopes inscribed by a professional calligrapher. You'll need to get the envelopes to the calligrapher at least two to three weeks before you need them. Provide them with a neatly printed guest list, complete with full addresses and social and professional titles (Mr. or Doctor, for example).

Though etiquette for addressing and assembling wedding invitations has relaxed, there are still some requirements. For example, your guests' names should be written in full on outer envelopes; avoid nicknames or initials. Use the appropriate social titles as well, such as addressing married couples as "Mr. and Mrs." Spell out all words in an address on your wedding envelopes, rather than using abbreviations. For example, write "Street" instead of "St." and "Washington, District of Columbia" instead of "WA, DC." House numbers smaller than 20 should also be spelled out.

The preferred place for printing the return address is on the envelope's back flap. Traditional etiquette called for blind embossing, or colorless raised lettering, for wedding invitations. The idea was that guests would get their first glimpse of the fancy engraving on the invitation itself. Blind embossing is still available, although the United States Postal Service discourages it as it is difficult to read. Today, most couples have the return address printed in the same method as their invitations.

Sending out an invitation in two envelopes ensures that each guest will receive a pristine envelope, even if the outer one has been torn or soiled in the mail. The outer envelope includes all the information the postal service needs for delivery, while the inner envelope should have the names of the invited guests in the household (including children, whose names do not appear on the outer envelope). The invitation is placed at the bottom, print side up, with all other inserts stacked on top of it in order of size (smallest on top). Insert everything into the inner envelope with the print side up, so that when guests open the envelopes, they will see the lettering. Slip the unsealed inner envelope into the outer envelope with the names facing the back flap.

Frequently asked questions