Calligraphy by Jennifer

click on photos to enlarge them for better viewingenvelopes in Spencerian script

Contemporary script style

Monoline script

 Envelopes! from outer envelopes, to double envelopes.

Before the 20th century, the postal service wasn’t very reliable. In fact, it was nearly nonexistent in certain areas. The only guaranteed way to deliver a wedding invitation was by hand delivery, usually sent by a hired courier or servant of the family. Since many of these deliveries were by horseback, the envelope might not arrive in the cleanest condition. Thus, the double envelope was designed. Once the courier reached his destination, he handed the invitation to the butler or housemaid, who then removed the outer envelope and handed the inner envelope along with the invitation to the master or mistress of the house. This is why it is now considered traditional to use the complete, formal name and address of your invited guests on the outer envelope of a double envelope set (or on the outside of a single envelope). -The Emily Post Institute

click on photos to enlarge

Wedding invitations can be done several ways. Some prefer the whole invitation written in calligraphy which is very elegant. Others like the look of having only their names written in a fancy script, and then insert that into their invitation. Please note that I am not a printer, nor do I supply paper or card stock. It is best to work along with a stationer and printer. I am happy to recommend names to you. I typically supply a digital file of the artwork.

click on photo to enlarge

Place cards are placed at the table where the guest will be seated for the occasion. They contain the first and last name of the individual guest. Escort cards are often placed close to the entrance of your reception area. They are tiny envelopes with the name of the guest on the outside. Depending on how formal you desire to be, a single guest would read Miss Georgiana Darcy. A married couple would read Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy. A single guest with a guest whose name you do not know would read Mr. Charles Bingley and Guest. Contained within the little envelope is a card with the table number where that guest will be seated.

The Encyclopedia Britannica defines the monogram as “a design or mark consisting of two or more letters intertwined.” Monograms are created from a combination of initials or they can be a single letter that is beautifully decorated. They are special and tell a story for generations to come.

click on photo to enlarge

Simple rules to remember: anything seen before the wedding, such as your wedding invitation or program, should only have double monograms. This means the first initials of the bride and groom’s names. After the wedding ceremony, such as for the reception, thank-you cards, etc., you can use the single initial of the groom’s last name or the triple monogram (groom’s last name initial with the first initial of bride on the left, and first initial of groom on the right). Don’t forget, you can also have monograms placed on your linens, flatware and writing paper.

For better viewing, feel free to click on a photo and enlarge it

The possibilities are endless! If you have an idea, just ask!!!