Wedding Calligraphy Guide
Create stunning wedding calligraphy for invitations, place cards, and more. Learn professional techniques for envelope addressing, formal layouts, and elegant signage that makes every wedding memorable.
Table of Contents
Wedding Calligraphy: Your Complete Planning Checklist
Planning wedding calligraphy doesn't have to be complicated. Follow this straightforward checklist to ensure beautiful, timely calligraphy for your special day—whether you're hiring a calligrapher or doing it yourself.
Wedding Calligraphy Timeline: 6-Month Action Plan
Follow this timeline to ensure stress-free calligraphy planning. Check off each item as you complete it.
Research & Book Calligrapher
Top calligraphers book up 6-12 months ahead, especially for peak season (May-October)
Choose Calligraphy Style
Select from: Copperplate (formal/traditional), Modern Calligraphy (contemporary/relaxed), Italic (classic elegance)
Set Calligraphy Budget
Typical range: $1,500-2,500 for full package (see pricing guide below)
Finalize Complete Guest List
Include: Full legal names, titles (Dr., Mr., Mrs., etc.), complete mailing addresses, plus-ones
Confirm Signage Wording
Decide on: Welcome sign text, table numbers vs. names, directional sign messages
Order Envelopes & Materials
Choose envelope color/size (typically A7 for invitations)
Submit Guest List to Calligrapher
Provide Excel/Google Sheets with complete, verified information. Allow 3-4 weeks for addressing
Review Sample Addressing
Confirm style, layout, and spelling before full production begins
Receive & Review Envelopes
Check all envelopes for accuracy before mailing invitations
Order Signage
Welcome sign, seating chart, table numbers, directional signs
Finalize Seating Chart
Complete after RSVP deadline
Order Place Cards & Final Items
Place cards, menu cards, favor tags (if needed)
Simple Pricing Guide: What to Expect
Wedding calligraphy pricing varies by location and calligrapher experience. Here are typical 2024-2025 rates:
Envelope Addressing
Example: 150 invitations = $525-900
Day-Of Details
Example: 150 place cards = $225-450
Signage
Total Package Example
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- • Skip return addressing—use return labels or print
- • DIY favor tags and thank you cards (do after wedding, no time pressure)
- • Combine orders with your calligrapher for volume discounts
- • Prioritize what guests see most (invitations, place cards, welcome sign)
What Your Calligrapher Needs From You
Guest List Information (Excel or Google Sheets):
Column 1: Full Names
Include proper titles: Dr. John Smith & Mrs. Jane Smith OR John and Jane Smith
Column 2: Street Address
Complete street address exactly as it should appear
Column 3: City, State, ZIP
Complete with proper formatting
Column 4: Special Notes (if any)
International addresses, apartment numbers, special formatting requests
Materials to Provide:
- Envelopes (order 10-15% extra for mistakes)
- Blank place cards or signage boards (if calligrapher doesn't provide)
- Inspiration photos showing style preferences
- Your return address for envelopes
⚠️ Critical: Double-Check Everything!
Spelling errors and address mistakes caught after production begins cost extra ($5-10 per correction). Have two people review your guest list before submitting. Most calligraphers charge for changes after work starts.
Should You DIY or Hire a Professional?
✅ Good DIY Projects:
- Thank you cards - Do after wedding, no time pressure
- Favor tags - Small, imperfections add charm
- Small signage - 8x10" or smaller, low visibility
- Vow books - Only you see them, very personal
❌ Hire These Out:
- ✕Envelope addressing - 100+ envelopes, very time-consuming, stressful
- ✕Place cards - Need 100+ identical, consistency matters
- ✕Large signage - Mistakes very visible, hard to fix
- ✕Seating chart - High stress if errors occur, guests see immediately
Real Talk: DIY Reality Check
DIY addressing 150 invitations takes 20-30 hours for beginners, 10-15 hours for experienced calligraphers. That's time during the busiest planning period of your life. Professional addressing ($600-900) often makes sense when you value your time and stress levels. DIY the low-stakes items instead!
Quick Reference: Key Dates
6 months
Book calligrapher
8 weeks
Submit guest list
2-3 weeks
Final details (place cards)