Handwritten Or Typed Wedding Invites: Which Is Best?

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are two main options for addressing envelopes: handwriting or typing. Some people prefer the personal touch of handwriting, especially if it's in calligraphy. However, others opt for the convenience and neatness of typing, either directly onto the envelope or using printed labels. So, which is the best option? Let's explore the pros and cons of each and offer some tips for making your decision.

Handwritten vs. printed: pros and cons

There are several factors to consider when deciding between handwriting or printing your wedding invitations. Here are some pros and cons of each option:

Handwriting:

Pros:

• Adds a personal touch and makes guests feel extra cared for.
• Allows your unique style and personality to shine through, setting the tone for the wedding.
• Can be a cost-effective alternative to hiring a calligrapher.

Cons:

• Time-consuming, especially for larger weddings.
• May require purchasing additional materials and tools such as dip pens, metal nibs, bottled ink, and extra paper for mistakes and practice.
• Requires practice and patience to perfect the technique and achieve a polished result.

Printing:

Pros:

• More convenient and less time-consuming, especially if you have a large number of invitations to send out.
• Can be more cost-effective if you have a tight budget.
• Ensures consistency and uniformity in the appearance of the invitations.

Cons:

• May lack the personal touch and uniqueness of handwritten invitations.
• Requires careful selection of fonts and ink colours to ensure legibility and readability.
• May not be suitable for very formal or black-tie weddings, as it may be considered less elegant or sophisticated.

Ultimately, the decision between handwriting or printing your wedding invitations depends on your personal preferences, budget, time constraints, and the overall tone you want to set for your wedding.

Formality and tone

The style of handwriting or calligraphy chosen can also set the tone for the wedding and reflect the couple's personalities. For instance, a casual and playful script may be suitable for a laid-back, informal wedding, while a formal script or sophisticated calligraphy can be more appropriate for an elegant, evening affair. Combining different lettering styles or creating custom combinations can also add a unique and modern twist to your invitations.

However, it's important to note that handwriting or calligraphy can be time-consuming and may not be feasible for large guest lists. In such cases, printing or using labels may be more practical. Additionally, if your handwriting is not the best, typing or printing the invitations may be a better option to ensure clarity and legibility.

Ultimately, the decision to handwrite or type your wedding invitations depends on the level of formality and personal touch you want to convey. Handwritten invitations, especially with calligraphy, add a timeless and elegant feel, while typed invitations offer a neater and more consistent appearance.

Cost and budget

The cost of wedding invitations varies depending on several factors, including the printing method, paper quality, design complexity, and number of invitations. According to The Wedding Report, the average cost of 100 to 150 wedding invitations in 2023 ranged from $256 to $312. However, this cost can increase significantly when additional elements such as save-the-dates, response cards, and other components are added to create a complete invitation suite.

When considering the cost of wedding invitations, the printing method is the largest determining factor. Digital printing, the most budget-friendly option, typically costs between $500 and $800 for a set of 100 invitations. In contrast, more expensive printing methods such as offset printing, thermography, letterpress, and engraving can cost upwards of $1,500 to $2,000 or more for the same quantity.

To stay within your budget, it is recommended to set aside four to six percent of your overall wedding budget for invitations. If you are working with a tight budget, you may consider handwriting your own invitations or using a combination of digital and paper elements. Handwriting your invitations can be a cost-effective alternative, allowing you to invest your time and a smaller portion of your budget in creating personalised invitations. However, it is important to consider the time and materials required for this option.

The cost of paper and envelopes can also vary depending on their quality and weight. Heavier cardstock and fancier envelopes, such as those with foil stamping or wax seals, will increase the overall cost of your invitations. Additionally, the price of postage stamps should be factored in, especially if you are including return envelopes for RSVPs.

When budgeting for your wedding invitations, it is essential to prioritise your preferences and allocate your funds accordingly. While some couples may opt for a full suite of custom, handmade invitations, others may prefer a mix of digital and paper elements to stay within their budget. Ultimately, the decision should reflect your personal style and the tone you wish to set for your wedding.

Time and convenience

Handwriting your wedding invitations and envelopes can be a very special contribution to your big day. However, it can be a time-consuming task, especially if you have a large number of guests. If you have neat handwriting, it can be a good option to add a personal touch to your invitations. On the other hand, if you have a large guest list, handwriting each envelope can be tedious and time-consuming. In such cases, printing the addresses on the envelopes or using labels can be more convenient.

Handwriting your wedding invitations can be a fun and creative project, but it requires time and patience. If you decide to handwrite your invitations, it is essential to start the process early and practice your handwriting style. You will also need to invest in the right tools and materials, such as dip pens, metal nibs, bottled ink, and paper. Additionally, you should allow extra time for proofing and test runs to ensure consistency and catch any potential issues.

On the other hand, typing and printing your wedding invitations can be a more convenient and time-saving option, especially if you have a large guest list. It can be easier to make changes and corrections when typing, and you can also experiment with different fonts and designs. If you have a small guest list and want to add a personal touch, you can consider a combination of both handwriting and typing. For example, you can handwrite the envelopes and print the invitations or vice versa.

Another option to consider is hiring a calligrapher or using online services that offer handwritten or calligraphy-inspired invitations. This can be a good middle ground if you want the elegance and sophistication of handwritten invitations without the time and effort of doing it yourself. Online marketplaces like Etsy offer a variety of budget-friendly options, and you can also find semi-custom or a la carte packages from stationery designers and calligraphers.

Ultimately, the decision between handwriting or typing your wedding invitations depends on your personal preferences, the amount of time you have, and your budget. If you have the time and enjoy the craft of handwriting, it can be a meaningful project. However, if you are short on time or prefer a more convenient option, typing and printing, or hiring a professional, may be the better choice.

Personal preference

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many options to consider. You can choose to handwrite, type, or print them, and each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to handwrite or type your wedding invitations:

Some people prefer the personal touch of handwriting their wedding invitations, while others may find it time-consuming and tedious. Handwriting can be a great option if you have nice handwriting or want to add a unique touch to your invitations. It can be a labour of love and a meaningful endeavour. However, it can also be time-consuming and impractical, especially if you have a large guest list. In such cases, typing or printing the invitations may be a more convenient option.

If you decide to handwrite your invitations, you can consider using a dip pen with metal nibs and bottled ink for a traditional and elegant look. You can also choose a handwriting style that matches the formality and atmosphere of your wedding, such as a formal script for an evening affair or a breezier cursive for a more casual event.

On the other hand, if you prefer the convenience of typing, you can use a computer or online services to create your invitations. This option offers a neat and consistent appearance, especially if you choose a calligraphy font. You can also combine both handwritten and typed elements, such as printing the main text and adding handwritten details or flourishes.

Another option is to use a combination of typing and handwriting. For example, you can type the addresses on the envelopes or use printed labels, while handwriting the invitations themselves. This can be a good compromise if you want to add a personal touch but don't have the time or patience to handwrite everything.

Ultimately, the decision between handwriting and typing your wedding invitations comes down to your personal preference and the overall style of your wedding. Both options can be equally effective in creating beautiful and personalised invitations that your guests will appreciate.

Frequently asked questions