Throughout history calligraphy has adorned holy scriptures, royal correspondence, and many beautiful works of art. Calligraphy, literally "beautiful writing" and often defined as "the art of the written word", has traditionally been used for the most significant events. It is only natural for today's discerning bride to find a place for it within her wedding design.

But calligraphy, as with most artistic endeavors, needs just as much attention as any other aesthetic aspect of your wedding. Today's calligraphy artists can design styles to fit almost any wedding theme, from modern to traditional. The hard part is figuring out which style best fits your taste. Here are a few tips which can help you make choosing your calligrapher and calligraphy style easier.

Why Calligraphy? "Because your invitations will be the first aspect of the wedding your guests will see and feel." says Joanne Kluba, owner and designer of Paper Birds. "It will set the tone, mood, and formality." A beautiful envelope elegantly addressed is the epitome of a sophisticated event's first impression. Although a luxury for some, many brides see it as an essential aspect of their wedding. "When guests see their names beautifully calligraphied on a place card, it's like someone has actually thought of them during the wedding planning" says Joanne. "Many guests love them so much, they take them home after the wedding."

Budget and Time-line Once you have decided that you would like to incorporate calligraphy into your wedding design, consider its place within your wedding budget. For example, hiring a calligrapher to design placecards can be less expensive than having her address invitation envelopes or designing table menus. Naturally, your budget will determine the amount of time and work your calligrapher will dedicate to the project. With this said, it's best to interview calligraphers as soon as your invitations have been chosen. In some cases, depending on the amount of calligraphy work, getting started as early as eight months before the wedding may be necessary. As with any art form, finding a qualified and experienced calligrapher will take some time. Your wedding consultant, invitation designer, or retailer can recommend local calligraphers with whom they've worked; you may also be able to rely on your friends and family to point you in the right direction.

Decide On Your Style While interviewing a potential calligrapher and looking through portfolios of previous work, discuss your wedding design. Some calligraphers may only be proficient in a few calligraphic styles, none of which may fit your vision. Others may know a wide range and may even be able to design a custom calligraphy style for your wedding. Explore Your Design Options Since some calligraphers are also graphic designers, they can help you come up with many design options and ideas to add to your calligraphy. Joanne Kluba, for example, offers all her clients the option of incorporating any graphical element which represents their wedding theme. Other services such as embossing and water color are also offered. One of Joanne's most unique services involves creating a design specifically for the couple's wedding. After the wedding, the couple can use it as their new "family symbol", in many ways resembling a family crest. The couple can use this symbol on their stationery, jewelry, or anywhere else they choose to place their personal family stamp. It can even be passed down to generations to come.