Handwritten Wedding Invites: A Personal Touch Or Too Inconvenient?

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to hand-write your wedding invitations. Firstly, it is important to note that the general consensus is that hand-written invitations are more personal and traditional. However, this method can be time-consuming and may not be feasible if you have a large guest list. Another factor to consider is your handwriting skills; if you are unhappy with your handwriting, you may prefer to type and print your invitations or hire a professional calligrapher. Budget is also a key consideration, as hiring a calligrapher or purchasing fancy pens and paper can quickly add up. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what you feel will be the best representation of you and your partner.

Pros and cons of hand-writing wedding invitations

Handwriting wedding invitations and envelopes is a time-consuming task that requires dedication and effort. While some may argue that it adds a personal touch to the invitations, others may find it inconvenient and prefer printed alternatives. Here is a detailed list of pros and cons to help you decide whether to handwrite your wedding invitations:

Pros of Handwriting Wedding Invitations:

• Adds a Personal Touch: Handwriting your wedding invitations can make the recipients feel special and valued. It conveys a sense of warmth and thoughtfulness, making the invitation more intimate and heartfelt.
• Traditional and Elegant: Following the tradition of handwriting wedding invitations can be seen as adhering to proper wedding etiquette and protocol. It adds a touch of elegance and formality to the occasion, especially for black-tie affairs.
• Creative Expression: Handwriting allows you to showcase your creative side and personalize the invitations. You can experiment with different scripts, calligraphy styles, and embellished handwriting to make each invitation unique.

Cons of Handwriting Wedding Invitations:

• Time-Consuming: Handwriting multiple invitations can be a tedious and time-consuming task. It requires significant effort and dedication, especially if you have a large guest list.
• Prone to Mistakes: Mistakes are inevitable when handwriting invitations. Errors can lead to wasted envelopes, time, and money. It can be frustrating to start over or make corrections, potentially delaying the sending of invitations.
• Expensive: If you opt for professional calligraphy services, the cost can quickly add up. Hiring a calligrapher or purchasing fancy pens and stationery can be expensive, especially if you have a tight wedding budget.
• Inconvenient: Handwriting invitations can be inconvenient, especially if you have busy schedules or limited time before the wedding. It may not be feasible for those with demanding jobs or other wedding preparations.

Pros and cons of printing wedding invitations

Printing wedding invitations is a convenient and modern approach that offers several advantages over traditional handwritten invitations. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros of Printing Wedding Invitations:

• Time-saving: Printing is undoubtedly faster than handwriting, especially when sending out a large number of invitations. It can save you from the tedious and time-consuming task of writing each envelope by hand.
• Cost-effective: Printing can be more budget-friendly, as you avoid the expense of hiring a professional calligrapher. It also eliminates the need for fancy pens or expensive stationery.
• Precision and accuracy: With printing, you can ensure that all the information is accurate and legible. There is no risk of mistakes or smudges that could lead to wasted envelopes and increased costs.
• Consistency: Printed invitations provide a uniform look and feel to your wedding stationery. This consistency in style and formatting adds a professional touch to your invitations.
• Convenience: Online stationers offer guest-addressing services, allowing you to upload your contacts and have the addresses printed directly onto the envelopes. This saves time and eliminates the hassle of addressing each envelope individually.

Cons of Printing Wedding Invitations:

• Lack of personal touch: Handwritten invitations, especially those done by the couple themselves, are often seen as more intimate and special. Printing may be perceived as less thoughtful or personal, deviating from the traditional etiquette of wedding invitations.
• Limited customisation: Printed invitations might offer fewer options for customisation compared to handwritten ones. While you can choose fonts and designs, the level of personalisation might not match that of calligraphy or DIY handwriting.
• Perceived as informal: While etiquette rules are evolving, some traditionalists still consider printing less formal and not in line with the formality of a wedding. Printed invitations might not convey the same level of elegance and sophistication as handwritten ones.
• Potential for errors: Even with printing, there is a chance of errors, such as typos or formatting mistakes. These errors can be costly, as they may require reprinting the entire batch of invitations.
• May not suit the wedding theme: If you're having a formal or traditional wedding, printed invitations might not align with the overall style and tone of your event. Handwriting or calligraphy could be a better fit for a classic or elegant wedding theme.

How to hand-write wedding invitations

Handwriting your wedding invitations and envelopes can be a very personal touch, but it can also be time-consuming and costly. If you decide to handwrite your wedding invitations, here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Choose your writing instrument:

Decide whether you want to use a traditional calligraphy pen, a fountain pen, or simply a nice ballpoint pen. Consider the ink colour and whether you want to use any special inks, such as metallic or custom colours.

Practice your handwriting:

If you're not confident in your handwriting skills, consider practising beforehand. You can find instruction books and online tutorials to help you improve your handwriting or learn basic calligraphy.

Finalise your guest list:

Ensure your guest list is complete and accurate. Double-check all addresses, full names, and spellings. It is considered proper etiquette to write out guests' full names and avoid using nicknames or initials.

