How big of a no no is it to print addresses instead of handwriting them?

Question

I know that proper way is to handwrite the addresses but I honestly do not have the time to handwrite 175 invitations. My handwriting isn't even that good and it gets sloppier the longer I write. I also don't write in cursive and haven't since like 5th grade. My invitations are going out in the mail in 2 weeks and I was thinking about just printing the addresses on them. I think that it would look better and more sophisticated. And our return addresses are already printed on the back. My sister said that she would write them but she also writes in print and I really don't think she's reliable. She was a week late with my bridal shower invites. So I just want to know what everybody else did. Did you handwrite all of yours, did you run them through a printer, or did you buy clear labels? And if you have something stupid to say please don't waste my time? Thanks!

Answer 1

We printed ours directly on the envelope using a laser printer. (I probably wouldn't use an ink jet as it could bleed if it gets wet)



We had our guest list in Excel, but I was able to do a mail merge in Word. I set up a template for an envelope and ran the merge so that all of the names and addresses were dropped into the right spots. I did go back and check each envelope before I printed them - I caught a few wonky things like an address that was too long that had to be shrunk down to fit on one line and things like that.



After I made sure all the envelopes were correct, I printed the first one as a test, and when that came out fine, I set the printer to print the rest of them (one at a time on manual feed). For 100 invitations, the whole process probably took me an hour from start to finish, and it saved me HOURS of time and hand cramps from writing them all out.



I don't think anyone cares if envelopes are printed, and if they do, too bad. I can't take anyone seriously if they're offended that an envelope wasn't hand addressed. If you have to do labels, do the clear ones, but I still think printing directly on the envelope is the way to go.

Answer 2

I had a calligrapher do mine. I think that if the options listed in your question are the only ones available, the I would choose to print them directly on the invitation. This is very common. However, how the invitation is written is a indication for your guests on how formal or informal the wedding will be. Calligraphy is for a formal wedding. Nice printing is used for an informal wedding. When I receive a invitation that has been printed, that indicates to me that it will be semi-formal. I would not use clear labels though, because I think that they stick out and do not look very nice on an invitation. Depending on the type of wedding you are having, if it fits the semi-formal category, then printing is a fine option. Invitations are traditionally suppose to be written out, but with so many people choosing other options, it would be up to you in what you feel is proper. Congratulations!

Answer 3

Handwritten invitations is the traditional way, but printed addresses is becoming more common and acceptable. Choose a beautiful font, and print it directly on the envelope if you can, rather than on a label.



Some other alternatives would be to have someone with nice handwriting to address them for you, or you could hire a calligrapher.

Answer 4

With all the fonts out there - I would suggest some clear labels, a fancy font to match your invitation and you're done. Well printer time, but hey that's faster than handwriting them. Besides with 175 invites, I would get the old printer fired up now. Depending on your printer ( I have an old heavy duty HP) you can run the envelopes right through - but I would suggest a nice label and have at it. It's your wedding, so do what you think is right. Congratulations on the nuptials.

Answer 5

I'm handwriting mine, but I don't really have a choice. I am having a destination wedding, and a big Halloween themed reception upon our return. The reception invites have black outter envelopes. So, I can't print anything on them and address labels (other than return) are tacky. I bought white scrapbooking gel pens and am writing out all the addresses. (But I have pretty nice handwriting.)

I don't think there is anything wrong with addressing envelopes via your computer. Especially since Word & mail merge makes it so easy. Just make sure you pick an elegant font that isn't too hard to read. (i.e. Monotype Corsiva)



Congrats!

Answer 6

I don't see any problem at all in printing your addresses! I understand exactly how you feel... after decades of typing my handwriting is so bad that I doubt that the invites would arrive at all if I wrote them out!



With all the things you have to do for a wedding, put your time, effort, and money into what matters, not what will wind up in the trash!



Congrats on your wedding :)

Answer 7

I used a printer for mine. Ms. Manners would probably tell you to handwrite them, but let's face it, you don't have time and people are literally going to throw the envelopes out! Don't use labels but print directly on the envelope.



Frankly if people are going pay that much attention to an envelope, I'd like their life because they have nothing else to think about.

