Custom Wedding Invites: Hand-Lettering Or Printing?

Wedding invitations are a special way to share excitement with loved ones. Many people opt for calligraphy, a form of embellished handwriting, to decorate their invitations. This is a time-consuming process and can be expensive, so some people choose to hire a calligrapher to design their invitations. Others may choose to design their own invitations using online templates.

The cost of wedding calligraphy

Some calligraphers may charge a minimum order fee, such as $125, and additional charges may apply for complex mediums like oyster shells, glass, or fabric. The time it takes to complete an order is also a factor, with a typical 100 envelope order taking around five days.

If you are providing your own paper stock, invitation design/lettering services can range from $100 to $500. Writing out the couple's names plus a few other words can cost around $150-$200, while creating a custom monogram can start at $150. Addressing envelopes can cost $1.50-$1.75 per line, depending on the envelope's colour and lining.

For "day-of" materials, table markers with numerals can cost $7 per card, while those with words can be $9 per card. Escort cards with name and seating assignments are usually $3 per card, and name-only place cards or adding a name to a menu is around $2 per card.

Overall, the cost of wedding calligraphy can vary significantly depending on the specifics of the order and the calligrapher's experience and location. It is essential to contact calligraphers directly for custom pricing and to discuss your specific requirements.

DIY wedding calligraphy

Choosing the Right Tools

First, you'll need to gather the necessary supplies for DIY wedding calligraphy. The tools you need will depend on the style of calligraphy you choose. However, some essential supplies include:

• Calligraphy pen and nibs: Look for pointed pen nibs like the Nikko G, Leonardt EF, or Hunt 56.
• Ink: Choose archival-quality, waterproof ink in your preferred colour. Black and gold are classic choices, but you can select colours that match your wedding theme.
• Paper: Opt for high-quality paper with a smooth texture, such as heavy cardstock or watercolour paper. Avoid low-quality thin paper, as it won't withstand calligraphy ink.
• Ruler, pencil and eraser: These tools will help you create straight lines and correct any mistakes.
• Practice paper: Extra paper is essential for honing your skills before writing on your final materials.
• Paper towels or blotting paper: These are necessary for blotting excess ink from your nib.

Learning the Basics of Calligraphy Styles

There are various calligraphy styles to choose from, each with its own unique charm. Popular wedding calligraphy styles include Copperplate, Italic, Gothic, and modern pointed pen scripts. You can also create your own custom script or choose a variant of your handwriting for a unique look.

Practising Calligraphy

Calligraphy is an art that requires practice to master. Start by practising individual letters, then progress to words and phrases. Focus on consistency in letter height, spacing, and slant. It's a good idea to set aside a dedicated practice time each day, even if it's just for 15 minutes. Online tutorials and workshops can also help you improve your skills.

Planning Layout and Composition

Before you start writing on your final materials, plan the layout and composition. Determine where each element, such as names, dates, and venues, will go. Consider spacing, alignment, and any decorative elements you want to include.

Writing and Adding Flourishes

With your layout in mind, carefully start writing on your wedding materials using a light pencil guideline. Apply even pressure to the pen nib, and remember to take your time to avoid smudging and blotting.

Once your writing is complete, you can enhance your calligraphy with flourishes, swirls, and decorative elements. However, remember that simplicity often has a timeless beauty, so don't overdo it.

Final Touches

Allow your calligraphy to dry completely before handling it or adding any final elements like wax seals. Once everything is dry, erase any visible pencil guidelines and make any necessary touch-ups.

Other Uses for DIY Wedding Calligraphy

• Place cards
• Table numbers
• Seating charts
• Menu cards
• Wedding programs
• Wedding vows
• Wedding certificates
• Thank you cards
• Wedding signs
• Guest book
• Personalised wedding favours
• Ceremony backdrop
• Photo booth props
• Wedding cake topper
• Wedding website and social media graphics
• Welcome bags or boxes
• Bridal party gifts

Types of paper for wedding invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, the type of paper you choose can have a significant impact on the overall impression and aesthetic of the invite. Here is a detailed guide to the different types of paper you can consider for your wedding invitations:

Cardstock

Cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations as it is thicker and more durable than standard printer paper. It gives your invitations a luxurious feel and is less likely to bend in the mail. Cardstock is also versatile and easy to work with, suitable for most home printers or professional printing services. It comes in a range of colours, weights, and finishes, allowing you to create a unique and elegant look. The weight of cardstock is measured in pounds, with 80# to 90# being suitable for most home printers, and weights above 110# requiring industrial printers.

Cotton Cardstock

Cotton cardstock is a premium option that is soft to the touch and highly durable. It absorbs ink exceptionally well, resulting in rich and vibrant colours. This type of paper is ideal for letterpress printing and will give your invitations a timeless and elegant appearance. Cotton cardstock is often used by high-end wedding invitation companies and can be found in various weights and colours, making it a versatile choice.

Linen Cardstock

Linen cardstock has a delicate woven texture that adds visual interest to your invitations. The basket-weave texture also helps to hide any imperfections or quality issues that may occur during printing. Linen cardstock is a good choice if you want to add a touch of sophistication to your invitations while maintaining a matte finish.

