Printing Addresses On Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

There are several ways to get addresses printed on wedding invitations. You can handwrite them yourself, hire a professional calligrapher, use faux calligraphy, or use a machine printer. Handwriting addresses yourself is time-consuming and mistakes can be costly, while hiring a professional calligrapher can be expensive. Using faux calligraphy or machine printing is more affordable and convenient, but may require some experimentation to get the desired results. Creating an envelope template, using mail merge, and printing in small batches can help ensure that your envelopes look neat and professional.

Hiring a professional calligrapher

Benefits of Hiring a Professional 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 on the big day. Calligraphy is also a great way to add personal touches to your wedding, such as using non-traditional surfaces like tiles, stones, shells, or bottles for escort cards or place cards.

Cost of Hiring a Calligrapher

When considering hiring a calligrapher, it's important to note that calligraphic art is typically priced per piece. For example, envelopes are priced per envelope, and the cost can range from $3.50 to $5.50 apiece, depending on the calligrapher's experience and local market. While you may find cheaper options, it's essential to remember that the quality of the work may not meet your expectations.

Finding a Professional Calligrapher

To find a professional calligrapher, you can start by contacting your local calligraphy guild or association. Most states or major cities have calligraphy groups, and they often provide listings of local calligraphers or can connect you with their members. Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends or family who have recently hired calligraphers for their weddings can also be a great way to find talented and reliable professionals.

Timing and Booking

It's recommended to book your calligrapher early, ideally when you book your invitations. While the calligraphy process itself may not take too long, client lists can fill up quickly, and there may be physical limitations to the amount of work a calligrapher can take on. Getting on your chosen calligrapher's production calendar as early as possible is crucial to ensuring their availability.

Printing at home

Printing your wedding invitation envelopes at home is a great way to save money. You can achieve a handwritten look without having to write out each envelope by hand.

First, you will need to create a spreadsheet of all your guest addresses. You should include columns for names (e.g. Mr. and Mrs. Carter), street address, apartment number, city, state, zip code, and country.

Next, you will need to create your envelope template. Measure your envelopes and create a Word document that is the exact same size. Add text boxes to your template, leaving room for postage stamps and a return address. You can use a combination of calligraphy, sans serif, and serif fonts to make your envelopes look elegant. Once you are happy with your template, duplicate the page so you can print several envelopes at once.

Finally, fill in your guest addresses. If you are not familiar with mail merge, you can simply copy and paste your addresses into the template. Put a few envelopes into your printer's paper tray and make sure to enter the custom paper size in your print settings. Then, print the rest of your envelopes in small batches.

Printing your own wedding invitation envelopes is a straightforward process that can save you time and money.

Using a free online service

There are several free online services that can help you collect and print addresses on your wedding invitations. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use these services effectively:

Step 1: Create a Guest List

Before you start collecting addresses, it is essential to have a finalized guest list. This will ensure that you only gather addresses from individuals you plan to invite, avoiding any confusion or hurt feelings. Having a guest list will also make it easier to organize and manage the collected addresses.

Step 2: Choose an Online Service

Several reputable websites, such as Minted, Postable, and RSVPify, offer free tools to collect and manage wedding guest addresses. These platforms provide a convenient and efficient way to gather addresses without having to contact each guest individually.

Step 3: Set Up Your Account and Form

Once you've selected a platform, create an account and set up your address collection form. You will be able to customize the form to fit your needs, including adding fields for names, addresses, phone numbers, and any other relevant information. Ensure that the form is tailored to your preferences, such as formal or casual addressing.

Step 4: Share the Form

After creating the form, it's time to share it with your guests. You can send the link via email, text message, or even post it on a private Facebook event page. This will allow your guests to easily access the form and provide their address information. Make sure to include clear instructions and emphasize the importance of accurate and up-to-date addresses.

Step 5: Collect and Store the Addresses

As your guests start filling out the form, the responses will be automatically collected and stored in one place. Most platforms will allow you to track who has completed the form and send reminders to those who haven't. It is important to store the data securely and ensure that only authorized individuals can access the information.

