Etiquette Of Address Labels: Navigating The Wedding Invitation Conundrum

Wedding address labels are a convenient way to save time and effort when sending out invitations. While some traditionalists may argue that handwritten addresses are more personal and elegant, the reality is that most people won't notice or care. Labels are a practical solution, especially if you have a large number of invites and want to ensure your handwriting doesn't make the addresses illegible. You can even find stylish and sophisticated label designs that complement your envelopes and add a touch of flair to your invitations.

Clear vs. white labels

When it comes to wedding invitation address labels, there are two popular options to choose from: clear labels and white labels. Both have their own advantages and can add a touch of elegance to your wedding invitations. Here are some details to help you decide which option is best for you:

Clear Labels:

• Clear labels offer a more modern and elegant look, especially if you have coloured envelopes. They allow the envelope's colour to shine through, creating a sophisticated and stylish appearance.
• These labels are ideal if you want the address to stand out. The clear background and foil text add a touch of sparkle and elegance to your invitations.
• Clear labels are also a great choice if you want to avoid a stark white label on a coloured envelope, which some may consider distracting.
• You can find clear labels with gold or coloured foil text, adding a luxurious touch to your invitations.

White Labels:

• White labels are a classic choice and can blend seamlessly with white envelopes, creating a cohesive and elegant look.
• They are a good option if you want a simple and traditional appearance for your wedding invitations.
• White labels are also cost-effective and readily available from various suppliers, making them a convenient choice.
• If you have coloured envelopes, white labels can create a contrasting effect, making the addresses easy to read.

When deciding between clear and white labels, consider the colour of your envelopes, your desired aesthetic, and your budget. Clear labels offer a modern and elegant look, especially with foil text, while white labels provide a traditional and classic appearance. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preference and the overall style of your wedding invitations.

Printing on envelopes

Create a Guest Address List:

Start by creating a spreadsheet with your guest addresses, including columns for names, street addresses, apartment numbers, cities, states, and zip codes. Don't forget to add a column for the country if you have international guests. Double-check all addresses and spellings to avoid mistakes.

Choose Your Envelope and Paper Size:

Select envelopes that match the size of your invitations. When creating your envelope template in a word processor, change the page layout size to match your envelopes for accurate scaling. You can also use online templates or download templates from websites like Etsy.

Design Your Envelope Template:

Play around with different fonts and spacing to create a stylish and legible design. You can use a combination of block and cursive fonts to add a touch of elegance. Consider adding a detail like "kindly deliver to" in a script font.

Test and Print:

Before printing on your envelopes, do a test print on a scrap piece of paper to check the scaling and orientation. Adjust your printer settings and paper loading as needed. Print in small batches to avoid smudging, and lay each printed envelope flat before printing the next one.

Return Addresses:

Don't forget to include your return address on the back flap of the envelope. You can print these yourself or have them pre-printed on the envelopes. Test printing on the back flap to ensure the correct orientation and avoid wasting envelopes.

Handwriting vs. printing

Handwriting:

• Personal Touch: Handwriting adds a unique and intimate feel to your wedding invitations. Your guests may appreciate the time and effort you put into personally addressing each envelope.
• Customisability: With handwriting, you have the freedom to customise each envelope, whether it's with a special message or a unique design. This can be especially meaningful for close friends and family members.
• Tradition: Traditionally, wedding invitations were handwritten, and some people still consider it the proper and formal way to address invitations. If you want to follow tradition, handwriting might be the way to go.
• Cost: Handwriting your wedding invitations can be more cost-effective, especially if you have nice handwriting and don't need to hire a calligrapher.
• Time Commitment: Handwriting each invitation can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large guest list. It may take several days or even weeks to complete, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Printing:

• Consistency: Printing ensures that all your wedding invitations look uniform and neat. This can be important if you're particular about aesthetics and want everything to match your wedding theme.
• Time Savings: Printing is much faster than handwriting, especially if you use pre-printed envelopes or labels. This option is ideal if you're short on time or want to avoid hand cramps from writing dozens of addresses.
• Legibility: Printed addresses are typically easier to read, reducing the risk of your invitations getting lost in the mail due to illegible handwriting.
• Cost: Depending on the printing method and materials chosen, printing can be more expensive than handwriting, especially if you opt for custom labels or hire a professional calligrapher.
• Lack of Personalisation: Printing may lack the personal touch that handwriting provides. However, you can add personalisation through other means, such as including a handwritten note inside the invitation.

Ultimately, the decision between handwriting and printing comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and time constraints. Both options are acceptable, and you can even combine them by handwriting the guest addresses and printing your return address, or vice versa. Do what feels right for you and your wedding!

Return address labels

When creating return address labels for wedding invitations, it is important to consider the proper etiquette. Traditionally, the return address on the invitation envelope should be the address of the hosts, usually the bride's parents, as they typically pay for the wedding and will be receiving the gifts and RSVPs. However, if the couple is hosting the event themselves or with their families, their names can be included on the response envelope. It is also acceptable to use just the first names or a casual approach such as "Bride and Groom to be".

The return address labels should be placed on the back flap of the invitation envelope and the front side of the response envelopes. If using double envelopes, the return address only needs to go on the outer envelope. The labels can be printed, handwritten, or stamped, depending on your preference.

There are also alternatives to using stickers for return addresses. One option is to use envelope printing, where the guest and return addresses are pre-printed directly on the envelopes. Another option is to use custom calligraphy, where a professional calligrapher writes the addresses directly on each envelope for a personal touch.

Guest address labels

Wedding address labels are a great way to save time and ensure your invitations look neat and tidy. They are simply stickers that display names and addresses, making it easier to send out wedding invitations without having to handwrite each one. You can find both return address labels, with the address of the couple, and guest address labels, with the mailing addresses of the invitees.

There are many options available when it comes to the style of your guest address labels. You can choose from a variety of materials, including paper and vinyl, and colours, such as white, clear, gold, silver, and blue. You can also select from different fonts and designs to match your wedding theme or colour scheme. Some labels even come with additional features like gold foil or a sprig of greenery.

When ordering guest address labels, you will need to provide the mailing addresses of your guests. Some companies allow you to fill out the addresses directly on their website, while others may require you to submit a spreadsheet or document with the addresses. It is important to triple-check all addresses before placing your order.

In terms of where to buy guest address labels, there are numerous online retailers and stationery stores that offer this service. Etsy, for example, has a wide range of options made by independent artisans, from maximalist to minimalist designs. Other popular options include Zazzle, The Knot Invitations, and Amazon.

While using labels may not be considered traditional etiquette, it is a common and practical choice for many couples, especially those with a large number of invitations to send out. Labels can give your envelopes a streamlined and sophisticated look, and they can also be a more affordable option compared to hiring a calligrapher.

Overall, guest address labels are a convenient and stylish way to address your wedding invitations, ensuring they reach your guests without any issues.

Frequently asked questions