Calligraphy pricing can vary widely depending on the type of service, materials, and level of customization. Whether you’re booking handwritten envelopes, invitation suites, live event calligraphy, or engraved perfume bottles, each service involves different tools, time, and expertise — all of which affect the final cost.
In this guide, you’ll find a clear breakdown of what goes into calligraphy pricing and what to expect when budgeting for your event. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Typical price ranges for wedding calligraphy, invitations, signage, and place cards
- Cost examples for live calligraphy and engraved items like perfume or wine bottles
- Factors that influence pricing such as design complexity, materials, and turnaround time
- Real client examples that show how calligraphy enhances an event’s style and experience
- Tips for budgeting and maximizing value when hiring a calligrapher
By the end, you’ll have a realistic understanding of calligraphy costs and what you’re truly investing in craftsmanship, personalization, and art that elevates your wedding or event.
Calligraphy Service Cost Overview
Calligraphy pricing can vary depending on the service type, materials, surface, and level of customization. Below is a complete overview of popular calligraphy services with typical pricing ranges to help you plan your budget more confidently.
Live Calligraphy (On-Site Events) Pricing Idea
| Service Type | Typical Pricing | Details |
| Live event calligraphy (corporate/private) | $150 – $300 per hour (3-hour minimum) | Names, short quotes, or personalized items created live. |
| Live engraving (bottles, products) | $200 – $350 per hour | Ideal for luxury brand activations and private events. |
| Live foiling (hot foil) | $250 – $400 per hour | Real-time metallic personalization for premium experiences. |
| Travel fees | +$0.50–$1/mile or flat travel fee | Varies based on distance and event location. |
Engraving & Luxury Personalization Calligraphy Pricing Idea
| Service Type | Typical Pricing | Details |
| Bottle engraving (perfume, wine, whiskey) | $25 – $75 per item | Engraved lettering on glass surfaces with optional gold fill. |
| Metal engraving (jewelry, pens) | $30 – $120 per item | Elegant personalization for luxury gifts. |
| Leather personalization | $20 – $50 per item | Perfect for wallets, journals, or accessories. |
| Acrylic engraving | $25 – $60 per item | Ideal for keepsakes, plaques, and awards. |
Wedding Calligraphy Pricing Idea
| Service Type | Typical Pricing | Details |
| Outer envelope addressing | $3.50 – $7 each | Handwritten guest names and addresses. |
| Inner envelope addressing | $1.50 – $5 each | Optional for formal invitations. |
| RSVP envelope | $2 – $4 each | Includes return address or custom script. |
| Place cards | $1.50 – $4 each | Available on paper, acrylic, or gold leaf. |
| Escort cards | $2 – $5 each | Includes guest name and table number. |
| Table numbers | $8 – $25 each | Designed on paper, glass, or acrylic. |
| Vows (handwritten) | $80 – $250 per set | Custom keepsake script layout. |
| Wedding signage package | $150 – $800 | Includes welcome, seating, and bar signage. |
Invitation & Stationery Calligraphy Pricing Idea
| Service Type | Typical Pricing | Details |
| Custom invitation suite (design + calligraphy) | $500 – $1,500+ | Fully personalized design on premium paper. |
| Envelope calligraphy only | $350+ per 100 envelopes | Pricing depends on script style and ink. |
| Wax seals | $1.50 – $4 each | Optional embellishment for invitations or envelopes. |
| Spot calligraphy (names/logos) | $75 – $250 | Used for printed materials and branding. |
| Save-the-dates lettering | $150 – $300 | Script lettering only, ready for printing. |
Signage & Event Displays Pricing Idea
| Service Type | Typical Pricing | Details |
| Welcome sign | $75 – $300 | Designed on wood, acrylic, or chalkboard. |
| Seating chart | $150 – $600 | Displayed on cards, acrylic, or large board. |
| Menu board | $60 – $250 | Ideal for restaurants, bars, or weddings. |
| Mirror calligraphy | $100 – $350 | Client-provided or rental mirrors. |
| Business signage | $200 – $1,000+ | Custom lettering for commercial spaces. |
Commercial & Business Services Pricing Idea
| Service Type | Typical Pricing | Details |
| Logo in calligraphy | $300 – $1,200 | Custom-designed logos (licensing may apply). |
| Branding lettering | $350 – $1,500 | Style development for marketing or packaging. |
| Product packaging calligraphy | $200 – $900 | Hand-lettered lines or quotes for packaging. |
| Certificate calligraphy | $10 – $25 each | For awards, schools, or formal presentations. |
Custom Gifts Pricing Idea
| Service Type | Typical Pricing | Details |
| Quotes (8×10) | $40 – $120 | Hand-lettered quotes using brush or dip pen. |
| Family name signs | $60 – $200 | Great for home décor or gifts. |
| Handwritten letters | $30 – $80 | Elegant, personalized letters (framed optional). |
| Poem or art calligraphy | $100 – $350 | Artistic layouts for poems or special messages. |
Why Calligraphy Pricing Matters
Calligraphy transforms wedding stationery into art, adding elegance and personalization that sets the tone for your event. From envelopes to signage, each piece is a reflection of your style and story. However, pricing can seem opaque without a clear understanding of what’s involved. By breaking down the costs, I aim to build trust and help you see the craftsmanship behind every stroke.
