Wedding Envelope Etiquette: Printing Invites

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to handwrite or print your wedding invitation envelopes. Firstly, traditional wedding etiquette suggests that it is proper to handwrite envelopes, as social correspondence is typically written and business correspondence is printed. Handwriting can also add a personal touch to your invites. However, printing can be a modern and cost-effective way to address envelopes, especially if you have messy handwriting or want to save time. Another option is to hire a calligrapher, but this can be costly. Additionally, the type of envelope and postage method you choose can impact the overall cost and presentation of your invitations. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and your wedding style.

Pros and cons of handwritten vs printed envelopes

When it comes to addressing wedding envelopes, there are two main options: handwriting or printing. Both have their pros and cons, and the "proper" way to do it is a matter of ongoing debate. Here is a detailed breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of each option:

Handwritten Envelopes

Pros:

• Follows traditional wedding etiquette, adding a personal touch to your invites.
• Allows for creativity and customization with cool pens and inks, including opaque and metallic colours.
• Can be cost-effective if you DIY or have neat handwriting.

Cons:

• May not look polished if you have bad handwriting, or it may be difficult to read and deliver.
• Hiring a calligrapher can be costly.
• Time-consuming, especially if you have a large number of invitations.

Printed Envelopes

Pros:

• Quick, easy, and cost-effective, especially if you print them yourself.
• Ensures consistent and legible addresses on every envelope.
• Great for those with messy handwriting.
• Offers the ability to mix and match fonts and graphics for a modern style.

Cons:

• Does not follow traditional wedding etiquette and may be perceived as less personal.
• Limited print colour options.
• Some printing methods can be expensive (e.g., foil, letterpress, white ink toner).
• DIY printing may require prior knowledge and equipment, making it time-consuming.

Ultimately, the decision between handwritten and printed envelopes depends on your personal preferences, budget, and time constraints. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and there is no single "correct" way to address wedding invitation envelopes.

How to avoid post office issues when sending wedding invitations

Mailing wedding invitations can be a tricky process, and with the US Post Office processing 493.4 million pieces of mail every day, it's no surprise that sometimes things can go wrong. Here are some tips to help you avoid any issues when sending your wedding invitations:

• Order extra invitations: It's a good idea to order around 7 extra invitations to account for any that might get lost in the mail or for other reasons such as photographers, keepsakes, or B-list invitees. It's much cheaper to order extra invitations upfront than to reprint them later.
• Return address format: The Post Office recommends having your return address on the same side as the guest address to avoid confusion. However, this may not be aesthetically pleasing for wedding invitations. To avoid issues, keep the return address small and in a less contrasting color, and place it higher up on the envelope, preferably on the flap.
• Invitation colors: Avoid using red or white ink for writing addresses, as these colors can be difficult for postal machines to read. Instead, opt for darker-colored inks such as charcoal, navy, or black on light-colored envelopes.
• Weigh your invitations: Take one fully assembled invitation to the post office and have it weighed to determine the exact postage required. This will help you avoid any issues with insufficient postage and will ensure your invitations make it to their destination.
• Add sufficient postage: Purchase and add stamps to your invitations before dropping them off at the post office. This will save you time and ensure you have the desired stamps, as certain types may not always be available at the post office.
• Hand-canceling: If your invitations are bulky or have embellishments on the outer envelope, ask the post office to hand-cancel them. This means they will be postmarked by hand instead of going through a machine, reducing the risk of damage. There may be an additional charge for this service, and it may take longer, so prepare for a longer wait at the post office.
• Mailing time: Give yourself ample time for mailing your invitations, especially if you are requesting hand-canceling. Budget cuts and understaffing at the post office can cause delays, so don't leave it until the last minute.
• International invitations: If you are mailing invitations internationally, double-check the postage requirements and restrictions on the USPS website. Send international invitations 8-10 weeks in advance to allow for customs clearance and shipping delays, and consider providing a digital RSVP option for these guests.

Inner envelopes: To include or not?

Wedding invitations can include an inner and outer envelope, but an inner envelope is strictly optional. The use of inner envelopes dates back to the days of horse-drawn carriages when mail would often arrive damaged or dirty. The outer envelope would protect the inner envelope from the elements, ensuring it remained clean and undamaged.

Today, the outer envelope is what is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope contains the names of the invitees and the invitation itself. The inner envelope is also used to clarify who is invited to the wedding. For example, the outer envelope might be addressed to "The Wilson Family", while the inner envelope would specify "Mr and Mrs Wilson / David and Sarah". If children are invited, their names would be included on the inner envelope.

