Choosing The Right Calligraphy Pen Size For Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are a special touch that adds a bit of formality to your wedding. They set the tone for your wedding and give your guests a hint of what to expect on the big day. When it comes to writing these invitations, the size of the calligraphy pen matters. The thinner the pen, the better it is for wedding invitations. A pen with a nib size between 0.5mm and 1.5mm is recommended. The Pilot Parallel Pen with a 1.5mm nib size is a popular choice for its versatility and ease of use. Other options include the Artline Ergoline Calligraphy Pen, which comes with 1mm, 2mm, and 3mm nibs, and the Sharpie, which can be found in fine or extra fine sizes.

Best pen types for wedding invitations

Wedding invitations are a chance to add a personal touch, and choosing the right pen is essential to achieving this. Here are some of the best pen types for writing wedding invitations:

Gel Pens

Gel pens are a popular choice for wedding invitations as they offer a smooth writing experience with less resistance on the paper. The ink flow is better than that of a standard ballpoint pen, resulting in bolder, more opaque lines. Gelly Roll pens, in particular, are a good option as they are available in light colours like white and pink, which stand out on dark-coloured envelopes. Gel pens are also suitable for metallic finish envelopes and come in sparkling and glowing ink options. They are also non-toxic and produce less hazardous waste. However, the ink in gel pens can take longer to dry and is more prone to smudging, so this is something to keep in mind.

Calligraphy Pens

Calligraphy pens or markers are designed for calligraphy handwriting, making it easier to add style to your envelopes. They feature an angled tip that creates bold lines with good saturation and opacity, especially on matte finish envelopes. You can also find metallic gold and silver calligraphy pens that work well on dark-coloured and metallic envelopes. The ink in calligraphy pens may be archival, water-resistant, and non-toxic. However, thicker lines may require writing larger text, and the ink may appear translucent on non-matte surfaces.

Sharpie Pens

Sharpie Pens are permanent markers that come in a range of colours and tip sizes. They are known for their smear-resistant and non-bleeding properties, even on thin envelopes. They are widely available at office supply stores and are a popular choice for those who want their invitations to stand out.

Brush Tip Pens

Brush tip pens, such as the Pentel Sign Pen SES15N, offer a versatile writing experience. They are suitable for those who want to try their hand at calligraphy but are not comfortable with a traditional calligraphy pen. Brush tip pens come in a variety of colours and can be used to create different styles and thicknesses of lines.

Fountain Pens

Fountain pens provide an elegant and classic look for wedding invitations. You can find inexpensive options at office supply stores or invest in a higher-end model. They offer a fine point for precise writing and are a good choice for those who want a formal and controlled look.

Nib size

When it comes to nib size, the thinner the pen, the better it is for wedding invitations. A fine-size pen is best for wedding invitations, with a nib size of 1.5mm or less. The Pilot Parallel Pen with a 1.5mm nib size is a popular choice and considered the best pen for calligraphy. If you want to use a different style, such as gothic, you will need a broader nib size of 3mm. Italic or normal fonts need a thinner nib, around 1mm.

The Artline Ergoline Calligraphy Pen is also a good option, with nib sizes of 1mm, 2mm, and 3mm, making it versatile for different styles. This pen is also beginner-friendly and easy to use.

For those who are not professionals and are looking for something simple, a thin sharpie or extra-fine sharpie is recommended.

When choosing a nib size, it's important to consider the style you want to achieve. The nib size will affect the thickness of the lines and the overall look of the calligraphy. If you're unsure, it's best to start with a finer nib and work your way up to thicker nibs as you become more comfortable with the technique.

Paper quality

When it comes to wedding invitations, the paper you choose is just as important as the calligraphy pen. The paper you select will depend on several factors, including the printing process, invitation style, postage, and personal preference. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect paper for your wedding invitations:

Printing Process

The printing process you plan to use will play a significant role in determining the type and weight of paper you should use. If you're printing your invitations at home, consider the paper weight capabilities of your printer. Most home printers can handle 80lb to 100lb cardstock, but it's essential to consult your printer manual for specific recommendations.

Invitation Style

The style of your invitations will also influence your paper choice. Flat invitation cards, which consist of a single sheet of cardstock, are typically made with heavier weight cardstock, usually 80lb or higher. On the other hand, folding invitation cards are made with lighter stock, typically ranging from 65lb to 100lb. This is because they are folded, resulting in a thicker final product.

Postage

Keep in mind that the weight of your invitations will affect the postage cost. Invitations weighing over one ounce will require additional postage. If you want to keep postage costs down, opt for lighter weight cardstock.

Preference

Lastly, don't forget to consider your personal preferences. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others prefer a lighter, thinner option. Choose the paper that feels right for your invitations and aligns with your design aesthetic.