Determine your addressing style:

Decide whether you want to use a formal or informal addressing style. For formal weddings, use titles such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", and "Dr." For informal weddings, you can use first names only. Spell out all words in addresses (e.g., "Street" instead of "St.") and write out professional titles in full.

Order extra envelopes:

Mistakes are bound to happen, so order 10-20 extra envelopes to account for any errors. You may also want to consider ordering your envelopes in advance so that you have time to write out the addresses while waiting for the rest of your order.

Set aside time:

Handwriting invitations and envelopes can be time-consuming, so make sure you set aside enough time to complete the task without rushing. Plan for one to two weeks in your schedule for this task.

Write slowly and carefully:

Take your time to ensure your writing is legible and neat. If you make a mistake, it's better to start over with a new envelope rather than try to correct it.

Proofread:

Once you've written all the addresses, carefully proofread each envelope against your guest list to catch any errors.

Consider adding personal touches:

If you want to make your handwritten invitations even more special, consider adding wax seals or pretty postage stamps.

Remember, while handwriting your wedding invitations can be a nice personal touch, it is not a requirement. You can also consider alternatives such as hiring a professional calligrapher, using printed labels, or even printing directly onto the envelopes with a nice scripted font. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and there are many ways to make your wedding invitations unique and memorable.

How to print wedding invitations

Printing your own wedding invitations is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to print your wedding invitations:

Choose a Design

Decide on the look and feel of your invitations, considering your wedding aesthetic, colour scheme, and theme. You can design the invitations yourself using software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign, or opt for beginner-friendly options like Canva or Microsoft Word. If you prefer, you can purchase a template from sites like Etsy, Creative Market, or stock photography websites for around $5 to $20. When choosing a template, select a design with just 2-3 colours to minimise printing costs.

Create Inserts

Use a simple Word document or Canva to create coordinating insert cards with details, directions, reception information, and registry information. Alternatively, you can save money and direct guests to your wedding website for all the additional information.

Purchase Cardstock and Envelopes

Buy cardstock and envelopes from craft stores or online retailers. You can find pre-cut cards and envelopes in kits, usually containing around 50 sets, for about $20. If you want to incorporate your wedding colours, consider printing on coloured cardstock or backing your invitations with patterned paper. Don't forget to purchase envelopes for RSVP cards as well.

Buy Ink in Bulk

For the best quality, print your invitations on the "photograph" or "high" setting. Buy ink in bulk from stores like Sam's Club, Costco, or Amazon to save money. It's a good idea to have at least one extra set of ink as a backup.

Plan for Emergencies

Buy a slightly larger quantity of cardstock and envelopes than you need, and an extra pack of ink if necessary. This will give you a buffer in case of mistakes or printing issues.

Print and Cut

Once you're happy with your design, print your invitations at home or use a professional printing service. If printing at home, run a few tests to ensure the colours and text are as desired, and adjust your printer settings if needed. After printing, use a paper cutter or craft knife to cut your invitations down to the right size. The standard invitation size is 5" by 7".

Assemble and Adorn

Place your inserts inside the corresponding envelopes and seal them. You can add embellishments like ribbons, wax seals, or envelope liners for a luxurious touch.

Determine Postage

Take a complete invitation suite to your local post office to determine the correct postage. The weight and size of your invitations will impact the postage required.

Address and Stamp

Address your envelopes by hand for a personal touch, or use printed labels. Add the correct number of stamps to each envelope, then return to the post office to mail your invitations. It is recommended to send your invitations out six to eight weeks before your wedding day.

Formal and informal addressing styles

Formal Addressing:

Ms. Samantha Anderson

56 North Ridge Drive

Hartinger, California 28495

Ms. Anderson & Guest

56 North Ridge Drive

Hartinger, California 28495

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony James

56 North Ridge Drive

Hartinger, California 28495

Ms. Sara Trent

Mr. Anthony James

56 North Ridge Drive

Hartinger, California 28495

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony James and Family

56 North Ridge Drive

Hartinger, California 28495

Informal Addressing:

Sam Anderson

56 North Ridge Drive

Hartinger, CA 28495

Sam Anderson and Guest

56 North Ridge Drive

Hartinger, CA 28495

Anthony and Sara James

56 North Ridge Drive

Hartinger, CA 28495

Sara and Anthony

56 North Ridge Drive

Hartinger, CA 28495

Anthony and Sara James and Family

56 North Ridge Drive

Hartinger, CA 28495

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to use formal names and avoid nicknames. Middle names are not necessary but should be spelled out if used (no initials). All words such as "Apartment", "Avenue", and "Street" should be spelled out in full. Abbreviations can be used for titles such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., and Jr. Professional titles like Doctor or Professor should also be written out.

While the outer envelope includes all the information needed by the postal service for delivery, the inner envelope should contain the names of the invited guests in the household, including children whose names do not appear on the outer envelope.

Frequently asked questions