hand-addressing
Much more than an envelope; a hand-addressed envelope reveals how important a recipient is to the sender. It is written with the intention that it is meant for you; it's contents were created with you in mind. A handwritten envelope adds a special touch to the first piece of paper your family and friends will encounter; inviting them to not only celebrate with you, but cherish every detail to come.
Our pricing for calligraphy address envelopes are dependent on the color of the envelope, choice of ink, and style of calligraphy.
Paper
While stationers have their preferred brands (ask us, and we'll gladly give you a list or obtain the perfect envelopes for you), it's the color of envelope that makes a big difference in hand-addressing. Typically, we use a lightbox to see writing guides through light-colored envelopes. This ensures the addresses are straight on your envelope. Dark envelopes don't let light through, requiring each envelope to be hand-lined and then erased once the address is dry. This is time intensive and therefore requires an additional charge.
Image by Carography Studios
Ink
Black ink will always be standard, but don't limit yourself. Ink is available in every color of the rainbow, metallic to white, to a custom gouache to match the perfect shade of your color palette - the sky is the limit. Speciality ink normally require additional prep, and continuous mixing resulting in extra time throughout the writing process, which costs an extra $0.50/envelope. Depending on the mood you are envisioning choosing a speciality ink can take your envelope from wow to Ka-Pow!
style
Again with mood, you'll want to pick a style of calligraphy that will help set the ambience for your big day. More complex styles require more patience, skill, and time, as well as more ink to write. Therefore, pricing of styles is based on complexity. Browse the samples of styles below to see which of our common styles is best fit. If you have a look you're going for, but can't seem to find a match let us know and we can create something that will give you the same feel. We cannot, however, replicate a font, nor will we copy another calligrapher's personal style.
PRICING FOR hand-addressing
Outer Envelope Address | $2.75-5.25 depending on color and add-ons, Included in the baseline pricing is 3 lines plus zip code. By default, your addressed will be centered unless requested otherwise.
color of envelope:
Dark or opaque envelopes/card | $3.75
Light envelope/card | $2.75
Inner Envelope | $1.50/line
Return Address on Outer Envelope | $2.00/envelope
RSVP Envelope Address | $2.00/envelope
EXTRA CHARGES/ADD-ONS
Extra Lines | $0.50/line (for additional names or long addresses)
Speciality Ink | $0.50/envelope
Flourishing | $0.50/envelope
PRICING FOR DAY-OF CALLIGRAPHY DETAILS
Place Cards with Names Only| $1.00/line
Escort Cards with Name and Table Number | $1.25
Table Cards with Number Only | $2.00
TURNAROUND TIME
Turnaround time for hand-addressed envelopes is approximately two - three weeks (depending on the number of envelopes and current work load). This time includes layout out of addresses, testing and mixing inks, writing each envelope, and proof reading the envelopes before they are returned. When scheduling, please take into account the additional time necessary for delivery and corrections.
CALLIGRAPHY ACCOMMODATIONS
We require 20% extra envelopes to account for any spelling errors or ink errors/mishaps, as well as one to test the ink on. For your convenience, we can procure ink-appropriate envelopes for you at an additional charge. Any unused envelopes will be returned upon completion. However, at request we will keep a few envelopes on hand for extra, lost, or incorrect addresses.
GUEST LIST FILE
A Word Document or Excel Spreadsheet is preferred. If you would like to provide a hard copy of your addresses, please also email a soft copy in either of the aforementioned formats. The most important part is that your names and addresses are written out exactly as you would like them to appear on the envelope (e.g. Mr. and Mrs. instead of just first and last names, Florida instead of FL, No. instead #, or Apartment instead of Apt.).
Inner envelopes should be set-up in a separate document. Place cards should also be set-up in a separate document.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT
Upon booking you will be asked to remit a non-refundable 50% deposit to secure your spot in our production schedule, which will be credited to your final invoice.
Payment on your final balance will be due upon completion. For local clients, payment can be made upon delivery. If your order needs shipping, an invoice will be sent closer to completion and final payment is required before shipment. Invoice will include shipping costs. Florida residents will be charged 7% sales tax.
Cash, check and PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App are accepted.
RUSH ORDERS
Jobs are booked on a first come first serve basis.
Rush jobs may be accommodated but not at the delay of other jobs. Rush orders are considered to be inquiries needing to be completed in less than one week. If a rush order can be accommodated, it will be accepted with a 25%-75% upcharge depending on current workload and details of your project.