THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PAPER AND INVITATIONS

One early dawn Kate had a dream. I was meeting with this prospective bride at her home later in the evening. She wanted the names of the guests written on each invitation, which is the custom in her native Australia. And I really liked the idea of personalizing each one. The invitations were of a vintage style embossed with gold print. And Kate had requested that I write the names, in script style, with black ink.

In her dream she saw me having trouble writing with the black ink. When I arrived at her apartment in the village the next day she asked "Did you have any problems?" I smiled and took a deep breath. For while Kate had been dreaming of me, I had been thinking of her as I struggled to make the fine point pen work over the stubbly texture. Honestly, the black ink looked awful.

Since it was a rush job and it was well after midnight I had to make a decision on how to proceed. I knew Kate trusted me, since I'd been referred by a friend who had been pleased with my calligraphy service. I realized that the only way to do the project was to use a fine point gold marker. I worried about going ahead to finish the project, but I knew time was of the essence. So I took a few moments to meditate and seek divine guidance on my decision. When I opened my eyes I was confident I had her blessing to proceed -- so I did.

When she saw the invitations the next day she was thrilled. The gold ink sparkled and added to the elegance of the invitation. My prayer had been answered. Calligraphers usually don't have the time or inclination to pray over invitations -- unless they're desperate. But it often happens that the texture of the paper makes a job a terrible adventure.

Calligraphers understand that your wedding invitation is your proclamation of love for your wedding festivity. You may "ohhhh" and "ahhhh" over the invitations you've selected with never a thought about how the choice will work with pen and ink. So when you proudly present your beautiful invitations to your calligrapher, don't be shocked if you see a frown instead of a smile. For a calligrapher it is a moment of hell while running the fingers over the paper and wondering whether the texture of the envelope will be workable without spending too many sleepless nights experimenting to find the right pen and ink for the project.

There are several considerations to make before deciding on invitations.

#1 - Thickness of the envelopes.

In these tough economic times many couples are deciding to order their invites on line without having actually seen or touched the paper. While the price may be lean, the paper may be very thin. If the paper is thin there is often a problem for the calligrapher called "bleeding". This means that the ink absorbs into the paper and begins to spread ruining the writing. When this happens the calligrapher may have to use a very thin point and not be able to create the particular style that you wish.

#2 - Coating on the envelopes.

One nightmare project I had to tackle was writing on envelopes that had a coating of wax. Although the feel of the smooth surface pleased the couple, it made me cry. The prospective bride had her heart set on a delicate script style, but because of the wax coating on the envelope I had to use a thick pointed pen and use an heavier italic style because the paper wasn't absorbing the ink.

#3 - Dark envelopes.

Chocolate/dark brown and black envelopes are quite popular these days. But for the calligrapher the trick is to find an ink that will look good on the paper. Although my clients often request that I use white ink on brown or black envelopes, I find that it looks quite pasty and sometimes dries to an ugly off color. I usually recommend using a gold or silver. So be prepared to change your ideas when a calligrapher explains why white won't work.

All paper is different. Looking at it is one thing. Putting ink on it is quite another matter. So think about the possibility of problem when you make your choice of an invitation.

TIP OF THE DAY

When you invitations arrive, take one envelope and write on it with a fountain pen to get an idea of what the finished product may look like.

If you order dark envelopes experiment on one with a gold or silver fine point marker so you have an idea of what you like.

HOW TO HIRE A CALLIGRAPHER

"How does this work?" This is one of the most common questions I'm asked when someone calls me to do a calligraphy project. The person knows they want beautiful writing but they have no idea of how to approach the project. Whether you found them on Craigslist, in the yellow pages or on a Google search doesn't matter. What's imporant is determining whether or not they are right right fit for your project -- and your life -- at this time.

Here are the first 5 questions you need to ask a calligrapher you want to hire.

#1 - Are you a trained calligrapher or are you just using your "nice handwriting"?

There are people who market themselves as calligraphers, but they are not trained or capable of writing in various styles. Some people just want "nice handwriting". But if you want a formal look please ask what style of calligraphy they are capable to doing. The most common is Italic style. Ask if they have a website or blog so you can see samples.

#2 - What are your rates for my project?

Check the rates from several calligraphers before making a decision. But I advise that you take several factors into consideration besides the rate. Sometimes a cheap price is a red flag for inexperience or limited abilities.

#3 - Where is the calligrapher is located? Is it convenient to your job or home? You don't want to waste time getting caught in traffic for a long haul. Time is money and traffic is a thief.

#4 - What kind of attitude does the calligrapher have? If you get a cheerful "hello" you're off to a good start.

Is the calligrapher helpful or haughty? Some calligraphers are snobby. If you haven't worked with a calligrapher before they may be impatient.

