10 Questions to Ask Your Calligrapher Before You Book
Booking a calligrapher might feel like just another to-do on your never-ending wedding or event checklist—but truthfully, the right calligrapher can transform your entire vibe. From that first welcome sign to the last detail card, calligraphy brings personality, polish, and a truly custom feel to your celebration.
Whether you're planning a wedding, a luxury brand event, or a sweet baby shower, here are 10 questions to ask your calligrapher before you lock anything in:
1. What services do you offer?
Not all calligraphers offer the same thing. Ask if they provide:
Envelope addressing
Wedding signage
Escort cards/place cards
Engraving
Day-of signage
Rentals (like mirrors or backdrops)
Understanding their full service menu helps you envision what you can include—especially things you might not have thought of yet!
2. Can I see your portfolio or past work?
Style matters. Make sure their work aligns with your vision—whether that’s soft and romantic or bold and modern. Look at past events, surface materials, and layout options.
3. Can you match my event’s style or color palette?
A great calligrapher doesn’t just write beautifully—they design with intention. Ask if they can incorporate your fonts, colors, or theme to make everything feel cohesive.
4. How far in advance should I book?
Good calligraphers book up fast—especially during peak wedding season. Many couples book 3–6 months out (or earlier!). Get clarity on their timeline so you’re not scrambling last-minute.
5. Do you provide proofs or mockups?
This is key. You want to see how everything will look before anything goes to print or paint. Some calligraphers provide digital mockups or sketches so you can make adjustments before the final version is created.
6. What surfaces do you work on?
Paper is just the beginning. Many calligraphers (hi, it’s me!) can write or engrave on:
Acrylic
Wood
Glass & mirrors
Shells
Bottles
Leather
Fabric
Ask what’s possible—it’s usually more than you think.
7. Do you offer rentals or materials?
Need a mirror for your seating chart or a frame for your welcome sign? Ask if they provide rental options or if you’ll need to source those items yourself.
8. What is your pricing structure?
Some charge per piece, some offer packages. Be clear on what’s included, what’s custom, and what might be an additional fee (like rush jobs or extra rounds of revisions).
9. What’s your turnaround time?
Make sure you understand when your pieces will be delivered or available for pickup—especially for wedding day signage. You want everything done before your planner starts setup!
10. What’s the process like from inquiry to delivery?
Great calligraphers will walk you through every step. Ask:
How to get started
What they need from you
When to expect proofs
When final pieces will be ready
Clear communication makes your life so much easier.
