How Early Should I Book A Calligrapher for My Wedding?
TLDR: as early as possible!
I know, you’re mesmerized watching videos of calligraphy on Instagram and you can’t wait to book your favorite ink artisan. By the looks of it, they can probably bust out a hundred envelopes in an hour! I’ve burst a lot of bubbles around that idea, and I’m sorry if this bursts yours… those videos are sped up—a LOT. Hand addressing is tedious, time consuming, perfectionistic work. If you want your stationery professionally handled by an experienced calligrapher, your best bet is to inquire early and book several months before your mailing date. Many calligraphers book their calendars three to six months in advance (I’ve had mine booked even farther out at times), so to avoid those hefty rush fees, contacting your favorite calligrapher should be on the front end of your planning to-do list. If you wait until your invitations are already printed and ready to be addressed, you might be disappointed to find your favorite calligrapher is unavailable, or you’ll pay a substantial extra fee as a last minute booking (think: 25-200%).
A seasoned calligrapher
may have their calendar booked 3-6 months in advance or more…
Let’s talk about the time line (this is “ideal” timing, but I realize some engagements are shorter, so adjust as needed to your situation). I like to work backward from the wedding date, so reverse order goes something like this:
Wedding Day! Dates below indicate prior to wedding date:
Order Save the dates: 5-12 months prior
Mail Save the dates: 4-11 months prior
Order invitations: 4-6 months prior (for destination weddings, 5-8 months)
Book calligrapher: 4-6 months prior (for destination weddings, 5-8 months)
Mail Invitations: 6-8 weeks prior (some people get nervous about this, but you don’t want to send too early and lose the hype!) for destination weddings, 3-5 months prior is advised
If you have a shorter engagement period, all is not lost - there are plenty of calligraphers who are happy to take on last minute jobs if there’s a cancelation or opening in their schedule. Alternatively, you may have to do some extra digging to find a calligrapher you like with a schedule match.
Time line
is an essential part of planning to make sure your vendors can take care of your needs
What about the day-of stuff? Oh you mean like place cards, seating charts and signage? Glad you asked! It’s a good idea to book your day-of calligraphy needs at the same time as your invitation addressing - why? Because if you want a cohesive look and love your calligrapher, you’ll want to make sure you’re on their calendar for ALL of it before their schedule fills. If you order the invitation calligraphy and then realize you also want place cards, signage, seating charts, etc a month before your big day, they might not have room on their calendar anymore (remember that whole section above about how far out they book?)!
As a rule, I always make my clients a priority. If they order stationery from me and put off booking the day-of materials until last minute—I get it, and I will do everything I can to accommodate and make magic happen! And most calligraphers I know would do the same. Just know, it really helps out your stationer and calligrapher if you give them a head’s up early on (even if you aren’t 100% sure what you’ll need). And BONUS—you might even get yourself a better rate because of volume.
Day-of Calligraphy
items shouldn’t be neglected on your time line
If you feel overwhelmed with having too much to do and not enough time, working with a great wedding planner will ease the process—believe me. Plus, they can often help you find the right vendors for the details, including a calligrapher! If you have questions about the planning process, stationery or calligraphy for your event, shoot me an email! I’m always happy to help.
x
-Angi