Cheers from your Houston Calligrapher! When you think of "wedding calligraphy," do you think of really, really fancy letting? You may, but you also need to know modern calligraphy is taking the industry by storm and it's evolved so fit your personality for your event.
Whether you're a new bride or groom planning your wedding or a seasoned professional, wedding calligraphy is a must-have for your event. Don't believe me? Let's take a look at what wedding calligraphy is, why it's important, and what items newly engaged couples should include in their budget (and plan for ahead of time)!
What is Wedding Calligraphy?
Wedding calligraphy is the art of using beautiful, ornate handwriting to create wedding invitations, place cards, menus, and more. Calligraphy has been used for centuries to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to special events.
Why is Wedding Calligraphy Important?
Wedding calligraphy is important for a number of reasons. It sets the tone for the wedding and creates an air of elegance that will impress your guests. Wedding calligraphy is a way to express your personal style and make a statement about who you are as a couple. It's also a lasting keepsake that you and your guests will cherish for years to come.
What to Plan for Ahead of Time
When planning your wedding calligraphy, there are a few things you should think about. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Hire a Professional: While there are many options out there between learning calligraphy or purchasing a Cricut, those can be a time-consuming and frustrating if you don't know what you're doing. Hiring a professional calligrapher takes all of that fear and stress away from you, ensuring that your wedding calligraphy is beautiful and perfect for your special day.
Choose Your Style: While you're researching for a professional, make sure to look at the style of calligraphy they do. Is it modern calligraphy or traditional copperplate? What style resonates with you the most? It's important to choose a style that reflects your personal taste and the theme of your wedding.
Timing: Wedding calligraphy takes time, so be sure to plan ahead and communicate with your calligrapher to provide them with all the information they need to create your wedding. We typically recommend finding your calligraphy 4-6 months in advance, while the details won't fall into place until about 2-3 months, depending on the scope of work. These timelines do not include invitations or save the dates, but that could look like 12-14 months in advance.
Budget: Don't forget the details during the initial budget phase! Couples typically assign costs to the venue, photography, florals, attire, etc. and then forget about the details or speciality vendors. Make a list of items that are most important to you and reach out to those vendors to ask for a budget estimate for cost to include in your planning phase.
Items to Include in Your Budget
Speaking of planning phase... it's important to include calligraphy in your budget. Here are some of the items you should consider:
Wedding Invitations and Envelopes: Your save the dates and invitations are the first impression your guests will have of your wedding, so it's important to make them as beautiful as possible. Wedding calligraphy can be used to create custom items that are unique to your wedding and reflect your personal style.
Place Cards: Place cards are an important part of any wedding, as they ensure that your guests know where to sit. They tell your guests that you thought of them and they are important to be there for your special day. Insider knowledge: most guests keep their place cards as a souvenir from your wedding day (so plus up here and skip those favors!).
Menus: A beautifully designed menu is a great way to add a touch of sophistication to your wedding reception. It also let's your guests know what they can expect to eat with more details.
Seating Charts and Escort Cards: Statement seating charts and escort cards are used to direct your guests to their assigned tables. This part is so, so important because it helps your timeline flow from cocktail hour to reception and everyone knows where they're supposed to be.
Small Signage: Think table numbers, bar signage, cards & gift signs, in memory signs or dessert table signs. While these seem like "nice to have" items, you want to make sure your details are consistent throughout your venue instead of ordering some things from a calligrapher and purchasing others off of Etsy. Talk to your calligrapher about your budget and try to work together to make all of those details come to life.
Ready to start chatting? Find us at cheers@toasttoink.com to go over your vision and we'll create a custom proposal for you!
Photo credits:
Hayden Jordan Photo, Houston Studio, Mollie Jane Photography, Ashlynn Marie Photography, Jujuu Photography, Kelsey Horner Photography, Honey Lit Moments Photo
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