Mailing Labels and Wedding Invitations
We are occasionally asked whether it is “proper” to use adhesive-backed mailing labels to address your wedding invitations. The simple answer is that mailing labels tend to “cheapen” the appearance of your wedding invitation. In general, the mailing label strikes one as ”too commercial” and “out of place” since the color of the mailing label does not match the color of the envelope. Printed envelopes are certainly recommended.
There are several printing options available to address your invitation envelope(s). While hand calligraphy is certainly the best choice, it is often beyond the financial reach of many bridal couples. Hand calligraphy prices vary significantly and addressing double envelopes could cost anywhere from $3.00 a set upwards.
Many Guild member stores offer machine calligraphy services to address your invitations. You simply supply your stationer with a list of your guests in a spreadsheet or text file and the stationer will print the inner and outer envelope in the ink color and font of your choosing. Again, the cost of machine calligraphy varies, but generally costs no more than half the price of hand-calligraphy. It is wise to consult with an experienced stationer since the quality of the paper and the thickness of the envelope (particularly if it is lined) will affect printing options.
Julie Holcomb Wedding Handbook
If you or one of your family or friends have good writing skills, there is no reason why you can’t address the envelopes by hand. I would strongly recommend that you purchase a copy of Julie Holcomb’s The Wedding Invitation Handbook to learn the proper etiquette if you are planning to address your invitations. In fact, Julie’s excellent handbook has some great advice on planning your wedding and will help make sure that all the “i’s” are dotted and the “t’s” are crossed.
May 13th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
[...] We are occasionally asked whether it is “proper” to use adhesive-backed mailing labels to address your wedding invitations. The simple answer is that mailing labels tend to “cheapen” the appearance of your wedding invitation. In general, the mailing label strikes one as ”too commercial” and “out of place” since the color of the mailing label does not match the color of the envelope. Printed envelopes are certainly recommended. There are several printing options available to address your in Source: http://www.stationersguild.org/news/2009/05/12/mailing-labels-and-wedding-invitations/ [...]
August 17th, 2011 at 8:28 am
I find it so interesting “the experts” think labels are tacky or cheapen and invite and yet most of the general public I’ve informally surveyed in forums think quite the opposite. I’ve seen many, MANY invites that are handwritten and I think they look absolutely TERRIBLE. Just ruins the whole formal look of the invite.
August 17th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
Thanks for your comment. I agree that “bad” handwritting can be detrimental. Nevertheless, mailing labels are for business correspondence or mass-mailings. Machine calligraphy is generally available and you can usually match the font style and ink colors of the invitation. Alternatively, hire a calligrapher.
December 18th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
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