FAQ - PenDance

Envelope Addressing

Q: How much do you charge to address envelopes?

Q: How do I format my address list?

Q: How long does it take to complete an envelope addressing order?

A: For Hand Calligraphy, allow about one week per 100 addresses. It actually doesn’t take that long to complete them, but since I usually have several jobs going at once, all with different numbers of addresses and start and finish dates, this estimate provides some flexibility in scheduling.

For Computer Calligraphy – after we have your final approved address list and envelopes in hand, it takes 3-5 business days for most orders.

Q: How many extra envelopes should I order?

Q: Can you match the font on my invitation using hand calligraphy?

Q: Can you help me with envelope addressing etiquette?

Q: Can you match the ink color on my invitations?

Q: Can you start addressing my envelopes or place cards before I have my guest list completed?

Q: Do you keep my address list private?

Q: Can I have envelopes mailed directly to you from my stationer or printer?

Invitation Design

Q: When should I mail my invitations?

A: For out-of-town guests and international addresses, you can mail them 8 weeks in advance. For local addresses, 6 weeks in advance should be fine, especially if you’ve already sent out save-the-dates.

We have known brides who have a “B” list of guests, so they mail all their “A” list invitations out 8 – 10 weeks ahead. Once they start receiving RSVP regrets from the “A” list, they ask to have their “B” guests’ envelopes addressed.

Q: I'm interested in invitation design but I'd like to see a draft before deciding to order. Will you design it for me so that I can see what it will look like before I give you a deposit?

Q: How do you send proofs and how long does it take to complete an invitation design?

Q: If I see another calligrapher's work that I like, will you copy their style for me?

A: No, it’s unethical and unprofessional for me to copy another artist’s style or designs. Most calligraphers work extremely hard to develop their own unique styles and brand and to copy them would be stealing!

If you really like the style of another calligrapher, then please contact them first to see if they are available to create your design. If you don’t know who it is, I can try to find out for you since I know many calligraphers around the country.

I am happy to review the work of other calligraphers that you like so that I can get a sense of what you prefer, but I will not copy another artists’s work. I will do my best to capture the essence and personality of the style you are seeking, but in my own way.

Computer Calligraphy

Q: How long does it take to complete an envelope printing order?

Q: How many extra envelopes should I order?

Q: Can you print on metallic-coated or pearlescent envelopes?

Q: Can you print in color?

Q: Can you match the font on my invitation?

Q: Can you help me with envelope addressing etiquette?

Q: Can you start addressing my envelopes or place cards before I have my guest list completed?

Q: Can you print on place cards or escort envelopes that I provide?

Q: Will you keep my address list private?

Q: Can I have envelopes mailed directly to you from my stationer or printer?

Hand Engraving

Q: Can you engrave an item while I wait?

Q: What is your minimum engraving charge?

Q: How long does it take to complete an engraving order?

Q: Do you engrave other items besides wine and liquor bottles?

General Information

Q: Do you have a storefront?

Q: What's the best method for placing an order?

Q: What is your minimum order?

Q: What payment methods do you accept?

Q: Do you sign contracts with your clients?

A: We don’t usually sign formal contracts, preferring instead to rely on email correspondence and our invoices to show the details of each job. Whenever a client submits a downpayment, we email them to confirm that we received their payment so they have that for their records.

If you prefer to use a formal contract with us, we will be happy to work with you to create a letter agreement that will give you the comfort level you need.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

Q: What do I do if I find errors in my order?

A: Email us the details of the changes that need to be made, and we’ll schedule an appointment with you to redo them while you wait. Any errors that are our fault will be redone at no additional charge. Other errors, changes, or additions will be charged the same rate as the previous items, plus a $15 set up fee. We usually keep about 3-5 extra blank envelopes or cards when we deliver your hand calligraphy order in the event any errors are discovered.

Q: How do you mail items to long distance clients?

A: We mail via UPS, and we’ll email you the tracking number once the order is shipped. If you have either UPS or FedEx account numbers, we’ll be happy to use those in lieu of adding shipping charges to your final balance.

NOTE: For long distance clients, we request that you plan the due date for your items to be delivered to be at least 7-10 business days prior to the date you need them, and please check your order the same day you receive it. In the event you find any errors (yours or ours), this will allow us to mail you additional items without incurring excessive shipping charges. For errors that are our fault, we will pay up to the amount that USPS Priority Mail would cost to ship it to you. If you need the items sooner, then you will need to pay the difference between what it would cost via USPS Priority Mail and the shipping method you request.

Envelope Addressing

Q: How much do you charge to address envelopes?

Q: How do I format my address list?

Q: How long does it take to complete an envelope addressing order?

Q: How many extra envelopes should I order?

Q: Can you match the font on my invitation using hand calligraphy?

Q: Can you help me with envelope addressing etiquette?

Q: Can you match the ink color on my invitations?

Q: Can you start addressing my envelopes or place cards before I have my guest list completed?

Q: Do you keep my address list private?

Q: Can I have envelopes mailed directly to you from my stationer or printer?

Invitation Design

Q: When should I mail my invitations?

Q: I'm interested in invitation design but I'd like to see a draft before deciding to order. Will you design it for me so that I can see what it will look like before I give you a deposit?

Q: How do you send proofs and how long does it take to complete an invitation design?

Q: If I see another calligrapher's work that I like, will you copy their style for me?

Computer Calligraphy

Q: How long does it take to complete an envelope printing order?

Q: How many extra envelopes should I order?

Q: Can you print on metallic-coated or pearlescent envelopes?

Q: Can you print in color?

Q: Can you match the font on my invitation?

Q: Can you help me with envelope addressing etiquette?

Q: Can you start addressing my envelopes or place cards before I have my guest list completed?

Q: Can you print on place cards or escort envelopes that I provide?

Q: Will you keep my address list private?

Q: Can I have envelopes mailed directly to you from my stationer or printer?

Hand Engraving

Q: Can you engrave an item while I wait?

Q: What is your minimum engraving charge?

Q: How long does it take to complete an engraving order?

Q: Do you engrave other items besides wine and liquor bottles?

General Information

Q: Do you have a storefront?

Q: What's the best method for placing an order?

Q: What is your minimum order?

Q: What payment methods do you accept?

Q: Do you sign contracts with your clients?

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

Q: What do I do if I find errors in my order?

Q: How do you mail items to long distance clients?

Q: What if I need extra items addressed after I receive my order?

Q: Do you return any items that are not addressed?

Q: Do you teach hand calligraphy classes or private lessons?

Q: Is rush service available?

Q: Do you offer stuffing, stamping, and mailing services?

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