Live Calligraphy & Engraving Services in St. Louis

How It Works

Step 1

Event Inquiry

Tell me all about your event! Reach out with your date, location, estimated guest count, and event goals. It’s helpful to have a general idea of the type of activation you’d like to plan (including item and personalization method).

Step 2

Proposal

I’ll confirm availability and ask any clarifying questions. Within 24 hours, you’ll receive a custom proposal for your event. During this stage, I offer complimentary personalized samples to ensure this is the right fit for your event.

Step 3

Hooray!

The date is secured in my schedule after our contract is signed and 25% retainer paid. Once items are in-hand, I request a material test of our chosen personalization method. A week prior to the event, we’ll confirm logistics, load-in times, and final details.

Start Your Inquiry

Live Calligraphy is a Great Fit for All Kinds of Events

Let me tell you one thing: this isn’t your grandma’s calligraphy. Across industries, event planners, in-house marketing teams, experiential marketing agencies, and retail managers utilize the power of live calligraphy to build their remarkable guest experience.

Live Calligraphy for Brand Activations

  • Product launch events

  • VIP and influencer previews

  • Retail brand activations and pop-up shops

  • In-store shopping events and trunk shows

  • Department store beauty and fragrance counter activations

  • Flagship store openings and grand openings

  • Influencer and press gifting events

  • Brand ambassador and sampling events

  • Experiential marketing installation

Live Calligraphy for Conferences & Trade Shows

  • Trade show booth activations and traffic drivers

  • Conference welcome receptions and networking events

  • Product launch parties and unveiling events

  • Sales kickoff events

  • Industry conference sponsor activations

  • Convention hospitality suites

Live Calligraphy for Client Appreciation Events

  • VIP receptions and donor cultivation events

  • Client appreciation dinners

  • Executive and board dinners

  • Ribbon cuttings and grand openings

  • Sponsor and partner appreciation events

  • Awards ceremonies and recognition dinners

  • Top workplace and culture award celebrations

  • Anniversary and milestone celebrations

Live Calligraphy for Hospitality, Retail, & Luxury Events

  • Hotel & resort guest experience events

  • Restaurant and bar grand openings

  • Wine and spirits brand events

  • Luxury real estate open houses and closings

  • Private club member events

  • New member welcome events

  • Gift-with-purchase bottle personalization at retail

Live Calligraphy for Employee Engagement Events

  • Employee appreciation days and wellness events

  • Company anniversary and founding celebrations

  • Team building events and offsite retreats

  • New hire welcome and onboarding events

  • Internal culture and values celebration

  • Wellness days and employee experience events

  • Company all-hands and town hall celebrations

Live Calligraphy for Corporate Holiday Parties

  • Company holiday parties

  • Year end sales celebrations

  • Client and vendor holiday gifting events

  • New Year kickoff events

  • Valentine’s Day client appreciation events

  • Mother’s Day and Father’s Day retail activations

  • Employee summer parties and picnics

“Live calligraphy was an important part of our event, allowing us to personalize gifts for each guest. Every element of the experience was designed to feel special, personal, and unique. Without the calligraphy, the gifts could have felt generic and meant for anyone.”

— Sylvie Harper, Salt XC

Personalization Methods

Each personalization method is done entirely by hand with either calligraphy tools, an engraving drill, or a heat pen. Item per hour speed depends on personalization method, but a good rule of thumb is 20-30 items per hour. For high volume events, additional calligraphers can be subcontracted.

Engraving

Hot Foiling

Calligraphy & Lettering

Wood Burning

Materials that Can Be Personalized On-Site

Take a peek through these if you need a spark of inspiration for your next event!

  • Ideal method: Engraving

    Champagne flutes, wine glasses, whiskey tumblers, pint glasses, glass ornaments, candle jars, glass coasters, vases, decanters, keepsake boxes, picture frames

  • Ideal method: engraving

    Money clips, flasks, keychains, cufflinks, dog tags, bottle openers, ice buckets, cocktail shakers, coated metal water bottles or tumblers, belt buckles, lighters, business card holders, pocket knives, lighters, metal ornaments, compact mirrors

  • Method: calligraphy

    Tote bags, canvas bags, baseball caps, denim jackets, bandanas, aprons, garment bags, sneakers, wine bags, ribbon, duffel bags

  • Place cards, gift tags, notebooks, journals, labels, luggage tags, bookmarks, bookplates, cocktail napkins, photo mats, gift wrap, favor boxes

  • Method: calligraphy or engraving

    Acrylic tumblers, cocktail cups, sunglasses, luggage tags, keychains, water bottles, any plastic swag item

  • Method: hot foil or debossing

    Passport holders, notebook covers, keychains, luggage tags, belts, card holders, coasters, watch straps, dopp kits, padfolios, bookmarks, golf club headcovers, cufflink pouches

  • Method: wood burning

    Cutting boards, cheese/charcuterie boards, wine crates, coasters, serving trays, ornaments, cigar boxes, photo frames, beer flight paddles,

  • Method: calligraphy or lettering

    Mugs, tumblers, plates, tiles, ornaments, beer steins

  • Coasters, cheese boards, serving slabs

Book Your Event

Your Questions, Answered

  • It depends! It’s helpful to start with the material that you’re looking to have personalized, and I can recommend from there. Some clients come in knowing exactly what they want, and others are looking for more support and guidance. Both are great!

    For materials like leather and faux leather, I suggest hot foiling. For glass, metal, and certain types of plastic, I suggest engraving. And for (just about) everything else, I suggest traditional calligraphy or lettering.

  • Live calligraphy services start at $800 for a three hour event, with the average investment around $1200. To prepare a quote, I’ll typically need a date, a (rough) guest count, and an idea of what type of item you’d like personalized. From there, we can work with your budget and determine the best next steps.

  • I do not, but I work with a lot of talented calligraphers who do! I recommend reaching out to Courtney Ethridge to book your live wedding calligraphy.

  • The client typically provides the items to be personalized. As part of my services, I offer guidance on sourcing and provide complimentary material tests. I outline specific details in each client’s contract, custom to each unique event.

  • It depends on the personalization method, but a good rule of thumb is 30-40 items per hour. I provide a more detailed estimate based on your guest count, item, and personalization method. For high volume events, I bring in additional calligraphers to ensure your guests’ needs are met!

  • Sure do!

  • To prepare a quote, I just need a date, guest count, and a rough idea of what you’d like to have personalized.

    To book an event, I require 25% retainer and a signed contract.

  • Typically, just a 6’ table, standard chair, and access to a power source. It’s helpful to have branded signage directing guests to the activation and ample space for the item being personalized.

  • I quote per event, not per hour. Events start at $800 for up to three hours of coverage.