Handwritten Wedding Invites: Personal Touch Or Unnecessary Hassle?

Wedding invitations are a time-consuming task, and addressing them can be painstaking. There are a few options to consider when addressing wedding invitations: hand-writing your own envelopes, hiring a professional calligrapher, using faux calligraphy, or letting the machine printers do the job for you. Hand-addressed envelopes are considered more personal, but modern printing equipment can now print custom envelope designs, so you don't have to hand-write addresses anymore.

Handwriting vs printing wedding invitations

Wedding invitations are a time-consuming task, and addressing them is no exception. The question of whether to handwrite or print addresses on envelopes has sparked some debate. Some argue that hand-addressing envelopes is a nice, personal touch, while others believe it is a waste of time and that printing is more efficient and economical. So, which option is best? Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of handwriting vs printing wedding invitation envelopes.

Handwriting wedding invitation envelopes can be a labour of love. It adds a personal and elegant touch to your invitations and follows traditional etiquette. If you have beautiful handwriting or know someone who does, this can be a great way to make your envelopes stand out. However, handwriting each envelope can be very time-consuming and prone to errors. Mistakes can lead to wasted envelopes and money, and it may not be feasible if you have a large guest list. Additionally, achieving a consistent and polished look across all envelopes can be challenging.

Printing wedding invitation envelopes, on the other hand, offers a more modern and convenient approach. It saves time and money, especially when taking advantage of free guest addressing services offered by some online stationers. Printed envelopes can also be customised with calligraphy-inspired fonts, colours, and designs to complement your wedding theme. However, printing at home may require additional equipment and knowledge, and there is a risk of errors leading to wasted envelopes. While printing is generally accepted, some traditionalists may argue that it is less personal than handwriting.

Both options have their advantages and considerations. Handwriting adds a personal and traditional touch but requires time and effort. Printing is efficient and customisable but may be seen as less intimate. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference, budget, and time constraints. Whichever option you choose, ensuring your invitations are addressed correctly and sent out on time is essential to making your guests feel welcome on your big day.

The cost of hiring a calligrapher

It is perfectly acceptable to handwrite addresses on wedding invitations, and doing so can add a personal touch to your special day. If you're not confident in your handwriting, you can always hire a calligrapher to elevate your invitations and add a bit of formality.

When hiring a calligrapher, you can expect to pay a non-refundable retainer of around 50% of the total cost upfront to reserve their services. This cost covers the time and skill required to create beautiful, hand-crafted envelopes that will impress your guests.

While hiring a calligrapher may be more expensive than printing addresses, it adds a unique and elegant touch to your wedding invitations. If you're looking to make a statement and wow your guests, hiring a calligrapher is a great option.

Be sure to do your research, ask for recommendations, and compare prices to find a calligrapher that fits your budget and style.

Etiquette and tradition of handwritten wedding invitations

The tradition of handwritten wedding invitations dates back to the Middle Ages when families of means would commission monks, skilled in the art of calligraphy, to hand-craft their notices. In the modern day, the rules of wedding etiquette are constantly changing, making it difficult for couples to find up-to-date information. However, traditionalists argue that hand-addressed envelopes follow proper wedding protocol and etiquette, and that handwritten addresses are more personal for such a special occasion.

If you are considering hand-addressing your wedding invitations, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you could hire a professional calligrapher. This is the most luxurious option and can transform a plain envelope into a work of art. However, it is also the most expensive option, with prices ranging from $1 to $5+ per envelope, and good calligraphers can get booked up quickly. Secondly, you could attempt calligraphy yourself. This option is time-consuming and mistakes can lead to wasted envelopes and money, but it is a good choice if you are on a budget and want to add a personal touch. Finally, you could use faux calligraphy, where you first write the address in cursive and then reinforce the downstroke with a black pen to create the illusion of professional calligraphy.

If you are not keen on the idea of hand-addressing your wedding invitations, there are alternative options available. You could use a computer to print out the envelopes, or use a free online service such as Minted, which offers free guest addressing for envelopes. These options save time and money and can still look impressive, with calligraphy-inspired fonts available to mimic the look of professional calligraphy.

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to consider the different scenarios that will change how you write your guests' names. For example, the way you address a married couple will differ from how you address an unmarried couple or a single person. It is also important to give yourself enough time to get the address list in order and double-check any details before sending out your invitations.