Answer 8

I did handwrite mine, but only because the envelopes were handmade and wouldn't go through the printer without tearing. Honestly, I think that addresses do look better when printed. I've seen several brides do this lately. I don't think it's that big of a deal.

Answer 9

i'm getting married later this 3 hundred and sixty 5 days and that i've got been to countless weddings interior the previous 3 hundred and sixty 5 days or 2 and that i do no longer even understand what an inner envelope is! i do no longer think of a unmarried invite, of the various eye-catching and chic invites i've got ever gained had an inner envelop so i in my view does no longer subject. and that i on no account observed no count if envelopes are addressed via hand or address labels. Etiquette is going previously in the previous the assumption of mail merging so i in my view does no longer subject. i think of labels seem expert and chic and typing them up takes lots of attempt. Hand-write thank-you enjoying cards in a while, i think of it extremely is all that concerns. i'm particular your invites and wedding ceremony would be eye-catching no count what. remember it is your (and your fiance)'s determination to make!

Answer 10

Addresses for wedding invitations . . thank you notes and birthday invitations should be handwritten. If you cannot afford to hire a calligrapher then ask a lot of your friends (male and female) to come over and help you. Try to get them all done in one day (a Saturday or Sunday). Invitations should not have a "commercial" look. Answered by: A Certified wedding specialist / a Professional bridal consultant / A Wedding ceremony officiant

Answer 11

They say you should hand write them. I was in your position; I have bad handwritting and plus I was in graduate school and had to grade papers plus write my own. But I found the time to sit down while watching my favorite tv show and wrote them up. Just don't try to do them all at once. Just do like 20 or so at a time until they get done.



But the reality is who really remembers in the end????? I just got a save-the-date 3 weeks ago and couldn't tell you if the addresses was hand written or not.

Answer 12

I had my BM's and MOH come over and we had some wine and we hand wrote them all in an 1 1/2hrs. They look so nice and more personal than printing. I have several wedding planning books and they all say you should hand write them and that the attendants are expected to help address envelopes. It's up to you though. Congrats!

Answer 13

I bought clear labels, and printed them on my color inkjet. I did my best to match the color and the font used on the invitations. Also I had the file saved so when it came to the thank you card, I could do the same.



There was no way I could match the elegance of the invitations by doing it by hand and I did not trust printing directly on the envelopes.

Answer 14

I honestly don't see the difference. I can't recall the envelope of one single wedding I attended, so while it may seem like a big deal to you, by the time the wedding is over, most of yoru guests won't remember how the address was applied to the envelope.



Congrats and good luck!

Answer 15

I think it would be perfectly acceptable to print them on the envelopes. Use a nice cursive font maybe.

Answer 16

I'm sorry I think labels are so tacky. That's strictly my opinion. I just feel like if you can't take the 2 minutes to write out my invitation and yet you expect me to attend your wedding and take the time to find a gift, wrap it, get myself ready and get a babysitter. It's just kind of weird. If worse comes to worse you can hire someone that does calligraphy at a local craft store for $100. Like I said this is only my opinion.

Answer 17

Print them, for goodness sake, no one will even notice, and let's face it, realistically they will end up in the bin anyway, think of all that wasted time and energy writing them.

Answer 18

I printed mine. Its just too difficult to sit and write them all unless you have the whole day to do it. I worked and I wasn't about to sit and write addresses (with my bad handwriting) all weekend.

Answer 19

You should have them printed. That's just too many unless you have some of your girls come over and make a party of it. Printing will be more expensive, but look nicer than either of the other options.

Answer 20

We did clear labels, but I wish I had printed them directly on the envelopes. I don't think printing is a no-no.

Answer 21

I think you should use a nice cursive font and clear labels and go right ahead!

Anything that saves stress during wedding planning is good! :) Congrats!

Answer 22

I printed mine directly on the envelopes & they turned out great. Check out 1001fonts.com - I used "Scriptina"

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Answer 23

I dun think it is a big problem.. getting them out late is a bigger no no to me...

Answer 24

That's what I am going to do. If you have money you could take them to a caligrapher...