Wedding Shower Etiquette for Computer Printed Envelopes
Many people are under the mistaken impression that etiquette rules are no longer important. This is simply not true, and at no time is obeying etiquette more important than during wedding preparations. While etiquette rules may be adapted to suit a changing society, some people will never agree. Many people feel that sending correspondence in envelopes with computer-printed addresses is tacky. However, if you choose this option, there are guidelines by which you must abide.
Other People Are Reading
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Computer-Printed, Not Guest Printed
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You may be able to get away with having your envelopes printed on a computer. This becomes more acceptable as lives become busier and handwriting becomes worse, since it is no longer a practiced art form. However, under no circumstances, should your guests ever be asked to fill out an envelope themselves. A horrible trend has been identified at wedding showers: Guests are asked to fill out an envelope with their name and address so that they have a chance of winning a prize in a drawing that takes place at the shower. Unfortunately, these unsuspecting guests do not realize that they are doing the work for a bride too lazy even to gather together the information of her guests and enter it into a word processor--until they receive a "thank you" card in an envelope with familiar handwriting.
Envelope Yes, Thank You No
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Many pieces of stationary surrounding a wedding may be printed on computers: Save-the-dates, invitations, menus, programs, and, yes, envelopes. But there is one thing that should never lose its personalization: the thank you note. Your shower guests put a great deal of thought into the gifts that they select and take time out of their lives to attend a celebration that is all about you. To send a pre-printed card with the same trite message to everyone is insulting. Always hand-write thank you notes. Mention the guest by name, refer directly to their gift (if given) and how you will use it, and thank them for spending time with you. Always send these thank you notes promptly in their computer printed envelopes.
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Address Correctly
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Even if you are using computer printing to save money, you must follow the traditional guidelines for addressing invitations. The name of everyone invited should be listed on the envelope. This means married or coupled adults and minor children. Adult children receive their own invitation, even if they are still living at home. If someone has been with their significant other for a year or more, or the couple is engaged, the significant other is invited by name on the same invitation. Only use the phrase "and guest" on envelopes to single adult guests or adults guests in short-term relationships.
Don't Be Offensive
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When printing paper products on the computer, it is quite easy to select an improper font or color. Avoid bright neons and other shades that are offensive to the eyes of your guests. Do not choose a font that diminishes the importance of the occasion. Print off a sample for a second opinion if you are unsure whether or not the color and font you have chosen are harmonious. It goes without saying that your correspondence to your guests should never include curse words or negative slang.
Get It Right
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Nothing ruins a shower more quickly than missing guests because they never received their invitation. And nothing ruins a relationship more quickly than a missing post-shower thank you note. If you are going to print your envelopes on the computer, it is vital that all of the names and addresses be perfect. If you are unsure of the spelling of a name or an address, call the person directly or a close friend or relative who has the information. Always purchase extra envelopes in case of mistakes.
Don't Wait a Year
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For goodness' sake, if you are using computer printed envelopes, you have no excuse to not send your post-shower thank you notes promptly. And no, you do not have a full year. This was the rule when couples only lived together and used their gifts after the wedding and only the bride wrote the thank you notes -- and envelopes -- by hand. Today, gifts are often used before the wedding and the gift giver should receive their thank you by the time that they are. The bride and groom should share the responsibility of composing and sending thank you notes, especially when using computer printed envelopes.
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