Frequently Asked Questions

Overall Services Offered

What services do you offer?

We are a two part team:

We are a full service stationery and calligraphy studio, offering event design and details from the save the date to the custom installations at the event.

We offer hand calligraphy services, whether that’s onsite for brand activations, restaurants, events, envelope calligraphy, etc.

Calligraphy and Engraving Services

What is spot calligraphy?

Spot calligraphy is where Claire writes your calligraphy one time, and then it is digitally reproduced on your printed materials. Claire’s calligraphy is not a digital font.

Would you write this quote for me? Or wedding vows?

Claire is always so incredibly flattered that you want her work on your walls or in your home. Quotes are based on the size of the finished piece, the number of words, any specific design requests, and the turnaround time for completion. During peak wedding seasons, Claire’s availability for these projects might be limited. Request a quote.

Do you use a proofreader for calligraphy?

YES! Due to our volume of work, we have an assistant/proofreader who proofs Claire’s envelope calligraphy. We take this extra step to make sure that every “i” is dotted and “t” crossed prior to returning your envelopes to you.

Do you offer onsite brand activations or live event lettering?

Yes, Claire offers this service. She has worked with brands from Tiffany & Co, Gucci, Jack Daniel’s and The American Cancer Society. Whether it’s engraving, hand lettering, or hot foil, Claire is equipped to come to your event and work her magic in front of your guests or attendees. Interested in more information? CLICK HERE to provide more information about your event.

What kind of materials can you engrave on?

Glass (alcohol bottles are a crowd pleaser); wood; leather. Claire will not engrave on pressurized alcohol bottles (ex. champagne) due to the risk of explosion during or after engraving.

What styles of lettering do you offer?

When it comes to lettering on paper, Claire primarily works with a pointed pen (a traditional calligraphy pen, nib, and ink) or a brush. Generally, she has a modern script, a traditional script, and a script that mixes both. As with any other art, Claire’s style is always evolving; so be sure to check out her most recent work in real time on Instagram.

How can I see samples of your calligraphy work?

Instagram is the best place to view Claire’s most recent calligraphy work; @whiteinkcalligraphy. Please reach out to us if you would like us to ship you calligraphy samples.

Can I send you inspiration photos?

Yes, we encourage our clients to send us inspiration photos—especially if they have something very specific in mind. This helps us understand the layout and sizing of the lettering specifically related to signage, envelope or custom project. We always remind our clients that all calligraphers and hand-letterers are different, with different hands and styles, and we can’t replicate anyone else’s work.

Do I need to include extra blank envelopes (or place cards)?

Yes. If we are producing your invitations or providing the card stock, obviously we will take care of this. But if you are providing your own envelopes or place cards, this is an absolute yes because, well, stuff happens. Please be sure to include 15% extra for any orders over a quantity of 100 and a 10 quantity minimum for orders less than 100. This is industry standard. Please include more than 15% if your order is a rush order.

What is your turnaround time for a set of envelopes?

Of course, everything varies with quantities and how busy our calendar is. Generally speaking, Claire needs 2 to 3 weeks for a set of 100 to 200 envelopes. Contacting us well in advance of your mailing date will avoid any rush fees that could be applied.

After my order is complete, I may need additional envelopes or place cards. How does that work?

As long as my schedule allows, I’m happy to accommodate stragglers and changes after your order has been completed. Please know that such requests might be subject to a rush fee depending on the turnaround time requested; or a small project setup fee. I always keep several sets of extra materials after the order is completed for this reason.

Do you offer calligraphy classes?

Yes! Class offerings are updated on our instagram page.

Calligraphy Pricing

Do you charge extra for writing on textured or handmade paper?

Sometimes, yes. Depending on the order size and quantity, there may be an additional charge. Writing on textured or handmade paper takes much more time and dulls my writing tools faster than writing on normal paper.

Do you charge different rates depending on the lettering style I choose?

No, the quote remains the same regardless of what kind of styled lettering you choose.

Do you charge extra for using a specific color of ink?

No, I do not charge an additional fee if you elect to go with a color other than black. If you require a specialty mixed ink (i.e. the perfect chartreuse to match the monogram on the inside of your envelope liner), there may be an additional fee. However, if you are requesting, for example, gold, white, navy, charcoal gray, etc., there is not an additional fee.

Invitations & Stationery

How far in advance from my wedding should we get started?

We recommend reaching out as soon as possible to reserve a spot on our calendar. After contracting with us, we will reserve your spot on our design and production calendar for you and will send you a schedule for your custom project so you know exactly what the process will look like!

Can we meet in person?

We currently have a design studio space that we work out of and do 98% of our work virtually through mailing samples and virtual meetings. Through the pandemic, we got this process down to a science to save everyone time! If you want to meet in person in our studio, we are happy to accommodate you and ask for your planner to also be present. Please have your planner reach out to schedule an in person appointment.

How long will it take to make my custom stationery?

