Weddingbee Blog

While we’re on the subject of invitations, I thought I’d bring up another related subject: Calligraphy. It’s one of those little details that absolutely no one else notices, and yet, as a bride, it’s one of those details that we just drool over.

Image via Elizabeth Anne Designs / Calligraphy by Jenna Hein

I love swirly, whimsical calligraphy. You know, the one with way too many swirls and swashes.

Image and Calligraphy by Plurabelle Calligraphy

It’s something completely extraneous, hard to justify having, and yet I really, really, really want it. It’s one of those small details that I feel would really complete the picture of our incredibly awesome invitations, or at least how I justify them in my head. (Considering our invitations are still currently a concept, it will be a bit before we see it all come together…) Calligraphy is one of those skills that I have always dreamed of learning. To me, it’s the ultimate love song to beautiful paper.

What better time to learn calligraphy than when you’re doing your wedding invitations?

I’m sure you’ve all have noticed by now, but I have a problem where I tend to over complicate things. I have a tendency to go way, way, way into things, even when it’s not necessary. I am an engineer and scientist by training. Thus, not only do I have to learn exactly how all of the pieces fit together, but if someone can do it, I have to figure out how to do it or my brain doesn’t let me stop thinking about it.

From a Walter Foster Calligraphy Kit

When I saw this book on my sister’s desk, I knew I had to try it for myself (Thanks sis!). I also went out and bought a calligraphy marker. I had heard recommendations from the hive to just skip the actual ink and use the markers which is so much easier. Unfortunately I discovered pretty early on though that the book that I stole from my dear sister only goes into the very basics of very simple calligraphy forms, ones that are more blockish in form. I discovered that that I was really interested in was actually copperplate calligraphy and it would involve a whole different set of skills, tools, and practice. *sigh*

Source: Calligraphy Skills

Oh, but isn’t it so pretty? Totally worth it. However, I didn’t realize at the time of deciding to do calligraphy is that it’s quite a learning process to begin obtaining the skills to do beautiful writing, especially if your handwriting usually looks more like chicken scratch, than actual writing. It’s so weird having to break apart your letters in admittedly very unnatural ways.

I haven’t completely decided that I want to do calligraphy from scratch. I might ultimately do the faux-calligraphy method that has been discussed multiple times on the hive. It does seem like a way easier method of getting it close. But for now, I have the determination to learn actual calligraphy, so I think I am going to try.

Did anyone else try to develop a new skill for their wedding only to discover that there is a whole wealth of information and techniques to learn?