Calligraphy has always been a beautifully romantic way to express text, almost like the love letters of centuries past. And there’s no better moment to showcase this art form than on your wedding day, the ultimate celebration of love. With its flowing, intricate letters, calligraphy gives any written piece an elegant, refined look. Plus, having a skilled lettering artist create a custom font for your event adds a personal, intimate touch, making your celebration feel even more special.
Thanks to its rich history, calligraphy fits perfectly with vintage themes. Its opulent style also suits formal events and glamorous settings, though you can adapt it to any aesthetic. Depending on the color of the ink, calligraphy can fit modern affairs just as well as garden parties or classic weddings.
There are endless ways to incorporate this delicate form of writing into your wedding. Calligraphy is often the star of invitation suites, but you can also use it in a variety of other details like welcome signs, ceremony programs, escort cards, place cards, menus, and more. Get creative by using calligraphy on unexpected items such as personalized accessories, cocktail garnishes, engraved palm leaves, or even gilded mirrors. If you’re looking for a more modern approach, you could also try using laser-cut neon signs, name cake toppers, or printed balloons.
If you’re inspired by the beauty of calligraphy, we’ve gathered 20 elegant ideas for including it in your wedding day.
01 of 20: Cover Your Entire Invitation Suite
If you’re looking to really embrace this style, consider using calligraphy throughout your entire invitation suite—save-the-dates, RSVP cards, everything. Each detail, crafted by Li Ward Design, exuded sophistication, perfectly setting the tone for this couple’s chic wedding in San Juan. They even had a custom crest designed in calligraphy.
02 of 20: Go Vintage
Calligraphy’s old-world charm makes it ideal for a vintage-inspired wedding. For a nostalgic vibe, choose thick cardstock in soft tones with hand-torn edges, like the stunning suite created by The Left-Handed Calligrapher for a rooftop celebration in Illinois. Adding vintage stamps will only enhance the retro feel.
03 of 20: Create a Custom Crest
If you’re adding a custom crest to your invites, consider using calligraphy to make it stand out. For an extravagant wedding, like this French château garden celebration, choose a metallic gold for your initials. Surround the monogram with intricate borders to match the luxurious atmosphere.
04 of 20: Personalize Your Wedding Attire
Why not take your wedding calligraphy with you? Personalize your outfit by engraving your new last name or monogram on a leather jacket, jean jacket, or even inside the lining of your wedding dress. This meaningful touch adds intimacy to your day and gives you something to wear long after the event.
05 of 20: Greet Guests with a Welcome Sign
With so many signs at weddings, a welcome sign is the perfect opportunity to showcase calligraphy. Use delicate lettering to greet your guests and set the stage for the day ahead. A personal touch, like including all the postponements before the wedding, can add a sweet, memorable detail to the sign.
06 of 20: Mix Fonts
While calligraphy is stunning on its own, it also pairs beautifully with other fonts. For example, combining calligraphy with bold block letters, as seen in this carnival-themed wedding, lets the intricate script shine while still keeping the overall look modern and fresh.
07 of 20: Engrave Pottery
Calligraphy doesn’t have to be limited to paper. Consider using it on pottery, like vases, for seating assignments or table numbers. This earthy, artistic touch works wonderfully for boho-style weddings, as shown with the unique pottery designs at this celebration.
08 of 20: Embrace Modern Calligraphy
For a sleek, contemporary wedding, try a minimalist color scheme of black and white, paired with sharp angles and geometric designs. The crisp, clean look of calligraphy on a white backdrop, like this rooftop wedding in Washington, D.C., is the perfect blend of modern and sophisticated.
09 of 20: Elevate Escort Cards
Escort cards are a wedding classic, but calligraphy can transform them into something extraordinary. Adding intricate handwritten names and seating assignments will elevate this simple detail, as demonstrated with the charming fishing fly lures used in a traditional wedding in Sun Valley.
10 of 20: Highlight a Special Quote
If there’s a meaningful quote you’d like to feature on your wedding day, calligraphy is the perfect medium. For example, this couple incorporated a Biblical quote on their bar cart in elegant blue lettering for a spring-inspired wedding. It added a personal and stylish touch to the space.
11 of 20: Pair Calligraphy with Floral Decor
Calligraphy can stand alone, but it also pairs beautifully with florals. For an added visual effect, consider surrounding your calligraphy with flowers, like the stunning arrangement created by Tula Rosa Florals at a wedding. This combination works especially well at garden-inspired or outdoor celebrations.
12 of 20: Get Creative with Edible Calligraphy
Take your calligraphy to the next level by using edible ink. At this Nashville wedding, the couple’s signature cocktails were topped with their new last name in calligraphy, offering a fun and memorable way to celebrate their new union.
13 of 20: Keep It Simple
When it comes to calligraphy, sometimes less is more. The elegance of handwritten text is enough to make a statement, even when paired with a minimalist setup. This wedding in Santa Barbara shows how a simple yet beautiful calligraphy design can stand out on its own.
14 of 20: Use Unexpected Props
For an unexpected twist on wedding calligraphy, consider using unique props. For example, at this vibrant Tuscany wedding, the place cards were attached to lemons, each featuring personalized calligraphy. It added a playful pop of color and made the seating arrangements more memorable.
15 of 20: Add Calligraphy to a Banner
Banners are another fantastic alternative to paper for showcasing calligraphy. For an elegant touch, consider using fabric banners with hand-lettered messages or menu details, like this gorgeous setup at a micro wedding in St. Louis, where everything from the napkins to the flatware looked picture-perfect.
16 of 20: Add Personal Touches with a Custom Crest
For an extra-special personalized detail, consider using a custom calligraphy crest to decorate your reception tables. Embellish each napkin with the handcrafted design, adding a touch of luxury and making your guests feel connected to you on a deeper level.
17 of 20: Make Calligraphy the Main Event
Calligraphy doesn’t have to just be in the background—make it the star of your celebration. For example, a large laser-cut sign can have the same elegant feel as traditional calligraphy and serve as a bold statement piece. Just be sure it’s visible, like the gold sign seen at this beautiful band setup.
18 of 20: Turn Calligraphy into Mementos
Since calligraphy is so visually striking, why not make it last by turning it into wedding favors? Attach tags with calligraphy to your chosen favors, like these jam jars, and let your guests take home a piece of the beauty. This keepsake is sure to remind them of your day long after it’s over.
19 of 20: Add Calligraphy to Custom Details
Pair calligraphy with other custom elements for a truly personalized touch. For instance, these wine bottles were labeled with a unique fabric design, and the bride added handwritten details to the label, making the favors even more memorable.
20 of 20: Announce Your Marriage
End your celebration with a statement: have a calligraphed sign announcing your marriage. Whether you display it in front of your getaway car or somewhere else, this dramatic touch will add a final romantic flair to your wedding night.