I love it. Love love love it. It immediately imparts a formal feel to anything that could possibly be written: invitations, programs, correspondence cards, calling cards*. Although traditional script looks lovely and elegant, swirly and whimsical is becoming increasingly popular. My favorite, that I found through Brides Houston magazine, is May Belle. Check her work out at www.may-belle.com. Below are some pics of other calligraphy creations.
And here I will admit one of my pet peeves: labeled addresses. On a formal invitation, it just ruins the effect, whether it’s the return address or send-to. If your handwriting isn’t great, be resourceful! Get a family member or friend with handwriting you like, purchase a great pen, and buy them dinner as a thank you (along with a hand-written thank you, of course!). If you can’t think of anyone whose handwriting you’d like, you don’t have to spend a lot for this effect. Get in touch with an art department at a nearby university, or even put an ad up online.
*Calling cards are back in fashion and make great gifts for bridesmaids!
May Belle Calligraphy
Primele Calligraphy
Betsy Dunlap Calligraphy
Betsy Dunlap Calligraphy
those are awesome but where are they getting those super cool stamps? does calligraphy look as good with the liberty bell on the top right corner?
*maybe some engagement pic stamps made from zazzle.com?
You’re right, you’d have to do awesome funky stamps. Is zazzle where people do those personalized ones? I once saw a rehearsal dinner invite and the stamp had a painting of the restaurant where the dinner was going to take place. It was amazing b/c it was on the river in Chicago, so pretty!