Is hiring a calligrapher a worthy investment?

Short answer: Yes. Read on for more…

Let’s jump straight in —

Your stationery deserves special attention

‘Wedding Stationery’ means different things to different people. While some couples are more happy with e-vites announcing their big day to family and friends, others are looking for a special keepsake for guests to set the tone of their wedding from that very first mailing. Your wedding day is often one of the most emotional and memorable times in your life as a couple, and invitations can give guests a first glimpse of what they will experience when they join you both to celebrate.

Calligraphy addressing is an ideal first step in utilising the heirloom/keepsake feel of hand-addressed mail — more than just an envelope to be opened and thrown away, calligraphy adds a sense of charm, a personalised memento for guests via their hand-calligraphed names. Carry this through to your enclosed invitations and you’ve already set the tone for a cohesive and well-designed event, a preview to stoke anticipation for your family and friends of the celebration to come.

It’s personal

Handmade, hand-crafted, tactile. You’ve heard it before, sending a handwritten letter in our techology-driven world makes a memorable statement. We aren’t used to opening up our mailboxes to find personally addressed mail or packages anymore, and making the most of the unexpected by treating your family and friends to an extra special delivery can make them feel honoured and excited. Not to mention that the compliments and comments you’ll receive as a result will definitely add to the anticipation for both you and your invitees!

It saves you time

If you’re already in the midst of wedding planning you’re likely list-deep in the many (many!) details involved in bringing your day together. Trusting your paper goods to a wedding stationer who has experience with wedding etiquette, layout, and design, can take that particular load off of your shoulders. Addressing envelopes by hand takes more time than most people anticipate, and calligraphers are experienced with paper, inks, and writing styles. In addition, hiring a full-service calligrapher + stationer for your event can take care of your entire stationery suite, from invitations and addressing through to place cards, menus, and a whole host of day-of event design. Planning a wedding should be fun, not overwhelming or stressful, and choosing which aspects of your planning to delegate to experienced vendors can have a huge impact on keeping your planning timeline on track.

Speaking of ‘etiquette’…

While digital guest addressing has become an easy, fast, and cost-effective way for wedding invitations in recent years, it’s still considered ‘good’ etiquette to choose hand-addressing for formal, high-end, and/or traditional events. At FPCo. we’ve been known to push etiquette aside when design and statement is more important, however these moments are chosen carefully and we recommend following etiquette standards if/when appropriate for your event. Experienced calligraphers are well-versed in etiquette standards for envelope addressing (eg. individual titles, including children, addressing to families, etc.) and will be able to guide you on the best way to follow these rules on your mail pieces, wedding stationery, and day-of paper goods.

Tips & Suggestions for Working with a calligrapher:

• Ask your planner. If you’re working with a wedding planner for your big day a good first step is letting them know if you’d like to include calligraphy as part of your wedding design. It’s highly likely your planner will already have a list of calligraphers they have worked with before or who they are familiar with and can recommend.

• Request samples and do your research. Make a list of those you’re seriously considering and get in touch as soon as you can (calendars fill up fast, especially during peak season). Ask to see physical samples if possible — while digital portfolios are indispensible, holding a sample in-hand will always give you a better idea of the actual product you will receive; keeping in mind that this may incur a fee and will usually be reserved for serious inquiries only.

• Get creative. Addressing, invitations, and place cards are all tried and true ways to incorporate calligraphy into your wedding design, but they are by no means the only options! Calligraphy vows, wedding favours, or even signage for your getaway car are all personal ways to utilise your calligrapher’s service, don’t be afraid to ask for something unique!

• Expand your net. Calligraphy and stationery are one of the few wedding day items that can be produced and shipped worldwide.

• First anniversary? Wedding anniversary #1 is of course the gift of paper, and what better way to say ‘I love you’ than customised calligraphy wedding vows, handwritten poetry, or a heartfelt letter to your other half. You’re only limited by your imagination!

If you have questions or would be interested in further information about hiring Foundry Paper Co. for your big day we’d love to hear from you!