Is It Acceptable to Hand Write Wedding Invitations?

When it comes to your wedding day, every detail matters – from the venue and the dress to the smallest aspects like place cards and invitations. While printed invitations are common today, many couples still consider handwriting their wedding invitations for that personal touch. But before you pick up your pen and ink, let’s explore why a handwritten invitation might be just the ticket for your special day.

Pros of Handwriting Your Wedding Invitations

Personal Connection

Handwriting your wedding invitations offers a unique opportunity to connect with each guest in a meaningful way. Each hand-addressed envelope or carefully penned invite lets them know that they were specifically chosen to share this special moment with you.

Showcase Your Creativity

Handwritten wedding invitations allow you to showcase your creativity and artistic skills. Whether you’re using calligraphy or simply writing in cursive, putting in that extra effort makes it clear how much thought has gone into every aspect of your big day.

Calligraphy: Mastering this ancient art form can add an elegant touch to your invites.
Cursive: If you have neat handwriting, even simple cursive can make your invitations feel more intimate and personal.

Memorable Keepsake

A handwritten invitation is not just an announcement; it’s also a cherished keepsake for both you and your guests. Years from now, looking back at the beautiful script on these invites will remind everyone of the love shared on that unforgettable day.

Cons of Handwriting Your Wedding Invitations

Despite their charm, handwritten wedding invitations may not be suitable for every couple. Here are some potential drawbacks to keep in mind.

Time-Consuming

Writing out each invitation by hand takes time – a luxury not everyone has while planning their big day. If you have hundreds of guests on your list or if you’re short on time, handwriting each invite can be quite daunting.

Possibility of Mistakes

When you handwrite wedding invitations, the risk of making mistakes increases. Misspellings, smudged ink, and inconsistent handwriting can detract from the overall presentation.

Accessibility

Not all guests may be able to read your handwriting or appreciate the charm of a handwritten invitation. Some may prefer a printed invite for clarity and ease of reading.

Striking a Balance: Mixing Handwritten and Printed Elements

If you’re on the fence about whether to handwrite your wedding invitations or not, consider a hybrid approach that incorporates both handwritten and printed elements.

Handwritten Addresses: You could print the main body of the invitation but handwrite addresses on each envelope for a personal touch.
Calligraphy Services: If you’re concerned about your penmanship, consider hiring a calligrapher to add that elegant touch to your invites.
Incorporate Personal Notes: Adding a short handwritten note to each printed invitation can lend warmth and intimacy without having to write out every detail by hand.

Tips for Handwriting Your Wedding Invitations

If you decide that handwritten wedding invitations are right for you, here are some tips to help you create beautifully penned invites:

Choose high-quality stationery and ink – it shows that you value both your guests and the importance of their presence at your wedding.
Practice your handwriting or calligraphy before starting on the actual invitations – this will help ensure consistency in style and minimize errors.
Give yourself ample time – rushing through such an important task could lead to disappointing results.
Use guidelines or lightly penciled lines (that can be erased later) for even spacing between lines of text.
Keep extra materials handy in case of mistakes – better to have more than enough than run out midway through writing your invitations.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, whether or not to handwrite your wedding invitations is a personal decision based on factors like your guest list size, your schedule, and the aesthetic you envision for your big day. If you can strike a balance between handwritten and printed elements or if you have the time and talent to create beautifully penned invitations, go for it! The charm and personal touch of a handwritten wedding invitation may just be the perfect way to begin the celebration of your love story.