Handwriting Wedding Invites: A Personal Touch For Your Big Day

Handwritten wedding invitations are a great way to add a personal touch to your special day. They can be a cost-effective alternative to hiring a calligrapher, but they do require time and patience. If you're considering handwriting your own wedding invitations, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, it's important to start the process well in advance, especially if you have a large guest list. You'll also need to choose the right supplies, including paper, ink, and pens. The type of calligraphy you choose will depend on your aesthetic and budget. While calligraphy fonts provide a uniform appearance, handwritten calligraphy offers artistic variations that reflect your unique style. Another option is to combine both, using calligraphy fonts for printed text and handwriting specific details.

Choosing the right paper and ink

When it comes to choosing the right paper and ink for hand-writing your own wedding invitations, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you make the best choices:

Choose the Right Paper:

• Thickness and Weight: The thickness and weight of the paper are important considerations. Cardstock paper, which is similar to a postcard or business card in terms of sturdiness, is generally recommended for wedding invitations. The weight of cardstock can range from 45 to 200 lbs, and a weight of 80 lbs or higher is ideal for a more professional look. Keep in mind that thicker paper may be more difficult to feed through your printer, so always check your printer's specifications.
• Material and Texture: Different materials and textures of paper are available, such as cotton, linen, vellum, and recycled paper. Cotton paper is a popular choice for its smooth feel, durability, and ability to absorb ink well. Linen paper has a subtle woven texture that adds a touch of elegance. Vellum is a thin, translucent paper that can be used as an overlay or printed directly. Recycled paper, such as kraft cardstock, offers a rustic, eco-friendly option.
• Colour and Finish: White or off-white paper is the most common choice for wedding invitations, but coloured cardstock can also be used to add a unique touch. Consider the finish of the paper as well, such as matte, satin, silk, or glossy. A smooth matte finish is a versatile option, while a linen texture can add a subtle elegance.

Select the Right Ink:

• Colour: The colour of the ink you choose will depend on the overall design and aesthetic of your invitations. If you're printing at home, be mindful that colourful backgrounds and designs can use a lot of ink. White or light-coloured ink on dark paper can create a sophisticated look, but ensure your printer can handle it.
• Type: Traditional calligraphy ink or pre-mixed bottled ink is recommended for hand-writing or calligraphy. If using a printer, ensure you select the correct type of ink for your specific printer model.
• Quantity: Consider the quantity of ink you will need, especially if hand-writing or using a printer with ink cartridges. Order extra ink to account for mistakes and practice runs.

Remember to purchase extra paper and envelopes to allow for mistakes and test prints. It's also a good idea to do some test prints on different types of paper to see how the ink absorbs and dries, ensuring you achieve the desired result.

Selecting your envelopes

The envelope is the first thing your guests will see when they receive your wedding invitation, so it's important to choose one that reflects your style and sets the right tone for your big day. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect envelopes for your hand-written wedding invitations:

Size

The first step in choosing envelopes is to ensure you select the right size. The envelope should comfortably fit your invitation without being too big or too small. Standard invitation sizes include C5, C6, C7, DL, square, and 5x7. If you're including RSVP cards, you'll also need to choose smaller envelopes that fit inside, such as C7 or 62 x 94mm.

Color and Finish

Envelopes come in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing you to set the desired tone for your wedding. For a classic and elegant look, consider white or ivory envelopes. If you want to add a touch of luxury, opt for envelopes with a linen or hammer effect finish. For a more modern or playful style, explore colorful envelopes such as gold, silver, red, or navy blue. You can even find envelopes with pearlescent or metallic finishes.

Flap Style

The flap style of an envelope is an often-overlooked detail. Common flap styles include straight flaps, contour flaps, and V flaps. The flap style can subtly enhance the overall aesthetic of your invitation suite. For example, a straight flap might complement a modern and sleek invitation design, while a V flap could add a touch of elegance to a traditional invitation.

Seal Type

The type of seal you choose for your envelopes is both a practical and aesthetic decision. Gummed envelopes are traditional and cost-effective, but they can be messy and time-consuming to seal. Peel-and-seal envelopes offer convenience and a secure closure. This option is ideal if you want to ensure your invitations stay closed during mailing.

Customization

If you want to take your envelopes to the next level, consider customization options. You can add monograms, logos, or other unique designs to reflect your personal style or wedding theme. Customized envelopes create a cohesive look with your invitations and can make a lasting impression on your guests.

Addressing

Finally, decide whether you want to handwrite or print the addresses on your envelopes. Handwriting addresses can add a personal touch, but it's time-consuming, especially for large guest lists. Printing the addresses is a faster option, and you can even find services that offer elegant printed addressing.

Remember to order a few extra envelopes to allow for mistakes or last-minute additions to your guest list. Happy addressing!

