Handwritten Wedding Invites: Worth The Effort?

Handwritten wedding invitations can add a unique, personal touch to your big day. But is it worth the time and effort?

Handwriting your wedding invites can be a meaningful endeavour, resulting in cherished keepsakes for both you and your guests. However, it can be a time-consuming task, and you'll need to factor in the cost of materials. If you're hiring a calligrapher, they can complete 50-75 envelopes per day, so it's a good option if you're short on time.

If you're handwriting your invites, you'll need to choose a lettering style that matches the tone of your wedding, and practice to perfect your technique. You'll also need to purchase the right tools, including dip pens, metal nibs, bottled ink, and paper.

Ultimately, the decision to handwrite your wedding invites comes down to personal preference and your budget and time constraints.

Weighing up the pros and cons of handwriting your own invites

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to handwrite your own wedding invitations. On the one hand, handwriting can add a personal touch and make your guests feel extra cared for. It can also be a way to showcase your calligraphy skills or unique handwriting style. However, handwriting invitations can be time-consuming and tedious, especially if you have a large guest list. Let's explore the pros and cons in more detail.

Pros of handwriting your wedding invites:

• Personal touch: Handwriting your wedding invitations can add a unique and intimate touch to your wedding stationery. Your guests may appreciate the effort and time you put into handwriting each invitation, making them feel extra special and cared for.
• Calligraphy skills: If you have beautiful handwriting or calligraphy skills, this is a perfect opportunity to showcase your talent. Your guests will be impressed by the elegant and sophisticated look of your invitations.
• Creativity and customisation: When you handwrite your own invitations, you have complete control over the design and can customise them to your liking. You can experiment with different scripts, fonts, and ink colours to create invitations that truly reflect your personality and style.

Cons of handwriting your wedding invites:

• Time-consuming: Handwriting multiple invitations can be a tedious and time-consuming task, especially if you have a large number of guests. It requires a significant amount of time and effort to write out each invitation by hand, address the envelopes, and ensure they are neatly done.
• Tedious and stressful: Calligraphy and handwriting require a steady hand, patience, and practice. If you are not confident in your handwriting skills or don't have the time to dedicate to this task, it can become a stressful endeavour.
• Cost: While handwriting can save you money on hiring a calligrapher, it may still incur costs for purchasing the necessary tools and materials, such as fine-tipped markers, pointed pens, inkwells, and nibs.

Ultimately, the decision to handwrite your wedding invitations depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the amount of time you are willing to dedicate to this task. If you have beautiful handwriting and a small guest list, handwriting can add a special touch to your invitations. However, if you are short on time or prefer a more modern and streamlined approach, printed invitations may be a better option.

The time and cost considerations of handwritten invites

Handwritten wedding invites are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding. However, they can be time-consuming and costly. Here are some considerations regarding the time and cost involved in creating handwritten wedding invites:

Time Considerations

Handwriting wedding invites can be a tedious and time-consuming task, especially if you have a large guest list. It is important to start the process early to avoid rushing and ensure a polished result. For larger weddings, it may be more practical to hire a professional calligrapher, who can complete 50 to 75 addressed envelopes per day. This will save you valuable time that can be spent on other wedding preparations.

Cost Considerations

Hiring a professional calligrapher can be expensive, but it will save you time and ensure a high-quality result. If you decide to handwrite your own invites, you will need to invest in the proper materials and tools, such as dip pens, metal nibs, bottled ink, and paper. While this option may be more cost-effective than hiring a calligrapher, it is important to budget for any mistakes or ink spills by having plenty of extra cards and envelopes on hand.

Other Considerations

In addition to time and cost, there are a few other factors to keep in mind when considering handwritten wedding invites. Firstly, it is important to choose a handwriting style that matches the formality and atmosphere of your wedding. You may also want to allow time for proofing and test runs to refine your technique and ensure consistency. Finally, don't forget to practice! Calligraphy is a skill that improves with practice, so be patient and persistent as you work on perfecting your technique.

