Handwritten Wedding Invitations: Good Or Bad Idea?

Wedding invitations are a practical way to inform your guests about the details of your big day. They also offer a glimpse into the tone, aesthetic, and atmosphere of the wedding. Handwritten invitations are a unique and personal touch that can make guests feel extra special. However, they can be time-consuming and costly, especially if you hire a calligrapher. So, is it bad to handwrite wedding invitations? The answer is, it's up to you! Handwritten invitations can add a special touch, but they may not always be feasible or desirable.

Pros and cons of handwritten wedding invitations

Handwritten wedding invitations can be a beautiful and personal touch to your wedding stationery. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to handwrite your wedding invitations:

Pros of Handwritten Wedding Invitations:

• Personal Touch: Handwriting adds a unique and personal touch to your invitations, allowing your personality and style to shine through. It can create a warm and inviting impression for your guests.
• Traditional Etiquette: Following traditional wedding etiquette, social correspondence is typically handwritten, while business correspondence is printed. Handwriting your invitations can be a way to adhere to this traditional norm.
• Customization: With handwritten invitations, you have the freedom to choose any colour, font, or style to match your wedding theme. You can even combine different lettering styles to create a custom and visually appealing suite.
• Cost-Effective DIY Option: If you have good handwriting and enjoy the craft, handwriting your own invitations can be a cost-effective DIY project. You can invest your time and effort instead of a significant portion of your budget.

Cons of Handwritten Wedding Invitations:

• Time-Consuming: Handwriting invitations, especially for larger guest lists, can be incredibly time-consuming. It requires advance planning and a significant time investment to ensure a polished and consistent result.
• Legibility and Polished Look: If you have messy or bad handwriting, your invitations may not look polished or legible. This could potentially cause issues with delivery if the addresses are not clear.
• Cost of Hiring a Calligrapher: While handwriting is a cost-effective DIY option, hiring a calligrapher can be expensive. Professional calligraphers charge based on the number of envelopes addressed, and the cost can add up quickly.
• Inconsistent Results: Handwriting may not provide the uniform and consistent appearance that printed invitations offer. Each letter may vary slightly in style and size, and it can be challenging to replicate a specific look.

Handwritten vs printed wedding envelopes

Handwritten vs. printed wedding envelopes: which is best? It's a tricky question, and there are pros and cons to both approaches.

Handwritten Wedding Envelopes

Handwriting your wedding envelopes can add a personal touch to your invites and follows traditional wedding etiquette. It's also a very cost-effective method if you choose to DIY. You can also choose any colour, even opaque and metallic inks, to match your wedding theme. However, if you have poor handwriting, this might not be the best option for you, as your envelopes may not look polished and could even be difficult to read and deliver. Hiring a calligrapher is another option, but this can be costly.

Printed Wedding Envelopes

Digital printing is a modern, quick, and easy way to address your envelopes. It's also cost-effective, and you can mix and match fonts and graphics for a modern style. It's a great option if you have messy handwriting. However, it doesn't follow traditional wedding etiquette, and you might lose that personal touch. Print colours may also be limited, and some printing methods, such as foil or letterpress, can be expensive. DIY printing can also be time-consuming if you don't have the right equipment or knowledge.

So, Which Is Best?

It really depends on your personal preference and budget. If you value tradition and want to add a personal touch, then handwritten envelopes might be the way to go. If you're short on time or want a more modern look, then printed envelopes could be a better option. Ultimately, the most important thing is that your guests receive their invitations and know that you're thinking of them.

The cost and time of handwritten wedding invitations

The cost of handwritten wedding invitations can vary depending on several factors, including the level of customisation, materials used, and the calligrapher's experience and location.

For example, the cost of calligraphy services for wedding envelope addresses can range from $2.50 to $6 per envelope, while place card calligraphy may start at around $2 per card. Spot calligraphy, where only a few words are written in calligraphy, can be a more affordable option, with prices starting around $100. Digital calligraphy or printed calligraphy, created using technology such as an iPad and a stylus, may also be a more cost-effective choice.

