The Perfect Pen Size For Wedding Invites

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, the pen you choose can make all the difference. While some may opt for the classic ballpoint pen, others may want to explore different options to add a touch of creativity and elegance to their envelopes. From gel pens that offer a smoother writing experience to calligraphy pens that give your handwriting a stylish upgrade, there are plenty of choices to consider. Sharpies, for instance, are a popular choice due to their permanence, making them ideal for glossy or shiny envelopes. However, their tendency to bleed through thinner envelopes is something to watch out for. For those who want to add a bit of sparkle to their invitations, gelly roll pens offer sparkling and glowing ink options, along with light colours like white and pink that can beautifully contrast with darker envelopes. If you're feeling adventurous, you might even try your hand at modern calligraphy with brush pens like the Tombow Fudenosuke or Pilot Futayaki Doubled Sided Brush Pen. Ultimately, the best pen for addressing wedding invitations depends on your personal preferences and the desired look and feel you want to achieve.

Gel pens vs. ballpoint pens

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, you may want to consider the pros and cons of gel pens versus ballpoint pens. Both have their advantages and will ultimately depend on your personal preference and needs.

Gel pens are known for their smooth writing experience. The ink in gel pens is water-based and tends to glide across the paper, making it easier to write with less pressure. This can be especially useful if you're addressing a large number of invitations and want to avoid hand cramps. Gel pens also offer a wide range of colours, including light colours like white and pink, which can be a great solution for dark-coloured envelopes. Additionally, gel pens with their pigment-based ink formulation are waterproof and resistant to fading from light exposure. However, gel pens tend to run out of ink faster than ballpoint pens, which can make them more costly in the long run. They also have longer dry times, so they can smudge if you're not careful.

Ballpoint pens, on the other hand, use an oil-based ink that is thicker and dries almost instantly. This makes ballpoint pens ideal for writing on any kind of paper, including low-quality or absorbent papers, without bleeding through. Ballpoint pens are also less likely to smudge and are typically waterproof. They are long-lasting and affordable, making them a good choice for everyday writing. However, because of the thicker ink, ballpoint pens may require more pressure to write, which can lead to hand or finger fatigue when writing for extended periods. Ballpoint pens also have limited tip sizes and ink colour options.

In terms of size, gel pens can come in very fine tips, such as 0.28 mm, while ballpoint pens may have slightly larger tip sizes. It's worth noting that gel pen ink tends to spread more once laid down on paper, so a 1.0 mm gel pen can produce a similar line thickness to a 1.6 mm ballpoint pen.

When addressing wedding invitations, consider the type of envelope you are using and whether you want your writing to stand out with different ink colours. If you have a large number of invitations to address, you may prefer the smoother writing experience of gel pens to avoid hand fatigue, even if it means refilling the pen more often. On the other hand, if you want something affordable, long-lasting, and versatile, a ballpoint pen might be the better choice.

Thick vs. thin pens

When addressing wedding invitations, the pen you use is important. You've put a lot of effort into your invitations, so you don't want to ruin them by using the wrong pen.

The thickness of the pen you choose will depend on the size of your envelopes and your personal preference. If you have large envelopes, you may want to use a thicker pen so that the writing fills the space. On the other hand, if you have smaller envelopes or want to control your writing better, a thinner pen may be preferable.

Thicker pens, such as permanent markers, can be a good option if you want your writing to stand out. They can also be easier to hold if you have larger hands or prefer to grip things loosely. However, they may require you to write in larger text, and the ink may take longer to dry.

Thinner pens, like extra-fine calligraphy pens or ballpoint pens, offer more precision and can be ideal if you want to add intricate details or have smaller envelopes. They are also generally cheaper and more easily accessible. However, they may require more hand pressure to write and can be less comfortable for those with larger hands.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to thickness, there are several other factors to consider when choosing a pen for your wedding invitations:

• Ink type: Water-based inks are smooth and come in a variety of colours, but they can smudge easily and are more likely to dissolve if the paper gets wet. Oil-based inks, on the other hand, dry quickly and can write on almost any surface without smearing.
• Drying time: Some pens, like gel pens, take longer to dry and can smudge easily, while others, like ballpoint pens, dry almost instantly.
• Paper type: The type of paper you are writing on matters. Cheaper or more absorbent papers may cause liquid inks to bleed through, so a ballpoint or gel pen is a better option. For stationery or quality paper, a fountain pen or rollerball can be used.
• Colour: While black or blue are traditional choices, you can also choose coloured inks, such as pink or white, to add a unique touch to your invitations.

