Do You Really Need a Calligrapher?

I was once asking the same question way before my calligraphy business days. It’s one of those things that you never appreciate until you have to actually plan a wedding… and consider tackling that guest list. I soon figured out that hiring a calligrapher was a necessary expense, right up there with the wedding pinata and my amazing dress (yes, we really had a wedding pinata and it was very necessary).

I told you it was necessary!

I knew I wasn’t going to have another reason to get a wedding pinata, so I went for it! Your wedding is a once in a lifetime event, friends. You’re probably pulling out all the stops for yours too, so why not for your invitations?

Here’s the thing. A lot of your focus will be on your reception and of course, I definitely understand that, but the invitation is the part of your celebration your guests get to touch and keep — for months or maybe forever. It’s the guests’ first impression of your wedding. It’s not bulk mail so don’t treat it that way!

If you aren’t yet sure about hiring a calligrapher for your invitations and envelopes, consider what some unique reception signs can do for the reception ambiance, too. Professional calligraphers can write on any surface and have tons of ideas on how you can add luxe elements to your party. You can always ask for a calligrapher’s opinion or what they can create for you to get your imagination rolling. We have tons of ideas, trust me!

Are you still unsure if you want a calligrapher? Fair enough, but consider how much time you will save if you hire one.

Planning a wedding is a herculean task and you just have so many hours in the day. You won’t realize how much time addressing 200 envelopes and lettering a 350-person seating chart by hand will take you until you’re half way through and flirting with a full-on bridal breakdown. I love my job more than anything and even I’m ready for a massage after that big of a seating chart!

And don’t forget about the prep time. Not only would you spend countless hours addressing envelopes and making the signs themselves but you would also have to spend time finding supplies and practicing calligraphy so that you feel happy with the final product. Hiring a calligrapher will give you all of those hours back for other things (dare I suggest a nap?!) and also we’ll make sure the lettering is absolute perfection. We do this all day long so what might take you ten hours will probably take us three!

If you still plan on addressing your own envelopes or making your own reception signage, try writing out ten envelopes to start and see how you like the overall look of them. You might surprise yourself with your talent or maybe realize you’d rather spend your time doing something else. Hopefully that will make the decision a little clearer for you, either way.

Calligraphy is probably one of the most inexpensive things you do for your wedding with the largest impact on your guests. It’s something they are guaranteed to see! We unfortunately can’t say the same for that slice of cake that sits at the table while your guests are dancing, now can we? I’m happily accepting all leftover cake donations, by the way.

Find out more information about what calligraphy services I offer and price rates for common items here.

Ready to get down to business about your envelopes and reception pieces? I can’t wait — let’s chat by clicking on of these links below.