Wedding Calligraphy by Pretty Pen Jen

Have you thought of having your wedding envelopes addressed by a calligrapher?  This lovely art form is perfect for weddings; its formality and elaborateness is suited for unique gatherings such as weddings.  The invitation is the first thing which will set the tone of the event.  Calligraphy can--and does--add something extra to your invitations.

Allow me to introduce you to Jennifer Cota of Pretty Pen Jen, who has done calligraphy for weddings for over six years, and is as popular as ever.  Her work in flawless.  Her turnaround time of two weeks amazes, and her customer service is impeccable.  Pretty Pen Jen has been profiled on the fashionable blogs Snippet & Ink, The Bride's Cafe, and Little White Book.  Her work has also been featured in the magazine Weddings Unveiled.

How did your interest in calligraphy turn into a business?

Calligraphy started for me when I was 10 years old, which means I have been doing calligraphy for 17 years.

When I was planning my own wedding in 2003, I was on The Knot boards which were all the rage at the time, and someone asked about a calligrapher.  Since I had been doing calligraphy for so long, I volunteered to help her.  I chuckle about it now, because offering services on those boards was totally against their community board rules.

But, the bride was happy, and she told all of her friends about me.  From there, Pretty Pen Jen took off.

How did you pick the name Pretty Pen Jen?

It was an email I set up when things started.  I never intended it to really grow beyond a few brides from my area.  As the business has grown, I now enjoy the name.

Is most of your calligraphy done for weddings?

I have had many orders for Christmas card envelopes this year, but yes, it is mostly weddings.

With brides, I see them coming back for more work besides calligraphy on the invitation envelopes.  They want menu cards, seating arrangements, maps, and other things in calligraphy.  Those are very fun, because it gets me really involved in each wedding.

Over the last two years, I have begun working with coordinators and event designers to do custom projects, where we incorporate all types of writing and ink projects.  I am also lettering for graphic designers.

What styles of Calligraphy do you employ?

I first learned the formal styles.  There are many types of calligraphy pens, inks, and nibs which I became acquainted with over the years.

Upon mastering one style according to the rules, I would then go on to the next style.  It also gave me the ability to grow different styles of my own, although my foundation is routed in the principles of formal styles.  I also mix my own inks and offer 15 ink choices, including silver and gold.

I notice the calligraphy styles you create are named after women.  Who are they named after?

After I create a new style, I name it after a woman in my family.

Tell me about wedding invitation etiquette and formality.

I offer free etiquette correction, and most couples desire to follow it.  Etiquette helps make the guests feel special.  Families love to see their little boys addressed as Master and their girls as Little Miss.

One change I have seen is adding the woman's first name.  Rather than "Mr. & Mrs. John Andrews" it would read "Mr. & Mrs. John and Elaine Andrews."

How long does it take you to complete a batch of wedding envelopes?

It takes me about two weeks, from the time I receive the envelopes to the time I mail them back to you.  Wedding invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding.  About three fourths of my couples also hire me to address their save the date cards.

Do you have any new products which are especially popular now?

Yes, I started making return address stamps (pictured above), which can be used on wedding invitations, as well as later for greeting cards.  The client chooses from the various selections of calligraphy styles and their wording preference.  I draw it up and work with a stamp maker.  The cost is $50 per stamp and they are incredibly popular. They also make a wonderful gift for the holidays, bridal showers, or even as a thoughtful wedding gift.

What do you feel sets you apart from other calligraphers?

I follow a timeless standard, and I work with other elements of a couple’s wedding to bring it all together.  I believe that the save the date and the invitation set the tone of the wedding.  My clients generally want something that looks good now and will continue to in the future.

As an added benefit, I do calligraphy for clients around the world.  This year I worked with couples in three countries, and in all 50 states.  I also do calligraphy for the actual wedding invitation, and send it out as a digital file to be printed by the client.  This is gaining in popularity.

Any suggestions for couples on selecting a calligrapher?

Make sure the calligrapher knows how to work with different paper types, and I would recommend ensuring they use dip inks, rather than calligraphy markers. While it is fine to hire a calligrapher who only does one style, it is beneficial to know someone who has been classically trained.

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