Live Calligraphy and Engraving Services in St. Louis
Live Personalization Services
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
The Booking Process
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.
What’s Included in Your Quote
Material Samples & Sourcing Support
Personalized material samples are available upon request during the booking process, as well as support sourcing items for personalization.
Local Travel
Travel within the St. Louis area is included. For events outside of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, travel fees will be quoted separately.
Dedicated Event Assistant
For events over 75 guests, a dedicated assistant is included in your rate. This assistant helps to manage flow, assist guests, and ensure that your activation is completely hands off for your team.
Setup & Breakdown
Event setup needs are minimal: a 6’ table, a chair, and access to a power source. Setup typically takes less than 15 minutes.
“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 XCLive Calligraphy is a Great Fit for All Kinds of Events
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
Your Questions,
Answered
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Sure do!
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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.
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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.
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I quote per event, not per hour. Events start at $800 for up to three hours of coverage.