Welcome back to another episode of the Ask the Planner podcast, where we dive into the world of wedding details that make your big day truly memorable. Today, we’re joined by Alane from Write Pretty for Me, an expert wedding calligrapher who’s here to share her best insights on wedding signage and how it can elevate your celebration. From creating a seamless guest experience to adding personalized touches, Alane covers everything you need to know about must-have signage, creative design ideas, and tips for hiring a calligrapher. Whether you’re looking to enhance your wedding aesthetic or ensure everything flows smoothly, you won’t want to miss this episode

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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Why is wedding signage important? [8:22]
• Essential signage pieces [11:45]
• Creative signage ideas [20:30]
• Common mistakes to avoid [28:15]
• Personalizing calligraphy beyond signage [33:50]
• The investment & hiring process for calligraphy [45:10]
• Budget-friendly tips for calligraphy [51:34]   

Meet Alane 

Alane is a talented wedding calligrapher and the creative mind behind Write Pretty for Me, based in Hoboken, NJ. With over eight years of experience, Alane has transformed weddings through her unique, custom signage and calligraphy pieces that help couples create memorable, beautiful experiences for their guests. Her background in art and calligraphy paired with a passion for hand-crafted details has made her one of the go-to experts for couples looking to personalize their weddings. In addition to her design work, Alane mentors fellow creative entrepreneurs, guiding them on how to elevate their client experience and streamline their processes. She also co-hosts the Calligraphy Biz Corner podcast, where she shares practical business tips for other calligraphers. From custom welcome signs and seating charts to personalized keepsakes, Alane’s work blends creativity and functionality, helping couples bring their vision to life and create unforgettable moments for their guests.

Why is Wedding Signage So Important?

Wedding signage is so much more than just decor—it sets the tone for the entire event and makes everything flow smoothly. When guests know where to go and what to do, they feel relaxed and free to enjoy the celebration. Signage really starts with function: it guides guests through your day without confusion, reducing stress for everyone. Whether it’s welcome signs, seating charts, or bar menus, each piece of signage helps create a seamless, enjoyable experience. Beyond functionality, signage is an opportunity to add personality to your wedding. It’s your chance to reflect your style, theme, or share fun details about your love story. For example, I love working on custom bar signs that feature cocktails named after the couple’s pets or favorite travel destinations. It adds a personal touch and becomes something guests remember long after the day is over.

Where Should Couples Start When Planning Their Wedding Signage?

Always start with the essentials—signage that enhances the guest experience. Typically, the most important pieces are functional signs like the welcome sign, seating chart or escort cards, table numbers, and bar signs. These ensure that guests know where to go and what’s happening, keeping everything on schedule. You want your guests to feel at ease and informed from the moment they arrive. Next, think about any special moments or personal details you’d like to highlight. This could include signs honoring loved ones, showcasing fun facts about the two of you, or even small quotes that mean something special to your relationship. Once you have the essentials and priorities covered, you can think about any other areas that may need signage, like the guest book table, card table, or even the restrooms! Lastly, consider which pieces you’d love to keep as mementos. Items like a beautifully designed welcome sign or bar menu can become decor in your home, a sweet reminder of your wedding day.

What Creative Signage Ideas Can Make a Big Impact on Guests?

One of my favorite signage ideas is a signature cocktail sign. Not only is it a great way to showcase your personality, but it also serves as a fun conversation starter for guests at the bar! You can feature drinks named after pets, favorite places, or inside jokes. From a practical side, it helps guests know what’s available and keeps the bar line moving. I also always recommend a welcome sign, even if couples aren’t sure they need one. It’s the perfect way to greet your guests warmly before you even see them, especially since you’ll likely be busy with photos or preparations. This sign doesn’t have to be traditional—you could add a meaningful phrase or something unique that reflects your style. Plus, it makes for a great keepsake afterward!

What Are Some Common Signage Mistakes Couples Make, and How Can They Avoid Them?

