How Much Does Hand-Lettered Wedding Signage Cost?

Written By Joanne Wong

If you’re planning a Calgary wedding for 2026 or 2027 and starting to research signage, you’ve probably asked this question already:

How much does hand-lettered wedding signage actually cost?

As a Calgary-based wedding calligrapher specializing in hand-lettered signage, this is one of the most common — and most valid — questions I get. On the surface, signage may look simple. But once you understand what goes into creating truly custom, hand-lettered pieces, the pricing starts to make a lot more sense.

This post will break down:

  • Typical starting costs for hand-lettered wedding signage

  • Why certain materials cost more than others

  • What you’re really investing in when you choose custom signage

Why DIY and Etsy signage isn’t the same as working with a professional calligrapher

What Is Hand-Lettered Wedding Signage?

Hand-lettered signage means your wording is drawn by hand directly onto the final surface — not printed, not vinyl, and not a template.

This includes:

  • Welcome signs

  • Seating charts

  • Table numbers

  • Station signage such as:

    • Guestbook signs

    • Cards & gifts signs

    • Bar signs

    • Menu signs

    • Specialty station signs (champagne walls, favors, dessert tables, etc.)

  • Order of events signs

  • Place cards

  • Fabric signs

Each piece is created individually, making it one-of-a-kind and tailored to your wedding — which is exactly why hand-lettered signage is considered a luxury detail.

Starting-At Costs for Hand-Lettered Wedding Signage

For Calgary and area luxury-leaning weddings, hand-lettered wedding signage typically starts at:

  • Welcome signs: starting at $250+

  • Seating charts: starting at $450+

  • Table numbers: starting at $180+

  • Station signs (guestbook, cards & gifts, bar, menus, etc.): starting at $125+ per sign

  • Order of events signs: starting at $200+

  • Place cards: starting at $2.50 per card

  • Fabric signs: starting at $350+

Most couples invest $800+ into their signage suite to ensure a cohesive, elevated look across their entire wedding day rather than a mix of mismatched pieces.

Why Hand-Lettered Signage Is Considered a Luxury

1. You’re Paying for Time, Skill, and Experience

A common misconception I hear is:

“Isn’t it just writing?”

In reality, hand-lettered signage is highly labour-intensive. Each piece involves:

  • Custom layout and spacing design

  • Drafting and centering (this alone takes time and precision)

  • Lettering by hand, often in multiple passes

  • Corrections and refinements

  • Sealing and curing

This is not a plug-and-play process — it’s a craft that requires experience and patience to execute cleanly and consistently.

2. Materials Matter — and They Affect Pricing

The surface you choose has a significant impact on cost and outcome.

Wood

Wood signage requires extensive prep before lettering begins:

  • Cutting

  • Sanding

  • Priming

  • Painting

  • Drying

After lettering, it must be sealed. Lumber costs have increased over the years, and the prep time alone can exceed the lettering time itself.

Acrylic

Acrylic is sleek, modern, and unforgiving. There is little to no room for error — one mistake often means starting over. The material itself is costly, and lettering directly onto it requires precision and experience.

Mirrors

Mirror signage is a beautiful option for couples who want something they can repurpose after the wedding. The lettering can be wiped off, allowing the mirror to be styled in your home long after the wedding day. While it photographs beautifully, it still requires careful prep and a steady hand.

Fabric

Fabric signage is especially popular for destination weddings. It’s lightweight, easy to store, and travels well — making it a practical and beautiful option. Fabric signs can be hand-lettered or printed, with printed fabric offering a more cost-effective option while still requiring thoughtful design beforehand.

Why I Don’t Hand-Letter on Foam Core

I’m often asked why I don’t hand-letter directly onto foam core.

The honest answer?
It doesn’t meet my standards.

Foam core tends to look inexpensive, doesn’t yield clean results when hand-lettered, and doesn’t photograph well — especially for luxury weddings. If a couple is investing in my work, I want the final product to reflect that investment.

What You’re Really Paying For

When you invest in custom hand-lettered signage, you’re paying for:

  • Professional design expertise

  • Years of lettering experience

  • Material sourcing and preparation

  • Two rounds of revisions

  • Precision, consistency, and craftsmanship

  • Sealing, curing, and protection

  • Timeline and production management

This ensures your signage looks intentional, polished, and cohesive — not rushed or improvised.

DIY vs. Hiring a Wedding Calligrapher

Many couples consider DIY signage — and I completely understand why. But what often gets overlooked is the time cost.

I’ve had brides tell me they were working on signage until 4 a.m. the night before their wedding, correcting spacing issues, repainting boards, and stressing over mistakes.

When you hire me, you’re not just paying for signage — you’re buying back your time. Time to spend with family. Time to rest. Time to actually enjoy the lead-up to your wedding.

More Than Just Signage — A Signature Style

When couples work with me, they’re not getting:

  • Cookie-cutter Etsy templates

  • Fonts anyone can download

They’re getting my Duchess Calligraphy signature script — a style developed over years that cannot be replicated. This is what makes your signage feel elevated, intentional, and truly custom.

Luxury isn’t just about materials — it’s about originality and craftsmanship.

My Pricing Philosophy

I believe in quality over quantity, which is why I have a minimum spend of $800 for wedding signage.

This allows me to:

  • Give each piece the time and care it deserves

  • Maintain consistency across your signage

  • Deliver work that reflects my standards and your wedding vision

My role is to take this off your plate — not add another task to it.

Is Hand-Lettered Wedding Signage Worth It?

If you value:

  • One-of-a-kind details

  • Thoughtful craftsmanship

  • A cohesive wedding aesthetic

  • Peace of mind before your wedding

Then hand-lettered signage is absolutely worth the investment.

Next Steps

If you’re planning a 2026 or 2027 Calgary wedding, I’d love to help you:

  • Understand which signage pieces make the most impact

  • Prioritize based on your budget

  • Create a signage suite that feels elevated and intentional

Explore my Wedding Signage + Day of Stationery Services
Inquire about custom wedding signage

Joanne Wong https://www.duchesscalligraphy.com