Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that are commonly asked when contemplating calligraphy services. If your questions do not appear here, please do not hesitate to contact me.
How far in advance do I need to reserve calligraphy services to have my wedding invitations addressed?
Depending on the season, you may need to reserve services about three to four months in advance of your event. Typically, you want your invitation to be received by your guests 6-8 weeks prior to your event, and calligraphy projects can take a few weeks to process. Also, keep in mind that a calligrapher needs your full address list in plenty of time for your send date. So it's never too early to start collecting your guests' addresses. I would like to have my wedding stationary designed in hand lettering. How far in advance should I reserve these services?
To have invitations designed, I ask that you reserve services about six weeks in advance of printing. The invitations have to designed, proofed, and re-proofed. They are then sent to you in high resolution so that you can take them to your local printer. The same amount of time should be given for wedding programs. How should I format the addresses for calligraphy?
Your guest list should be typed out in at least 12 point font and formatted exactly how you would like your envelopes to be written out. That means that titles should be included and addresses written out. If you do not know how to address a certain relationship (such as a female doctor and her husband), please include that question along with your list. This will help us avoid any spelling or etiquette errors. If you would like a brief etiquette tutorial, please see my guest blog post on Limefish Studio. I will be happy to help you find the answer to any etiquette question should you need it. Can you work with clients outside of the Charlottesville area? Of course! I can work with clients from all over as long as the items you would like to have hand-lettered can be shipped. If you are ordering calligraphy services for the addressing of your invitations, I can even provide invitation assembly so that you don't have to worry about stuffing and stamping all of those envelopes. I just ask that you provide the stamps of your choice and make sure that you've provided enough postage, as many invitations can take more than the standard Forever Stamp. |
What kind of envelopes/paper do I need to order? Are lined envelopes acceptable?
Most envelopes that you order from the stationer will be of a quality that can take calligraphy ink without a problem. However, some papers do not hold ink well if they are too glossy or gritty, resulting in either smears or bleeding. It is always best to ask the stationer or test out the envelope or paper with a fountain pen (not ball-point). Liners are not a problem to work with, so feel free to embellish here! How many extra envelopes or escort cards should I order?
I ask that you provide 15-25% additional envelopes and/or place cards to allow for any last minute changes or mistakes. Can your calligraphy be customized?
I am happy to work with whatever inspires you. I can draw up some samples off of something you like, or I can take your "theme" and play on the atmosphere you'd like to create. I am always willing to send samples of possible styles so that you can make the right choice. Do keep in mind that customized calligraphy could cost a little more if the style you desire is very intricate or ornate. Also, give a little extra time for the samples to be written. Other than on envelopes, how else can I incorporate calligraphy into my event?
You can include calligraphy any place that you would normally find writing or printing. For weddings, calligraphy can be used on escort cards, seating charts, menus, and table numbers. Invitations can even be designed in calligraphy then sent to a printer for a custom-designed invitation suite or programs. Also keep in mind that vows, lyrics or other special words can be done in calligraphy for framing. (Great for anniversaries!) Aside from weddings, I have done calligraphy for various events from birthdays to anniversary keepsakes. Labels for games or food tables, banners, special little notes, and framed souvenirs with calligraphy surrounding are just a few things that come to mind. |