Step 6: Download and Prepare the Addresses

Once you have collected all the necessary addresses, download them from the platform. Double-check the accuracy of the information, including names, spelling, and address details. This step is crucial to ensure that your invitations reach the correct recipients without any delays or returns.

Step 7: Print the Addresses

Finally, you can use the collected addresses to print on your wedding invitation envelopes. You can use a home printer or seek printing services from local stores like Staples or FedEx. If you're feeling creative, you can also look into envelope calligraphy services for a personalized touch.

By following these steps and utilizing free online services, you can efficiently gather and print addresses on your wedding invitations, saving time and money while planning your special day.

Handwriting envelopes yourself

Handwriting envelopes for your wedding invitations is a great way to add a personal touch. It is also a good option if you are on a tight budget or want to save time on printing and postage. However, handwriting envelopes can be time-consuming and may not be the best choice if you have a large guest list. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Practice your handwriting: Take some time to practice your handwriting before addressing the envelopes. You can find online tutorials and worksheets to help you improve your handwriting or learn faux calligraphy.
• Choose the right pen: Select a pen that will make your handwriting look nice and elegant. Some options include a fine-tip Sharpie, a fountain pen with a stub nib or italic nib, or a dip calligraphy pen. You can also use a ballpoint pen to avoid smudging.
• Use labels or print directly on the envelope: If you want a neater appearance, consider using labels or printing the addresses directly on the envelopes. This can be done at home using a printer and an Excel spreadsheet with your guest addresses.
• Take breaks: Handwriting envelopes can be tedious and cause hand cramps. Be sure to take frequent breaks to avoid messing up the envelopes.
• Ask for help: If you don't want to write all the envelopes yourself, you can ask a friend or family member with nice handwriting to help you. You can also hire a freelance calligrapher on sites like Etsy to address your envelopes for a more elegant look.
• Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to address the envelopes, especially if you have a large number to do. Don't wait until the last minute to get started.

By following these tips, you can successfully handwrite your wedding invitation envelopes, adding a unique and personal touch to your special day.

Using faux calligraphy

Faux calligraphy is a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding invitations without breaking the bank. It is a DIY option that can make your envelopes look elegant and classy. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving beautiful faux calligraphy for your wedding invitations:

Choose the Right Envelopes and Ink:

Select envelopes that have a matte finish rather than a shiny or satin texture, as the ink may not adhere well to glossy surfaces. Any colour of envelope will work, but consider the colour of ink you plan to use. White, silver, or gold ink shows up best on dark or bright envelopes. For lighter-coloured envelopes, choose a darker ink such as black, blue, or dark purple.

Gather Your Supplies:

You will need a pencil, envelopes, gel or ink pens, and scratch paper. A gel pen is an excellent choice for faux calligraphy, as it produces a thicker line. However, ensure you have more than one pen, especially if you have a large number of invitations, as the ink may run out. A fine-tip ink pen is also a good option; a black Sharpie pen is recommended as it dries quickly and can be used to write over pencil markings.

Practise Your Calligraphy:

Before writing on the envelopes, practise on scratch paper to find your style. Write out the recipient's name in cursive, and then reinforce the downstrokes with a black pen to create the illusion of professional calligraphy. Remember to make the downstrokes thicker and the upstrokes lighter. Practising will help you determine how much space you need for each name and address.

Create Guidelines:

Use a piece of paper to create a straight edge for writing. Line up the paper with the first line of the address and lightly draw a line with a pencil. You can also use transfer paper between the pencil and envelope for darker envelopes. Alternatively, use a lightbox with a template for lighter-coloured envelopes.

Address the Envelopes:

Start by writing the recipient's name in simple one-line cursive, such as "Mr & Mrs Last Name" or "Miss First Name Last Name." Erase any pencil marks and then write out the address, ensuring it is legible. Now, go back and add the "fake calligraphy" effect by thickening the downstrokes with more ink. Allow the ink to dry before moving on to the next envelope.

Final Thoughts:

Faux calligraphy is a fun and economical way to address your wedding invitations. It may take some time and practise, but the results can be stunning. Remember to give yourself plenty of time and have extra envelopes on hand in case of mistakes. Your guests will surely appreciate the personalised touch!

Frequently asked questions