One of the biggest mistakes is not including flowers or decor around the signage. Adding florals or greenery makes signs stand out, especially in photos. I recommend working with your florist to coordinate the dimensions of any larger signs, like a seating chart, so they can plan the floral arrangements accordingly. Another common mistake is waiting until the last minute. Creating beautiful, custom signage takes time. Couples often reach out just a few weeks before their wedding, which isn’t always feasible, as calligraphy requires precision and care. I recommend contacting your calligrapher at least 3-6 months in advance to allow plenty of time for design and revisions. Lastly, assuming guests know everything can cause confusion. While you may have every detail planned perfectly, guests don’t automatically know where to sit, sign the guest book, or drop off cards. Signage helps guide them and ensures they feel comfortable and well-informed.

Beyond Signage, How Can Couples Incorporate Calligraphy into Other Wedding Details?

There are so many ways to personalize your wedding through calligraphy beyond signage! Some of my favorites include personalized place cards that double as favors. Think guest names on mini acrylic pieces, ornaments, or even mini champagne bottles. These are not only personal but also a fun keepsake for guests. Another idea is custom-painted bridal jackets. They’re perfect for photos and a meaningful keepsake after the wedding. I’ve also done calligraphy on sneakers for laid-back brides—these make for amazing photo opportunities and bring a touch of personality to your look. I’ve even done live calligraphy at events. Recently, I personalized luggage tags at a wedding welcome party as a way to thank guests for traveling. This interactive element made the experience extra special and gave guests a meaningful memento.

 

What Calligraphy Pieces Make the Biggest Impact on the Guest Experience?

I love creating seating charts! Some calligraphers avoid them because they involve layout work and math, but I think they’re essential for a smooth guest experience. Seating charts are larger displays, so they become a focal point in your wedding decor. I’ve created seating charts on everything from mirrors to surfboards and even pottery. If you’re having a seated reception, a seating chart or escort cards is a must. At weddings without one, I’ve seen guests wandering, not knowing where to sit, which creates stress for everyone. A seating chart eliminates that confusion and ensures guests are comfortable from the moment they arrive at the reception.

How Early Should Couples Book a Calligrapher, and What Should They Consider?

I suggest reaching out about eight months before the wedding. Personally, I don’t open my calendar until nine months out because I find that being closer to the event helps with creative flow. By then, couples usually have a clearer vision of their floral design, color palette, and overall aesthetic, which helps guide the design process. When booking a calligrapher, start by making sure you love their style. It sounds simple, but it’s crucial. Look at their portfolio to see if their recent work aligns with your vision. Next, consider their experience. A more experienced calligrapher can provide guidance on materials and style. Also, check where they’re located. If you’re planning large or delicate signage, local might be best for safe transport. Finally, have an idea of your budget, as prices can vary. Many calligraphers post their starting prices online, so check those details before reaching out.

How Can Couples Personalize Their Wedding Through Calligraphy, Beyond Just Signage?

There are honestly so many unique ways to add calligraphy to your wedding beyond traditional signage! One of my favorites is to create place cards that also serve as favors for guests. For example, you could write names on mini acrylic pieces, ornaments, or even on small bottles of champagne. These are personalized touches that guests can take home, and they add a lot of charm to your tablescape. Another great idea is custom-painted bridal jackets or personalized sneakers, which make for amazing photos and add personality to the couple’s look. I’ve also done live calligraphy at weddings, like personalizing luggage tags for guests. This interactive element gives guests a memorable keepsake they’ll actually use and love!

What Should Couples Look for When Hiring a Calligrapher for Their Wedding, and What Questions Should They Ask?

First and foremost, make sure you love the calligrapher’s style. Take a close look at their recent work to see if it aligns with your vision. It sounds obvious, but many people inquire with several calligraphers without knowing if they truly love their style! Most calligraphers won’t copy a specific look, so find someone whose unique style already speaks to you. Consider their experience, too. An experienced calligrapher will offer guidance on materials, wording, and style, which can be helpful if you’re looking for a more hands-off approach. Also, think about their location—working with someone local is often best if your signage includes fragile or large items. Finally, have a sense of your budget before reaching out. Many calligraphers provide a starting price or investment range on their websites, which is helpful to know if they’re within your budget. Some useful questions to ask during a consultation might be:

• What’s your process for creating custom pieces? (This includes whether mockups or revisions are part of the process.)
• What types of materials can you work with?
• How do you handle any last-minute changes?
• Do you offer additional services like on-site calligraphy or custom monograms?

