Embracing the Art of Calligraphy

It always brings a smile to my face when I think about all the times I have been asked what I do for a living. I say, “I’m a calligrapher,” and the look of puzzlement and confusion follows. The questions that follow are equally amusing, “What do you do, I mean, who do you work for?” I work for anyone who desires a calligrapher, especially brides and grooms.

I’ve been a professional calligrapher since March 2002, and have since developed my own style of calligraphy. I truly feel that my calligraphy attempts to capture the spirit of my client.

Your wedding invitation is the first impression that your guests will receive. It allows them to be part of your events, which is all the more reason to personalize your invitations with handmade elements that speak from your heart. Don’t be afraid to make your invitation your own: a custom monogram, a favorite pattern and a theme or your favorite colors are a few ideas to get you started.

Pink Ink Paper & Calligraphy

Hand addressed envelopes are a necessity; I stand firm on this rule. This extra care and attention will separate your invitation from the hoards of junk mail stuffed into mailboxes. At the very least, hand address envelopes yourself or convince a family member to help you. If you budget permits, hiring a professional calligrapher will give any invitation that special handmade flair. Calligraphers on Etsy often have their own unique styles, so take a look around to find the style that suits you and your wedding. Try perusing the Flickr search results for photos of real wedding calligraphy and see what strikes you. By sourcing examples of styles that catch your eye, you’ll be better prepared to inform a calligrapher about what you want for your invitations. Ask yourself if you are responding to:

• script
• italic
• handwriting
• whimsical
• formal
• informal

Much like any art form, the price range for calligraphy is incredible broad. I have seen ranges from $1.25 an envelope to $3 per address line. The types of mediums, quality, experience, font choice and colors affect the final price. For buyers who are exploring Etsy, I would plan on an average between $1.75 and $3.00 per envelope and $150 to $200 per invitation design.

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Some more tips:

• Hire your calligrapher as soon as possible. Most calligraphers require two weeks in advance to finish your envelopes, depending on their style and their mediums.
• Purchase extra envelopes; human error is inevitable.
• An invitation to a formal event should be in the mail at least 6 to 8 weeks before the event.
• Keep your guest list updated. Remember to include a column for their proper titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., etc).
• [pullquote]Usually a calligrapher will automatically spell out abbreviations, but some require you submit your guest list exactly how it should be printed. Never hesitate to ask questions.[/pullquote]
• The Crane’s Blue Book of Stationery is a great reference book to answer all your social etiquette questions. It can usually be checked out at your local library.
•  If you are unsure of a zip code, an address (or lack there of), the United States Postal Service offers two free services for you to find the correct information. You can either call 1-800-275-8777 and use the automated zip code retrieval system or you can go to www.usps.com and click on “find a zipcode.”
• It is critical to have your complete & assembled invitation weighed (preferably by a postal worker) to determine the exact postage needed for each invitation.
•  If you are planning to have your invitations hand canceled be sure to check with your post office first. Some branches do not have time to hand cancel envelopes or simply won’t do it.

Take care with these important tips and reminders before ordering your wedding invitations. Allow yourself enough time to locate your ideal calligrapher, and never be afraid to ask questions.

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