address labels or hire a calligrapher

[jspahn]

So, DF and I ran into some issues printing the envelopes for our invitations. We are attempting with a different printer tonight, but I am doubtful....

SO - I know ettiquette (sp?) says the outer envelopes for invitations should be handwritten. But at this point, thats another expense and I really would need it done ASAP.

How many of you use address labels instead? do you think its really cheesy if we do that?

 

[MegKate]

So, DF and I ran into some issues printing the envelopes for our invitations. We are attempting with a different printer tonight, but I am doubtful....

SO - I know ettiquette (sp?) says the outer envelopes for invitations should be handwritten. But at this point, thats another expense and I really would need it done ASAP.

How many of you use address labels instead? do you think its really cheesy if we do that?

Hey Jen!

Go for the address labels - I did it and have no regrets. We didn't have time to get them done professionally. I don't have a picture of a label here at work, but I know I have one at home, I'll post when I get a chance. We had the RSVPs handwritten by a friend who has really beautiful writing.

I can't wait to see them when you get them done!! ALMOST 90 DAYS for us!! YAY!

 

[Skylarr29]

We used Debi at the Blooming Quill and the prices are very reasonable and we had everything back within about a week. We had our outside invitation and returns done.

Here are some photos (worth the cost IMO)

 

[marnietch]

Hi,
We bought an invitation kit and kind of customized it for our wedding. We added hidden mickeys and that kind of thing. BUT the kit came with labels to print the addresses on. It looked quite nice. I would not spend the extra money b/c you can make your labels look very nice.

 

[lurkyloo]

I think calligraphy is gorgeous, but it didn't really fit with the style of our invites or the tone of our wedding (OK, or our budget priorities!).

We used a label template from Martha Stewart Weddings for a clean, modern-looking label on our invites. I printed them on single-sheet label paper and cut them out with my mat cutter. You can't see in this picture, but the return address is on the portion of the label that wraps around the back of the envelope.

 

[mermaidbride1108]

I know you said you are more interested in labels

but I have a vendor to use for Calligrapher who did it in less than 2 weeks.
She was awesome and it really made our invitations complete. It was an extra expense, but I was very happy with it.

If you want I can send you her contact info - she's in Boston

Also, Check Caryn's or Carrie's Pj's. They both did the Martha Stewart Labels which I think are easy to print and look really classy, they wrap around the side of the envelope.

Edit - I spoke to soon! Carrie posted pics of her labels before I clicked Post reply! That's what I was talking about in my post

 

[dbaker375]

So, DF and I ran into some issues printing the envelopes for our invitations. We are attempting with a different printer tonight, but I am doubtful....

SO - I know ettiquette (sp?) says the outer envelopes for invitations should be handwritten. But at this point, thats another expense and I really would need it done ASAP.

How many of you use address labels instead? do you think its really cheesy if we do that?

We used the clear (transparent) address labels for the outer (mailing) envelope. We used the font type "Edwardian Script" available on Microsoft Word. IMHO, they turned out beautifully. The inside envelope was handwritten for a more personal touch. We used the same type of address label for the return envelope of the response card.

Wedding costs add up so quickly!! Wherever you can tastefully save money, I say, MORE POWER TO YOU!!

BEST WISHES!!

 

[LLLBelle]

I had been set on hand writting our invites myself, but it just became a pain because I could not find the right ink color that I wanted.

So I read that you were trying to print them, this is what we did for our envelopes. I'm not sure if it's your printer, or the program. However, word was a real pain in the butt, it would fight me when I changed the settings, but when I would put it where it wanted, it would print it crooked. I used Photoshop to print each one individually, a bit time consuming, but we where able to add a pretty little design and a nice font. If it says that the "wrong size is used" or something like that for the envelope, use masking tape to attach it to a piece of cardstock and run it through the printer. I had to use this for the RSVP envelopes since they were too small. I think the labels will look just fine too, as long as it gets from point a to point b, you're good.

Good Luck!

 

[jspahn]

Thanks for your input everyone! After another frustrating night, with another printer, we are about ready to give up!
Laurie, we even tried printing out of photshop instead of word and it still didnt work for us!

I think we will cave in and use address labels for the response cards at least. We have the "clear" avery labels, but on our colored envelope, the label isnt exactly clear. more like... frosted, which I am not thrilled with.

We are still thinking about what to do for the main envelopes.


Another question - we dont have inner and outer envelopes. We did a cards & pockets, then just the outer envelope.
Do I put "and Guest" on the outer envelope now since there's no place else to indicate that? Or do we just talk to those people individually and leave off the "and guest" ?

 

[RangerPooh]

We used clear address lables and printed ours out. It was easier, cheaper, and faster for us. Plus between DH, myself, and my MOH we had it finished pretty quickly. I do like Carrie's approach too.

Something to also think about is "how have the invitations that you received been addressed?" In the last few years we have received plenty of invites that have been written in basic handwriting (nothing fancy) or clear labels. Very few have been printed electronically on the envelope. And none have had calligaraphy. But then it depends on the style of your wedding and budget. While the ettiquite books are nice for guidelines, I don't think that they have to be followed exactly as everyones event is different.

 

[lurkyloo]

Thanks for your input everyone! After another frustrating night, with another p

Another question - we dont have inner and outer envelopes. We did a cards & pockets, then just the outer envelope.
Do I put "and Guest" on the outer envelope now since there's no place else to indicate that? Or do we just talk to those people individually and leave off the "and guest" ?

I would put " and Guest" on the outer envelope in that situation, just to make it crystal clear.