If you're considering a full suite of custom stationery, including save-the-dates, invitations, and other paper goods, the investment can be significant. Some companies that offer these services mention that their clients generally spend $4,000 and above on their wedding paper suite.

In terms of time, creating handwritten wedding invitations is a meticulous and time-consuming process. The time required will depend on the number of invitations, the complexity of the design, and the calligrapher's skill and speed. For instance, a typical order of 100 envelope addresses can take a calligrapher around five days to complete.

It's important to keep in mind that calligraphy is an art form that requires practice and skill to master. If you're considering DIY-ing your wedding invitations, the time commitment can be substantial, especially if you have a large guest list. Additionally, the tools and materials needed for calligraphy, such as fine-tipped markers, pointed pens, inkwells, and nibs, can add to the overall cost and preparation time.

To ensure a smooth and stress-free process, it's recommended to start your search for a calligrapher early and provide them with ample notice. This will allow them to work their magic and ensure that your invitations are ready to be sent out on time.

The tools and skills needed for handwritten wedding invitations

Handwriting your wedding invitations can be a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your special day. But what tools and skills do you need to create elegant, legible invitations? Here's a detailed guide to help you get started.

The Tools You'll Need:

• Dip pens: Traditional dip pens require you to dip the nib into ink before writing. The type of nib chosen will determine the thickness of your letter strokes. For beginners, the Nikko G nib is a great option as it holds ink for extended writing periods and glides smoothly across most papers.
• Metal nibs: These are the metal tips that attach to your dip pen. Different nibs produce varying thicknesses and styles of lettering, so it's worth experimenting to find the one that suits your style and writing pressure.
• Bottled ink: Pre-mixed bottled ink is recommended for ease of use and smooth flow. Look for brands like Higgins Eternal and Written Word Calligraphy.
• Paper: You'll need plenty of paper for practising your handwriting skills. Canson Mixed Media paper is a good option as it has a smooth texture that allows nibs to glide easily without catching, and the ink doesn't tend to bleed. Practice sheets with pre-drawn guidelines will help you maintain consistent letter height and spacing.
• Fine-tipped markers: For a modern look, you can use fine-tipped markers in varying colours to add flourishes and embellishments to your invitations.
• Pens: If you're not using dip pens, you'll need a set of good-quality pens with smooth ink flow.
• Envelopes: Choose envelopes that complement your invitation design. Consider adding a wax seal for a traditional touch.

Skills Needed:

• Hand-lettering skills: Creating beautiful handwriting and signature scripts is an art form that takes practice and fine-tuning. If you're not confident in your handwriting skills, consider hiring a calligrapher or using calligraphy-inspired invitation templates.
• Time management: Hand-lettering invitations can be time-consuming, especially for larger weddings. Ensure you start the process well in advance to avoid rushing and to achieve a polished result.
• Creativity: Embrace creativity and treat handwriting as an art form. Experiment with different tools, styles, flourishes, and embellishments that reflect your wedding theme and personalities.
• Patience: Calligraphy and hand-lettering are skills that improve with practice. Be patient and persistent as you experiment with different techniques.
• Attention to detail: Consistency is key in hand-lettering. Pay attention to letter height, spacing, and style to ensure a polished and elegant final product.

The history of handwritten wedding invitations

During the Renaissance, calligraphy became a popular art form, and beautifully handwritten invitations became the norm among the upper classes. The influence of art and culture were reflected in the intricate designs and elegant fonts, often illuminated with gold and vibrant colors.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, engraved invitations became popular, allowing for more detailed and sophisticated designs. This period also marked the beginning of the modern postal system, making it easier to send invitations over long distances.

The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes, with the advent of lithography making it possible to produce high-quality invitations quickly and affordably. The rise of the middle class led to the wider adoption of formal wedding invitations, and printed materials became more accessible.

In the early 20th century, advancements in printing technology led to the popularity of pre-made cards, often decorated with floral motifs and romantic imagery. Reliable postal services also played a role in the widespread use of mailed invitations.

Today, handwritten wedding invitations may feature some elements of handwritten calligraphy or script fonts, adding a personal touch and a nod to tradition.

Frequently asked questions