Elegant Handwritten Wedding Invitation Envelopes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Handwriting wedding invitation envelopes is a great way to add a personal touch to your special day. While it can be a time-consuming task, it is a chance to get creative and make your invitations stand out. Whether you choose to hire a calligrapher or DIY, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to plan ahead and allow enough time for addressing the envelopes, especially if you are doing it by hand. Secondly, the outer envelope should include the names of all the invited guests, with guests over the age of 18 receiving their own invitation. Finally, when it comes to formatting, it is recommended to write out addresses in full and avoid abbreviations, creating a cohesive look with your invitation suite. So, if you're ready to get started, grab your pen and let your creativity flow!

Handwriting vs. printing

When it comes to addressing wedding invitation envelopes, there are two main options: handwriting or printing. Both have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here is a detailed look at the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Handwriting Envelopes

Handwriting your wedding invitation envelopes can be a personal and traditional choice. It adds a touch of elegance and customisation to your invitations. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of handwriting your envelopes:

Pros:

• Tradition and Etiquette: Traditional wedding etiquette suggests that social correspondence, such as wedding invitations, should be handwritten. Addressing envelopes by hand is considered more personal and special.
• Customisation: With handwriting, you have the freedom to choose any colour or type of ink, including opaques and metallics. This allows you to match your envelopes to your wedding theme or add a unique touch.
• Cost-effectiveness: If you DIY your envelope addressing, it can be a very cost-effective option. You only need to invest in some nice pens and envelopes.

Cons:

• Time Consumption: Handwriting each envelope can be a time-consuming task, especially if you have a large number of invitations. It is important to plan and give yourself enough time to complete the task.
• Mistakes: Mistakes are inevitable when handwriting, and they can lead to wasted envelopes and increased costs. It is a good idea to order extra envelopes to account for errors.
• Legibility: If you have messy handwriting or are not confident in your penmanship, it may be difficult for your guests to read the addresses. Illegible envelopes may also cause issues with delivery.
• Cost of Calligraphy: Hiring a professional calligrapher can add significant cost to your wedding budget. While it is a luxurious option, it may not be feasible for everyone.

Printing Envelopes

Printing your wedding invitation envelopes is a modern and convenient choice. It offers consistency and speed, making it a popular option for couples. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of printing:

Pros:

• Legibility and Consistency: Printing ensures that all your envelopes have consistent and legible addresses. This is especially beneficial if you have messy handwriting or want a neat presentation.
• Modern Style: With printing, you can experiment with different fonts and graphics, creating a modern and stylish look for your invitations.
• Cost-effectiveness: DIY printing can be cost-effective, as you may only need to invest in a good printer and ink. Some online stationers also offer free guest addressing services.
• Time-saving: Printing can save you a significant amount of time, especially compared to handwriting each envelope.

Cons:

• Tradition: Printing may not follow traditional wedding etiquette, and some may view it as less personal. However, the world is becoming more digital, and many understand and accept this modern approach.
• Limited Print Colours: You may be restricted in your choice of print colours, especially if you are using a home printer.
• Time and Knowledge: DIY printing can be time-consuming if you don't have the proper knowledge or equipment. It is important to test print samples before committing to a large batch.
• Cost of Professional Printing: Some printing methods, such as foil or letterpress, can be expensive. While they offer a luxurious look, they may not fit into every couple's budget.

Both handwriting and printing have their advantages and disadvantages. Handwriting adds a personal and traditional touch, while printing offers consistency and modern style. Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences. Remember, it is your special day, so choose the option that feels right for you and your partner!

Spacing and layout

When handwriting wedding invitation envelopes, spacing and layout are important considerations. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Figure out the spacing before you start writing. Consider the length of names and addresses, and whether you will be using one or two envelopes. Traditionally, wedding invitations have both an inner and outer envelope, but using a single envelope is becoming more common.
• Married couples are typically written on a single line, while unmarried couples are written on separate lines, with the partner you know best written first. However, this can vary depending on spacing constraints and the number of envelopes used.
• When addressing guests on the envelope, be sure to specify exactly who is invited to the wedding. For unmarried couples, write each name on a separate line. For married couples, write their names on the same line.
• If you are using vintage stamps, consider their placement in relation to your writing. You may want to see how they fit before writing to ensure they do not overlap.
• Spell out words whenever possible, rather than using abbreviations. For example, write out "Street" instead of "St." and "Post Office Box" instead of "P.O. Box."
• If you are using two envelopes, the outer envelope should include the postal delivery information, while the inner envelope should list the names of the invited guests, including children under the age of 18.
• When addressing a family with children under 18, list the parent(s) or guardian(s) on the outer envelope and the children's names on the inner envelope. If you do not include each child's name, it may be assumed that children are not invited.
• For families with children over the age of 18, each child should receive their own invitation, unless they live at home with their parents.
• When addressing a married couple, you can list their names separately or together, depending on your preference and their surnames. If they have different last names, list the person you are closest with first, or go in alphabetical order.
• If you are inviting a couple with distinguished titles, such as doctors, lawyers, or military personnel, use their titles on the envelope. List the person with the higher-ranking title first.

