Now your mind is whirling with questions. Here you will find some of the most often asked questions and a few basics. Read them through and contact us with any additional questions you may have.

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• How long will my job take?
• Do I need extra envelopes?
• How should I make out my list?
• Is my list safe?
• Do you match invitation colors?
• Do I need to send a deposit to hold my date?
• How do I pay for the work?

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Q:How long will my job take ?  
A: For a typical wedding we ask for 3-4 weeks working time. This is a time consuming process but the results are worth it. You will want to mail your invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding. Also, allow yourself about a week between receiving your addressed envelopes back and the date you want to mail them for invitation assembly, stuffing, stamping, and sealing. So basically you will need to get your order to us 10-12 weeks before the wedding.

Q:Do I need extra envelopes ?  
A: Absolutely! It is not much more money to order extra envelopes with your initial invitation order. If you have to go back and order them separately they will cost much more. A good rule of thumb is 10-20% extra. We won't even consider taking a job where there are no extra envelopes.

Q:How should I make out my list ?    
A: Your list should be typed or CLEARLY printed. You are responsible for correct spellings, we won't edit your list. Do not give us a list in spreadsheet format. It is too difficult for us to keep accurate track of addresses strung across one line. Please make all lists in label format. Indicate what names you want placed on the inner envelope. A good idea is to place these names below the corresponding address in parenthesis or separated by a space.

Example:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
123 Main Street
Detroit, Michigan 48200
(Mr. and Mrs. Smith)

You may choose to skip the formality of the example and place first names or nicknames on the inner envelopes. Examples of this would be "Uncle John and Aunt Mary" or "John and Mary".

Q: Is my list safe?
A: Marcella's Pen Calligraphy prides itself on integrity and discretion. Any personal information including, but not limited to: guest lists, addresses, phone numbers, locations, times, and dates, shall remain confidential. Occasionally we may request permission to use photos of completed work to use on this site as samples of our services.

Q: Do you match invitation colors ?
A: We generally recommend black ink for your addresses. Black is considered classic and compliments any color. It provides a nice contrast to the computerized font and emphasizes your taste and elegance in choosing a calligrapher. It is also the best color for the post office to read accurately. Black ink will also be waterproof or at least water-resistant so your invitations will remain deliverable, even in the pouring rain. If a color is an absolute must then we have a few basic colors for an additional charge.

Q: Do I need to send a deposit to hold my date ?
A: Our schedule tends to fill up quickly. To guarantee that we will be available to do your job, we recommend you send a $20.00 deposit to hold your date. You will receive a form when you get your sample packet (if applicable). This deposit is non-refundable unless notice is given 6 months or more before the scheduled time slot.

Q: How do I pay for the work ?
A: We require approximately 50% of the estimated total when you bring us your items for lettering. The remaining balance is due when you pick up your order. This is non-negotiable. If you have sent a deposit to hold a date, we will apply it to the initial 50% fee. We accept PayPal, cash, checks, or money orders made out to:Marcella's Pen Calligraphy