Mastering Wedding Invitation Address Calligraphy: A Guide

Wedding calligraphy is a beautiful, traditional style of writing that can add a formal and elegant look to your wedding invitations. It is an art form that takes time and practice to master, so it is often created by a professional stationer or calligrapher. The cost of this service varies depending on the artist, the complexity of the work, and the materials used, but it typically ranges from $2 to $7 per envelope.

If you're considering adding a touch of calligraphy to your wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, give yourself enough time. Contact a calligrapher as early as possible and allow for at least 3-4 weeks for them to complete the work. Secondly, provide your calligrapher with a formatted guest list, including titles, full names, and addresses, to ensure a smooth process. Finally, consider the style of calligraphy you want. Modern calligraphy is more relaxed and contemporary, while traditional styles like copperplate and Spencerian have more ceremonial flourishes.

Whether you opt for a professional calligrapher or decide to try your hand at DIY calligraphy, addressing your wedding invitations with this art form will undoubtedly add a special touch to your big day.

Hand-write your own envelopes

Handwriting your own wedding invitations and envelopes can be a very thoughtful touch and a true labour of love. It is also a cost-effective alternative to hiring a calligrapher. However, it can be a time-consuming process, so it's important to start early and set a realistic goal to avoid burnout.

Choose your tools

Start by selecting the right tools for the job. Traditional dip pens require writers to dip a metal nib into ink before writing, and the type of nib you choose will determine the thickness of your letter strokes. The Nikko G nib is a good option for beginners, as it holds ink for long periods of writing and glides smoothly across most papers. Pre-mixed bottled ink, such as Higgins Eternal or Written Word Calligraphy, is also recommended. For envelopes, you may want to use a brush pen or waterbrush, which come in a variety of colours to match your wedding card suite.

Practise your handwriting

Once you have your tools, it's time to practise. Using inexpensive practice paper, like Canson Mixed Media, will allow you to refine your technique without wasting your nice envelopes. Practise different nibs and styles to find what suits your personality and the tone of your wedding. For a formal wedding, you might choose a formal script, while a beachfront ceremony might call for a breezier cursive. You can also combine different styles or experiment with custom lettering to create a unique and visually appealing invitation suite.

Get the formatting right

When addressing envelopes, there is specific etiquette to follow. Traditionally, the outer envelope is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope only includes the names of the invitees. For the outer envelope, be sure to include the guest's name(s) and address, avoiding abbreviations for a more formal invitation. The inner envelope is usually more informal, including only a couple's title and last name.

Allow plenty of time

Handwriting your own envelopes can be a big task, so give yourself plenty of time. A professional calligrapher can complete 50 to 75 addressed envelopes per day, but it may take you longer, especially if you're new to the practice. Make sure to have plenty of extra envelopes on hand for mistakes and allow time for proofing and test runs.

Consider your health

Addressing dozens of envelopes can be tiring, especially if you're not used to the specific muscle movements. Take breaks and stretch your hand and wrist to avoid fatigue and strain.

Hire a professional calligrapher

Hiring a professional calligrapher to address your wedding invitations is the most luxurious option. It is a beautiful visual art form that can elevate your envelopes from plain to frame-worthy pieces of art. The cost of hiring a calligrapher varies depending on factors such as experience, location, turnaround time, style, special materials, and paper type. Prices can range from $1 to $5+ per envelope, with most calligraphers charging between $3.50 and $5.50 per envelope.

When choosing a calligrapher, consider their style and whether it aligns with the theme of your wedding. Each style of calligraphy is called a "hand" rather than a "font" because it is individually crafted. Pointed pen calligraphy is currently the most popular for wedding invitations, with a range of options from ultra-flourished and traditional to organic, feminine, and whimsical.

To find a calligrapher, start by checking with your local calligraphy guild or association. Many states or major cities have a calligraphy group that can provide a list of local calligraphers or put you in touch with their members. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or family who have recently had wedding invitations with calligraphy that you admired.

It is important to book your calligrapher as early as possible, as client lists tend to fill up quickly. Most calligraphers schedule a two-week turnaround time, so don't leave this task until the last minute to avoid rush order fees. Remember to provide your calligrapher with a formatted address list and allow for 15-20% extra envelopes for setup.

Faux calligraphy

Choose the Right Tools

When addressing your wedding envelopes, opt for a brush pen or a waterbrush instead of a traditional calligraphy pen or paintbrush, which can be intimidating for beginners. Brush pens come in various colours and sizes, allowing you to match them to your wedding card suite. Waterbrushes, on the other hand, use ink and watercolour paint, giving you the flexibility to match any colour you desire.

Write Out the Names in Script

Start by writing out the names in script with a fine-tip pen. You can use a font like Carolyna Pro Black for inspiration and reference the different styles of letters for free using the Sample Text feature. This will give you an idea of the calligraphy style you want to emulate.

Enhance the Downstrokes

Go back over the downstrokes of each letter with a thin Sharpie marker. The downstrokes are the lines that your pen moves in a downward direction on the page. By bolding these lines, you'll add a touch of elegance and make your script look almost like real calligraphy!

Practice Makes Perfect

Calligraphy requires practice, so don't expect to master it overnight. Set realistic goals and practice on regular paper before moving on to your final envelopes. Addressing envelopes can be tiring, so consider setting a goal of handwriting 10 to 15 envelopes a day or focusing only on those going to close family and your bridal party.

