Guide To Crafting The Perfect Wedding Invitation Labels

Wedding invitation labels are a convenient alternative to hand-addressing each envelope. They are stickers that display names and addresses, making it easier to send out wedding invitations. While some people prefer the personal touch of handwritten addresses, labels can be a time-saving option, especially for those with large guest lists. Labels can also add a touch of elegance to the invitations, with various designs, fonts, and colours available. Clear labels, for instance, can give a classy look, allowing the envelope colour to shine through. Labels can be purchased from online retailers and stationery stores or designed and printed at home.

Handwritten vs printed labels

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there are a few options to consider: handwritten labels, printed labels, or direct printing on the envelope. Here are some details and instructions for each option:

Handwritten Labels:

Handwriting labels for wedding invitations can be a personal and elegant touch. If you have nice handwriting or are willing to put in the time and effort to improve your penmanship, this option can be a great choice. It shows your guests that you've put thought and care into their invitation. However, it can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large guest list. In this case, you may consider asking a friend or family member to help with the addressing, or hiring a calligrapher for a more sophisticated look. When creating handwritten labels, it is important to follow proper etiquette, such as using full names and social titles (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.), and spelling out all words in the address (Street, Apartment, etc.).

Printed Labels:

Printed labels can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to handwriting. They are a good option if you want a neat and consistent look without having to spend too much time on addressing each envelope. You can find printable labels at stationery stores or online retailers, such as Etsy and Zazzle. These labels come in various designs, from minimalist to fancy foil prints. Clear labels are also an option, as they blend into the envelope for a more subtle look. When using printed labels, it is important to triple-check all addresses and names before printing to avoid mistakes.

Direct Printing on the Envelope:

Direct printing on the envelope is another modern approach to addressing wedding invitations. This method can save time and money, as you won't need to purchase separate labels. You can choose a script or calligraphy font to add a touch of elegance. However, it is important to ensure that the font is legible and easy for the postal service to read. Before printing, create a template with the addresses and do a test print to ensure proper alignment.

Ultimately, the decision between handwritten and printed labels depends on your personal preference, budget, and the level of formality you want to convey. While traditional etiquette suggests handwriting as the proper way, many couples today opt for printed labels or direct printing for convenience and a neat appearance.

Envelope colour and label colour

When it comes to envelope and label colours, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the colour of your envelope will depend on your wedding theme and personal preference. Common colours include white, off-white, cream, and various pastel shades. If you want to add a pop of colour, you can consider envelopes in shades of red, blue, green, or yellow.

For the labels, clear labels are a popular choice as they blend in with the envelope and give a classy look. White labels can also work well, especially if they match the colour of your envelope. Parchment-coloured labels are another option for a more unique, elegant appearance.

If you want to add a touch of glamour, consider gold or silver foil labels. Websites like Etsy offer a range of designs, including clear labels with foil text in various colours. You can also opt for coloured labels that match your wedding theme. Websites like Zazzle allow you to customise the background colour, font colour, and font size of your labels.

When choosing the colour of your envelope and labels, consider how they will look together. For example, a white or clear label on a white envelope will create a seamless, sophisticated look. In contrast, a coloured or foil label can add a stylish accent to a neutral-coloured envelope. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you can get creative to make your invitations stand out.

Fonts and formatting

The font you choose for your wedding invitation labels is important, as it should be legible and reflect the style of your wedding. Here are some tips to consider:

• Choose a legible font: Select a font that is easy to read and avoid overly decorative or intricate fonts that may be difficult to decipher.
• Consider the style of your wedding: If you're having a formal wedding, a classic serif font such as Times New Roman or Garamond may be a good choice. For a more casual or modern wedding, you can experiment with sans-serif fonts like Helvetica or Arial.
• Be consistent: Use the same font throughout your invitation suite, including the labels, for a cohesive look.
• Avoid using too many fonts: Stick to one or two fonts at most to avoid making your labels look cluttered or confusing.
• Experiment with different weights and sizes: Varying the weight (bold, italic, etc.) and size of your font can create visual interest and help highlight important information.
• Consider using a calligraphy font: If you want to add a touch of elegance to your labels, consider using a calligraphy font. There are many digital calligraphy fonts available that can give your labels a handwritten feel.
• Use clear or white labels: Opt for clear or white labels to ensure that your font is easy to read. Avoid colourful or patterned labels that may distract from the information.
• Proofread and print a test label: Before printing all your labels, proofread the text for any spelling or grammatical errors. Print a test label to ensure that the font size and spacing are correct and that the text is aligned properly.
• Use a mail merge feature: If you have a large number of addresses, consider using a mail merge feature in word-processing software to avoid having to type out each address individually.
• Include all relevant information: In addition to the guest's name and address, include your return address on the label to make it easier for guests to send back RSVP cards.
• Be consistent with titles and formatting: Follow the standard etiquette for addressing wedding invitations, including the use of appropriate titles ("Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms.", etc.) and spelling out addresses in full (e.g., "Street" instead of "St.").

Outer and inner envelopes

The outer envelope is what is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope is more informal and contains the names of the invitees and the invitation inside. The outer envelope should be formal and include the recipient's full name and title. The inner envelope can leave out elements of the formal name format of the outer envelope.

To a Single Person with a Plus One

Outer envelope: Ms. Ali Johnson

Inner envelope: Ms. Johnson and Guest

To an Unmarried Couple

Outer envelope: Mr. Ed Parsons & Ms. Kara Morgan

Inner envelope: Ed and Kara

To a Married Couple with Different Surnames

Outer envelope: Mrs. Georgina Evans and Mr. Simon Khan

Inner envelope: Georgina and Simon

To a Family with Children

Outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Underwood

Inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Simon Underwood, Lola, Charles and Eva.

To Children of Friends/Family 18 and Older

Outer envelope: Ms. Rachel Thompson

Inner envelope: Rachel, Ms. Thompson

To a Single Person with a Title

Outer envelope: Doctor Erica Smiles

Inner envelope: Erica, Dr. Smiles

Abbreviations and titles

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to follow the correct format for titles and abbreviations to ensure your invitations are polite and respectful.

For married couples with the same last name, the traditional format is "Mr. and Mrs. [Husband's Full Name]". For same-sex couples, either name can go first. For a more modern approach, you can include both first names, for example, "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Michelle Warren".

If a married couple has different last names, their names should be written on the same line with the woman's name first. An example would be "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez".

When addressing unmarried couples, list both people's names on one line, starting with the person you are closest to. An example would be "Mr. Stanley Kim and Ms. Amanda Rhee".

For single females, use "Ms." if she is over 18, and "Miss" if she is under 18. For single males, use "Mr." if he is over 18; otherwise, no title is necessary.

When addressing distinguished guests, such as doctors, military personnel, or judges, specific rules apply. For married doctors, use "The Doctors [Last Name]" or "Drs. [Full Names]". If one spouse has a hyphenated last name, include both last names for the spouse: "Doctor Matthew Smith and Doctor Angela Griggs-Smith". For other distinguished titles, list the person with the higher title first, followed by their spouse. For example, "The Honorable Josephine Wood and Mr. Jonathan Wood".

Frequently asked questions