How do I price calligraphy work, e.g., wedding invitation envelopes?

The calligrapher we most often use charges the following for wedding invitations:
$1.75 for outer envelopes
$2.10 for outer and inner envelopes
$.25 and $.50 for placecards

Rosanne todays day it is hard to find a good job that requires that kind of writing but as you commented in you article your calligraphy has been used for cards, certificates probably there is a good chance for you with a wedding planner, I will use it for my busisness.

Thank you for your kind responses. The work of addressing 123 outer and inner wedding invitation envelopes has been successfully finished. But I realize my charge for this art was too meager; in some cases the outer envelope was four lines of writing, which I embellished with small hearts and also wrote the state in full, no abbreviations. What was I thinking by offering a total of $250.00?
We live and learn. With each envelope I whispered a prayer for the lovely couple and offered it up.
I will ask the bride not to quote prices should friends and/or relatives be interested in my services.The suggestion received of $2.10 for both outer and inner envelopes seems a better price.
I wil initiate that charge in the future, should I receive other orders.

This is typical for most calligraphers. However, they try to make their living doing this, and with advanced technology, it is cheaper to do it by computer, so it is not a realistic expectation, unless the family is very wealthy, and really wants that personal touch. You will have to use your best judgement on pricing. Good luck, Susu

Envelope Addressing

Outside Only:
$ 3.25 for 3 lines (italic styles)
$ 3.75 (copperplate styles)
$ 3.75 for 3 lines in metalic paint

each extra line: $ 1.00
$ 1.25 for metalic paint

Traditional Inner & Outer: $ 4.25 per set (italic styles)
$ 4.75 (copperplate styles)
If name is written "traditionally":
Mr. & Mrs. John Smith
Personalization is extra i.e. Mr. John Smith and Miss Lisa Jones
$ 1.00 for each extra line

Custom Colors: $ 20.00 per 150 envelopes
Light Writing on Dark Envelope: $ 1.00 per line
Shiny Envelopes: $ 1.00 per line
Surfaces Needing Treatment: $ 1.00 per line

Seating Board $250.00 Up to 100 names
Extra charge for additional names.


Table Cards $2.00 each (Includes table number)
If name is written "traditionally":
Mr. & Mrs. John Smith
Personalization is extra i.e. Mr. John Smith and Miss Lisa Jones

Go to competitors sites and see what they have listed as a base price. The come up with your own formula the amount of profit you want to make plus all the cost and time in creating them.