Choosing The Perfect Labels For Your Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are a chance to make a good first impression and set the tone for the event. While some people prefer the personal touch of handwritten invitations, this can be time-consuming and impractical, especially for large weddings. Etiquette dictates that handwritten invitations, or at least hiring a calligrapher, is the proper way to go. However, modern alternatives like clear address labels with script print can give the impression of being handwritten while saving time and effort. Return address labels can also add a touch of sophistication to your invites. For those who want to skip labels altogether, printing directly on the envelope is another option, though it may require some testing to get the settings right. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the level of formality desired.

Handwritten vs printed labels

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few options to consider for addressing envelopes. The two main options are handwritten addresses or printed labels, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Handwriting addresses on wedding invitations can add a personal touch and make the invitation feel extra special. It allows for customization and flexibility, as you can adapt the writing to each recipient. For example, you might add a personal message to each guest. Handwriting can also be a great way to create and maintain a personal connection with guests, showing that you've taken the time and care to personally address each invitation. Additionally, with handwritten addresses, you have the freedom to choose any writing implement and style you like, such as calligraphy or a simple sharpie.

However, handwriting each invitation can be time-consuming and tedious, especially if you have a large number of invitations to send out. It may also be impractical if your handwriting is difficult to read or not aesthetically pleasing. In this case, it might be preferable to opt for printed labels or an alternative method.

Printed labels offer a more streamlined and sophisticated look, ensuring that each address is legible and uniform. They can also save you time and effort, especially if you have many invitations to send out. Printed labels are a good option if you want a consistent font and design across all your invitations. You can choose from a variety of fonts, including elegant scripts or playful calligraphy styles, to match your wedding theme. Printed labels are also useful if you want to include both guest and return addresses on the envelope, creating a polished look.

However, printed labels may be considered less personal and might not allow for customization for individual guests. They can also be more expensive, especially if you opt for clear labels or custom designs.

Ultimately, the decision between handwritten addresses and printed labels depends on your personal preference, the number of invitations, and your desired level of customization and presentation. If you want to add a handmade touch, you can combine both methods by printing labels with a personalized design and adding a handwritten message or signature. This blend of the two options can be a great way to add a unique and thoughtful element to your wedding invitations while also saving time and ensuring legibility.

Clear labels

When choosing clear labels, consider the font style and size to ensure legibility and aesthetics. You may also want to order a little more in advance to account for any shipping delays, especially with independent artisans. Overall, clear labels are a practical and stylish option for addressing your wedding invitations, saving you time and adding a touch of elegance to your special day.

Font choices

The font you choose for your wedding invitation labels should complement your wedding theme and be legible. While a whimsical, playful font may be perfect for a casual wedding, a bold, elegant font might be more suitable for a formal event.

If you want to add a touch of whimsy to your wedding invitations, consider a font like Modesty Regular. This font is perfect for the young and young at heart, with its playful and whimsical letterforms. For a casual wedding, you could also use a playful, scripted style such as Pacifico or a font with a slightly angled or italic look.

For a formal wedding, you might opt for a font that is easy to read yet still very elegant, such as Lato or Palatino Linotype, a favourite among the design community. These fonts will give your invitations a timeless and sophisticated look.

If you want to highlight the couple's names, especially for a black-tie event, a calligraphy-styled font is a perfect choice. Stylish Calligraphy and Wanderlust Letters are beautiful options that will add a touch of elegance to your labels.

For smaller text, such as return addresses, a bold font like Catherine de Beaumont is a good choice as it is easier to read than thinner fonts. If you prefer a timeless, scripted font that is still legible, consider Darleston or Didot, a serif font that works well for text in paragraphs.

When choosing a font, it's important to consider not only the design but also the legibility. Some fonts may look appealing, but people often have difficulty reading highly scripted or thin letterforms. You can also use accent fonts to break up the design and highlight important information like names and dates.

Ultimately, the font you choose should reflect your personal style and the tone of your wedding. With thousands of fonts available, you're sure to find one that adds a unique touch to your wedding invitation labels.

Printing directly on envelopes

To print directly on envelopes, you will need to set up your addresses in a word-processing program, such as Microsoft Word, with the page size set to match your envelope size. You can then either manually type in each address or use a mail merge function to automatically populate the addresses from an Excel spreadsheet. It is recommended to use a combination of block and cursive fonts, with an accent font to highlight names or the wedding date.

When printing, it is important to do a test run first to ensure that the envelopes are loaded correctly and that the ink is dry before feeding another envelope through the printer. Printing in batches of 10 is a good idea to avoid smudging and to allow for easy correction if any mistakes are made.

Eco-friendly paper options

There are several eco-friendly paper options for wedding invitations that will help you reduce your carbon footprint without compromising style and elegance. Here are some options to consider:

• Recycled Paper Invitations: Opting for recycled paper is an excellent way to be eco-friendly. These invitations are made from post-consumer waste, reducing the need for new paper production and minimising waste. Recycled paper invitations are available in various colours, textures, and finishes, making it easy to find the perfect match for your wedding theme.
• Plantable Seed Paper Invitations: Plantable seed paper is a unique and innovative option for eco-friendly wedding invitations. This special type of paper is biodegradable and contains wildflower, herb, or vegetable seeds. After the wedding, your guests can plant the invitations in their gardens or pots, and watch as the paper decomposes and the seeds grow into beautiful flowers, herbs, or vegetables. This option not only reduces waste but also creates a lasting memory for your guests.
• Digital Invitations: In today's digital era, digital wedding invitations are a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper invitations. They can be easily personalised, incorporate interactive elements, and can be shared effortlessly via email or wedding websites. Digital invitations eliminate the need for printing and mailing, reducing waste and saving resources. They are also a cost-effective option, especially for couples on a tight budget or planning a destination wedding.
• Reusable Invitations: Reusable invitations are a creative and eco-friendly option. They reduce waste and can be used beyond the wedding day. For example, they can be repurposed as home decor, bookmarks, or even for other special occasions. Sending invitations on reusable items like tea towels or cups is a unique and memorable idea.
• Handmade Paper: Handmade paper, crafted from recycled content, is another eco-friendly option for wedding invitations. It has a luxurious and special feel, with tiny flecks of printed paper adding charm. Handmade paper is biodegradable and compostable, and it can be printed on easily using an inkjet printer.
• Sustainable Materials: Some companies specialise in using sustainable materials for wedding invitations, such as 100% recycled paper or bamboo. These companies often have initiatives to offset their carbon footprint and contribute to reforestation efforts. By choosing these companies, you can make a purchase that positively impacts the planet.

When considering eco-friendly paper options for your wedding invitations, it's important to prioritise sustainability without compromising your style and preferences. These options allow you to make a lasting impression, reduce your environmental impact, and inspire your guests to embrace eco-conscious choices.

Frequently asked questions