 

 

For Couples Working with a Tight Budget, What Calligraphy Pieces Should They Prioritize?

For couples on a tighter budget, I recommend focusing on pieces that enhance the guest experience, such as the seating chart or escort cards, table numbers, and bar signs. Many calligraphers offer rental options for smaller items like table numbers, which can be a great way to get a cohesive look without the cost of buying. I also suggest prioritizing details that can become keepsakes after the wedding, like a welcome sign or custom bar sign. These pieces can easily become decor in your home afterward, so you’re getting more value from them. My goal is always to create pieces that can bring joy long after the big day is over.

What Does the Process Look Like When Working with a Calligrapher?

When a couple reaches out, I like to start with a 30-minute Zoom consultation to discuss their wedding and vision in more detail. I’ll show some visual samples to help gauge their preferences, so we can talk about what they love and what might not be a fit. From there, I create a custom proposal based on the direction we discussed. If everything aligns, they’ll sign the contract and submit their deposit. Once we’re officially working together, I provide a timeline and any necessary templates, like sign copy templates and guest lists, to kickstart the process. About three months before the wedding, we’ll have a check-in call to finalize everything. Then I move into the creation phase. When the pieces are ready, they’re carefully packaged for pickup or delivery to ensure they arrive safely. I love staying in touch with my couples after the wedding too—I’ll often check in about a month later to hear about their experience and see if they’ve repurposed any signs as keepsakes.

For Couples Wondering About the Investment, What Should They Expect When Hiring a Calligrapher?

Calligraphy pricing can vary widely depending on the calligrapher, location, and project scope. For instance, many calligraphers offer one-off signage like a welcome sign, while others, like myself, have investment minimums for more cohesive, multi-piece suites. In general, expect the cost to range from a few hundred dollars on the low end to $10,000 or more for a full suite that includes custom invitations and signage. I’m based near NYC, and my clients typically invest around $4,000-$5,000 for day-of details, which allows us to create a beautifully cohesive look across all the signage. Remember, the investment is about creating pieces that make your wedding day feel unique and unforgettable for both you and your guests.

Any Final Tips for Couples Hiring a Calligrapher?

I always emphasize that hiring a calligrapher is about more than beautiful handwriting! It’s really about enhancing your wedding day experience through thoughtful, personal details. Let your personality shine through your signage and stationery. And when it comes to planning, focus on a few well-crafted pieces that have a big impact, rather than a large quantity of items that may not feel as personal.

Wrapping Up

And there you have it! A huge thank you to our amazing guest, Alane from Write Pretty for Me, for sharing her incredible insights into the world of wedding calligraphy and signage. If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with the details that make a wedding day unique, and signage has always been one of my favorite ways to do that. Hearing Alane’s perspective on how thoughtful calligraphy can elevate a wedding and enhance the guest experience was such a treat, and I definitely learned a few new things myself! Thank you again, Alane, for joining us and giving us so many practical tips and ideas to help couples create a truly unforgettable wedding day.

 

THANK YOU TO OUR PODCAST SPONSORS!

• Wedding Planning template shop Use code PODCAST10 for 10% off!
• 1-on-1 Wedding Planner Coaching

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, DM me on Instagram at @asktheplannerpodcast, call the wedding planning hotline at 585-210-3467, or drop it in your review on Apple Podcasts.

Plus, don’t forget to check out the Wedding Planning template shop, including my new Wedding Day Master Organizer which includes the same spreadsheets we use in our day-of production books.

And for all my planners out there, check out my new wedding planner coaching service! Whether you’re in the first 1-2 years of your business and you don’t know how to increase your prices, build a team, attract your ideal clients, find your brand’s voice, or you’re a little further in your career and you want to take it to the next level with a digital product, start a podcast, or something else, I would love to help you build the dream wedding business you deserve!

Learn more and schedule a call with me to see if this is what your business needs at verveeventco.com/coach.

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