How do You Find a Reputable Calligrapher?

Louisville, KY, February 28, 2013 --(PR.com)-- According to Jan Hurst of Jan Hurst Calligraphy & Design, brides should plan their invitations and wedding calligraphy early. "As soon as you have booked the venue, you should already be scheduling a visit with your calligrapher." If you've never done this before, you may wonder how to find a good calligrapher.

Hurst says, "Most brides today find the calligrapher in one of three ways: on the internet, referrals from friends or recommendations from stationers and coordinators." Start by searching online for '(your city name) + calligraphy'. Then check the calligrapher's work online, look for testimonials and samples of their work. If you have questions, ask for a physical sample or schedule a visit to see her portfolio to be sure that the calligrapher can actually do work as displayed online. "Many brides save the envelopes they get from friends' weddings, using them as reference when they decide upon the style they want. One bride told me she saw an envelope framed and hanging in an interior decorator's home...she found out that I was the calligrapher, and that's how she chose me. We don't think that ephemera like wedding envelopes will be saved and framed, so that was very flattering."

Hurst advises that your wedding calligrapher offers more than envelope addressing and lettering place cards. She can also design your invitations, program and menu for printing, thus carrying the elegant look of fine hand lettering throughout - from the first impression your guests will have on opening the beautifully addressed envelope through to the reception after the nuptials, and even to the thank you notes afterward. Did you know that now she can work with your stationer to combine hand lettering with type, or even design a special postage stamp that only you will have?

Do you really need a calligrapher? "Hiring a calligrapher takes the burden of addressing envelopes off the bride's list of the seemingly millions of things she has to do," Hurst says. Calligraphy can help communicate the theme of your event and preview the color scheme. Your calligrapher can help you with questions of addressing etiquette that you may not be aware of, and can present your wedding invitation beautifully to your guests. This is a very special event, and calligraphy sets the tone for the wedding and provides the first impression guests will have."

For the ultimate in elegance afforded by a hand lettered invitation you will need early consultation with your chosen calligrapher. For a spring or summer wedding, plan for your calligraphy needs now. Contact Jan Hurst Calligraphy & Design via her wedding blog www.weddingletterlady.blogspot.com.