Mastering Faux Calligraphy For Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding calligraphy is a timeless art that adds a wow factor to your wedding invitations. It is an expensive endeavour, with custom calligraphy costing up to $1 per line. However, you can fake calligraphy and achieve a similar elegant look yourself with the right tools and techniques. This involves choosing the right envelopes, ink colours, and pens, as well as practising calligraphy styles and techniques.

Choosing the right pen

When it comes to choosing the right pen for your wedding invitations, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that faux calligraphy can be created with any writing instrument. This includes regular pens, gel pens, fine-tip ink pens, fountain pens, markers, fineliners, and even pencils.

If you are looking for a more elegant and sophisticated look, a fountain pen or fine-tip ink pen may be a better option. These pens create precise and delicate lines, giving your invitations a refined appearance. For example, the Pilot Plumix Fountain Pen from jetpens.com, priced at $7.25, can be a great choice for adding a touch of luxury to your invitations.

On the other hand, if you prefer a bolder and more playful look, gel pens can be an excellent choice. Gel pens offer a thicker and fuller appearance to your calligraphy, making your invitations stand out. It is recommended to opt for a more expensive gel pen that delivers a smoother and richer ink flow. This will ensure that your writing appears polished and consistent.

Additionally, consider the colour of the ink. If you have light-coloured envelopes, a darker ink colour such as black, blue, or dark purple will show up well. Conversely, if you have dark or brightly coloured envelopes, white, silver, or gold ink will be more visible.

When choosing your pen, it is also essential to consider the surface you will be writing on. Certain pens may work better on specific surfaces. For instance, if you are writing on a chalkboard, a regular chalk stick can be a suitable option.

Lastly, it is always a good idea to practice with different pens on similar paper before finalizing your wedding invitations. This will allow you to get a feel for how each pen writes and help you decide which one best suits your style and the overall aesthetic of your invitations.

Ink colour

When choosing the ink colour for your wedding invitations, it's important to consider the colour of your envelopes. Lighter ink colours such as white, silver, and gold show up best on darker or brighter envelopes, whereas darker colours like black, blue, or dark purple are more suitable for lighter-coloured envelopes.

If you're feeling creative, you can even match your ink colour to your wedding colour palette. Play around with different ink colours and envelope combinations to find the perfect match for your wedding theme.

Additionally, if you're using a gel pen, opt for a more expensive one that produces a thicker colour. This will ensure that your calligraphy stands out and looks elegant. It's also a good idea to buy extra pens, especially if you have a large number of invitations to write. That way, you won't run out of ink halfway through.

Finally, don't forget to practice on scratch paper before writing on the envelopes. This will help you figure out the best ink colour and calligraphy style for your invitations.

Paper type

When it comes to choosing paper for your wedding invitations, there are a variety of options, from high-end to cost-effective. The weight and finish of the paper are important factors to consider, as well as the printing method that will be used. Here is a guide to help you select the perfect paper for your invitations:

Card and Cover Stock:

According to graphic designer and stationer Joy Scott Montgomery, wedding invitations should always be printed on card stock. Thicker, heavier paper gives a more luxurious feel, making your invitations seem expensive and couture. The typical weight for cover stock is 120 pounds, and it can come in a variety of finishes, including unfinished, satin, silk, and glossy. Smooth matte paper is a popular choice among brides, who often add textures like linen to give the invitations a more elegant look. Linen cardstock has a delicate woven texture and a matte finish, adding visual interest to simple invitations. If you're looking for something with a bit more shine, you can choose paper with a metallic or pearlized finish.

Cotton Fiber:

Cotton fiber paper is the costliest option. This paper is made with 100% cotton, giving it a super soft feel and a flawless appearance. It is highly durable and responds well to ink absorption techniques like letterpress, making it a popular choice for premium invitations.

Kraft and Wood-Grain Paper:

For a more rustic or DIY feel, kraft and wood-grain paper are great options. These papers convey an outdoorsy, intimate vibe and are perfect for couples who want a more relaxed, informal wedding.

Glassine and Clear Vellum Paper:

If you're looking for a more subtle, negative space effect, glassine and clear vellum paper are classic choices. These materials are flexible, translucent, and very thin, often used in layered invitations to add depth and interest. However, they do require special assembly, as glue can be visible, and they may increase bulk and postage costs.

Premium Finishes:

To really make your invitations stand out, you can opt for premium finishes like foil printing or metallic pearl paper. Foil printing in colours like gold, silver, or rose gold gives a luxurious shine to your invitations. Meanwhile, metallic pearl paper adds a subtle shimmer to your colours, though it is best paired with lighter shades to truly showcase the effect.

Paper Weight:

When selecting paper, it's important to consider the weight, which is measured in pounds or "lb" in the US. Cardstock weight typically ranges from 45# to 300# or higher, with higher numbers indicating thicker cardstock. For home printing, 80# to 90# cardstock is ideal, as it works well with most desktop printers. For a more professional look, you can go up to 100# or even 110# to 130# cardstock, though you may need industrial printers for these weights.

