Question 1

I would like to hire you for my wedding/event! How do I do this?

Accepted Answer

Awesome! I'm super excited to work with you. Please send me an email or submit a proposal request form (found here: https://www.calligraphilly.com/proposal-request)(javascript:void(0)). 
 
I'll give you a quick price quote and overview of the process, and we can discuss materials, including paper selection, ink colors and options and other details. Once we're all squared away, a 50% deposit is required to begin work. The remaining 50% is due prior to the work being shipped or picked up.

Question 2

How far in advance should I contact you about my project?

Accepted Answer

My availability tends to book up approximately 1-2 months in advance, sometimes more if it's the middle of wedding season! 
 
For invitation envelope calligraphy: please contact me around the time you've started working with your invitation designer (approximately 4-5 months before your wedding).
 
For place and escort cards: please contact me as soon as you have a rough idea of the number of escort cards you will need calligraphed (approximately 2 months in advance). 
 
For engraving commissions: please contact me as soon as possible, as engraving slots book up quickly, often 1-2 months in advance. 
 
However, I sometimes have lulls in my schedule and am happy to accommodate last minute projects when I'm able! Please don't hesitate to reach out regardless.

Question 3

I live outside of Philadelphia. Can I still use your services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course! We are based in Philadelphia but have clients all over the country and hopefully, someday all over the world!

Question 4

Where are you located and what are your appointment times?

Accepted Answer

Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot accommodate in-person appointments until further notice, but are happy to "meet" with you via Zoom!

Question 5

I need my envelopes completed ASAP! How long does it normally take?

Accepted Answer

The standard turnaround time is 3-4 weeks, with exceptions for both very small projects (1-2 weeks) and very large projects (4-6 weeks). Please contact us for specifics on what category your particular project would fall under.

Rush pricing is in effect when the client gives less than the required amount of production time, and can range from 10%-50% of the total project cost. Each application of rush pricing is customized to the project; please contact for more details.

Question 6

I need a job done by TOMORROW! Is this possible?

Accepted Answer

The absolute maximum number of envelopes that can be completed in one day is 15; the maximum number of escort cards is 25; the maximum number of place cards is 35. 
Next-day orders will incur the largest rush fee percentage.

Question 7

Do you supply the materials?

Accepted Answer

It depends!

Normally if the job in question is envelopes for wedding invitations, your invitation designer will order them for you and have the return address printed on the back. However, I'm happy to order materials on your behalf (usually incurring a small sourcing fee). 
 
Escort cards can go either way! You are welcome to supply them yourself or we can discuss materials and I can order them for you. 
 
For large-scale art commissions such as Quaker marriage certificates, these involve large sheets of archival quality watercolor paper that need to be custom cut- it's usually better for me to handle directly. 
 
For bottles of alcohol that you would like engraved, they must be pre-purchased and delivered to me for engraving. In accordance with state liquor laws I am not able to sell alcoholic products to clients. 
 
Didn't find the answer to your question? Please feel free to contact me at contact@calligraphilly.com.

Question 8

Do you have minimum order quantities?

Accepted Answer

There is a $50 minimum on all orders.

Question 9

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

CalligraPhilly accepts cash, PayPal, and direct bank transfers or credit cards (processed securely through the WAVE invoicing software).

Checks are only accepted for deposits for new customers, and are required to clear prior to the start of any work. Checks may be accepted from repeat customers based on the discretion of CalligraPhilly.

Question 10

I'm looking for my wedding seating chart to be calligraphed on a big mirror/chalkboard. Do you do that?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not offer mirror or chalkboard calligraphy/signage.

Question 11

I want my escort cards to be on river stones/mirrors/marble tiles/acrylic/soccer balls/shrunken heads/water bottles/diamond encrusted cat collars. Can you do calligraphy on non-paper materials?

Accepted Answer

We can always try! All non-paper materials are subject to an individual surcharge which can vary by material. Most materials like acrylic and marble are subject to a $1.00 per item surcharge: please contact for custom pricing.

Question 12

Can you also assemble and mail my invitations after you have completed the envelope calligraphy?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Please contact me for more details.

Question 13

What kind of materials can you engrave on?

Accepted Answer

We are currently able to engrave on glass and unplated metal surfaces. 
 
We are not able to engrave on pressure-bottled beverages such as sparkling wine, champagne, and beer, and find that metal engraving looks best when unplated. We are not able to engrave on leather, suede or fabric.

Question 14

I would like to have a bottle of alcohol engraved- can I ship it to you?

Accepted Answer

Shipping alcohol by private individuals is prohibited in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. All bottles to be engraved must be dropped off and picked up in West Mount Airy, Philadelphia.

Question 15

Do you work on-site at events?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I am happy to act as an on-site calligrapher or engraver for events. Please view the following page for more details: https://www.calligraphilly.com/on-site-calligraphy-and-engraving

Question 16

I have an antique document that I would like calligraphy done on. Do you do this?

Accepted Answer

In most situations, yes!

We have written names onto certificates printed in the early 1800s with success, but each project is different- please contact us with a brief description of your project.

Question 17

I would like a large wall piece with lyrics/wedding vows/poetry on it. Is this something you do?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I would be happy to give you a custom quote for pieces of that size. As a general rule, the pricing structure is $1.00 per word, with headings and decorative elements incurring additional fees.

Question 18

I am hosting a fundraiser and want the invitations calligraphed. Can you do it for free?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately we are unable to do large projects such as fundraiser invitations for free. However, we occasionally will donate calligraphy packages as auction items to support good causes. These donations are available once or twice a year, please contact for details.

Question 19

I am a wedding industry professional and need a calligrapher for a styled shoot. Would you be interested?

Accepted Answer

Of course! I participate in a number of styled shoots per year and have a small budget set aside for materials and labor.

Please get in touch so that we may discuss details of the collaboration.

Please note that I will be unable to complete large and detail-intense pieces or very expensive ($200+) pieces for styled shoots without appropriate compensation.

Question 20

Is your work handwritten or done on the computer and printed?

Accepted Answer

Every piece from the CalligraPhilly studio is lovingly handmade. However, pieces such as invitations and menus can be designed for print reproduction in mind. This means that one version will be approved and digitized into a high-quality PDF file to send to a printer.