Handwritten Wedding Invites: Tasteful Or Tacky?

Wedding invitations are a time-consuming task, and addressing the envelopes can be a tedious job. Traditionally, brides would spend hours writing addresses, but now modern printing equipment can print custom envelope designs. While some people prefer the personal touch of handwriting, others opt for printing or labels to save time and ensure a neat finish. So, is it okay to handwrite wedding invitation envelopes? The answer is yes, but it's not the only option.

Handwritten vs. printed envelopes

When it comes to addressing wedding invitation envelopes, there are a few options to consider: handwriting, printing directly on the envelope, or using address labels. While traditional etiquette dictates that hand-addressing envelopes is the proper way to go, modern alternatives like printing have become increasingly popular and widely accepted. Here is a detailed look at the pros and cons of handwritten versus printed envelopes for wedding invitations.

Handwritten Envelopes

Handwriting addresses on wedding invitation envelopes can add a personal and intimate touch to your invitations. It conveys to your guests that you have taken the time and effort to write out each one individually. If you have beautiful or unique handwriting, this can be a great way to showcase it. Additionally, handwriting can be a more affordable option if you are on a tight budget. However, handwriting can be time-consuming and tedious, especially if you have a large number of invitations to send out. It is important to consider your handwriting skills and the potential for errors or inconsistencies when addressing envelopes by hand.

Printed Envelopes

Printing addresses directly on the envelopes or using address labels can save you significant time and effort, especially if you have a large guest list. It ensures consistency and legibility in the addressing, reducing the risk of errors or smudges that may occur with handwriting. Printed envelopes can also achieve a luxurious and elegant look, especially with custom envelope designs and calligraphy-style fonts. However, it is important to choose a high-quality printing method and avoid using labels that may appear cheap or mass-produced.

Combining Both Approaches

Some couples choose to combine both handwritten and printed elements in their wedding invitation suites. For example, you could handwrite the inner envelopes, which are more personal, and print the outer envelopes for a neater appearance. This approach adds a touch of personalization while also saving time and ensuring legibility on the outer envelopes.

Ultimately, the decision between handwritten and printed envelopes depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the level of formality you wish to convey. Both options are acceptable, and you can choose the one that best fits your wedding style and practical considerations.

Etiquette and formality

Wedding invitation envelopes can be handwritten, printed, or labelled. However, the choice of addressing style may depend on the level of formality of the wedding.

Handwriting the envelopes is a time-honoured tradition and is considered the "proper" way to address wedding invitations. It adds a personal touch and conveys to guests that the couple cares about them. Some people believe that it is rude not to handwrite the envelopes, especially for a formal wedding. However, others argue that this tradition is outdated and that printed envelopes are acceptable and increasingly common.

Printing the addresses directly onto the envelopes can achieve a luxurious and elegant look, especially if a calligraphy or handwriting-style font is used. This method ensures consistency in alignment and spacing and can be more legible than handwriting. Printing is also a convenient option for couples with large guest lists, as handwriting numerous envelopes can be time-consuming and tiring.

Address labels, on the other hand, are generally considered inappropriate for wedding invitations. Labels, especially clear ones, can look mass-produced and impersonal, resembling spam or formal junk mail. They may also smear or become illegible during transit, causing the invitations to get lost in the mail. However, labels can be a good option if one has terrible handwriting or physical limitations that make handwriting difficult.

Ultimately, the choice of addressing style is a matter of personal preference, and most guests will not judge the couple based on the envelopes.

The time and effort involved

Handwriting wedding invitation envelopes can be a time-consuming and laborious task, especially if you have a large number of guests. It requires careful planning and execution to ensure neat and consistent results. Here are some factors to consider regarding the time and effort involved in handwriting wedding invitation envelopes:

Number of Invitations

Before embarking on handwriting your wedding invitation envelopes, consider the number of invitations you need to send out. If you have a small guest list, handwriting each envelope may be more manageable. However, for larger weddings, the task can quickly become overwhelming. Writing out return addresses, recipient addresses, and any other details can result in writer's cramp and take up significant time.