Explore Calligraphy Styles

If you're not comfortable using your own handwriting, you can print out different fonts to mimic. Download a font that appeals to you and print out the entire alphabet (both uppercase and lowercase letters) as well as numbers for reference. You can also print out common words like "Mr.", "and", "Mrs.", "Street", "Apartment", and city and state names to help guide your lettering.

Prepare Your Guest List

Before you begin addressing envelopes, spend time preparing and formatting your final guest list, along with everyone's addresses. Most calligraphers will request a spreadsheet or table with each line item (title, first name, last name, street address, city, state, and zip code) in separate columns for each guest or party. This will ensure that your envelopes are addressed accurately and consistently.

Be Mindful of Timing

Give yourself plenty of time when addressing wedding invitations. It can take several minutes to address a single envelope, depending on the type of ink and envelope. Time yourself by addressing five envelopes and then calculate how long it will take to complete your entire guest list. Don't forget to have extra envelopes on hand, as mistakes can happen. Aim for 10-20% more envelopes than your guest list to be safe.

Machine printing

Etiquette and Tradition:

While traditionalists argue that hand-addressed envelopes follow proper wedding protocol and etiquette, the reality is that most people won't mind if you choose machine printing. Wedding traditions are nice to uphold, but they aren't mandatory, especially if they strain your budget.

Cost-Effectiveness:

One of the biggest advantages of machine printing is its affordability. Professional calligraphy or hiring a calligrapher can be expensive, with prices ranging from $1 to $5 or more per envelope. In contrast, machine printing is usually included in the cost of your wedding invitations and can be done for free or at a minimal cost.

Time Efficiency:

Addressing wedding invitations by hand or through calligraphy can be a time-consuming task. With machine printing, you can save yourself the hassle and dedicate that time to other wedding preparations.

Achieving a Polished Look:

Steps to Follow:

• Choose a Reputable Company: Select a company that offers wedding invitation printing services, such as Minted, Shutterfly, or Zazzle. These companies often provide free guest addressing services when you purchase your wedding invitations from them.
• Select Your Envelope Design: Choose an envelope design that complements your wedding invitations. You can opt for a simple design or something more ornate, such as a calligraphy-inspired font or a design with foil accents.
• Prepare Your Guest List: Compile a spreadsheet or document with the names and addresses of your guests. Double-check all the information for accuracy to avoid mistakes. Include titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Mx., Dr., etc.) if desired, and be sure to use full names on the outer envelopes.
• Upload or Provide Guest Information: Most companies will provide you with a template or instructions on how to submit your guest list information. Follow their guidelines to ensure a smooth process.
• Review and Proofread: Before finalizing the printing, carefully review the digital proofs provided by the company. Check for any spelling mistakes, incorrect addresses, or formatting issues. It's always a good idea to have a second pair of eyes review the proofs as well.
• Print and Assemble: Once you approve the final design, the company will print and assemble your invitations. They will handle the technical aspects of printing, ensuring that the addresses are properly aligned and formatted on the envelopes.
• Consider Additional Services: Some companies offer additional services, such as return address printing or custom wedding stamps. These can add a nice touch to your invitations and further streamline the process.
• Timing and Postage: Plan to send your invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. Bring a completed invitation to the post office to have it weighed, as you may need additional postage depending on the weight and size.

Modern calligraphy styles

Melanie Script Font

Melanie is a feminine and elegant calligraphy script with beautiful contrast between the hairlines and downstrokes. It has a bouncy feel without looking messy or too casual. Melanie is versatile and can be used for both formal and slightly more playful wedding invitations. It also includes optional ending swashes that add a unique touch to your design.

Melika Script Font

Melika Script is a modern and organic calligraphy font that has been a popular choice for wedding invitations. It comes with six different letter sets, including beginning and ending swashes. The beginning swashes are especially useful for centring your text and creating a balanced look. Pairing Melika Script with a structured block typeface like Bell MT can create a lovely contrast for your invitations.

Madina Script Font

Madina is a modern calligraphy script that comes in two styles: a brush calligraphy font with rougher edges and a more structured version. Madina is sure to impress your guests and add a touch of sophistication to your invitations.

Farmhouse Script Font

Farmhouse Script is a thinner calligraphy font with a softer and less feminine feel. It includes swashes for the beginning and ending of lowercase letters and alternate characters for ascenders and descenders, giving you plenty of options for customisation.

Sapphire Script Font

Sapphire Script is a modern calligraphy font that truly resembles handwritten text. It includes contextual alternatives, optional glyphs, multiple variations of capital letters, Roman numerals, number sets, and over 500 characters. This font is thick enough for letterpress printing or gold foil stamping and can be used for a variety of wedding invitation designs.

Canyonlands Font

Canyonlands is a whimsical and unique calligraphy font that is perfect for a desert or Southwestern-style wedding invitation. It also works well for letterpress invitations or gold foil invitations, adding a touch of elegance to your special day.

La Bohemia Font

La Bohemia is a modern calligraphy font with an organic, natural, and loose style. It makes a bold statement and is best used for larger text sizes as it can be tough to read at smaller scales. La Bohemia is an excellent choice for adding a touch of sophistication to your wedding invitations.

White Garden Font

White Garden is a simple yet elegant calligraphy font that will add a touch of sophistication to your invitations without overpowering the design. It includes beginning swashes for uppercase characters and optional swashes for lowercase characters, allowing you to create a fun and unique look.

Frequently asked questions