Does the calligrapher sound stressed out or are they short tempered? That's a red flag for sure! You've got enough stress already, so you need someone that's calm, cool, collected and, well, just plain nice!

#5 - When can the calligrapher finish your project? Ask "what is your turn around time?"

The calligrapher should be able to give you an estimate or be willing to work with you if you're in a rush. Most calligraphers require a 3-4 week turn-around time because they're already working on projects. If you're in a rush, don't be surprised if they won't work with you.

Ultimately your decision to hire a calligrapher should be based not only on price, but also quality, convenience, attitude, and helpfulness. If you've spent a bundle on your invitations, it's better to pay more for quality. And it's especially important to be at ease with whomever you hire.

You should not have to pay for extra stress! Hire someone who cares about your project and about you as a human being!

TIP FOR THE DAY!

Have a talking script ready when you speak to the calligrapher. Here's an example:

Hello.

I'm Francesca.

My wedding is March 7th.

I have 350 inner and outer envelopes to be addressed.

I need them completed by January 30th.

The envelopes are white.

I'd like the writing in brown ink.

I'd like the Italic style.

Where are you located?

What are your rates for this project?

Do you charge a rush fee?

WARD OFF WEDDING INVITATION BLUES: Tip #1 - Make an easy to read guest/address list

If you're getting married in 2009 there are some basic facts of life about calligraphy you need to know now! Your objective must be to get your invitations addressed and to the post office without panic, frustration or fear. You must begin to develop a battle plan now so you and your significant other don't go to war on each other before the wedding.

One of the most traumatic activities in planning a wedding is getting the list of guest completed. Fortunately there are many websites that offer online guidance and formats for following all the details of your special day. The most important issue to consider before hiring your calligrapher is creating a list that is easy to read and preferably in an address style.

I have spent many sleepless nights working with a ruler on an Excel sheet to follow names and address across narrow columns in small type. This is Calligrapher Hell! Please make a list that's in the form of labels. Because at some point -- and you can trust me on this -- you're going to get tired of looking at that Excel sheet yourself. A label format is easy to read, you can make readable notes on it. It also makes checking your envelopes much easier.

For example, read this:

Francesca Simon/244 Fifth Avenue #200/New York/NewYork/10001

Isn't this easier to read:

Francesca Simon

244 Fifth Avenue #200

New York, New York

10001

Your calligrapher will love you and your wedding planning career will be easier and end earlier.

The trick is to convert your Excel sheet into a label format through a mail merge. I'm no computer expert, but it's a fairly simple process in Word. I don't mean to be mean, but don't dare ask me how to do it in MAC or Vista! But whatever you do, do it in label format and you'll be glad you did in the end!

Tip for Today!

Make getting your guest/address list together a pleasasnt experience.
Sit down with your Beloved and a bottle of wine or any bubbly beverage,
put on soft music, lay out some tasty tidbits and discuss a game plan.

* Decide on the easiest format -- Excel, Word or clear printing if need be.

* Determine several deadlines so you aren't rushed to get it all done at the last minute. For example, set a three week limit to get together the top 25 or 50 guest. That will give you time to get comfortable with gathering the information.

* Once you and your honey have a system figured out,set deadlines for in-laws to get in their list. Use the same simple split information technique so they don't get overloaded either.

A Calligrapher Who Cares

With the New Year 2009 comes new hope for love, good health, prosperity and celebration for all of life's great adventures. Calligraphy, the art of beautiful writing, brings beauty and class to every celebration or to any correspondence.

In my dealings with panicked brides, frustrated party planners and desperately seeking gift givers I always assure them that the beauty of this art is truly worth the effort. Why should a bride-to-be buy expensive wedding invitations and then stick tacky labels on them? Why should an elegant affair be burdened with boring place cards? Why buy the same flowers or perfume for a birthday or anniversary when a special poem or wedding vows can be done in calligraphy and framed as a work of art?

It is my goal to give suggestions, answer questions and provide inspiration for those who aren't quite sure how calligraphy can bring class to any occasion. I truly care about the landmarks in your life and it is my hope to help you discovers ways to say this is special" to an individual, a partner, a couple, a family an organization or company. As the year progresses let's plan together how to celebrate the special moments of your life journey and create mementos to last beyond a lifetime!

Tip for Today!

Start planning now for Valentine's Day, February 14th!

Suggestions:
1. Write or select your loved one's favorite poem or quote to be done in calligraphy and frame it!

2. Select a favorite photo to be put in a matt frame and have calligraphy written around it -- a favorite song, a special poem, or your personal greeting.

3. Create your own card like you did in grade school. But this time take it to a calligrapher have the text beautifully written and add a photo or piece of miniature artwork you like how to personalize your gift!