10 Questions to Ask Your Calligrapher

Thinking of hiring a calligrapher to address your wedding invitations? Ask your wedding invitation designer to recommend a calligrapher. You can also get recommendations from recently married friends and relatives. But before you hire a calligrapher to address your wedding invitations, ask him or her these 10 questions.

1. Q. How long have you done calligraphy and how were you trained?
   A. Do you want someone who has only done calligraphy for a few months or as a side job? Quality comes with experience, and a hobbyist's work may not have that professional look. A calligrapher should have a degree or certificate in the arts, not just a dog-eared how-to book. Look for an artistic spirit in the work.
2. Q. How much will it cost?
   A. This will probably depend on the amount of detail (artistic craftsmanship) you want. Include an inner envelope with a one- or two-line name and design motif, and the total cost per invitation rises.
3. Q. Can you match the font on my invitation to the envelopes?
   A. Show the calligrapher your invitation and ask if he can do a font sample on the spot, or at least mail or fax one to you, before you make a decision. A skilled calligrapher should have no problem replicating the lettering.
4. Q. What is the turnaround time?
   A. Turnaround time is usually 10 days to two weeks, depending on the amount of work. Get this in writing. The last thing you need is an unfulfilled promise.
5. Q. Are you willing to stamp, seal, and stuff envelopes?
   A. For a nominal fee, most calligraphers will do this for you. It's a time saver -- besides, do you remember what happened to Susan on Seinfeld after she licked all those cheap-adhesive envelopes? Ouch.
6. Q. Will you need extra envelopes?
   A. When ordering invitations, order more envelopes than invites -- human error is unavoidable. The calligrapher will probably want extras, just in case there is a slip-up.
7. Q. Will you redo mistakes free of charge?
   A. Consider the element of human error. Suppose your calligrapher spelled Aunt Millie's name with a "y." Should you have to pay for the mistake? Get this in writing before you hand over the envelopes.
8. Q. What are some letter and design styles?
   A. Survey many samples of lettering options and designs. Your final choice will depend on your personal taste and budget. In most cases, you'll want to choose a pleasing style that reflects your invitation.
9. Q. Do you have references?
   A. This is very important. Let's say you go to the calligrapher's studio and love the work. Ask yourself: How good is the calligrapher's word when she says she can finish in less than two weeks? Ask for names and numbers of clients and call them to ask if they were happy with the results.
10. Q. Do I sign a contract?
    A. Do you need to guarantee a certain number of invitations? Are there hidden costs? Get it all in writing to avoid unpleasant surprises later.

- The Knot

Photo: Lisa Lefkowitz Photography/The Knot

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