envelopes - MUST be handwritten?!

Hello ladies - another question! I was reading an article (I think on the knot) that says proper etiquette is to hand-write the addresses on the envelopes (either doing it yourself, or paying a calligrapher) and that they should NOT be printed on a computer. I have never heard of this. Before I read this, I was going to have my invitation store do them. They send them out to be printed (I think computer-printed), but they look great (in script, or calligrahpy, or whatever 'font' you want). Addressing them myself is out of the question and I just don't see the wisdom of hiring a calligrapher when professional computer printing looks excellent. Is this tacky, or can I do it?

Of all the invitations I've gotten in my life, I certainly do not remember even NOTICING if they were hand-done or computer-printed...so for me it is not a big deal...but if it is breaking all rules of etiquette, I'd like to know. TIA!

Yea I totally agree! I just never even heard that you 'HAD' to have them hand-written. What matters it how they look, right?!

Thanks for the quick response

That is the propert thing......we printed ours on our printer.
To be totally honest-I have never noticed calligraphy vs. printed on a printer....I HAVE however noticed hand written

ETA: When i say hand writtne I mean by the bride in their handwriting

Digital Calligraphy has become acceptable, though Handwritten Calligraphy is preferable.

Either one is fine ... but whatever you do, Skip The Labels!!!!!!!!!

/I think etiquette DOES say hand written.
But if you want to print them, go ahead.
I really don't think that anyone will care THAT much!!!

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Posted by PreshusSmurf

Digital Calligraphy has become acceptable, though Handwritten Calligraphy is preferable.

Either one is fine ... but whatever you do, Skip The Labels!!!!!!!!!

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What do you mean by 'labels'? Like printing them and actually sticking them on the envelopes? (Don't worry, I wasn't planning on doing that....I've never seen anyone do that I don't think.....?)

Thanks girls.

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Posted by Mrs B to Be

i'm gonna do digital calligraphy....theres a vendor on here who charges 19 cents an envelope.....the only thing that annoys me is when we get an invite address to FH and guest....hello we've dated for 4 years now i'mnot just a guest!!!! as for handwritten or not i couldnt give 2 sh*ts as long as it looks neat.

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i agree u don't NEED to hand-write them!

and ... i soooo agree w u! i got an invite like that and we've been dating for 4 yrs at that time too -- i'll never forget it -- when i send our invite, i'm thinking of doing the same to FH's friend even tho they're now married!!

I know it used to be a faux paux but i actualy read recently that it is acceptable now a days to have them computer printed.

I dont remember the last time i actually got a hand written one or if i even have ever gotten one- i throw away the envelope anyway.

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Posted by sparkle

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Posted by PreshusSmurf

Digital Calligraphy has become acceptable, though Handwritten Calligraphy is preferable.

Either one is fine ... but whatever you do, Skip The Labels!!!!!!!!!

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What do you mean by 'labels'? Like printing them and actually sticking them on the envelopes? (Don't worry, I wasn't planning on doing that....I've never seen anyone do that I don't think.....?)

Thanks girls.

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Yes, that's what I meant. There are Brides out there who think that labels are acceptable, but they really aren't. And some are convinced that just because the label is clear, that it magically disappears. It doesn't.

I've never received an invitation to a formal affair that had labels used for addressing.

It is correct to address the outer envelope by hand. It is not correct to print on the outer envelope or use labels. The point is to show your guests a level of care in extending them an invitation to your milestone.

'Emily Post's Etiquette,' 17th ed. (2004), the most recent version: 'Wedding invitations are normally addressed by hand. You might use a laser printer font that simulates calligraphy, but it's relatively easy to distinguish between mechanical and genuine handwriting. Don't use stick-on labels for guest or return addresses.'

Professional calligraphy is not necessary. Legible handwriting is fine and free.

It is your (general 'your') choice if you want to disregard this advice, but the OP expressed an interest in knowing what is correct.

FTR, yes, I notice when the envelopes are not handwritten. DH notices, too, quite frankly, as do both our families. I don't care if it's calligraphy or not, but I do notice if it's handwritten or printed.

ETA--clarification (3x).

I am putting lables on mine.. my envelope is not ink friendly.. and besides i've seen numerous weddings were it's been printed.. and it looks great..

also, if you have 200 or more guests, hand writing them is wayyy too much work...

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Posted by AR31

I am putting lables on mine.. my envelope is not ink friendly.. and besides i've seen numerous weddings were it's been printed.. and it looks great..

also, if you have 200 or more guests, hand writing them is wayyy too much work...

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There are printers that will work on any type of envelope.

And hand calligraphers have special inks that are perfect for nearly every type of envelope out there.

You DO have other options ...

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Posted by PreshusSmurf

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Posted by sparkle

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Posted by PreshusSmurf

Digital Calligraphy has become acceptable, though Handwritten Calligraphy is preferable.

Either one is fine ... but whatever you do, Skip The Labels!!!!!!!!!

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What do you mean by 'labels'? Like printing them and actually sticking them on the envelopes? (Don't worry, I wasn't planning on doing that....I've never seen anyone do that I don't think.....?)

Thanks girls.

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Yes, that's what I meant. There are Brides out there who think that labels are acceptable, but they really aren't. And some are convinced that just because the label is clear, that it magically disappears. It doesn't.

I've never received an invitation to a formal affair that had labels used for addressing.

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ITA with my date twin. If you're going to go the computer route, print directly on the envelopes - no labels!

I really don't think most people care if an envelope is hand-written or done on computer as long as they receive the invitation!
For those of you that are computer printing the envelopes, is there a special program that you use or do you just do it on Word?

We had ours printed on in a REALLY nice calligraphy font. $crew etiquette, whatever looks the nicest and is most affordable works for me.

Also, I dont think we should be dissing brides who are using labels for their addresses. Just because one bride may not like it, doesn't mean other people cant use it for themselves. Just figured Id throw that in.

like you said, how many times have you noticed or cared about whether it was hand written or printed on an envelope?? i cant say i have ever noticed or cared either. i printed mine, actually on clear labels. GASP! lol and no one cared, mentioned it, and it looked just fine. sometimes i personally think some etiquette is just silly! you have to do what works for you! its your day!