In my opinion, calligraphy is definitely an underappreciated art form. I may sound like a total nerd, but I was just so happy with the way that our stuff turned out, that I strongly encourage you to set aside a bit of money in your stationery budget for a calligrapher. The great thing about it, too, is that you really can control the cost somewhat easily. You can do this by comparing the prices offered by various calligraphers, of course, but you can also pick and choose what, exactly, you'd like handwritten, and what you can just print yourself. When I first started looking at wedding invitations, I actually considered getting my invites entirely handwritten. We were planning on a pretty small wedding, with a limited guest list, so I thought that the cost associated would be doable. I ultimately decided to go with a letterpress invitation design, and hired a calligrapher to address the envelopes (our invitation printer handled our return address). Later on, I also hired another calligrapher to create our sand dollar place cards!
Both my invitations and place cards ended up being two of my very favorite wedding details, because despite the fact that I personally didn't write them, they still felt specially made for our guests. Each handwritten name added a personal touch that you just can't replicate on a computer. It adds that extra little bit of character and charm that really makes all the difference.
With all of that being said, I've rounded up some of my favorite calligraphy designers for your consideration. Before I do though, I thought I'd mention that I was very happy with the calligrapher who handled my wedding invitation envelopes - Hillary of Feather Letter . I went with a more modern look for our invitations, although there really are so many different styles of calligraphy out there, and each one is just a little bit different and unique!
Because I do think that cost is often a huge factor when considering calligraphy, I was sure to include the price for each one of the handwritten envelopes (or place cards) pictured below. Keep in mind that the prices are for the calligraphy only; in most cases, you'll need to provide the paper/envelopes yourself. Please also note that these prices are subject to change, so definitely click on the Etsy links provided to make sure they're still accurate since I first recorded the prices this morning!
Elegantly Scripted - Wedding Calligraphy
Designs by Robyn Love - $2.00 ( 100 cards)
Kristen Henderson Calligraphy - $2.50 guest address + $1.50 return address = $4.00 per outer envelope
NJW Calligraphy - $1.00 per place card tag (name only)
Dancing Pen & Press - $2.95 guest address + $1.55 return address = $4.50 per outer envelope
2 Inspire Designs - $1.15 per outer envelope (guest address)
Inkblot Calligraphy - $3.00 per outer envelope
NJW Calligraphy - $2.50 guest address + $1.50 return address = $4.00 per outer envelope
Calligraphy by Hillary - $2.50 guest address + $2.00 return address = $4.50 per outer envelope
Pink Ink Paper & Calligraphy - $1.75 guess address + $1.00 return address = $2.75 per outer envelope
Pink Ink Paper & Calligraphy - $1.00 per place card
Laura Lavender Art - Custom 10 x 12 "Just Married" sign, $30 CAD
BP Invites - $1.75 guest address + $1.00 per additional address = $2.75 per outer envelope
Angelique Ink - $2.75 guest address + $2.00 per return address = $4.75 per outer envelope
Inkblot Calligraphy - $3.00 per outer envelope
