Custom Products

Assembly, Design, Printing

Color Matching Proofs, Recycled Paper

If you have other questions, many can be answered by visiting my site at http://calligraphybytammy.blogspot.com. Or feel free to write me at calligraphybytammy@yahoo.com.

One of the main questions I am asked is how would I like you to format your list.
I prefer that you give me your list EXACTLY as you want it to appear on your envelopes (that way there is no "guess work" as to people’s titles or who is married to whom and children, etc.), with the exception of spelling out names of streets, avenues, and states, etc. I have been doing calligraphy for 23 years, so I know the spelling of all states, and the meanings for Av. or St. or RR or PO Box. You will only need to give me the 2 letter abbreviation for the states, so you don’t have to type it all out. I will write all words in full on the front of your envelopes. It is always proper to write everything out in full.

For example:
OUTER ENVELOPE
Mr. and Mrs. James Smith
123 Main St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15223
INNER ENVELOPE
Mr. and Mrs. Smith

(You do not need to type out the words outer envelope and inner envelope, I put them there for you. You only need type the address and inner listing.) The inner envelope does not use the first name(s), only the last name. This is the formal proper way of addressing envelopes. Some folks prefer an informal way using the guests first names or Aunt Mary and Uncle Jim. If you prefer that format, make sure you have all of the names as you want them to appear in your list. This actually creates more work for you in putting together your list though, as you will need to find the first names of all of your guests and their spouses. If you use the formal way...you only need to have Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Much easier for you.
If your guests are having children to be invited with the parents, the parent’s names alone go on the outer envelope and the children are listed underneath the parents on the inner envelope only. Children over 18 living at home should receive their own invitation.

EXAMPLE:
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Mary, Robert and Amy
(children listed oldest to youngest)

If you have guests who live together but are not married, there are several ways to do them, personal preference often dictating your final choice.
The woman listed first, is one way. The second is alphabetical. The third being the person you know better listed first. These choices can be left up to you as a couple.

If you give me your list formatted in the above listed way, it is easy for me to read and follow. If you have your list in an excel spread sheet, perhaps printing it out in label format would give us this same example. There are wedding list formats on wedding sites such as the knot.com, which are very helpful in keeping track of many items such as food selections and RSVPs. You may just want to use one of those listing formats, as they are created just for weddings.

Most unusual etiquette questions can be addressed online.


When ordering place cards...
My suggestion to you when ordering place cards is to always try to order them blank. First of all it saves you money and best of all, they are much easier to write on if they are left blank. They can be formatted to center more properly and also to hold 2 names should you need that type of format. They can be written a bit larger as well, making it easier for your guests to read.
Most place cards in catalogs and print albums are shown with the letter M followed by a line, such as this:

M______________________________

This format leaves little room to completely write out your guest's names in calligraphy. I often cannot even use a calligraphy pen on them and I must write with a very thin line marker instead. Some people's titles do not begin with M such as Doctors or Judges and therefore the M wouldn't be used for such titles creating another dilemma.

I offer the creation of handmade place cards with ribbons, or layers of colored card stock to match your wedding, or we can even add flowers to them or another embellishment. I have made cards to look like luggage tags for a destination wedding, leaves or candy tags.
Feel free to share your ideas with me that you ,may find in magazines or online. I am certain to be able to recreate items for you similar to what you might find for a fraction of the price. I can write on almost anything from glass to seashells. So if you have a fun idea for place cards, feel free to discuss it with me.