Creating Personalized Wedding Invites With Handwritten Touches

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 and allow you to infuse your unique style and personality into the design. Whether you opt for elegant script or a playful font, your invitations will set the tone and give your guests a glimpse of your wedding's atmosphere. While it can be a fun project, handwriting each invitation can also be time-consuming and tedious, especially if you have a large guest list. To avoid burnout, consider simplifying the process by handwriting one invitation and having it printed or using digital calligraphy. Ultimately, the decision to handwrite your wedding invitations depends on your budget, time constraints, and desire for a personalised touch.

Choosing the right tools and practising your handwriting style

Choosing the right tools

The first step is to determine the calligraphy style you want to learn and then choose your calligraphy pen based on that. Calligraphy pens can be divided into three main categories: broad-edged, pointed, and brush pens.

Broad-edged calligraphy pens are the largest category and are suitable for creating a range of different calligraphy styles, including Blackletter/Gothic calligraphy, Italic, Foundational hand, and Roman capitals. The Pilot Parallel Pen is a popular choice for beginners as it is cheap, durable, and easy to use. It comes in six sizes, with the larger-sized nibs being more suitable for newcomers.

Pointed nib calligraphy pens have become extremely popular and are often the preferred choice for beginners. This style includes Copperplate, Spencerian, and Modern calligraphy. While a pencil or a small-sized brush pen can be used to learn the basics, a dip pen with a pointed nib is the ultimate tool for these styles. The Nikko G nib is a good option for beginners as it is easy to work with and has medium flexibility.

Brush pens are a modern and colourful twist on traditional calligraphy tools and are beloved for their versatility, variety, affordability, portability, and simplicity. The Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen is a great option for beginners due to its affordable price, great ink flow, and variety of colours.

Practising your handwriting style

Once you have chosen your tools, it is important to devote time and energy to perfecting your technique. Practise different tools and styles to find what works best for you. Calligraphy is a skill that improves with practice, so be patient and persistent.

To create a personalised look for your wedding invitations, you can choose a handwriting style that matches the formality and atmosphere of your wedding. For example, a formal script for an evening affair or a breezier cursive for a beachfront ceremony. Combining different lettering styles or experimenting with custom lettering can also create a unique and visually appealing invitation.

Remember to allow extra time for proofing and test runs to refine your technique, ensure consistency, and catch any potential issues.

Deciding on the formality of your invitations

• Wedding Size and Guest List: The size of your wedding and your guest list can influence the formality of your invitations. If you're having a very small and intimate wedding with only close family and friends, a handwritten invitation can be a beautiful and personal touch. On the other hand, if you're planning a large wedding, you may want to consider a more casual tone in your invitations, even if the celebration is still formal.
• Relationship with Guests: When writing your handwritten invitations, you can adjust the level of formality based on your relationship with the guest. Invitations to close friends and family can be worded more personally and informally, while invitations to acquaintances or distant relatives can follow a more traditional and formal style.
• Wedding Theme and Atmosphere: The theme and atmosphere of your wedding should align with the formality of your invitations. For example, if you're having an evening affair or a formal wedding, you may want to use a more sophisticated and elegant script. On the other hand, if your wedding is taking place on a beach or has a more relaxed vibe, a breezier and informal cursive style can set the right tone.
• Stationery and Materials: The choice of stationery and materials can also convey formality. For a formal invitation, letter sheets made of cotton fibre paper in white, embossed with your monogram, are considered elegant. Dark blue or black inks are traditionally used for handwritten wedding invitations, and you may want to avoid using ballpoint pens.
• Dress Code: Including a dress code on your invitation is a clear way to indicate the formality of your wedding. Phrases like "black-tie optional" or "semi-formal" not only guide your guests on what to wear but also give them a hint about the tone and atmosphere of the event.

Remember, your wedding invitations are a reflection of your unique style and the celebration you're planning. Whether you choose a formal or casual approach, ensure that your invitations align with your vision and leave a memorable impression on your guests.

How to save time and money

Handwritten wedding invitations are a great way to save costs and add a personal touch to your wedding. Here are some tips to save time and money when creating them:

Opt for All-in-One Invitations:

Choose all-in-one invitations that combine the invite, envelope, and RSVP cards. This will save you money on printing and postage, as well as give your guests a convenient way to respond.

Make Strategic Design Swaps:

Luxe printing techniques like letterpress and foil stamping can be expensive. Opt for digital printing, which is cost-effective and produces high-quality results. You can also consider using faux foil or bold typography to add a stylish touch without breaking the bank.

Use Plain Envelopes:

Envelopes are usually discarded, so using plain envelopes can save you money. If you want to add a creative touch, consider DIY liners or themed stamps, which are budget-friendly options.

Choose Predesigned Stationery:

Custom-designed invitations can be costly. Predesigned stationery often allows for customization, such as choosing fonts and colours, and can be a more affordable option.

