Considering hiring a calligrapher to address your wedding invitations? Here’s what you need to know first (from an Atlanta-based calligrapher with over ten years of experience).
As a creative, I like to think about art in the context of its place and how the audience will experience it. In the context of hand-calligraphed wedding invitations, I like to think about your wedding guests stopping in their tracks when they open their mailbox or take a peek at their USPS mail preview. In a world where snail mail is (sadly but largely) reduced to junk mail, the intentional detail of hand calligraphy is a clear indicator that someone has sent you something special.
The truth of the matter is that digital printing is an effective and inexpensive way to get your invitations to their recipients. Hand calligraphy envelope addressing isn’t for every couple, but rather the details-obsessed stationery lover who wants to ensure their wedding makes an impact from the very first experiences guests have with their celebration.
The beauty of calligraphy is that it is a literally ancient art, but what makes it so special often makes it logistically challenging. You’ve never needed one before, so how the heck do you find a calligrapher when you need your wedding invitations addressed. It can be easier said than done, some of the most successful calligraphers in the world don’t have websites, instead relying solely on Instagram or Facebook. This brings me to the first thing you should know if you’re looking to hire a calligrapher…
Where do I find a calligrapher?
I recommend three strategies for finding a great calligrapher.
Work with a stationer for calligraphy services. Nearly all bespoke stationers maintain relationships with calligraphers for design and addressing services. Some stationers (like Ernest + Wordie!) have an in-house calligrapher, which often streamlines the production timeline and can create cost efficiencies too.
Consult your wedding planner. A great planner is arguably your most important resource in wedding planning. An experienced planner will be able to recommend a vetted calligrapher to achieve your vision.
If you still aren’t finding a fit, I recommend www.nibtique.org, an industry directory specifically designed to help clients find their perfect calligraphy match for a variety of services including wedding invitation addressing.
Calligraphy Tip #1: Order Extra Envelopes
Once you’ve found a calligrapher, there are a few best practices to keep in mind to ensure the best final product. First and foremost, order extra envelopes! Most calligraphers will ask for at least 15% extra envelopes for quality control. When I start an addressing project, I will sacrifice a few envelopes to make sure I’ve mixed the perfect shade of ink, see how the ink reacts to the paper and to select the best calligraphy nib. After my set up is dialled in, there will inevitably be a few more envelope casualties due to a rogue drop of ink or human error as I’m writing.
Calligraphy Tip #2: Hand Cancelling is a Must
When you invest in calligraphy addressing, hand cancelling is a crucial step to ensure that your invitations reach your guests in the best condition. I recommend hand cancelling and non-machineable stamps to all my wedding clients, but these extra steps are essential for hand calligraphy envelopes. Standard USPS practice for mailpieces is to use a scanning machine to sort and direct the mail. While these scanners are very efficient, they also make the large barcode-like mark that you see on nearly every piece of mail you get. They can also smudge your beautiful calligraphy. Instead, take your invitations to the counter and request that the postage be hand cancelled to avoid the scanner.
Hand cancelling is the process of a postal employing “cancelling” each applied postage stamp with a large stamp. Because this can be a time-consuming process, it may not be available at every USPS location at all times. I encourage couples to “shop” for a mailing post office by asking if they will hand cancel. When you find a willing location, avoid peak times (open, close and especially lunchtime) when you drop off your invitations. Some locations will even allow you to help with the process and stamp the envelopes yourself.
Calligraphy Tip #3: Plan Ahead
Since calligraphy is a very slow process, my envelopes take about ten minutes each to complete, calligraphy addressing takes time and top calligraphers often book up several months in advance. For me, an average-sized wedding order takes me an average of two weeks to complete.
Another factor that can affect your timeline is envelope liners. If you’re working with an independent calligrapher as opposed to booking calligraphy through your stationer, your calligrapher may request that you provide your envelopes before the envelope liners are glued into place. If you’re working with multiple vendors, make sure all parties are aligned on the timeline and workflows at the time of booking to prevent delays in mailing. I am admittedly biassed, but another perk of working with a calligrapher/stationer combo like Ernest + Wordie is that all these details are managed behind the scenes, taking one more task off your wedding to-do list.
Calligraphy Tip #4: Stay in Touch!
Calligraphy isn’t just for weddings! Hand calligraphy can make other mailings like holiday cards, birth announcements or party invitations stand out. As a calligrapher, one of the most special parts of my job is that I get to be a small part of my client’s big, milestone moments and celebrations. I love hearing from past wedding clients when they are welcoming a new baby or just want to send some holiday happy mail.
In Conclusion
Like many wedding-related things, hiring a calligrapher is likely a first. I hope these practical tips will make it a little easier for you to find the perfect calligrapher to create the perfect first impression for your wedding guests. If I missed any questions, drop a comment below or send me an email (hailey@ernestandwordie.com).
Warmly,
Hailey