For example, at a recent Miami wedding, I created calligraphed envelopes with a modern brush script in pastel inks, matching the couple’s coastal theme. Guests were so impressed that many kept the envelopes as keepsakes, highlighting the emotional impact of calligraphy. This guide will help you navigate pricing so you can invest in stationery that creates similar lasting memories.
For additional context, explore resources like The Knot’s Wedding Calligraphy Basics
Factors That Influence Calligraphy Pricing
Design Complexity
The intricacy of the calligraphy style affects pricing. Simple designs, like basic text in a modern script, require less time and skill than elaborate styles like Copperplate with flourishes or custom monograms. For instance, a minimalist script might cost $2 per envelope, while a flourished script could be $5–$6.
Read this helpful wedding calligraphy envelopes guide.
Materials
The quality and type of materials used play a significant role:
- Paper: High-quality cardstock, textured paper, or specialty papers like vellum or handmade stock increase costs.
- Inks: Standard black ink is typically included, but metallic, white, or custom-blended inks (e.g., gold or rose gold) add fees due to their complexity and cost.
- Surfaces: Calligraphy on non-paper surfaces like glass, wood, or fabric requires specialized techniques, raising prices.
Providing your own materials can reduce costs, but consult your calligrapher to ensure compatibility to avoid issues like ink bleeding.
Quantity
The number of items directly impacts the total cost. For example, addressing 50 envelopes is less expensive than 200, though bulk orders may qualify for discounts. Each piece requires individual attention, so larger quantities increase labor time.
Turnaround Time
Standard projects typically take 3–6 months, included in base pricing. Rush orders, needed in less time, incur additional fees due to prioritization and extra effort. For example, a rush fee might add 20–50% to the total cost, depending on the timeline.
Calligrapher’s Experience and Reputation
Experienced calligraphers with a strong reputation, like myself, often charge higher rates due to their expertise, demand, and ability to deliver exceptional results. My 16+ years of experience at Carla Schall Designs ensure precision and luxury, reflected in my pricing.
Additional Services
Services like hand-engraving, foiling, or painting add a luxurious touch but increase costs. These are quoted separately based on the project’s scope.
Pricing at Carla Schall Designs
At Carla Schall Designs, I offer bespoke calligraphy services tailored to luxury weddings and premium events. Since every project is unique, I provide personalized quotes after a consultation to ensure pricing aligns with your vision. However, here’s a general overview of my pricing structure:
| Service/Package | Description | Price |
| The Signature Touch | Keepsakes for wedding party & family (up to 16 items) | Starting at $2,000 |
| The Heirloom Experience | Day-of calligraphy + gifting for up to 50 guests | Starting at $3,500 |
| The Live Luxury Experience | On-site personalization – both entertainment & gifting | Starting at $5,000 |
| Day-of Calligraphy | Vows, lyrics, place cards, monograms, love story maps, bottles, cake servers | Included in packages above |
| Live Event Personalization | Real-time engraving/calligraphy – guests watch items being customized | Included in packages above |
| Hand Engraving | Etching on glass, metal, stone, porcelain (wine glasses, decanters, mirrors, perfume) | Included in packages above |
| Pyrography/Woodburning | Heat-pressed designs on wood & leather (cutting boards, notebooks, luggage tags) | Included in packages above |
| Calligraphy & Lettering | Decorative handwriting on paper, glass, leather, metal surfaces | Included in packages above |
| Painting & Monograms | Hand-painted artwork on various items, sealed on-site | Included in packages above |
| Bridal Party Gifts | Perfume bottles, leather clutches, jewelry boxes, decanters, champagne sabers | Included in packages above |
| Love Story Maps | Hand-painted maps showing first date to proposal to wedding locations | Included in packages above |
| Custom Monogram Design | Personalized monogram for wedding details | Included in packages above |
My pricing reflects the high quality, personalization, and craftsmanship of my work, honed over 16 years of experience. Each project begins with a consultation to understand your needs, followed by custom design drafts and meticulous execution. To see examples of my work, visit my portfolio. For a tailored quote, contact me to schedule a consultation.