Colour options

Gold

Gold ink can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding invitations. Dr. Ph. Martin's Iridescent Copper Plate Gold ink is a popular choice for its shiny and gorgeous look on both light and dark paper. It is also available in a pen form, such as the Sakura Pen-Touch metallic pen, which can be used for faux calligraphy. Gold Sharpies are also an option for a permanent and shiny finish.

White

For darker-coloured envelopes, white ink can be a striking choice. Sakura Gelly Roll pens are a great option for dark paper, as they are very pigmented and show up beautifully. Dr. Ph. Martin's Bleed Proof White ink is also a popular choice, as it is easy to write with and super pigmented. It can be used as a thicker paint or diluted with water for a watercolour effect.

Blue

Blue ink can be a great alternative to black, offering a more casual yet still elegant look. Sharpie pens in blue are a popular choice, as they stand out without bleeding through the paper.

Red

Red ink can be a bold and eye-catching choice for addressing wedding invitations. A red ballpoint pen can add a touch of colour while still maintaining a traditional look.

Pink

For a soft and romantic touch, consider using pink ink. Gelly Roll pens are available in light colours like pink, which can be a great option for darker-coloured envelopes.

Green

Green ink can be a unique and unexpected choice for wedding invitations. A green Sharpie can be a fun option, especially if it matches your wedding colours.

When choosing a pen colour, consider the colour of your envelopes and whether you want a bold or subtle look. It's also important to ensure that the ink is suitable for the type of paper you are using, as some inks may bleed through thinner envelopes. Always do a test run on a scrap envelope before addressing your final invitations.

Avoiding smudging

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to choose the right pen to avoid smudging and ensure your envelopes look neat and presentable. Here are some tips to avoid smudging:

Use the Right Type of Pen:

• While gel pens offer a smoother writing experience and bolder lines, they are slower to dry and more prone to smudging. If you want to avoid smudges, opt for a ballpoint pen instead. They dry faster and are less likely to smear.
• If you prefer the look of calligraphy or want to add a touch of elegance to your envelopes, consider using a calligraphy pen or marker. These pens have angled tips that make it easier to achieve a calligraphy style, even if you're not a trained calligrapher.

Practice Good Hand Placement:

• A simple yet effective way to avoid smudging is to place a clean sheet of paper or cellophane beneath your writing hand as you address the envelopes. This creates a barrier between your hand and the envelope, preventing the transfer of oils and warmth from your skin to the ink.
• Use tracing paper or smooth photocopy paper. Avoid creased or heavily textured paper, as they are less effective.
• Move the paper guard with your free hand as you write to ensure it stays in place and doesn't smudge your work. You can also secure the edges with low-tack acid-free masking tape for added security.

Try a Mahlstick or Leaning Bridge:

• Consider using a mahlstick, which is a slender stick with a soft tip that artists can rest their hand on instead of the paper. This helps keep your hand steady and prevents it from directly touching the envelope.
• Alternatively, you can use an artist's leaning bridge, which is a small clear acrylic shelf that goes across the paper. It elevates your hand above the envelope, providing a stable support to rest your wrist on while you write, effectively eliminating the risk of smudging.

Spray with a Fixative:

Once you've finished addressing all the envelopes, you can use a spray fixative to seal the ink and prevent smudging. However, be cautious as heavy sprays can change the appearance of your envelopes, and there's a risk of getting random blobs of varnish on them. Always use a known brand and avoid using hairspray as a substitute.

Keep Your Hands Clean:

It might seem obvious, but clean hands are essential to avoiding smudges. Oils and dirt from your hands can transfer to the paper and affect the ink. Keep a cloth or wet wipes nearby, and make sure to wipe your hands before and during the addressing process to minimise the risk of smudging.

Calligraphy pens

When choosing a calligraphy pen, you may want to consider the type of envelope paper you have. If you have dark-coloured envelopes, light-coloured gel pens, such as white or pink, can be a great option to create a bold contrast. On the other hand, if you have metallic finish envelopes, gel pens might not be the best choice as they can smudge and take longer to dry. In this case, a regular ballpoint pen might be a better option.

Additionally, if you're not comfortable with calligraphy handwriting, you can still use a calligraphy pen to enhance your regular handwriting. You can also try addressing with a brush pen or a waterbrush, which come in a variety of colours and sizes to match your wedding card suite.

It's important to note that calligraphy requires practice and patience. Addressing dozens of envelopes can be tiring, so make sure to set realistic goals and give yourself plenty of time. Practising on paper first is also recommended to avoid ruining your wedding envelopes.

Overall, calligraphy pens can be a great choice for addressing wedding invitations, adding a personal and elegant touch to your special day.

Frequently asked questions