Creating Beautiful Wedding Invites With Calligraphy Prints

Wedding calligraphy is a timeless art form that adds a wow factor to your wedding invitations. It is a form of decorative handwriting that is usually written with a pointed pen, broad-edge pen, chisel-tip pen, or ink brush. This traditional style of writing brings an elegant, formal look to wedding stationery and is a great way to add a personal touch to your special day.

If you're thinking of adding calligraphy to your wedding invitations, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, it's important to find a calligrapher whose style you like and who can create the specific look you want for your invitations. Calligraphers can be found through local calligraphy guilds or by word-of-mouth recommendations. It's also crucial to book your calligrapher early, as their schedules tend to fill up quickly.

Another thing to consider is the cost. Calligraphy is typically priced per piece, with envelopes costing around $2 to $7 each. The final cost will depend on the calligrapher's level of experience, the complexity of the design, and the materials used.

Finally, keep in mind that calligraphy is a time-consuming process, so give yourself and your calligrapher enough time to complete the task. It's recommended to send out wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, so plan accordingly.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful and elegant wedding invitations that will impress your guests.

Choosing the right tools and materials for calligraphy

The tools and materials you need for calligraphy will depend on the style of calligraphy you want to create. The most common tools and materials for calligraphy are:

• Paper: The type of paper you use will depend on the style of calligraphy and the tools you are using. For example, for pointed pen calligraphy, you need a minimally absorbent paper with no texture and a minimal paper weight of 100gsm. Southworth Business Paper (32 lbs/120gsm) is a good option for blackletter calligraphy, while HP Premium Choice (32 lbs/120gsm) is a good all-around paper for pointed pen calligraphy. If you are practising, then Canson Marker Paper is a good option as it works well with most calligraphy pens. For final artwork, you might choose Canson, Hahnemuhle or Khadi watercolour paper.
• Pen: There are many different types of pen that can be used for calligraphy, including straight pens, oblique pens, brush pens and fountain pens. The type of pen you choose will depend on your personal preference and the style of calligraphy you are creating. For example, straight pens are better for illustrations and modern calligraphy types, while oblique pens are better for styles that require more of a slant. For brush calligraphy, you might choose a Tombow Fudenosuke or a Tombow Dual Brush pen.
• Ink: Again, the type of ink you use will depend on the style of calligraphy and the tools you are using. Sumi ink and India ink are good options for beginners, while Speedball Super Black, Winsor & Newton, Higgins, Daniel Smith and Dr. Ph. Martins are recommended for use with dip pens and nibs. If you want to add colour, then gouache is a good option as it comes in a range of colours and can be mixed to create unique shades.
• Other tools: Other tools you might need include a pencil for creating guidelines, a ruler to ensure your lettering is straight and symmetrical, and an eraser to remove any pencil marks once the ink is dry. If you are using a dip pen, you will also need a container for your ink and a cup of water to dip your nib into if the ink isn't flowing smoothly.

How to hold a calligraphy pen

Holding a calligraphy pen correctly is essential to mastering the art of calligraphy. Here are some detailed instructions on how to hold a calligraphy pen:

Basic Grip

The way you hold a calligraphy pen differs significantly from holding a regular pen. With a regular pen, people usually maintain a curled grip, allowing their fingers to control the pen. However, with a calligraphy pen, you want to adopt a more relaxed grip. Your index finger should only be slightly bent, and the pen should be supported, rather than controlled, by your thumb, index, and middle fingers. This basic grip is the same for both right-handed and left-handed people.

Writing with the Basic Grip

Having the correct grip is just the first step. You also need to learn how to write with it. As you write, concentrate on keeping your index finger only slightly bent. Your finger movement should be minimal, and most of the movement should come from your arm. Your fingers are mainly there to exert pressure on the nib. Maintaining good posture is also important. Avoid hunching over your work, as this can cause back and breathing problems. Instead, sit up straight and breathe regularly.

