How to Choose Your Wedding Calligrapher

One of the most challenging things you’ll come across when wedding planning, is choosing the right wedding vendors. No matter what city you are in or what style of wedding you are drawn to, you likely feel like you have a million options, which although can be wonderful, can also be incredibly overwhelming. And a picture-perfect wedding starts with hiring the right vendors…

But how do you know who the right vendors are?!

While I can’t solve all your wedding planning vendor questions (although I do have a ton of wedding planning tips on my blog), today, I want to dial in on just one thing: how to choose your wedding calligrapher.

And let me just throw this disclaimer out there: I’ve been a wedding calligrapher for over 6 years, so I like to think I have a bit of insider information when it comes to choosing the right wedding calligrapher for YOUR wedding! Below are 5 questions to ask yourself (or them) when comparing wedding calligraphers. If you think I might be the right fit, you can connect with me directly here!

1) Do you like their style?

I wanted to start here because, while it sounds obvious, I know how tempting it can be to inquire with twenty wedding calligraphers on sites like WeddingWire or The Knot before you’ve even had a chance to check out their work. I can promise you that this is one of the fastest paths to overwhelm. Before you inquire with any wedding vendor, take a look at their work and make sure you love their style first!

This step is even more imperative when hiring a vendor for their creative work, like with a wedding calligrapher. Most professional wedding calligraphers will not copy someone else’s style (like that photo you found on Pinterest!), so find someone who does work you love already (want more do’s and don’t when dealing with wedding vendors? click here).

2) What’s their experience?

I know I might be a little biased here, but for an occasion as special as your wedding day, a calligrapher’s experience will come into play. As a wedding calligrapher, I’ve seen a million things go wrong (and have learned a fair share of lessons through trial and error myself!). While calligraphy is an art, I’m using more math (and science!), than you might think. Especially on unusual mediums like a denim bridal jacket or a curved surfboard seating chart.

A calligrapher’s experience level will play a role in the kind of service you can expect to receive, as well as what the calligrapher is capable of creating. A more experienced wedding calligrapher (like me!) will be able to handle all of the details and moving parts, will deliver an excellent customer experience, will know exactly what materials to use, and will offer expert guidance to bring everything life.

3) Where are they located?

When you consider your wedding stationery (your menu cards, ceremony programs, and even your wedding invitations), it may be less important to work with someone local to you (or local to your venue) as shipping is relatively inexpensive and the pieces aren’t fragile or heavy (like a mirror seating chart would be). While I have worked with destination wedding couples before (check out this dreamy Costa Rica wedding and the pieces we created to travel well!), I usually recommend working with someone local to you if you’re looking for larger displays or more fragile pieces, like mirrors.

4) What’s your budget?

This is an important question for a few reasons. First and foremost, you likely don’t want to meet with a wedding calligrapher who is definitely above your budget (the same way you don’t want to try on a wedding dress over budget!). While you don’t necessarily need to have hard numbers before you reach out (I always encourage couples to be flexible with what they are looking for and your vendors just might surprise you!), you should have an idea of what you’re able and willing to spend so that you can narrow down wedding calligraphers that will fit within your budget. Some calligraphers will share starting prices or investment minimums on their websites, so be sure to check that out before inquiring. If you don’t see any prices, then feel free to reach out to get an idea of what their investment range is.

5) What services do they offer?

Some calligraphers only offer stationery, while others only offer day-of signage. Consider whether you’d like to work with one vendor on everything or multiple vendors. If having the option to rent is important to you, then narrow your search to only looking at calligraphers who offer rentals. Familiarize yourself with their services and your priorities to determine what will be the best fit for you!

Here at Write Pretty For Me, I create a custom wedding calligraphy package for each of my couples that encompass all of their day-of details (and often their wedding invitations too!). While I don’t offer individual items (like a just seating chart, for example), many wedding calligraphers do!

I also offer rentals for my “day of details” couples who don’t want every single piece to be personalized (whether that’s because of budget or a desire for a more eco-friendly affair!). If that’s what you are looking for, click the button below to learn more creating the perfect “day of details” package for your wedding!

Congratulations – You’ve Chosen Your Wedding Calligrapher!

No matter who the right wedding calligrapher for you is, I want nothing more than for you to feel excited and confident about your choice! If you feel like I might be the right fit for you, I would love for you to get in touch with me here. Or, for my latest work (and behind-the-scenes!), come say hi over on Instagram. I will see you there!