Handwriting Wedding Addresses: A Guide To Perfect Envelope Etiquette

There are many options to consider when addressing wedding invitation envelopes, from handwriting them yourself to hiring a professional calligrapher. Handwriting your envelopes can be a thoughtful touch, but it can also be time-consuming and leave room for error. If you have neat handwriting, it could be a good option, but for those with a large guest list, it may not be feasible. An alternative is to print addresses directly on the envelopes or use labels, which can be more cost-effective and efficient. Another option is to use a digital calligraphy service, which offers a similar feeling to handwritten invites without the stress and time commitment. Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, time constraints, and personal preference.

Handwriting vs printing

When it comes to addressing wedding envelopes, there are several options to consider, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a detailed comparison between handwriting and printing, along with some tips and suggestions for achieving the best results.

Handwriting vs. Printing

The choice between handwriting and printing on wedding envelopes depends on various factors, including personal preference, budget, time constraints, and desired level of formality. Here is an in-depth look at the differences between these two options:

Handwriting

Handwriting refers to the individual style of writing characters by hand, allowing for unique characteristics and nuances to be reflected in the text. It is often prized for its personal touch and is commonly used in informal contexts or situations where individuality is valued, such as personal letters or notes. When it comes to wedding envelopes, handwriting can add a special touch, making the invitation feel more intimate and personal. However, it is essential to consider the legibility of your handwriting, as some styles may be difficult for guests to read.

Handwriting each envelope can be a time-consuming task, and mistakes can lead to wasted envelopes and increased costs. Additionally, achieving a consistent and neat appearance across all envelopes can be challenging. For those with less-than-desirable handwriting, there are alternatives, such as hiring a professional calligrapher or using faux calligraphy techniques. Calligraphy can transform a plain envelope into a work of art, but it comes with a higher price tag and may require more time for completion.

Printing

Printing, on the other hand, refers to text produced mechanically or digitally, offering uniformity and standardization. This option is commonly chosen for formal documents, books, and any medium requiring clarity and consistency. In the context of wedding envelopes, printing ensures a neat and legible appearance, making it suitable for formal invitations. With printing, you can expect high legibility, which is essential for most published materials.

Modern times have influenced the preference for printing, especially in professional and academic settings, where digital communication is prevalent. Online stationer companies often offer free guest addressing services, allowing you to upload your contacts and have the addresses printed directly onto the envelopes. This option saves time, money, and effort, as you don't have to manually address each envelope. Additionally, you can choose from various calligraphy-inspired fonts to add a touch of elegance to your invitations.

Tips for Addressing Wedding Envelopes

Whether you choose handwriting or printing, here are some general tips to keep in mind:

• Etiquette and tradition: Traditionally, hand-addressed envelopes were considered proper wedding protocol and were thought to be more personal. However, modern times have made printed envelopes more acceptable, and the world won't end if you opt for printing!
• Inner and outer envelopes: Wedding invitations can include an inner and outer envelope, but the inner envelope is optional. The outer envelope is for mailing and includes the guest's name(s) and address, while the inner envelope contains the names of the invitees and the invitation itself.
• Format and titles: When addressing married couples, same-sex couples, unmarried couples, single persons, and families, it is important to follow the proper format and use appropriate titles ("Mr.," "Mrs.," "Ms.," or "Mx.").
• Abbreviations: For a more formal invitation, avoid abbreviations for street names and state names. For a casual address, abbreviations such as "St.," "Rd.," and "CA" are acceptable.
• Timing: Send your wedding invitations 2-4 months before your big day to provide enough time for guests to RSVP.
• Assembly: Take your time when assembling your wedding invitations to ensure they are enclosed in the proper order.

Formality and titles

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to consider the level of formality of your wedding and to use the appropriate titles and honorifics for your guests. Here are some guidelines for different scenarios:

Single Guests

For a single female, use "Ms." followed by her full name. For a single male, use "Mr." followed by his full name. If you are unsure if a woman would prefer "Miss" or "Ms.", it is generally safer to use "Ms.".

If a single guest is bringing a plus-one and you know the name of the person they are bringing, include both names on the outer envelope. If you don't know the name of the plus-one, you can use "and Guest" on the inner envelope.

Married Couples

For a married couple with the same last name, the traditional format is "Mr. and Mrs. [Husband's Full Name]". However, it is also acceptable to include both first names individually, especially if you want to avoid the traditional practice of the wife's name being left out: "Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Mary Smith".

For a married couple with different last names, simply write out their full names with "Mr." or "Mrs.". For same-sex couples, the same format applies, ensuring you use the appropriate prefix for each person.