Holding the Pen Vertically

It is best to avoid holding the pen vertically. Holding it vertically increases the probability of the nib digging into the paper and can cause ink flow issues. Instead, hold the pen about half an inch from the end, which will give you better control over pressure and nib direction.

Oblique Calligraphy Pens

Oblique calligraphy pens are designed to give right- and left-handed people a better angle while writing. The grip is similar to the basic grip, with your thumb and index finger on top of the pen and your middle finger resting underneath. If you are right-handed, your thumb will also rest on the flange, giving you complete control over the pressure exerted on the nib. Left-handed people can use the same grip but mirrored.

Holding Your Brush Pen at an Angle

When using a brush pen for calligraphy, it is crucial to hold it at an angle. This will allow you to create those distinctive thick and thin strokes. Hold the pen at a 45-degree angle, and maintain this grip as you write. You will need to familiarise yourself with the tip of the pen to control the pressure better. On the upstroke, apply light to no pressure, and on the downstroke, apply more pressure to allow the pen to flex and place more ink onto the page.

How to apply pressure when writing with a calligraphy pen

When creating calligraphy, it is important to understand when to apply pressure. The amount of pressure you apply to your brush pen directly affects the width of each of your strokes. The more pressure you apply, the thicker your strokes will be. And the less pressure you apply, the thinner your strokes will be.

Pressure is the act of exerting force on an object, such as a brush pen, onto something else, such as a piece of paper. Pressure can be heavy and forceful, or it can be light and gentle. The amount of pressure you need depends on the writing style and effect you desire.

When creating brush calligraphy, in particular, you want to apply heavy pressure to create thick downstrokes and light pressure to create thin upstrokes. The variation of thick and thin strokes is what defines calligraphy. Therefore, knowing when to apply pressure is crucial for creating brush calligraphy.

To create pressure, press your brush pen down with force. Before you begin writing, be sure you are holding your pen correctly and at the proper angle. Every brush pen is different in size and flexibility, which means you must spend time getting familiar with your pen. Hold your pen at an angle to avoid fraying the tip of your pen and to also optimise the flexibility of the tip. It may take some time to get used to the brush pen, as it is very different from a regular marker or writing tool.

When exerting pressure, you must maintain control over the brush pen and continue holding the pen at the proper angle. Your angle may adjust slightly with each stroke. Over time, you will find yourself adapting your own unique grip and hand/finger position around your brush pen to adjust for your own writing style.

To create thin and thick lines, hold the pen at the proper angle and bring the pen to the page by barely touching the tip of the paper. When creating thin strokes, you do not need to apply much pressure, if any at all. Once the tip of your pen touches the paper, slowly and carefully draw a line at an angle, and do not exert much force with the pen.

To create a thicker stroke, apply more pressure to the pen. Press your brush pen onto the page (maintaining the proper angle) and watch as the tip flexes or slightly bends, allowing more of the tip to touch the page. Keep this pressure, or amount of force, on the pen, and draw a stroke. If you are holding your pen at the right angle, you’ll see that the stroke is significantly thicker than your previous upstroke. You can experiment with different amounts of pressure and observe the varying stroke widths each amount of pressure creates.

Controlling the pressure can be tricky when you are first learning brush calligraphy. A huge part of gaining control is knowing your pen. Be sure to get familiar with your pen and learn how to hold it correctly. To control the pressure you exert, practice varying amounts of pressure for long periods of time. In other words, practice!

The biggest advice that has helped me develop a good sense of control is to break down my words and letters and go slow. If you get too far ahead of yourself and try to write long paragraphs before you master basic strokes, you will find it difficult and frustrating to master control over your pen. Do not rush or else you risk compromising quality and the ability to improve your strokes based on the pressure you exert.

