{Photo Credit: A Day To Remember}
The never-ending question our brides always ask about addressing wedding invitations: "What is appropriate when addressing envelopes? Can I address my envelopes using labels? Do I really have to address my envelopes by hand?"
The simple answers to these questions:
"What is the appropriate way to address envelopes?" Handwritten addressing.
"Can I address my envelopes
using labels?" It's not appropriate.
"Do I really have to address my envelopes by hand?" Yes!
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| Beautiful calligraphy work created by the amazing Patricia Leith of Calligraphy by Patricia |
Now we all know, simple answers usually don't suffice, so let's explore this issue a bit more, shall we? Let's face it, weddings are about tradition, and while most times we don't like following tradition, in reality...we do. If not, then why go through the ritual of planning a beautiful wedding in the first place?
So, in following with tradition, the proper etiquette is to hand address your wedding envelopes. Why? Well, there are many reasons, but primarily because it is so personal! You've taken the time, thought and effort to invite your guest to one of the most important days of your life.
You're investing the time and effort to design a beautiful invitation, and you're going to stop when it comes to addressing your envelope? "Why bother with the invitation at all, then?" We know how tempting it may be, especially if you have a large guest list, to print some labels, but, simply put it just isn't appropriate. Handwritten addressed invitations, are not only more formal, but more personal.
If you find it a daunting task to hand address your invitations alone, enlist the assistance of your wedding party! Maybe you have a family member or friend you has great penmanship. Other alternatives are commissioning a professional calligrapher, adding a sophisticated, formal feel. If you are having a less formal wedding, calligraphers these days, offer so much more than one font style and can provide you with a more whimsical, casual look.
We’ve heard all the arguments against hand-addressing and for pre-printed labels: nobody pays attention to the envelope, handwriting etiquette is gone now that computers are here, anyone who cares about a label stuck on an envelope is petty. Well, the list goes on and on, but think about it...and be honest with yourself...You collect your mail from your mailbox, sort through your stack of mail and as your flipping through, you go past your bills, junk mail, handwritten envelope, bills, other envelopes with pre-printed labels, which one is going to really catch your eye and which one are you going to open first?
As soon as you see that handwritten envelope in your name, it brings a smile to your face, because it was personal, it wasn't a mass produced label, where your name was part of an Excel spreadsheet, merged onto a label document set for print.
So brides and grooms, we'd love to hear your thoughts, do you agree or disagree with hand addressing your wedding invitation envelopes? Will you be handwriting your invitation envelopes or will you pre-print them on labels? We look forward to your thoughts!
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