Return addresses

The return address can be printed in the same method as the invitations. Traditionally, wedding invitations used blind embossing, or colorless raised lettering, for the return address. However, this is now discouraged by the United States Postal Service as it is difficult to read.

If you are addressing your own envelopes, it is a good idea to get extra envelopes (at least 10%) to account for any mistakes. You should also give yourself plenty of time and practice, especially if you want to try out new lettering styles, such as fake calligraphy.

Inner envelopes

The inner envelope is where you can be more informal and include the names of everyone who is invited to the wedding. This is especially useful when inviting families with children. For example, you can address the outer envelope to the heads of the household, and then include the children's names on the inner envelope.

The inner envelope is also a good place to specify if someone is invited as a plus-one. If you are only using one envelope, it is best to include a short note with your invitation, such as "Dear James, You're welcome to bring a guest to the wedding. Please let me know. Best, Laura."

When addressing inner envelopes, you can choose to use personal titles and last names, or just first names if you are going for a more casual vibe. For example, if you are inviting a married couple, you could address the inner envelope to "Mr. and Mrs. Rivera", or just "John and Samantha".

If you are inviting a family with young children, you can list each child by name on the inner envelope. For girls under 18, you can use "Miss" if you wish. Boys don't need a title until they are 16, when they can be addressed as "Mr.".

It is also acceptable to write familiar names for close family, such as "Aunt Martha and Uncle Bill".

Remember to double-check the spelling of your guests' names and addresses before writing them on the envelopes. It is a good idea to order extra envelopes in case of mistakes.

Formality and etiquette

The outer envelope should be formal. Write out the recipient's or both recipients' full name(s), including their personal title(s). This format is foolproof, as it works for couples of all genders who may or may not share a surname, yet it feels traditional.

If personal titles feel restrictive and exclusive for your guest list (especially if some don't identify as Mrs., Ms., Miss or Mr.), feel free to leave them out. A more modern way to address wedding invitations is to just use first and last names. Also, note that Mx. is a gender-neutral personal title. Keep this in mind, but always double-check each attendee's preferred personal title beforehand if you plan on incorporating them.

Inner envelopes are more informal, giving you the option to leave out one or two elements of the formal name format of the outer envelope. Go with your gut here. If using personal titles and last names together feels right, that works. If you're going for casual vibes and would like to use first names only, that's also fine.

Traditionally, "Mr. and Mrs." precedes the male's full formal name. For formal invitations, denote that a man is a junior by writing out the entire word in lowercase letters. For informal invitations, "Mr. Steven Lewis, Jr." is more casual.

When addressing a married couple where the woman has kept her maiden name, the female's name usually comes first. You can also write "Mrs." followed by her full name if applicable.

When addressing an unmarried couple living in the same household, list your friend first, regardless of gender, and their partner on a separate line below. Use "Ms." or "Miss" for single women. Refer to her using her full, formal name and the title, "Miss". Refer to him using his full, formal name and the title, "Mr.".

When addressing a family with children under the age of eighteen, the outer envelope is reserved for the name(s) of the parent(s) or guardian(s). You should list each child by name on the inner envelope. For girls under 18, you can use "Miss" if you'd like. Boys don't need a title until they're 16—then they can be addressed as "Mr.".

Note: If you don't include each child's name, you're implying that children are not invited. That said, don't be surprised if some guests still mistakenly assume their kids are welcome. If you're concerned about some folks not taking the hint, ask your immediate family and wedding party to help spread the word that the wedding will be adults-only, and also add the message to your wedding website.

Children over the age of 18 should receive their own invitations, even if they live in the same household as another guest (the exception being if they are a couple).

If you are on the receiving end of a wedding invitation, pay close attention to the names written on the envelope. Unless the envelope has your significant other’s name, or “and guest” written on the outside, don’t expect to bring anyone (including your children). It’s impolite to call and ask if you can bring a guest, unless you are married and your spouse isn’t included on the envelope.

Spell out all words in an address on your wedding envelopes. Rather than "St.", "P.O. Box", and "Apt.", use "Street", "Post Office Box", and "Apartment". This applies to city and state names as well; instead of abbreviations, write out the full name of the city and state. House numbers smaller than 20 should also be spelled out.

Frequently asked questions