Kraft/Recycled Cardstock

Kraft cardstock, also known as recycled cardstock, has a rustic and trendy look. It resembles coarse brown grocery bags but is smoother to the touch while retaining a textured, fibrous appearance. This type of paper is perfect for vintage or outdoor-themed weddings, adding a touch of elegance to your invitations.

Vellum

Vellum is a translucent paper that was traditionally made from calfskin, sheepskin, or pigskin. Today, it is more commonly made from a blend of cotton and wood pulp. It has a smooth surface that is well-suited for printing and will not yellow or fade over time as it is acid-free. Vellum is available in various colours and sizes, allowing for creative layering and depth in your invitation design.

Parchment

Parchment is a thin, semi-translucent paper with a subtle marbled appearance. It adds a unique and soft touch to your invitations and layers beautifully with other papers such as vellum or cotton cardstock. Parchment is an excellent choice for spring or intimate weddings, providing a delicate and elegant feel.

Pearlescent Paper

Pearlescent paper has a subtle shimmer or sheen that adds elegance and dimension to your invitations. It enhances the colours of your design, especially if you are using photographs, by adding a soft glow. This type of paper is perfect for creating a sophisticated and glamorous impression.

Board Paper

Board paper is a heavy-duty option, typically made with three layers of paper and a cotton texture. Invitations printed on board paper are sturdy and will not bend in the mail, ensuring your guests receive a crisp and flawless invitation.

Tissue Paper

Tissue paper is a lightweight and luxurious option for wedding invitations. It is easy to print on and comes in a variety of colours, allowing you to coordinate with your wedding theme. Tissue paper is less likely to cause ink smudging due to its lightweight nature, ensuring a flawless finish.

Standard Paper

If you are on a budget, standard paper is a versatile and affordable option. It is thick enough to give your invitations a quality look and feel without breaking the bank. Standard paper is widely available and suitable for couples who want simple yet elegant invitations.

Wedding invitation printing techniques

There are several printing techniques used for wedding invitations, each with its own unique look and price point. Here is an overview of some of the most popular methods:

Letterpress

Letterpress is a traditional printing technique that dates back to the 15th century. It involves using a movable type machine to reproduce a design onto raised printing plates, which are then inked and stamped onto paper. Letterpress invitations have an indented design that can be felt when running your hand over the paper. This technique works best with thick, high-quality paper, such as cotton fibre or bamboo, and typically uses dark-coloured ink on light-coloured paper for a bold contrast. Letterpress is a specialised and costly option, but it creates a timeless and sophisticated impression.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping, also known as foil printing, is a unique process that uses solid metallic colours to create a slight shimmery indentation in the paper. It is considered 'dry printing' as it does not use ink, instead using heat to transfer the design onto the paper. Foil stamping is ideal for creating a luxurious and elegant impression, especially when using gold or silver foil on white paper. While it is only marginally more expensive than letterpress, it is quite time-consuming and may not be suitable for rushed orders.

Digital Printing

Digital printing is one of the most common and cost-effective techniques for wedding invitations. It involves using a high-quality laser printer to form letters and designs with thousands of tiny ink dots. This method offers a wide range of colours and designs, and the turnaround time is typically just a few days. However, digital printing lacks the interesting texture of other methods, resulting in a completely flat and two-dimensional finish.

Offset Printing (Lithography)

Offset printing, also known as lithography or flat printing, is similar to digital printing but offers higher quality results. It uses a rubber stamp-like cylinder to press ink onto the paper, producing flat images. This method is ideal for casual or funky wedding styles and is a budget-friendly option with a quick turnaround time. Offset printing offers more paper options than digital printing, including textured papers like cotton or bamboo.

Engraving

Engraving is one of the oldest and most formal printing techniques, dating back to the 1700s. It involves etching a design onto a copper plate, coating it with ink, and pressing it together with two tons of weight against the invitation. The result is raised lettering on the front and a bruised or indented mark on the back of the invitation. Engraving works best with thick paper, such as cotton fibre, and can accommodate multiple ink colours, although each colour requires its own plate. It is an expensive and time-consuming process, making it one of the most costly printing methods for wedding invitations.

These are just a few of the printing techniques available for wedding invitations. Each method has its own distinct style, cost, and turnaround time, so it's important to consider these factors when choosing the right technique for your invitations.

How to find a calligrapher

There are several ways to find a calligrapher. You could search for any calligraphy guilds, societies, or associations in your area. For example, New York City has the Society of Scribes and the New York Calligraphers Guild. These organizations often provide lists of freelance calligraphers available for hire, along with information on classes and other resources.

Another option is to use online platforms such as Upwork, Thumbtack, or Etsy. Upwork allows you to post a job for free and receive proposals from calligraphers who match your requirements. Thumbtack helps you find top-rated calligraphers near you, with customer reviews and ratings to help you make an informed decision. Etsy is a great place to find custom calligraphy services and connect directly with sellers, many of whom offer personalized and handmade items.

When hiring a calligrapher, consider your specific needs, budget, and the calligrapher's experience and style. Be sure to discuss your project in detail and ask for portfolios or examples of their previous work.

Frequently asked questions