We used modern calligraphy in a dark blue to match the invitation. Each envelope was printed with original artwork in a tumble down the front of the envelope. The florals wrapped over the top and continue down the back flap to the return address!
We have two sets of envelopes on the print table this week.
The first is a modern take on florals in pale lavender, designed with florals and vines surrounding the address.
The second is a garden suite with roses in pale purples, blush, and jasmine vines asymmetrically on the envelope.
We begin each of our projects very much the same, all of which includes selecting a calligraphy style. Rather than having a set number of scripts that we offer to every client, we create new ones based on what our bride is looking for. I watch my calligraphy styles evolve and change so rapidly, that even if I had a set number of styles I offered, that set would only be relevant for a matter of months before it evolves into something new and better.
I also love that we present our brides with what their names will look like in calligraphy, which certainly changes the way they view each style.
This is how we always begin our creative process! We sketch out your suite and preset you with calligraphy options to jump start our design process.
Calligraphy has had a massive comeback in the last decade. When I first began my personal calligraphy journey in 2009, I couldn’t find a calligraphy class to save my life. I figured it out on my own, trial and error style.
These days it’s hard to ignore calligraphy in the world around us. It has been integrated into weddings, top to bottom, but also in logos, menu design, home decor, pillows, mugs, etc. (Home Goods, I’m looking at you for those last few).
The calligraphy we see ubiquitously throughout our world generally falls into to major categories (no, I’m not being technical here): modern and traditional. There are a whole handful of styles out there, but we’re talking about Copperplate here formed with a pointed pen and dip ink.
It took me a long time to learn how modern calligraphy moved and its characteristics. Traditional, flourished, formal calligraphy came most naturally to me, while I found the modern styling something I really had to learn.
I love how calligraphy can change the entire look and feel of an invitation. You can take an otherwise formal and traditional invitation and completely shake it up by adding a bold and modern script, or take a super clean and modern style and add in some traditional calligraphy to bring off the edge a bit.
Spot Calligraphy refers to a specific selection of calligraphed words in your wedding invitation suite. You could think of them as the titles of each of your invitation pieces…thinks like:
bride and groom’s names
“please reply”
“reception to follow”
your venue name
city and state of your return address
“dinner and dancing”
“please join us”
etc.
When working with an invitation designer or calligrapher, you can have them create “spot calligraphy” for your invitation suite and provide you with the title lettering to be used throughout your suite.
Good morning and happy Monday! The 9 instructors of the upcoming Modern Calligraphy Summit have a special treat for you today! We sat down with Ashley Lurcott, the host of our Summit, and chatted about our favorite tools and why we love them! Grab a cup of coffee and settle in for a 30 minute video, get to know us a bit, and kick start your week!
(Post Script: I'm a total dork on camera)
If you singed up yesterday, you'll have a link in your email. If not, sign up here and join in the fun!
