Besides getting a refund check from the IRS, there are few mailbox moments as exciting as receiving a hand addressed letter or note. There's something about seeing your name in an actual peron's handwriting that let's you know that this piece of mail is uniquely meant for you. Direct mail companies know this -- some computer fonts are made to look like handwriting in an effort to trick the recipient into thinking they are receiving personal mail. It doesn't take an expert to figure out a machine spat out your name and address along with tens of thousands of others. Some companies even employ actual humans to physically write out names and addresses in an effort to increase their "open rate." They know that anything that doesn't look like a bill, check or letter hits the trash before it is ever opened.
Calligraphy can get pretty expensive. It's extremely time-consuming to do. And there aren't a lot of people who can sit down for hours on end copying addresses onto envelopes without losing their minds. Think Bartleby the Scrivener without the psychological disorder. But if you have a special occasion that requires multiple mailings like a wedding or anniversary party, you should really consider hand-addressing your envelopes. If you're watching your expenses, consider writing the addresses yourself. Is you handwriting really that bad? Could it be improved with a little concentration and effort? If your handwriting is truly hopeless, say, if you're a doctor, you might consider plan B which is to get somebody else to do it. I've suggested hiring a high school student with decent penmanship but I'm rethinking that advice. High school is the time people are trying on their adult personalities and consequently high school age penmanship has a somewhat affected, juvenile quality to it. Maybe you can talk an older relative into helping you out. A lot of older men and women (over 60) have beautiful penmanship as a result of years practicing the Palmer Method. If their handwriting is a little unsteady, think of it as adding a little personality to the writing.
A professional calligrapher is a great choice for most people. A lot of calligraphers will have a variety of styles to fit the occasions, styles, and budgets of their prospective clients.
Celebrating the special occasions in your life deserve extra attention. Hand-addressing envelopes is only partially about making an aesthetic statement. It is really about the personal touch. It says to the recipient, "You are special to me and I want you to share in my happiness." What could make a better impression?
Totally agree! We hired someone from my husband's office who has excellent handwriting. Not calligraphy but pretty and neat. Someone with great attention to detail. 1/3 the price (or less!) of a calligrapher.
Posted by: Flower Child | April 13, 2008 at 07:30 AM