How to choose a handwriting style

There are several factors to consider when choosing a handwriting style for your wedding invitations. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect style:

• Formality: Choose a handwriting style that matches the formality of your wedding. For a formal or elegant affair, consider a formal script such as Copperplate or Spencerian. For a more casual or playful event, opt for a relaxed and informal cursive style.
• Atmosphere: The handwriting style should also reflect the atmosphere you want to create for your wedding. For instance, a breezy cursive style would be ideal for a beachfront ceremony, while a formal script would suit an evening celebration.
• Legibility: While you want your invitations to look beautiful, it's essential that they are clear and legible. Choose a style that is easy to read and ensure that important information, such as names and addresses, are not sacrificed for the sake of ornamentation.
• Combination: You don't have to use just one handwriting style. Combining different styles or creating a custom combination can add a unique and visually appealing touch to your invitations. For instance, you can use brushstroke calligraphy, which is versatile and can be paired with various font styles.
• Highlighting: You don't have to handwrite the entire invitation. Instead, you can highlight specific elements or parts, such as guest names and addresses, to add a warm, personal touch while maintaining clarity and legibility.
• Experimentation: Don't be afraid to experiment with different tools and styles to find the one that suits your taste and writing pressure. For instance, the Nikko G nib is ideal for beginners as it holds ink for extended writing periods and glides smoothly across most papers.
• Practice: Whichever style you choose, be sure to practice consistently to refine your technique and solidify your handwriting aesthetic. Patience and persistence are key when it comes to calligraphy.
• Professional help: If you don't feel confident in your handwriting skills or don't have the time to handwrite your invitations, consider hiring a professional calligrapher. Look for one whose style and capabilities align with your vision, and don't forget to review their portfolio to ensure the quality of their work.

How to hire a calligrapher

Handwritten wedding invitations are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding. If you're thinking of hiring a calligrapher, here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Decide on your budget: Before you start looking for calligraphers, determine how much you are willing to spend on this service. Calligraphy can be expensive, so set a realistic budget that fits within your overall wedding budget.
• Research and compare: Start by searching for calligraphers in your area. Look at their portfolios, compare their styles, and read reviews from previous clients. This will help you find a calligrapher whose work aligns with your vision and aesthetic.
• Consider your timeline: Calligraphy is a time-consuming process, so plan accordingly. Contact the calligraphers you're interested in and ask about their availability and turnaround time. It's important to give them enough time to complete the project, especially if you have a large number of invitations.
• Provide necessary information: Once you've chosen a calligrapher, provide them with all the necessary information. This includes a neatly printed guest list with full addresses, social titles (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.), and any specific instructions or requests.
• Discuss the details: Communicate your expectations clearly. Let the calligrapher know the number of invitations, your preferred style or font, and any additional elements you want to include, such as quotes or wax seals.
• Proofread and review: Before the calligrapher finalizes the project, carefully proofread all the envelopes to ensure accuracy. Check for spelling errors, incorrect addresses, or other mistakes. This step is crucial to avoid last-minute corrections or disappointments.
• Finalize and deliver: Once you are satisfied with the calligraphy, finalize the payment and delivery details. Discuss the logistics of receiving the completed envelopes and plan accordingly to stay on schedule with your wedding invitations.

Hiring a calligrapher can add a touch of elegance and formality to your wedding invitations. Remember to plan ahead, provide clear instructions, and maintain open communication throughout the process to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

The etiquette of handwritten invites

Handwritten wedding invites are a great way to add a personal touch to your special day. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to the etiquette of handwritten invites.

Firstly, it is important to consider the level of formality you wish to convey. If you are having a formal wedding, you may want to opt for traditional calligraphy or handwritten invitations with a formal script. For a more casual or modern wedding, you can be more creative and use a variety of lettering styles to reflect the playful tone of your event.

Secondly, it is crucial to ensure that your envelopes are legible. While decorative styles can be beautiful, they should not compromise readability, especially when it comes to names and addresses. Choose an ink colour that provides sufficient contrast, such as dark ink on light envelopes or light ink on dark envelopes, to ensure that your invitations can be easily read and delivered by the post office.

Thirdly, start the process well in advance to avoid rushing and ensure a polished result. Hand-lettering can be time-consuming, so it is recommended to have a small guest list if you plan to handwrite your invitations. If you have a larger wedding, consider hiring a professional calligrapher, who can complete 50 to 75 addressed envelopes per day, saving you valuable time.

Finally, don't forget to practice your handwriting style and choose the right tools and materials. Traditional dip pens with metal nibs and bottled ink can help you achieve the desired thickness of your letter strokes, while practice paper can help you perfect your technique without wasting your invitations.

By following these tips, you can create elegant and personalised handwritten wedding invites that set the tone for your special day.

Frequently asked questions