Unmarried Couples

For an unmarried couple living together, list each person's full name on separate lines without using the word "and", which typically implies marriage. If you wish to imply union, you may use "and" to connect their names.

Guests with Distinguished Titles

If a guest has a distinguished title, such as a doctor, lawyer, judge, or military personnel, it is proper etiquette to address them by that title on the invitation envelope.

Children and Families

For invitations addressed to a family with young children under 18, the outer envelope should include only the names of the parents or guardians. You should list each child by name on the inner envelope. Boys under 16 do not need a title, while girls under 18 can be addressed as "Miss".

If you are inviting children who are 18 or older, they should receive their own invitations, even if they live at home with their parents.

Formality

The level of formality of your wedding will influence the style of addressing. For a formal, glamorous black-tie affair, opt for a traditional and elegant addressing style. This includes using formal names (no nicknames), spelling out all words in the address (e.g., "Street" instead of "St."), and writing out professional titles in full.

For a more casual or laid-back wedding, you may choose to use a more relaxed approach, such as using first names only on the inner envelope or abbreviating titles and addresses.

Remember to always double-check your guests' preferred titles and to collect their full and correct addresses to ensure your invitations are both respectful and accurate.

Married couples with the same last name

When addressing wedding invitations to married couples with the same last name, there are a few options to consider. The traditional way is to write out the man's full name, followed by "Mr. and Mrs." and then the shared last name. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Clarke". A less conventional approach would be to include both of their first names, for instance, "Mr. Jackson Clarke and Mrs. Mary Clarke". This format also applies to same-sex couples, where you would include the appropriate prefix before their names.

It is worth noting that including titles such as "Mr." and "Mrs." is not necessary if you are having a more casual or modern wedding. However, if you wish to adhere to traditional wedding etiquette, these titles are typically included.

When it comes to handwriting addresses on envelopes, there are a few options to consider. You could opt for a professional calligrapher, which can be a luxurious and impressive choice, but it is also time-consuming and expensive. Another option is to handwrite the addresses yourself, which adds a personal touch but can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Alternatively, you can explore faux calligraphy, where you first write the address in cursive and then reinforce the downstrokes with a black pen to create the illusion of professional calligraphy. Finally, you can use printed labels or print directly on the envelopes, which saves time and money but may not be as personal.

Married couples with different last names

When addressing wedding invitations to married couples with different last names, the outer envelope should include the couple's full names with "Mr." or "Mrs." on the stationery. The order in which their names are written does not matter and can be arranged according to your preference. For example:

Mrs. Gwyneth Brookes and Mr. Cyan Matthews

Or

Mr. Cyan Matthews and Mrs. Gwyneth Brookes

If you are addressing a same-sex couple, the same format applies. Ensure that you address your guests with their preferred prefix. For example:

Mr. Daniel Ramsay and Mr. Jeric Combs

Or

Mrs. Margarette Hyde and Mrs. Kayla Cruz

If you are handwriting your envelopes, this task can be very time-consuming and mistakes may lead to wasted envelopes and money. You may also need to purchase fancy pens, which can be expensive. Alternatively, you could use clear labels, print directly on the envelopes with your home printer, or use a service that prints guests' addresses directly on the envelopes.

Single guests

When addressing wedding invitations to single guests, it is important to use their preferred title. If you are unsure, it is best to leave out the title altogether. For invitations that include a plus-one, it is best to include the name of the guest's date if you have that information. If you do not know the name of the guest's plus-one or are allowing them to bring a casual date, "and Guest" will suffice.

Example One: Without a Plus-One

On the outer envelope: Ms. Ali Johnson

On the inner envelope: Ms. Johnson

Example Two: With a Plus-One

On the outer envelope: Mx. Sam Li

On the inner envelope: Sam Li and Guest

When addressing envelopes, it is recommended to write the names of your wedding guests in full (first and last name) on the envelope, while only the first name in full on the invitation (avoiding the use of nicknames).

If you are having a formal wedding, using appropriate social titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms, Dr, etc.) is always recommended. However, if personal titles feel restrictive and exclusive for your guest list, you may choose to leave them out and use only first and last names. It is also important to note that "Mx." might be the preferred title for a non-binary guest. Always remember to double-check each attendee's preferred titles beforehand if you plan on including them.

Handwriting the envelope is acceptable, especially if your writing is neat. Alternatively, you can have the addresses printed in a matching font to your invitation or hire a calligrapher for a more professional look. Addresses should be written in black ink to match the invitations.

Frequently asked questions