Pay Attention to Paper Weight:

Heavier stationery requires additional postage. Consider the weight of your invitations, envelopes, and enclosure cards to keep postage costs down.

Utilize Your Wedding Website:

Instead of enclosure cards, direct guests to your wedding website for additional information. This saves on paper and postage while still providing all the necessary details.

Request Digital RSVPs:

Skip traditional RSVP cards and envelopes and ask guests to respond digitally. This saves on printing and postage costs and offers a more convenient option for your guests.

Order in Advance:

Ordering stationery early can help you avoid rush printing and shipping costs. It also gives you more time to proofread and ensure there are no errors, which could be costly to fix later.

Proofread Carefully:

Printing errors can be expensive to correct. Carefully proofread your invitations multiple times and have others review them as well to catch any mistakes before printing.

Take Advantage of Sales:

Keep an eye out for sales and discounts on stationery, especially during events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Buying during sales can help you get your desired designs at a lower cost.

Prioritize Your Preferences:

Decide what aspects of your invitations are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. You can cut costs on less important details to stay within your budget.

Buy Extras:

Ordering a few extra invitations can save you money in the long run. It's often cheaper to add a few extras to your initial order than to place a new order for a small quantity if you need additional invites later.

Asking for help from friends and family

Handwritten wedding invitations are a great way to add a personal touch and save costs. If you have a lot of invitations to write, you can ask your family and friends for help. Here are some tips on how to ask for help from your loved ones:

Make a List of Tasks

Before you ask for help, it's essential to have a clear idea of what needs to be done. Make a list of all the wedding tasks, including the invitations, and identify the areas where you could use some assistance. This will help you communicate your specific needs to your friends and family.

Outline Expectations

When asking for help, remember that you are making a request, not a demand. Be mindful that they may have different approaches or ideas, and as long as the task is completed successfully, it's okay to let them do it their way. Also, be prepared for the possibility that they may say no, especially if they have a busy schedule or time constraints.

Provide Necessary Tools

If your friends and family agree to help, ensure you provide them with all the necessary tools and supplies. Don't expect them to incur any expenses for your wedding. Have extra cards, envelopes, and writing instruments readily available to avoid any last-minute scrambling.

Ask Open-Endedly

When approaching your loved ones for help, use phrasing that gives them the option to politely decline if they are unable to assist. For example, you could say, "Would you have time to help me with addressing envelopes before the wedding? It should take about X hours of your time." This shows that you respect their time and understand the commitment you are asking of them.

Assign Specific Tasks

For those enthusiastic friends or family members who want to be heavily involved, channel their energy into specific tasks. For instance, they could stuff envelopes, assemble welcome baskets, or host a bridal brunch. This ensures they feel included without overstepping your boundaries or taking over the entire planning process.

Express Gratitude

Lastly, don't forget to thank your helpers. Whether it's a simple "thank you," a small gift, or a meal together, make sure they know their efforts are appreciated. This will not only make them feel valued but also strengthen your relationships as you navigate the joys and challenges of wedding planning.

When to hire a professional calligrapher

Handwritten wedding invitations are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding. However, if you are short on time or want to achieve a certain level of sophistication and elegance, hiring a professional calligrapher may be the way to go. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to hire a professional calligrapher for your wedding invitations:

Time Constraints:

If you have a large number of invitations to write out, consider your time constraints. A professional calligrapher can complete 50 to 75 addressed envelopes per day, which could save you a significant amount of time. This is especially important if you have a busy schedule or other wedding planning tasks to manage.

Desired Level of Sophistication:

Calligraphy is a skilled art form that requires practice and finesse. If you want your invitations to have a formal, elegant, and sophisticated look, a professional calligrapher can deliver that. They can offer different styles, such as ultra-flourished, traditional, organic, or whimsical, to match the tone and aesthetic of your wedding.

Consistency and Legibility:

Professional calligraphers can provide consistent lettering throughout your invitations, ensuring a polished look. They also have the expertise to ensure legibility, which is crucial for ensuring your invitations are delivered correctly by the postal service.

Budget:

Hiring a professional calligrapher can be more expensive than handwriting your invitations yourself. Prices can vary depending on the calligrapher's experience and location, typically ranging from $3.50 to $5.50 per envelope. However, it is essential to remember that you get what you pay for, and cheaper options may not provide the same level of quality.

Personal Skills and Enjoyment:

If you have beautiful handwriting and enjoy the craft, handwriting your own invitations can be a meaningful and satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you don't feel comfortable with your handwriting skills, hiring a professional can ensure a more polished and elegant result.

Overall, hiring a professional calligrapher can save you time, provide a sophisticated touch to your invitations, and ensure consistency and legibility. Consider your budget, time constraints, and desired level of sophistication when making your decision.

Frequently asked questions