About Ordering Invitations

• Always order 25 extra envelopes (both outer and inner styles) for every 100 invitations. Mistakes are infrequent, but changes and additions can sometimes be many. I will only accept jobs with 25 extra envelopes per 100 invitations.

• Spending a lot of money on invitations doesn’t mean the envelopes are able to be hand-lettered. The paper must be determined “ink-worthy” first, and that there is no feathering or bleeding when ink is applied. Some papers simply will not accept ink. The paper must be of a tight weave; 100% cotton is a very good choice. Papers that are hand made, rough in surface or very shiny/slick must be tested first, and can potentially pose a problem. I will always ask you to send me a sample of the envelope to make 100% sure that hand-lettering can be done.

• Dark colored envelopes or inner linings can sometimes be problematic for calligraphers. Since most calligraphers work with an external light source (i.e. a lightbox), calligraphers prefer to be able to see through the envelopes to do the calligraphy. If you are unsure of your envelopes (heavy weight, dark color paper or lining, etc.), you may send a sample to be tested beforehand to make sure that the lettering can be done. It may be more time-consuming, and certainly more labor intense, but it is possible to do calligraphy on dark envelopes, or envelopes with dark inner linings. Please call our studio for details.

• Escort Cards vs. Place Cards - Escort Cards are place cards which come in two pieces: a small envelope on which the name(s) of the guest(s) are written, and an inner card, listing the table number or the table name. Both ideas are acceptable according to etiquette. It’s a matter of personal taste.

Since the table arrangements are usually finalized in the last few weeks before your wedding, escort cards are very beneficial, since numbers can be switched at the last minute if necessary, instead of having the entire place card re-done in calligraphy.

• It is perfectly acceptable to use place cards. Sometimes, however, the available space is quite small for calligraphy. The ampersand (&) sign can be used, if necessary, and sometimes abbreviated names are the only way to fit in the information.
  
  Example:
  
  Mr.& Mrs. W. Shakespeare

• Also, a newer trend in seating is the seating chart. Seating charts are original pieces of artwork in a large format, sometimes as large as 24"x36", which can be placed on an easel just outside your reception room, or just as you enter. A seating chart is elegant, artistic and unexpected; and is always custom designed to fit your needs/wants/desires. It can be beautifully framed or mounted on colored mat board to match your theme. Flowers, ribbons, or tassels can be added for the perfect, creative touch to the calligraphy.

Please inquire about rates and styles.