How to print your own envelopes

Wedding invitations are an important element of your wedding as they reveal the tone, theme, and style of your wedding and provide your guests with all the information they need. There are many "rules" to follow when it comes to choosing the best invites for your budget, the design, the colors, the wording, and proper addressing.

It is generally considered good etiquette to handwrite addresses on wedding invitations. However, this can be time-consuming and may not be feasible, especially if you have messy handwriting. An alternative option is to print the addresses on the envelopes yourself. This can be a great way to achieve a handwritten look without having to write each address by hand. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to print your own envelopes:

• Choose a template: You can build your own template or purchase one online. Consider the envelope size you need and ensure that the template is sized accordingly. Also, think about the program the template uses and choose one that you are comfortable working with.
• Edit the addresses: Open the template and replace the sample addresses with your guest's addresses. You can also change the fonts and colors to your preferred style.
• Set up the print settings: Power on your printer and adjust the settings to custom dimensions to match your envelope size. Select "Landscape" printing if your envelope is wider than it is tall. Choose the highest print quality setting and turn off all scaling and resizing options.
• Prepare the envelopes: Flatten down the edges of the envelopes with a bone folder, the edge of a ruler, or your fingernail to prevent smudging. Tuck in the envelope flap if possible to prevent jamming.
• Load the envelopes: Place the envelopes in the printer tray according to the diagram in the "Feed" box. The envelope should be aligned on its side, with the short edge first, the flap closed, and pointing right. Adjust the paper guide so that it rests flush against the envelope's left edge.
• Test print: Before printing all the envelopes, it is recommended to do a few test prints to ensure the settings and alignment are correct. Run a few test prints on plain paper or use 5-10 spare envelopes.
• Print: Once you are happy with the test prints, load 10 envelopes into the printer tray at a time and print away!

By following these steps, you can print your own envelopes at home, saving time and money while still achieving a professional and charming look for your wedding invitations.

How to choose an envelope design

Wedding invitations are a great way to give your guests a glimpse of your wedding's tone, theme, and style. While it is not necessary to handwrite addresses on wedding invitations, doing so can add a nice personal touch. However, it is time-consuming and leaves room for error. Here are some tips on how to choose an envelope design for your wedding invitations:

Consider the Format:

Wedding invitation envelopes can include an inner and outer envelope. The outer envelope is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope contains the names of the invitees and the invitation itself. Using both envelopes ensures that the inner envelope remains pristine and allows for clarity on who is invited, such as plus-ones or children. However, using only an outer envelope is becoming increasingly popular to reduce expenses and paper usage.

Choose an Envelope Size:

Envelopes come in various standard sizes, such as 4 ¼" x 5 ½", 4 ½" x 6 ¼", 5 ⅜" x 7 ⅞", 5 ½" x 8 ½", and 5 ¾" x 9 ¼". Select an envelope size that comfortably fits your invitation suite and its enclosures, such as RSVP cards and direction cards.

Select an Envelope Style:

Envelopes come in different styles, such as the classic pointed flap or the flap with a deeper point. Choose an envelope style that complements the overall aesthetic of your wedding and its stationery.

Addressing the Envelopes:

When addressing envelopes, follow the proper etiquette for different scenarios, such as addressing married couples, unmarried couples, single persons, and families. Traditionally, the outer envelope is formal, including the recipient's full name and title. The inner envelope is more informal, allowing for a more casual vibe.

Printing or Handwriting Addresses:

You can choose to print or handwrite the addresses on the envelopes. Printing the addresses can save time and give a polished look, especially if you use hand-styled fonts that complement the invitation. However, handwriting addresses adds a thoughtful touch. If you opt for handwriting, consider using ultra-fine point markers to achieve a polished finish and avoid smudging.

Return Address:

Don't forget to include your return address on the envelopes. You can use address labels, rubber stamps, or custom stamps to indicate the return address.

Sealing and Mailing:

Seal the envelopes using a bottled envelope moistener, being careful not to use too much liquid. Add a wax seal or custom stickers for a unique finish. Finally, take your invitations to the post office to be hand-cancelled, ensuring they are handled carefully and not damaged by machines.

Frequently asked questions