Consistency and Neatness

Achieving consistency and neatness in your handwriting across all envelopes can be challenging. It requires a steady hand and attention to detail. Slight variations in letter formation, spacing, and alignment can be more noticeable than you think. If you are particular about the presentation of your invitations, the pressure to maintain uniformity in your handwriting can be stressful.

Time Management

Handwriting wedding invitation envelopes can be a time-consuming endeavour. It is essential to allocate sufficient time to complete the task without rushing. Consider your schedule and other wedding planning commitments when deciding whether to handwrite the envelopes. If you are short on time or have many other tasks to juggle, handwriting envelopes may not be the best use of your time.

Practice and Preparation

To ensure your handwriting is at its best, you may want to set aside time to practice and prepare. This could involve improving your handwriting through calligraphy tutorials or online resources. Additionally, you may want to create guidelines on the envelopes to ensure straight lines and consistent spacing. Such preparations can add to the overall time and effort required.

Alternative Options

If you are concerned about the time and effort involved in handwriting wedding invitation envelopes, there are alternative options available. You can consider printing the addresses directly on the envelopes, using a printer or a service provided by the invitation company. This can save time and still achieve a polished look. Another option is to use address labels, although some consider this less formal and not suitable for wedding invitations.

In conclusion, handwriting wedding invitation envelopes can be a labour of love, adding a personal touch to your invitations. However, it is important to consider the time and effort required, especially if you have a large guest list or are short on time. Alternative options, such as printing or using address labels, can be more efficient while still achieving a stylish result. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences, time constraints, and the level of formality you wish to convey.

Legibility and smudging

When it comes to handwriting wedding invitation envelopes, one of the main concerns is legibility. It is important to ensure that the addresses are clearly written so that the invitations reach their intended recipients without any issues. Illegible handwriting can lead to delays or even result in invitations being returned as undeliverable.

If you have neat handwriting that is easy to read, then handwriting the envelopes can be a great personal touch. However, if your handwriting tends to be messy or difficult to decipher, it may be better to consider other options, such as printing the addresses directly on the envelopes or using labels.

Another factor to consider is smudging, especially if you plan to use ink pens. It is important to allow sufficient drying time for the ink to avoid smearing or smudging, which can make the addresses illegible. Using a smudge-proof pen or a pen with quick-drying ink can help reduce the risk of smudging.

Additionally, if you have a large number of invitations to send out, handwriting each envelope can be time-consuming and tiring. In such cases, you may want to consider alternative options to ensure that your handwriting remains legible and consistent throughout.

To ensure legibility, it is recommended to use a clear and easy-to-read font if you decide to print the addresses. Avoid using fancy or intricate fonts that may be difficult for postal workers to read. It is also important to choose a font size that is not too small, as this can make the addresses hard to read.

In summary, when deciding whether to handwrite wedding invitation envelopes, consider the legibility of your handwriting and the potential for smudging. While handwriting can add a personal touch, it is crucial to ensure that the addresses are clear and easy to read to avoid any delays or issues with delivery.

Matching fonts and colours

The envelope is the first impression your guests will have of your wedding, so it's important to choose a style that reflects the formality of the event. If you're going for a traditional or formal look, classic handwriting or a calligraphy-style font is a good choice. For a more modern or casual wedding, you might want to experiment with different fonts that reflect your personality and wedding theme.

One option is to use a custom envelope printing service, which can create bespoke designs that match your wedding invitations, using the same colours and fonts. This ensures a cohesive look across your wedding stationery. You can also use custom stickers to seal the envelopes, adding a special touch.

If you're printing your own envelopes, you can download free wedding fonts to achieve a similar effect. Some couples choose to print addresses directly onto the envelope, while others opt for labels. When using labels, it's generally recommended to avoid "handwriting" fonts, as these can be difficult for postal workers to read. Clear labels are also considered a no-no, as they may look neat but are not considered formal enough for wedding invitations.

Whatever option you choose, make sure the font size and colour are legible for the postman. Dark colours like black, dark blue or dark grey are traditional choices, but you can also experiment with colours that match your wedding theme.

Frequently asked questions