Jan Hurst Calligraphy and Design: Proper Wedding Etiquette Requires Hand-Addressed Envelopes

Louisville, KY, April 06, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Etiquette requires hand-written addresses on envelopes. Some think this means they have to be addressed in calligraphy. Some are unaware of this rule of wedding etiquette. According to Jan Hurst of Jan Hurst Calligraphy & Design, calligraphy is not a necessity. If a person has pretty handwriting, that is all that's required. Hand lettered calligraphy, however, immediately signals to guests that this will be a very special event. Calligraphy sets the tone for the wedding and is the first impression guests will have.

A good wedding calligrapher can answer most questions about appropriate etiquette, appropriate styles and time lines for getting those invitations into the mail. For a June wedding, for instance, Hurst says that brides should already be working with a calligrapher - or even have their invitations in the mail.

Her advice to brides is to start early. "When you begin looking at invitations you should already be booking your calligrapher. How do you find a good calligrapher? First, many stationers will recommend a calligrapher for you. Second, you may opt to have even your invitation hand lettered for the ultimate in elegance. For that you will need early consultation with your chosen calligrapher."

An often overlooked facet, according to Hurst, is that brides should order at least ten additional envelopes for every one hundred they plan to send. This allows for corrections to addresses, stray ink, and additions to the guest list. "It costs very little to add the extra envelopes to your original order but can be expensive to add a few later."

Hurst, who uses pointed and broad edged pens that she dips in ink rather than fountain pens and ball points, says, "You just can't get the same fineness of strokes from a fountain pen as you can from a special pointed pen nib, and the fine lines contrasting with the thicker ones provide much of the grace of fine hand lettering." The antique pointed pen nibs Hurst uses are becoming very scarce, but they are her favorites, and are the favorites of many master penmen as well.

What about labels? They are a no-no says Hurst. "Your own or a willing friend's pretty and legible handwriting is fine, but labels are not. This is a formal and personal event, not a business experience."

For a summer wedding, plan for your calligraphy needs now. Contact Jan Hurst Calligraphy & Design via her wedding blog: www.weddingletterlady.blogspot.com

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