Do you remember the first time your mother introduced you to blush at the make-up counter? Purchased your signature perfume because it smelled like the honeysuckle in the early evening? Wore your first pair of high heels to a formal cocktail party? In the world of custom stationery and invitations, hiring a professional calligrapher to individually hand-address your wedding invitations is considered to be the next step in graduating to sophisticated society. Welcome to the level of social etiquette from your great-great grandmother’s time – a time when calligraphy spoke of refinement and elegance.

Working with your custom invitation designer, or calligrapher, begins with knowledge of the two basic styles, or families, of calligraphy: script and non-script. Overall, script is considered cursive, and non-script is considered printed handwriting. Once you have decided if you want script or non-script, your custom invitation designer, or calligrapher, can direct you a style of lettering that best suits the needs of your individual custom invitation.

There are new trends in calligraphy styles. One recent trend in scripted calligraphy is a heavily flourished italic or copperplate style. The swishes, twirls, and loops give a generous elegance. This style can also feature an oversized first and last name with smaller addresses. A new trend in the non-script family is a modern, simple, and understated such as century gothic. Brides who want a unique look can also have their calligraphy lettering style match their exact invitation. A new trend is to have a calligrapher design the invitation, also known as preparing camera-ready artwork. A good calligrapher should have a basic foundation in both script and non-script styles so that they can build a look for your wedding invitation.

Colors are also a bid trend in calligraphy. Modern brides are experimenting with colorful invitations and want calligraphy to match. Sage green or chocolate brown ink on cream are great for Tuscan style weddings. White on dark envelopes is popular with contemporary brides. Traditional brides are choosing silver and warm, rich gold, rather than the standard black ink. If your envelope is dark and calls for white ink, or if you want the color of the lettering to match your exact color specification, make sure that your calligrapher is experienced in using opaque watercolor or acrylic inks.

Calligraphers use various tools, from dip pens, fountain pens, ink, gouache and a light box, to various sized nibs. A calligrapher’s tools range from calligrapher to calligrapher, and project to project. Since envelopes can be made from many different fibers and be fabricated in different directions, a well-trained and practiced calligrapher will have a wide repertoire of tools to help them accommodate different and unusual shaped envelopes.

Cost of calligraphy can range dramatically depending on which calligrapher you choose, the style, the color, and custom features. A seasoned calligrapher is generally more expensive because they typically feature a wide variety of mastered styles, and can do multiple custom features, such as painted stems, flowers, and multiple flourishes. Elaborate styles that take more time can cost more and require more envelopes. Adding extra lines for apartments, guests, or international addresses adds to the cost. Also, be aware that rush charges may apply. If you choose to go with a less experienced calligrapher, make sure that they have at least mastered the style you are choosing for your own invitation.

Since calligraphy is a big part of your invitation cost, you will want to consider paying for a mock-up sample to make sure you truly like the style. Remember that web-sites and sample sheets show the best of the examples – you need to make sure that the calligraphy is consistently excellent. Ask your custom invitation designer, or calligrapher to order a mock-up sample.

Turn-around time varies with each calligrapher, lettering style, and complexity of your needs. Generally, try to schedule your calligraphy as soon as, if not during, your custom invitation design process. Popular, seasoned calligraphers can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Most calligraphers will hold your spot with a 50% deposit. As with all your wedding vendors, use common courtesy and let them know as soon as you have chosen to contract their services, or chosen another vendor.

Weddings are filled with wonderful rites of passage and knowing how to have your custom invitations addressed by a calligrapher will ensure that you send your final invitations with the proper etiquette and in style.