What Brides and Planners Need to Know about Live Engraving at Weddings
The process, FAQs, and real ideas your guests will love.
Planning wedding favors that guests will actually love? A live engraving artist brings both elegance and interaction to transform ordinary items into memorable keepsakes. This guide combines tried-and-true tips from the first blog post, plus new insights — whether you’re a 2025 or 2026 bride, a wedding planner, wedding venue coordinator, or a brand hosting a boutique event.
What is live engraving at a wedding?
Live engraving at weddings means having an artist on-site during your wedding rehearsal dinner, cocktail hour, or wedding reception rehearsal who engraves items in real time (yes, for you to take home the same day!) Guests watch the process and receive personalized items — we'll talk more about ideas such as stemless wine glasses, a perfume bottles, or stainless steel water bottles. It’s more than artistry; it’s performance.
✨ Want to see how another bride used live engraving? Read more about my experience engraving for a wedding at at Biltmore Ballrooms in Atlanta.
As a calligraphy and engraving artist, I work with materials like glass, metal, stainless steel, and plastic. The idea is that whatever item you choose, engraving makes it permanent.
Why choose a wedding live engraver?
Couples are choosing live event engraving over traditional favors, and here's why:
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Guest Entertainment + Interaction: Live engraving gives guests something to watch and talk about long after the last dance.
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Personalized Keepsakes: Instead of favors that might be tossed in the trash, guests leave with something meaningful and personalized.
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Luxury Feel: The artistry and attention to detail make the whole event feel more upscale. Talk about black tie weddings.
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Social Media Moments: Guests love photographing the process and their custom items from your big day. It’s share-worthy.
What can be engraved? Ideas & Inspiration
There are popular items that work beautifully with live engraving at weddings, and others that really step outside of the box to bring a unique touch to your bridal party, cocktail hour, and wedding reception.
|
Item |
Why It Works / Unique Touch |
|---|---|
|
Stemless wine glasses / whiskey tumblers |
Elegant, reusable, and classic. Open, flat surface for personalization. Great for cocktail hour. |
|
Perfume bottles |
Glamorous and personal, especially for close family or bridal party. |
|
Metal water bottles |
Everyday items that guests will use. |
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Ornaments |
Seasonal weddings → keepsakes they’ll bring out every year. |
|
Compact mirrors |
Glam detail, especially for flower girls or bridal party. |
|
Metal utensils |
Think kitchen tools like spatulas, pizza cutters, and whisks. Cooking up love! |
|
Ceramic coasters |
Marble coasters can be engraved as an elevated item. |
|
Guasha and beauty tools |
This one is for the girls! Beauty items are perfect to personalize. |
DID YOU KNOW? Engraving is just one way to create personalized wedding details. Other options include live calligraphy, hand-painted artwork, or leather embossing. Personalization doesn’t have to stop at glassware! Your cocktail hour and wedding details can reflect your story in a variety of creative ways. ✨
📩 Explore personalization beyond engraving. Get in touch today to chat about which personalization service fits your celebration best.
Step-by-Step: How to book a live engraving artist for weddings?
Here’s a step-by-step guide so you can plan smoothly and avoid surprises:
- Reach Out Early (Submit an inquiry here!): The first step is to save your date! Book your wedding live engraver 3-6 months in advance (even earlier for peak dates and holiday season). Artists book quickly and can only be in one place at a time! Supplies and travel need coordination.
- Choose Items to Be Engraved: Do you already have items in mind? Want to brainstorm with the engraving artist? Glass, metal, and plastic can be engraved. Share your guest count to help artist provide recommendations that allow time for everyone to receive an item. A second artist may be needed! Need inspiration? These are my favorite engraveable items on Amazon.
- Make a Plan: Include your wedding coordinator in plans with the engraving artist. I work seamlessly with wedding professionals to discuss setup, required items, location, and run of show. Plan when the engraving station will operate and make sure there is space and visibility.
- Guest Guidance: Use clear signage so guests know about the live engraving offer. If needed, share in the program or through the DJ/music vendor. When guests know about the engraving station, they are more likely to take advantage of the personalized favors.
- Confirm Details & Enjoy Your Big Day: When your big day arrives, we have communicated about setup, guest count, item display, and all other details to ensure I have everything under control and you can enjoy your special day with family and friends.
Wedding Engraving FAQ
Brides, grooms, and their planners often have questions about the process! These are my most-asked questions about on-site personalization and live engraving for weddings:
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How long does engraving each item take?
Usually 1-4 minutes per item, depending on length of engraving.
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Can guests choose their own engraving text?
Yes! Names, initials, and short phrases are all typical. Just know longer messages may take more time.
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What happens with large guest counts?
Strategies include limiting text length (initials only), booking extra staff, or selecting items that can be personalized faster (like these 30-second items from a recent corporate event.)
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Is this suitable for all wedding styles or themes?
Absolutely. Whether your vision rustic, ballroom, coastal, or modern chic, hand engraving and items can be tailored to match.
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What about engraving items beyond glass?
No surface is safe, but the method for personalization may change. I offer on-site calligraphy, hand painting, and leather embossing.
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How far out should I book a wedding live engraver?
Ideally 3 to 6 months before your wedding date, and even earlier if your wedding falls in a busy season or you have specific requests.
What are bridal clients saying about live engraving?
“Hiring Macie was hands-down one of the best decisions we made. Our guests loved watching their wine glasses engraved right during cocktail hour. It became the highlight of our reception.” — Emily, 2024 Wedding
"Guests are still raving over your service - which makes me sooo happy. I even have had friends ask for your info for their own weddings. Could not be more grateful and appreciative for you being the ‘cherry on top’ for my guests and their experience at my wedding!" — Eldria, 2025 Bride
“From setup to clean up, working with a wedding live engraver was seamless. I didn’t realize how much value it adds until I saw the joy on people’s faces.” — Jessica, Certified Wedding Planner
The setup for live engraving is simple. You provide the table, chair, and items on display for personalization. I operate completely cordless, so no need to stress over location near a power supply.
Curated picks for wedding and cocktail hour
I’ve hand-selected items that work perfectly for weddings or cocktail hours and are ideal for live engraving. Each has the durability, shape, and style that help engraving feel elevated and elegant. Browse engraving items inspiration.
Personalization matters for your big day
Weddings are about moments — beginnings, memories, and personal stories. Having a wedding live engraver at your celebration is a chance to make one of those moments permanently yours. It’s not just about favor items; it’s about giving your guests something they’ll use, treasure, and remember.
When your wedding has live engraving, you aren’t just planning a party — you’re creating a luxury experience that resonates long after the vows.
Ready to Book?
If you’re planning a wedding and want to include live engraving at wedding as part of your celebration, reach out now. Dates fill up quickly, especially for peak seasons and evening weddings — don’t let your preferred date slip away.
Let's work together. Add engraving to your wedding day!
Macie Temples is a Georgia-based calligrapher, engraver, and live event artist specializing in personalized experiences for weddings, corporate events, and luxury brand activations. From Atlanta to destinations nationwide, Macie helps clients create unforgettable moments through custom engraving, live calligraphy, and hand-painted keepsakes. Known for her southern hospitality and timeless artistry, she brings a professional yet personal touch to every event. Learn more.
📍 Based in Macon, Georgia | Serving Atlanta, the Southeast, and nationwide
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