Types of Paper

Now that we've covered the factors to consider when choosing paper for your wedding invitations, let's explore some popular types of paper:

• Solid White Cardstock – This is the most common type of cardstock, featuring a smooth, matte finish. It comes in various colours and weights, making it versatile and budget-friendly.
• Linen Cardstock – Linen cardstock has a delicate woven texture that resembles linen fabric. It adds visual interest to invitations and can help hide imperfections in printing.
• Cotton Cardstock – Cotton cardstock is smooth, highly absorbent, and durable. It's a popular choice for wedding invitations as it comes in a variety of weights and colours, and absorbs ink well.
• Parchment – Parchment is a thin, semi-translucent paper with a subtle marbled look. It adds a unique touch to invitations and is especially suitable for spring or intimate weddings.
• Felt Cardstock – Felt cardstock has a unique texture that falls somewhere between cotton and canvas. It gives invitations an elegant and sophisticated feel.
• Kraft Cardstock – Also known as recycled cardstock, Kraft cardstock has a rustic look and feel. It resembles coarse brown grocery bags but with a smoother finish.
• Vellum – Vellum is a translucent paper that can be used as envelopes, envelope liners, overlays, or accents. It holds ink well and adds a delicate touch to your invitations.
• Coloured Cardstock – Coloured cardstock is incredibly smooth and comes in a variety of colours and weights. It's perfect for creating a fun and cohesive look when paired with coloured envelopes.
• Wood Grain Cardstock – Embossed with a subtle wood grain texture, this type of cardstock adds a natural and decorative touch to your invitations.
• Laid Cardstock – Featuring subtle vertical ridges, laid cardstock has a soft, romantic feel. It's a unique choice for couples who want to stand out from the traditional options.

Ink type

The ink you use for your wedding invitations is just as important as the pen and paper. You can use any ink that is compatible with your pen and paper, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, if you are using a dipping pen, make sure to use an ink that is specifically made for dipping pens. India ink and Sumi ink are good options that will not damage the nib. You should also choose an ink that is thick, pigmented, and dense so that it stays in the nib longer and flows evenly and smoothly. In addition, consider the longevity and lightfastness of the ink to ensure it does not fade or wash out over time.

If you are using a cartridge-filled pen, you will need to use the type of ink recommended by the manufacturer. Some pens have refillable cartridges, while others require you to purchase a new pack of pens when the ink runs out. You may also want to look for a pen with extra cartridges in a variety of colours so you can add embellishments to your invitations.

Another option for ink is to use a gel pen. Gelly Roll pens, in particular, have ink that flows better than a standard ballpoint pen, resulting in less resistance on the envelopes and less pressure needed from your fingers as you write. Gel pens are also great for dark-coloured envelopes because they create a bolder, opaque line and can be found in light colours like white and pink. They are also better for non-absorbent metallic finish envelopes and come in sparkling and glowing ink options. However, keep in mind that gel pens consume ink faster than ballpoint pens, are slower to dry, and are easier to smudge.

Calligraphy markers are another option, especially for beginners. They have flexible felt tips and a convenient design, making them portable and easy to store. They also come in a variety of colours, so you can decorate your invitations with a variety of vivid hues. Just be careful not to apply too much pressure when using markers, as this can cause the ink to overflow and smudge.

Finally, consider using glitter ink to make your invitations more attractive. You can mix fine glitter into your ink, but be careful that it doesn't clog your pen.

Calligraphy styles

When it comes to choosing a calligraphy style for your wedding invitations, the options are endless. Calligraphy is a form of decorative handwriting that is usually written with a pointed pen, broad-edge pen, chisel-tip pen, or ink brush. It is a timeless art that adds a wow factor to your wedding invitation suite.

There are different types of calligraphy styles, or "hands", to choose from, including pointed pen, broad-edge, and chisel-tip pen varieties. Pointed pen calligraphy includes ultra-flourished and traditional hands, as well as organic, feminine, and whimsical styles. The specific style you choose will depend on your personal preference and the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

If you're looking for a more traditional style, consider copperplate or Spencerian calligraphy. These styles have been around for centuries and feature strict rules about loop length, letter slant, and stroke thickness, resulting in an elegant and sophisticated look. On the other hand, modern calligraphy is a bit more relaxed and can be tailored to the individual calligrapher's style. It often features a mix of old and new elements, such as pairing modern calligraphy with a streamlined, sans-serif typeface.

When choosing a calligrapher, be sure to look through their portfolio and reviews to find a style that resonates with you. You can also work with your calligrapher to create a custom style that fits your unique personality and wedding theme. Remember, calligraphy is an art form, so give yourself and your calligrapher plenty of time to perfect the designs and create your invitations.

Frequently asked questions