Calligraphy, the art of elegant handwriting, is a wonderful way to put a polished, finishing touch on your wedding invitations. By hiring a calligrapher to address your envelopes, you will add another layer of elegance to your wedding and your guests will love seeing their names written in beautiful handwriting. Many professional calligraphers can match the font on your invitations, thus creating a lovely, coordinated ensemble.
To achieve this elegant look, finding a good calligrapher is essential. Local calligraphy societies are a good place to start. Stationers or printers can usually refer you to local calligraphers. If you’ve admired the calligraphy on an invitation sent by a friend or relative, be sure to ask them for their recommendations. You can also find calligraphers by surfing the web. Many calligraphers advertise their services on the web and often post samples of their work online.
Before you hire a calligrapher, make sure you ask for the following:
- References
- Calligraphy background—a good calligrapher should have a degree or certificate in the arts.
- What is their turnaround time?
- Do they have a minimum order policy?
- What do they charge?
You will also want to provide the calligrapher with one of your invitations and ask them to provide you with samples of their work. The key to great hand calligraphy is consistency, so don’t be afraid to interview more than one calligrapher and compare their work before making your final decision. Once you have decided upon a calligrapher, be sure to get a contract in writing.
Some calligraphers offer extra services like envelope stuffing, sealing and stamping; creating hand written place card,. programs, menus, and more. Be sure to check out their entire line of services. Keep in mind that calligraphy is labor intensive and can be expensive. If you have the time and the money to spend, this is a great way to add more elegance to your wedding.