Read a calligrapher’s guide to beating burnout.
Real-Life Examples from My Work
To illustrate how pricing translates to value, here are two recent projects that showcase the range of costs and the impact of calligraphy:
Miami Bohemian Wedding
A couple planning a bohemian-themed wedding in Miami needed 150 envelopes addressed with a modern brush calligraphy style in black ink, plus a custom monogram for their invitations. The breakdown was:
- Envelope Addressing: $4.50 per envelope x 150 = $675
- Custom Monogram Design: $200
- Total Cost: $875
The couple was thrilled with the relaxed, artistic vibe of the calligraphy, which complemented their coastal theme. Guests kept the envelopes as keepsakes, adding a sentimental touch to the event. [Visual: Insert portfolio image of calligraphed envelopes here]
Palm Beach Formal Wedding
For a black-tie wedding in Palm Beach, the couple requested 100 envelopes with a classic Copperplate script in gold ink, 100 place cards, and a welcome sign. The costs were:
- Envelope Addressing: $5 per envelope x 500 = $2500
- Place Cards: $3 per card x 100 = $300
- Welcome Sign: $150
- Total Cost: $2950
The elegant script matched the venue’s grandeur, and the bride noted that the calligraphy “set the tone for a truly luxurious experience.” [Visual: Insert portfolio image of Copperplate envelopes and welcome sign here]
These examples demonstrate how costs vary based on project scope, design preferences, and materials, but also highlight the emotional and aesthetic value calligraphy brings to a wedding.
Budgeting Tips for Calligraphy Services
To make the most of your calligraphy investment, consider these practical tips:
- Plan Early: Book your calligrapher 3–6 months in advance to secure availability and avoid rush fees, especially during Florida’s peak wedding seasons (spring and fall).
- Prioritize Key Items: If your budget is limited, focus on high-impact elements like envelopes or invitations. You can add place cards or signage later if funds allow.
- Provide Materials: Supplying your own paper or envelopes can reduce costs, but consult with your calligrapher to ensure compatibility with inks and tools.
- Discuss Bulk Discounts: I offer discounts for larger orders, so inquire about this during your consultation to maximize value.
- Balance DIY and Professional Services: For budget-conscious couples, consider DIY for simpler items like place cards and hire a professional for envelopes or invitations to ensure quality.
The Value of Professional Calligraphy
Hiring a professional calligrapher offers distinct advantages that justify the investment:
- Expertise: My 16+ years of experience ensure precision, consistency, and a polished result that aligns with your vision.
- Time-Saving: Wedding planning is demanding; outsourcing calligraphy frees you to focus on other details.
- Customization: I collaborate closely with clients to create designs that reflect their unique style, from monograms to venue-inspired elements.
- Quality: Professional tools and materials guarantee durable, high-quality pieces that stand out.
For a recent Orlando wedding, my calligraphed envelopes and signage were a highlight, earning compliments for their elegance. This level of craftsmanship is why couples trust Carla Schall Designs.
Get inspired by elegant calligraphy ideas for weddings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about calligraphy pricing:
What factors affect the cost of calligraphy?
The cost depends on the type of service, design complexity, materials used, quantity, turnaround time, and the calligrapher’s experience. For example, intricate designs or specialty inks increase costs, while simpler styles are more affordable.
How far in advance should I book calligraphy services?
I recommend booking 3–6 months in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak wedding seasons. This allows time for design revisions and production without rush fees.
Do you offer rush services?
Yes, I offer rush services for an additional fee, depending on the project’s scope and timeline. Planning ahead is ideal for the best quality and experience.
Can I see examples of your work?
Absolutely! Visit my portfolio to explore samples of my calligraphy for weddings and events, showcasing both modern and classic styles.
Invest in Your Wedding’s Story
Calligraphy is a beautiful way to add elegance and personalization to your wedding, and understanding pricing helps you appreciate the craftsmanship behind each piece. At Carla Schall Designs, I’m passionate about creating bespoke stationery that reflects your love story. While costs vary based on your needs, my commitment to quality ensures every project is a work of art.
Ready to elevate your wedding with calligraphy? Contact me for a consultation to discuss your vision and receive a personalized quote. Explore my services and portfolio for inspiration, and let’s create stationery that makes your day unforgettable.