Printing Considerations:

The printing method you choose will also impact your paper selection. Techniques like engraving, embossing, foil stamping, and letterpress require custom-made metal plates and dies, which increase the cost. Flat digital printing, on the other hand, offers more freedom and flexibility, allowing you to play with paper textures and finishes while keeping costs low. Keep in mind that some printing methods may not work well with certain papers, so it's important to consider the two together.

Letter formation

The first step to achieving beautiful calligraphy is to ensure you have the right tools. You will need a pencil, envelopes, gel or ink pens, scratch paper, and ink. When choosing envelopes, opt for a matte finish, as shiny or satin envelopes may not absorb the ink well. Choose an ink colour that will show up clearly on your envelopes—for darker envelopes, white, silver, or gold ink works well, while lighter envelopes pair nicely with darker ink colours.

Next, decide on your pen. Gel pens are a great option for this project, as they produce a thicker line, but be sure to buy more than one in case you run out of ink. Fine-tip ink pens, such as the Sharpie pen, are also a good choice as they dry quickly and can easily be used to write over pencil marks.

Now, you're ready to start writing! If you're a beginner, it's a good idea to practice on scratch paper before moving on to the envelopes. Here are some tips to help you form elegant letters:

• Outline the letters you'd like to pen with a pencil. This will help you stay within the guidelines and keep your words even.
• Angle your hand at a 45-degree angle from the paper, and hold the pen with your thumb, index, and middle finger. Keep your hand and arm relaxed, and use your index finger to lightly control the pressure.
• Dip your nib about ¼" into the ink, then dab it with a non-fibrous cloth to remove excess ink.
• Decide on your angle before you begin, as this will guide your upstrokes and downstrokes. The upstroke is when your nib travels towards the top of the page, creating a thin line, while the downstroke is when your nib moves towards the bottom, creating a thicker line.
• To create a cohesive look, ensure your nib is pointing in the same direction for each letter.
• Use your index finger to guide the pressure placed on the pen. Sit upright so that the pressure doesn't come from your wrist, hand, or arm.
• Use a pencil and ruler to draw parallel lines on your paper as a framework for your lettering. For an italic look, for example, use parallel diagonal lines.
• To create a rhythmic, appealing flow, apply slightly more pressure on downstrokes to make the lines thicker, and less pressure on upstrokes to make them thinner.
• Slant your letters to the right to create a pronounced look. Adjust your paper to a 90-degree angle instead of changing the angle of your hand.
• Draw a baseline (bottom line), x-height (middle line), and cap height (top line). Keep your letters within this framework to achieve balance in your lettering.
• Emphasise certain words by making them bigger or thicker than others.
• Add festive embellishments to your calligraphy, such as flourishes at the beginning or end of a word, or after letters like 'p', 'y', or 'j'.

Remember, calligraphy is an art form, and it may take some practice to perfect your letter formation. So, take your time, relax, and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful!

Practice makes perfect

If you're looking to fake calligraphy for your wedding invitations, there are a few simple techniques that can help you achieve an elegant and professional look. While it may take some practice to get the hang of it, the results will be well worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you create beautiful fake calligraphy that will impress your wedding guests.

Choose the Right Tools

Before you begin, it's essential to gather the right tools for the job. This includes items such as envelopes, gel or ink pens, scratch paper, and a pencil. When selecting envelopes, avoid satin or shiny textures, as the ink may not apply well to these surfaces. Consider the colour of your envelopes and choose an ink colour that will stand out. For darker or brighter envelopes, white, silver, or gold ink will show up best. For lighter-coloured envelopes, opt for darker inks like black, blue, or dark purple.

Practise on Scratch Paper

Before you start writing on your envelopes, take some time to practise on scratch paper. This will help you get a feel for the calligraphy style and improve your lettering skills. Printable calligraphy practice sheets are also available online, which can be helpful for beginners. Take your time and don't be discouraged if your calligraphy doesn't look perfect right away. With a bit of practice, you will see significant improvement.

Master the Techniques

Calligraphy involves creating thick and thin lines by varying the pressure and direction of your pen strokes. The downstrokes, where you push downwards, should be thicker, while the upstrokes, where you lift the pen upwards, should be lighter and thinner. To create smooth and graceful lettering, hold your pen at a consistent 45-degree angle and use your thumb, index, and middle fingers to grip the tool lightly. Keep your hand and arm relaxed, and guide the pressure gently with your index finger.

Focus on Legibility

While it's tempting to get carried away with intricate loops and curls, remember that legibility is essential. Your guests should be able to read the addresses without squinting or struggling to decipher the script. You can add flourishes and embellishments, but be sure to use them sparingly and focus on keeping the overall look elegant and clear.

Enhance Your Style

Once you've mastered the basic techniques, feel free to experiment with different styles and embellishments. Try adding festive flourishes at the beginning or end of words, or incorporating them into the tails of letters like "p," "y," or "j." You can also create emphasis by writing certain words bigger or thicker than others. Play around with different ink colours, pen types, and paper textures to find the combination that best suits your wedding theme and style.

With enough practice and patience, you'll be able to create beautiful fake calligraphy that will add a touch of finesse and class to your wedding invitations. So, take your time, enjoy the creative process, and watch as your calligraphy skills flourish!

Frequently asked questions