11 Things to Ask Your Calligrapher

Jul 18, 20244 min read

Updated: Aug 17, 2024

I've rounded up a few of my most frequently asked questions for you to take a look at! Whether you've already booked with me or are wondering how the experience works- here's a few things you should be thinking about!

1. WHAT KIND OF CURSIVE DO YOU USE?

All cursive used throughout my invitation and signage designs is my own handwriting!! It’s what makes me unique as a calligrapher and I’ve been developing my own cursive alphabet for the last seven years. I mix this cursive style with serif and sans serif fonts in all our designs. It’s a “modern” style calligraphy and much like a photographer’s editing style you’re booking me because you’ve seen it and liked it and it's not something I change from client to client!

2. DO YOU PROVIDE EASELS AND STANDS?

YES! All pricing includes stand and base rentals. I can help you decide what options are best for you based on what will best match your wedding style. For example, if you’re going for a classy black and white wedding I won’t be sending you with a rustic wood holder for your elegant bar sign!

A few stand/base options (like my white box base, wall backdrops and hanging easels) are rented items and must be returned within 3 days of the event. Anything returned broken or damaged you may be asked to compensate for. If you don't want to have anything to return after the wedding just let me know and we can arrange for that accordingly and send you with stands you can keep!

3. DO YOU PROVIDE MOCKUPS?

Only for invitations and printed day-of items like dinner menus and programs. If you’ve hired me for invitations we’ll be matching all your signs and fonts to the style we used on those. If not, I start the signage process by designing your dinner menu and then once you approve that design the rest of your items will be based on that.

When you're hiring me I trust that you've seen my style, like the look of the items I make, and trust me to create for you. You're always encouraged to send me examples of the style, look, and wording layout you're after. If not and you just want me to have fun and surprise you I use my artistic judgement and what I think will look best based on the wording/details you provide and the style you’re after based on your moodboard and wedding day vision you’ve sent over! This is usually the best option and results in my finest work! I’m able to get a really good understanding of my couple’s vision and their unique style after we meet and I get my hands on a moodboard from you or your planner!

4. I HAVE AN IDEA OF WHAT I WANT BUT AM OVERWHELMED!

CAN YOU HELP WITH DESIGN OR WORDING AND GIVE ME RECOMMENDATIONS?

Oh gosh yes! We can sit down for a call, FaceTime, or even have an in person meeting where I can bring samples! I've seen lots of setups, how colors mix, and can give you the best recommendations to make sure were staying within your wedding style and budget. I can even give you tips if you're unsure of what signs to include, what ones you may or may not need, and what has the best return on investment. I also offer complimentary wording ideas and am here to help you on etiquette, invitation timelines and more!

5. I'M INTERESTED IN A CUSTOM MONOGRAM WE CAN CARRY

OVER FROM INVITES TO SIGNAGE- CAN YOU DO THIS?

100%! This is one of the best ways to make your wedding unique, reflect you guys as a couple, and create something that carries on beyond the wedding day! These add so much to your style and wedding "brand". This obviously starts on day one with the invitation process and I have you send over some styles you’re drawn to!

6. CAN YOU WRITE ON SOMETHING I ALREADY HAVE?

Absolutely! I'll only charge you for the writing! Send a picture of it and l'll give you a quote. Items must be dropped off for me to write on two weeks before the event.

7. HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO YOU BOOK?

Most of my couples typically book between 6 months and one year of their date! The earlier the better! But don’t sweat the details yet- you don’t need to have a set design, style, guest count or sign list before then! All that isn’t discussed until our 3 month out call!

8. DO YOU DELIVER?

Yes! I can deliver if available! This is typically discussed in our 3 month out call but the earlier you let me know you’d like to add this on the better! When I deliver, this is a full service offering which means not only am I setting up and securing the seating chart but I’m also laying out menus at tables and placing each sign on their table based on the layout your planner sends over. I can pickup everything the next day if the venue allows it. If not, you can bring the items back to me or we can arrange a time and place to meet with them the week following the wedding.

9. WHEN DO I NEED TO HAVE ALL MY FINAL WORDING AND DETAILS?

One month prior to your date! This is when I need your final list that includes colors, materials and all wording (even your seating chart). I need this time to order materials, design your items, and then actually make your signs!

10. WHAT DOES YOUR $1500 BOOKING MINIMUM COVER?

This covers your basics! A simple seating chart, bar menu, table numbers, dinner menus and placecards (for 100)! Signage costs are very dependent on materials and your guest count!

11. IF I BOOK WITH YOU CAN I HAVE OTHER SIGNAGE DETAILS AT MY WEDDING?

As per the contract you sign when booking I ask that I’m the only calligraphy vendor at your wedding (this includes shops like Etsy, Zazzle, Minted, Hobby Lobby and any DIY signage) and covers anything signage-related (any type of signs, menus, placecards, etc). This keeps your wedding day experience elevated and the details consistent!