Wording and phrasing

The wording of your wedding invitation is important as it provides essential details about your big day, such as the couple's full names, the hosts of the nuptials, the ceremony location, and the reception venue. It also gives guests an idea of the formality of the event. Here are some tips to help you with the wording and phrasing of your handmade wedding invitations:

• Host Line: This is the opening line of the invitation and names the hosts of the event. If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, this line can be omitted. If multiple parties are hosting and you want to maintain a formal feel, include their names.
• Attendance Request: This is where you invite your guests to your wedding. You can use various phrasing options, such as "request the pleasure of your company", "invite you to raise a glass", or "invite you to share in their joy".
• Couple's Names: Traditionally, the bride's name is listed first, followed by the groom's. However, you can choose to list names alphabetically for couples who don't identify as a bride and groom or in same-sex relationships. The names are usually displayed in larger, fancy text.
• Date and Time: Formal invitations typically spell out the date and time, while modern invites often use numerical figures. Ensure that your chosen font is legible to avoid confusion.
• Location: Include the name and full address of your wedding venue, including the state and zip code. If your wedding is abroad, provide the country as well.
• Reception Details: If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, simply state "reception to follow". Otherwise, provide the full address and other relevant information on a separate details card included with the invitation.
• Dress Code: Including dress code information is optional but can be helpful for your guests. You can mention it on the invitation, a separate details card, or your wedding website.
• Formal: "Mr. and Mrs. John L. Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their son Jack Alexander to Mason Jacob Kim on Saturday, the seventeenth of August two thousand twenty-four at half after four at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow."
• Fun: "Come party with us! Jack Alexander Smith and Mason Jacob Kim are tying the knot on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Dinner and dancing to follow."
• Casual: "Jack Alexander Smith & Mason Jacob Kim invite you to share in their joy at their wedding on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow."
• Creative: "Good food, good drinks, good friends! Jack Smith & Mason Kim request you celebrate with them as they get hitched on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Party to follow."
• Modern: "Jack Smith & Mason Kim would love to eat wedding cake with you on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow."
• Simple: "Jack Smith & Mason Kim are getting married on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow."

When it comes to the wording, consider the level of formality you want to convey, the host of the wedding, and be concise and clear in your phrasing.

If you're handwriting your invitations, you have the flexibility to personalise the wording for each guest. You can be more informal and familiar with close friends and family, while using a more traditional and formal tone for those you're not as close to. Remember to use dark blue or black ink on letter sheets of cotton fibre paper for a classic and elegant look.

Addressing and assembling

The address on a wedding invitation should be handwritten; printed labels are not appropriate. 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 have to get the envelopes to the calligrapher at least two to three weeks before you need them; some calligraphers require even more time. Provide them with a neatly printed guest list, complete with full addresses and social and professional titles (e.g. Mr. or Doctor).

Your guests' names should be written in full on the outer envelopes; avoid nicknames or initials. Use the appropriate social titles as well, such as addressing married couples as "Mr. and Mrs." If a man's name has a suffix, write "Mr. Joseph Morales, Jr.," or "Mr. Joseph Morales IV"; "Junior" can be spelled out on a more formal invitation. Spell out all words in an address, including "Street", "Post Office Box", and "Apartment".

The return address is usually printed on the envelope's back flap. Traditionally, this was done with blind embossing (colourless raised lettering), but this is now discouraged by the United States Postal Service as it is difficult to read. Most couples now 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 of the information the postal service needs for delivery. 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 goes on the bottom, print side up. A sheet of tissue paper can be placed over it. Stack all other inserts, such as a map, reception card, and reply card, on the wedding invitation in order of size (smallest on top). The reply card should be under its envelope's flap, with the mailing address and a stamp. 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.

Weighing and stamping

Weighing Your Invitations:

• The weight of your invitations will depend on the number of inserts, such as RSVP cards and envelopes, details cards, and any other enclosures. It's a good idea to assemble a complete invitation suite and weigh it to determine the required postage.
• Take your assembled invitation suite to the post office to get an accurate weight and ensure you are using the correct postage. This step is essential because postage costs are based on weight, and additional elements like ribbons or wax seals can increase the weight significantly.

Stamping Your Invitations:

• The postage required for your invitations will depend on their weight. In general, wedding invitations fall into two categories: those weighing less than an ounce and those weighing more than an ounce.
• Invitations weighing less than an ounce typically require a "forever" stamp, which currently costs $0.55 each. This category usually includes save-the-date cards, which often consist of a single cardstock piece.
• Invitations weighing more than an ounce will require additional postage. Most invitations with multiple pieces will fall into this category and will require a $0.70 stamp.
• The size and shape of your invitations can also affect postage costs. Square invitations, for example, cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled, resulting in a higher postage cost of $0.70 regardless of weight.
• If you plan to use a ribbon tie or a thick knot for your envelope liner, consider using a paper belly band or vellum instead. These alternatives can help keep your postage costs down while still adding a decorative touch to your invitations.
• It is recommended to use a combination of stamps and additional postage for the outer envelope, especially if your invitations are on the heavier side. This will ensure that your invitations are not returned due to insufficient postage.
• Always use the correct postage for your RSVP envelopes as well. You can include a stamp on these envelopes to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Remember, it is crucial to have accurate weights and postage for your wedding invitations to avoid any delivery issues. Taking a fully assembled invitation to your local post office is the best way to ensure you are using the correct postage.

Frequently asked questions