How to create different stroke effects

To create different stroke effects, you must first understand the basics of calligraphy strokes. There are 8 basic calligraphy strokes that form the foundation for all calligraphy letters. These are:

• The Entry/Entrance Stroke: A thin upstroke that curves slightly following the slant lines.
• The Underturn: Starting with heavy pressure, the pen curves at the bottom and finishes with a light pressure thin upstroke.
• The Overturn: Similar to the underturn but in reverse, starting with a thin upstroke and ending with a thick downstroke.
• The Compound Curve: A combination of the overturn and underturn. It starts with a thin upstroke, curves at the top, and transitions into a thick downstroke and then a thin upstroke.
• The Oval: A tricky stroke that starts on the side with a light pressure upstroke, transitions into a thick downstroke, and then back to a light pressure upstroke.
• The Ascending Loop: Starting with a thin curved upstroke, the pen turns down into a thick straight downstroke, always parallel to the slant lines.
• The Descending Loop: Opposite of the ascending loop, starting with a thick downstroke and ending with a thin curved upstroke.

Once you have mastered these basic strokes, you can create different stroke effects by varying the pressure on your pen and rotating or twisting your pen mid-stroke. Here are some techniques to achieve different stroke effects:

• Gradual Release: Starting with adequate pressure, gradually release the pressure on one side of the nib while maintaining pressure on the other side.
• Finishing Release: Similar to the gradual release, but performed at a traditional slanted angle, creating a sharp tail at the end of the stroke.
• Controlled Flaring: Applying pressure to one side of the nib to create decorative filigrees, flourishes, or other decorative elements.
• Gestural Flaring: Similar to controlled flaring but performed with more speed and fluidity, adding organic, expressive flourishes.
• Stroke Twisting: Twisting the pen mid-stroke to create nuanced curves and organic letterforms. This technique can be applied to straight strokes or circular strokes.

By combining these basic strokes and advanced techniques, you can create a variety of stroke effects to give your calligraphy a unique and expressive style.

How to find and hire a calligrapher

Calligraphy is a timeless art that adds a wow factor to your wedding invitations. It is a simple yet elegant detail that adds a touch of formality to your wedding and showcases your attention to detail. Here is a guide to help you find and hire a calligrapher for your wedding invitations:

• Start your search early: Calligraphers tend to get booked up quickly, so it is essential to start your search early. Try to book your calligrapher when you book your invitations to ensure you get on their production calendar.
• Local calligraphy guilds: One of the best ways to find a calligrapher is by reaching out to your local calligraphy guild or association. Most states or major cities have a calligraphy organization, such as the Michigan Association of Calligraphers, that can provide a listing of local calligraphers or connect you with their members.
• Stationery designer recommendations: If you are working with a stationery designer, they should be your first point of contact. Stationery boutiques often have a list of trusted calligraphers they collaborate with and can match you with an artist who suits your needs and style.
• Online marketplaces: Online platforms like The Knot Vendor Marketplace and Thumbtack offer an easy way to find calligraphers near you. These sites allow you to filter by location, view portfolios, and request information without leaving the site.
• Word-of-mouth recommendations: Ask friends or family who have recently sent out wedding invitations with calligraphy. A personal recommendation from someone who has experienced the calligrapher's work firsthand can be valuable.
• Portfolio and reviews: When you have narrowed down a few potential calligraphers, be sure to review their portfolios and customer testimonials. This will give you a good sense of their style, skill, and the experience of working with them.
• Contact and availability: Reach out to your shortlisted calligraphers with your wedding date, guest count, wedding style, and the services you require. This will help them provide an accurate quote and timeline for their services.
• Pricing: The cost of calligraphy services varies depending on the calligrapher's experience, the complexity of the order, and the local market. Envelope addressing typically ranges from $2.50 to $6 per envelope, while place card calligraphy starts around $2 per card.
• Contract and deposit: Once you have chosen your calligrapher and agreed on the details, be sure to finalize the agreement with a signed contract and deposit.
• Provide guest list and addresses: Work with your calligrapher to format your guest list and addresses. They will usually request a spreadsheet with each line item (title, names, address details) in separate columns for each guest.

Remember, adding calligraphy to your wedding invitations is a special touch that will impress your guests and elevate their experience.

Frequently asked questions