Weddings and calligraphy are an eternal match. Calligraphy is the key to leaving an impression of elegance for your most intimate celebration. Hiring a Professional Calligrapher is an important part of the planning for your perfect day.
Tip #1 - Decide if you want "nice" handwriting or a Professional Calligrapher.
An untrained person with "nice" handwriting may be able to write addresses, but a Professional Calligrapher has organizational skills that will make the process less stressful. If you're in a crucial budget crunch one way to save money is to use "nice" handwriting for your save-the-dates. You can sometimes negotiate with a Professional Calligrapher to do "handwriting" for the save-the-dates for a reduced rate.
Tip #2 - Determine if the Calligrapher you are considering is a trained calligrapher or do you just have "nice handwriting?"
There are persons who market themselves as a Calligrapher, but they are not trained or capable of writing in various styles. Sometimes you want just want "nice handwriting" -- but you need to know the difference from the beginning. Nice handwriting is not calligraphy! A trained calligrapher is an individual who has been trained in the "art" of calligraphy and has studied various styles. They are often able to adapt a calligraphy style to match your printed invitation. Printers often mix and match lettering styles. A Professional Calligrapher can usually create a style harmonious with your printed invitations.
Tip #3 - Research the style of Calligraphy you like.
One of most popular styles for weddings is Italic. The style is sleek with clean, clear slanted line. It is not as time intensive as other styles and therefore is not as expensive as styles, like Edwardian, which require dipping pens in bottles of ink. You can search the internet ideas. But a good Professional Calligrapher will have a site where you can see samples.
Tip #4 - Consider if you'd like to use colored ink on your invitations.
A Professional Calligrapher is comfortable working with different colored ink, as well as metallic gold and silver ink and/or markers. Depending on the quality of your invitation paper, a Professional Calligrapher will be able to do a test on the paper and can tell you if it is possible to do it.
Tip #5 - Consider the personality of your Professional Calligrapher.
The type of attitude a calligrapher has is a good clue or how they will work with you. If you get a cheerful "hello" you're off to a good start. Determine if the calligrapher is helpful or haughty? Some calligraphers are snobby. If you haven't worked with a calligrapher before they may be impatient. If a Professional Calligrapher sounds stressed out or are impatient that's a red flag! You've got enough stress already, so you need someone that's calm, cool, collected and, well, just plain nice!
Tip #6 - Weigh the rates of the several Professional Calligrapher for your project before making a decision.
Several factors should be taken into consideration besides the finance. Sometimes a cheap price is a red flag for inexperience or limited abilities. It is better to pay more money for a Professional Calligrapher that organized, easy-going and considerate than to hire someone, who may be cheaper but a stress-carrier.
Tip #7 - Hire a Professional Calligrapher who lives locally.
Hiring a Professional Calligrapher, who is convenient to your job or home, will keep you from getting caught in traffic and wasting time with shipping. A Professional Calligrapher, who lives nearby can meet with you for a consultation and any last minute changes or questions.
Tip #8 - Find out an estimated time needed to finish your project?
Calligraphers call this a "turn around time. The calligrapher should be able to give you an estimate or be willing to work with you if you're in a rush. Most calligraphers require a 3-4 week turn-around time because they're already working on projects. If you're in a rush, don't be surprised if they won't work with you.
A Professional Calligrapher who cares will work with you to figure out a way to work within your time frame. You should not have to pay for extra stress! Hire someone who cares about your project and about you as a human being!
Tip #9 - Begin your search for a Professional Calligrapher at least 3 months before your wedding date.
If you have less than three months, then you definitely want to hire an experienced Professional Calligrapher. Juggling a deadline and organizing the project can be accomplished with a Professional Calligrapher. A small project of 50 invitations or less have a "24 hour turnaround time" - but expect to pay a rush fee.
Tip #10 - Have a talking script ready when you speak to the calligrapher.
Here's an example:
Hello.
I'm Francesca.
My wedding is December 31st
I have 350 inner and outer envelopes to be addressed.
I need them completed by November 1st.
The envelopes are white.
I'd like the writing in brown ink.
I'd like the Italic style.
Where are you located?
What are your rates for this project?
Is there a different price for the inner envelopes?
Do you charge a rush fee?