The design process usually takes between 3-4 weeks. For digital printing, please allow for 2 weeks production time. For thermography, foil stamping letterpress, or other specialty processes like laser cutting, please allow for 4-5 weeks. Upon approval of this proposal, providing the retainer of 50% and signing the contract, a timeline for your project will be emailed to you.

How many revisions are included?

Up to three rounds of revision are included for each design in the initial price. However, more can be purchased if necessary. Please know that a small correction like a typo does NOT count as a revision. Revisions include font changes, font sizing changes, element placement changes, and color changes. If purchasing a custom illustration, there are no provided revisions.

Do you have a minimum order?

Nope! At White Ink Calligraphy we like to cater to intimate weddings as well!

What add-ons do you offer?

We love stylizing your wedding stationery with add-ons such as wax seals, belly bands, ribbon, vintage postage, tassels! We offer it all!

Can I see a sketch of my design before paying the deposit?

We do not begin design work without the 50% retainer. To get a feel for our work, please view @WhiteInkCalligraphy on instagram and our website for a gallery portfolio of our work.

How will I view my proofs?

You will be able to view, approve, and submit revision requests all through your own client portal. After you book, you will receive a link and password to your portal where you’ll be able to view not only your proofs but also every document associated with your project! Invoices, contracts, forms, correspondence, and more, all in one place!

Will you help me with my wording?

Absolutely! We take pride in the fact that we are the experts on paper, invitation wording and etiquette – and most likely, you haven’t mailed out wedding invitations before! There’s so much etiquette to consider and we will help you walk through the process so that you don’t have to spend hours researching how to politely say no kiddos!

What about postage?

We will help you pick out postage to make sure your invitations arrive to your guests looking as good as when you dropped them in the mail! We provide assistance with USPS modern postage and sourcing vintage postage. Please let us know if you want to add on this service!

What is the payment schedule?

A non-refundable 50% deposit is required with the contract. Design work will not begin until the deposit is paid. The remaining 50% will be due before the production of the order. Checks are also accepted to avoid the 3% STRIPE transaction fee, although this may slow the design and/or the production process.

Can I purchase additional copies of my invitations after my initial purchase?

While you may always reorder copies of your designs, additional quantities will count as a second order and may be exceptionally more expensive for small runs versus adding on to your original order. Therefore, it is best to order extras from the beginning rather than order more later. We always recommend adding 5-10 extras for keepsakes and your photographer!

Can I see a physical proof before you produce my order?

Yes, we are happy to provide you with a printed physical proof of your order before producing the entire quantity. Pricing for this is variable on print method and will extend your production timeline. Please let us know if you want to add this onto your proposal!

Can I receive files of my artwork?

All artwork and proofs are the intellectual property of White Ink Calligraphy. If you would like to purchase an extended license of your artwork for use on other printed items, please discuss with White Ink Calligraphy before contracting for services.

Can you assemble and mail my invitations for me?

Yes. We offer full assembly service and mailing service. Please let us know if you would like to add this service onto your proposal!

Event Signage and Rentals

Do you offer signage rentals?

Yes, we have a collection of different signs and easels that we rent out to our clients. Our collection of signage is always evolving based on trends and the needs of our clients.

Can I provide you with my own sign for lettering and not use one of your rentals?

Sure thing! If providing your own signage, a storage fee might be applied depending on the size and the space available in our studio.

When should I reach out to start talking about day of needs?

Ideally, we need to know as soon as you know you will need this service and have an event date scheduled. Our calendars are open a year out in advance.

Can you come onsite at my event venue to work on large-scale pieces?

Yes! We’ve partnered with local rental companies and carpenters on custom installations; in doing so, some of our services might be best done onsite at your event during setup.

Do you offer delivery for event signage?

Yes, our team offers delivery to Nashville event venues and surrounding areas.

Do you travel for events?

Yes, our team travels! Need us onsite at your event to provide our white glove services? No problem.

Pricing

Do you require a deposit?

We require a 50% deposit on all projects. Payment is required in full upon completion of the finished work and prior to delivery/pickup.

What type of payment do you accept?

Once you have approved your quote, you will be sent an invoice for payment by credit card. We also accept checks. Checks must be received two weeks in advance of completion date. Remaining balances on “day of” invoices must be paid by card. If mailing a check, you take the responsibility to make sure the check is received in time so as to not delay the project.

Logistics

What’s the easiest way to get a quote?

Fill out the form(s) on our website for the specific quote you are requesting. Once the form is filled out, we will send you a formal quote.

In what format should I send you an address list, place card list, or seating chart list?

Once you have approved your quote, we will email you an attachment with specific instructions on how to format your list. We ask that your list be spelled out exactly how you want it written — no columns or Excel spreadsheets. All lists must be sent to us in Microsoft Word or Pages files. Please do not send PDF’s.

What is the best way to reach you if I want to chat over the phone or in person?

After a quote form is filled out, and if you check the box on the form that you’d like a consultation, we will send you our calendar to schedule a virtual appointment. We offer in person consultations at our studio in East Nashville if your event planner is present.