Handwriting Address Wedding Invites: A Guide To Perfect Penmanship

Wedding invitations are a time-consuming task, and addressing them by hand is a nice touch, but it's not necessary. Handwriting addresses can be a very personal touch, but it can also be stressful and time-consuming. If you have nice handwriting, or know someone who does, you can handwrite your addresses. If not, you can print the addresses on your envelopes, use a stamp, or hire a professional calligrapher.

Handwriting vs. printing

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there has long been a debate about whether to handwrite or print them. Here is a detailed look at the pros and cons of each method to help you decide which approach is best for your wedding invitations.

Handwriting Wedding Invitations

Handwriting wedding invitations can be a beautiful and traditional way to address them. It adds a personal touch and follows traditional wedding etiquette. If you have nice handwriting or know someone with nice handwriting, this can be a great way to make your invitations stand out. Additionally, with the help of some ultra-fine point markers, you can achieve a polished finish without worrying about smudges or ink leaks.

However, handwriting each envelope can be very time-consuming and mistakes can lead to wasted envelopes and money. If you don't feel confident in your handwriting skills, you may consider hiring a professional calligrapher, but this can be costly and may not always be legible.

Printing Wedding Invitations

Printing is a modern and cost-effective way to address wedding invitations. It ensures consistent and legible addresses, which is especially beneficial if you have messy handwriting. With printing, you also have the ability to mix and match fonts and graphics for a modern style.

One downside of printing is that it may not be considered traditional or as personal as handwriting. Additionally, print colours may be limited, and certain printing methods, such as foil or letterpress, can be expensive. DIY printing may also be time-consuming and stressful without the proper knowledge or equipment.

Both handwriting and printing have their advantages and disadvantages. Handwriting adds a personal and traditional touch but can be time-consuming and costly if you hire a calligrapher. Printing is modern, cost-effective, and ensures legibility but may not be as traditional or personal. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and time constraints.

Hiring a professional calligrapher

If you are considering hiring a calligrapher, it is recommended to book them when you book your invitations, as client lists tend to fill up quickly. You can find a calligrapher by starting with your local calligraphy guild or asking for recommendations from friends or family.

When hiring a calligrapher, it is important to be clear about the style you want, as there are many different calligraphy hands to choose from. Pointed pen varieties are the most popular for wedding work, but you can also use a broad-edge or chisel-tip pen.

Calligraphy is a beautiful art form that can add a personal touch and a hint of formality to your wedding invitations. It is a timeless art that always adds a wow factor and brings an artistic element to your wedding stationery.

Faux calligraphy

To get started, you will need paper, a fine-tipped pen, and a thin black marker. Write out the names or addresses in script with the fine-tipped pen. Then, go back over the downstrokes of each letter with the marker. Finish all the letters, and repeat the process for each guest.

Etiquette and tradition

Wedding invitation etiquette is a complex and ever-changing topic. Here is a comprehensive guide to the etiquette and traditions surrounding handwritten addresses on wedding invitations:

History and Tradition:

The tradition of sending handwritten wedding invitations dates back to the Middle Ages when wealthy families commissioned monks, skilled in calligraphy, to craft their invitations. Before this, the town crier would announce impending nuptials.

Handwritten Addresses:

The traditional and etiquette-approved method for addressing wedding invitations is to handwrite the addresses. This adds a personal touch and is considered more formal and elegant. It is also a way to honour the wedding tradition and show attention to detail.

Hiring a Calligrapher:

If you have the budget, hiring a professional calligrapher is an option. Calligraphy is a beautiful art form that can elevate your envelopes to frame-worthy pieces. This option is time-consuming and costly, ranging from $1 to $5+ per envelope, but it follows proper wedding protocol.

DIY Handwriting:

If hiring a calligrapher is not feasible, you can write the addresses yourself or enlist a friend with nice handwriting. This option is more personal and follows wedding traditions while being budget-friendly. However, it can be time-consuming and prone to errors, leading to wasted envelopes and money.

Modern Alternatives:

While handwritten addresses are traditional, modern alternatives like printing or using labels are becoming acceptable. Online stationers offer free guest addressing services, saving time and money. Printed addresses can also mimic calligraphy, achieving a similar look without the fuss.

Envelope Format:

Traditionally, wedding invitations included an inner and outer envelope. The outer envelope is formal and includes the recipient's full name and title (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Mx.). The inner envelope is more informal and may include first names only. However, using only an outer envelope is becoming more common to reduce expenses and paper waste.

Address Format:

When writing addresses, avoid abbreviations and spell out words like "Street", "Apartment", and city names. For a more casual look, abbreviations like "St." and "CA" for California are acceptable. Be sure to double-check spellings and titles, and collect addresses well in advance.

Timing:

Give yourself enough time to address the invitations and double-check details. Wedding invitations are typically sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, so plan accordingly to ensure your invitations arrive on time.

Other Considerations:

• Return Address: You don't need to handwrite the return address. Instead, use a stamp.
• Guest Names: Write the full names of guests on the outer envelope, avoiding nicknames or initials.
• Married Couples: For married couples, use "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's full name or write out both spouses' full names separately.
• Unmarried Couples: For unmarried couples, write each person's full name on a separate line, listing the person you are closer with first or using alphabetical order.
• Single Guests: Use appropriate titles like "Mr.", "Ms.", or "Mx." before the guest's full name. If a guest has a plus-one, include their name if known, or simply write "and Guest".

Remember, while etiquette and traditions provide guidelines, you can ultimately choose the approach that best suits your wedding style, budget, and personal preferences.

Return addresses

If you are opting for a stamp, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that the stamp includes the address of the person(s) designated to receive response cards. Typically, this would be the couple themselves or their parents, especially if the latter are hosting the wedding. Secondly, consider the design of the stamp. You can opt for a simple design featuring the address or choose something more decorative that aligns with your wedding theme or stationery design.

If you prefer not to use a stamp, another option is to have the return address printed directly on the envelope. This can be done in the same style as the invitations, creating a cohesive look. However, it is important to note that traditionally, return addresses were embossed on wedding invitations. This was done using colorless raised lettering, creating a subtle and elegant effect. While this technique is still available, it is discouraged by postal services as it can be difficult to read.

Ultimately, the choice of how to include the return address is up to you. You can choose to handwrite it, use a stamp, or have it printed directly on the envelope. Whichever option you select, just ensure that it complements the overall style and theme of your wedding invitations.

Frequently asked questions