[Wedding Planning 101] | Are Labels Acceptable When Addressing Wedding Invitations?
Your invitation sets the tone of your wedding…we’re sure you’ve heard this before. Just in case you haven’t, though…let’s reiterate: Your invitation set’s the tone of your wedding!’
When you’re carefully selecting the perfect venue, the delectable cake and the beautiful floral pieces, you want to mirror that same investment in detail to your wedding invitation, right? Wait, maybe you already are investing time to ensure your invitations are absolutely perfect, whether letter-pressed or foiled, making sure the font reflecting your style is used, the words are eloquently inviting your guests. Then, wham! That address label is gracing the outside of your invitation!
“Your invitation sets the tone of your wedding.”
Yes, we know it seems more efficient and less labor-intensive, not to mention cost effective to add a pre-printed address label. Maybe your handwriting is hideous and you can’t even read your own penmanship. Remember our opening line: “Your invitation sets the tone of your wedding!” Yes, this applies to the full and complete invitation suite, which includes your envelope. Think about it this way, you are dressed to the nines, looking stunning until we see your hot mess of hair. I mean, you didn’t bother styling your hair. Do you see where we’re going with this?
When you’re checking mail, you see an envelope with an address label, and 8 times out of 10, it’s junk mail. Then you come across a handwritten addressed envelope, you smile and are quick to open it up, right? Why did you smile? The sender took the time to address an envelope especially for you. Your invitation is a reflection of your personal style and how you view your wedding. Handwritten envelopes indicate you care to make your wedding a truly memorable occasion, you care enough to invite those you want there with you!
We always recommend having a professional calligrapher hand address your invitations, tying the aesthetics of your invitation suite. We understand budget and/or time constraints can all be arguments against hiring a professional calligraphy; with that in mind, here are some acceptable options if having a professional calligrapher is not an option:
Plan on one to two weeks in your invitation schedule if you plan to hand address your envelopes. Keep in mind, envelopes can be ordered [with the return address printed on the back flap], scheduled to arrive in advance of your invitations. Having your envelopes ahead of your invitations will allow you time to write out addresses while the rest of your order is completed. Be sure to check with your stationer to get these envelopes ordered early. Another fun option, make it a group thing and invite your wedding party and family members, making it a fun evening in or a great bonding experience!
Printing directly onto your envelope is another option. Use a matching font [get with your stationer for the proper font used in invitation] to ensure your envelope is cohesive with your invitation.
We’d love to hear your thoughts, do you agree, disagree? Let us know in the comments!