Some couples choose to include inner envelopes for practical reasons, such as protecting their invitations. Others opt for them for traditional reasons, or to be clear about who is invited. However, there is no rule that requires the use of inner envelopes, and some may consider them a waste of paper. Ultimately, the decision to include inner envelopes or not is a matter of personal preference.

How to make plain white envelopes more interesting

There are many ways to make plain white envelopes more interesting. Here are some ideas:

Printing

Printing is a modern and cost-effective way to address your envelopes. You can print the addresses yourself at home, use a local printer, or order printed envelopes online. This option allows you to mix and match fonts and graphics for a modern style. However, printing may be time-consuming without the proper knowledge or equipment, and print colour options may be limited.

Handwriting

Handwriting your envelopes is a traditional and personal approach. You can write the addresses yourself or hire a calligrapher. Handwriting allows you to choose any ink colour and adds a unique touch to your invites. However, if you have bad handwriting, your envelopes may look less polished and be difficult to read. Hiring a calligrapher can also be costly.

Stamps and Stickers

Using stamps or stickers is an easy way to decorate plain envelopes. You can find stamps and stickers in various designs, such as Harry Potter-themed stamps or wrap-around return address labels. This option adds interest to your envelopes without the time and cost of handwriting or printing.

Envelope Liners

Adding envelope liners is a creative way to dress up plain envelopes. You can choose colourful or patterned paper to match your wedding theme and create a surprise element for your guests when they open the envelope.

Wax Seals

Wax seals add a touch of elegance and sophistication to plain envelopes. You can use a wax pen to draw designs or your initials on the envelope flap. Wax seals create a three-dimensional effect and can be paired with a ribbon or twine for an extra decorative touch.

Return Address Format

Get creative with your return address format! Instead of placing it on the back flap, try printing or stamping it on the front of the envelope next to the guest address. This breaks up the monotony of a plain envelope and adds a unique design element.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose an envelope style that reflects your personality and wedding theme. Whether you keep it simple or go all out, your guests will appreciate the effort and attention to detail. Happy planning!

How to address wedding envelopes

There are many ways to address wedding envelopes, and it is ultimately up to you whether you handwrite or print them. Here is some information to help you decide how to address your wedding envelopes.

Handwritten Envelopes

Handwriting your envelopes can be a very thoughtful touch and is the traditional way to address wedding envelopes. It can also be cost-effective, and you can choose any colour ink you like. However, it can be time-consuming and may not look polished if you have bad handwriting. If you are worried about your handwriting not being up to scratch, you could hire a calligrapher, but this can be costly.

Printed Envelopes

Printing your envelopes is a modern approach and is typically quick, easy, and cost-effective. You can mix and match fonts and graphics for a modern style. However, it does not follow traditional wedding etiquette and may be time-consuming if you do not have the proper knowledge or equipment.

How to Address Envelopes

When addressing your envelopes, there are a few simple guidelines to follow. Traditionally, the outer envelope is formal, and you can write out the recipient's full name, including their personal title. This works for couples of all genders, regardless of whether they share a surname. If you feel that personal titles might be restrictive, you can forgo them and use first and last names only. Always double-check each attendee's preferred personal titles beforehand.

The inner envelope is more informal, and you can leave out one or two elements of the formal name format. You can use first names only or include personal titles and last names.

When addressing a wedding invitation to a single person, use the person's preferred title. If you are unsure, it is best to leave out the title altogether. For a single person with a plus-one, it is best to mention both people by name. If you do not know the name of the plus-one, you can simply include "and Guest".

When addressing a married couple, put their names on the same line. If they have different last names, write out their full names with "Mr." or "Mrs." If one person has taken the other's name, you can reflect that in the address.

For unmarried couples living together, include both names on one or two lines, with appropriate titles. List the person you are closer to first or go in alphabetical order.

When addressing a family, the outer envelope is for the parents' names, and you should list each child's name on the inner envelope. If you do not include each child's name, you are implying that children are not invited. If you want to be general, you can simply address the envelope to "The [Last Name] Family".

For those with distinguished titles, such as doctors, lawyers, or military personnel, it is proper etiquette to address them by that title. When sending an invitation to a couple, list the guest with the higher-ranking title first.

Other Tips

• Avoid using red or white ink, as these colours may be difficult for postal machines to read.
• If you are using stamps, remember to weigh your invitations at the post office before purchasing or applying them, as extra weight may require additional postage.
• If you are using a wax seal, square envelopes, or thick ribbons, this will require a "nonmachinable surcharge" because it will require hand-cancelling of the stamps.
• Send your invitations 8-12 weeks before your wedding. If your wedding is a destination wedding, send them on the earlier side.

Frequently asked questions