Live Event Engraving: What It Is, Why It Wows, and How to Book It
Picture this: Your guest walks up to a table at your wedding or event. They’re handed a signature perfume bottle—or maybe a coupe glass destined for the toast—and they watch, wide-eyed, as their name or initials are engraved right in front of them. The pen glides, the gold shimmers, the camera flashes. They light up.
That’s live event engraving. And it’s kind of my thing.
So… what is live event engraving, exactly?
Live engraving is the art of customizing keepsake items—on-site, in real time—at your wedding, brand activation, or private event. It’s interactive, elevated, and gives your guests something they’ll actually want to take home (and post about, let’s be honest).
As a live engraver and calligrapher, I personalize everything from fragrance bottles and compact mirrors to wine bottles, luxury glassware, and custom keepsakes. I show up with my tools, my steady hand, and a little bit of magic—so you can offer a luxe guest experience they’ll rave about long after the last glass of champagne.
Want the full breakdown, examples, and booking info? Explore my live engraving services here.
Who’s it for?
Couples who want an unforgettable wedding detail
Planners who are always looking for that wow moment
Brands who know personalization = instant connection
Hosts who want to go the extra mile for their VIPs
What I Engrave (aka What Guests Freak Out Over)
Perfume + cologne bottles
Lipsticks and compacts
Wine and liquor bottles
Glassware
Metal water bottles
And more—if it’s engraveable, we can probably make it happen
Every project is a little different, which is why I work closely with you (and your planner or brand team, if you have one!) to make sure everything feels on-brand, on-theme, and absolutely unforgettable.
What If It Can’t Be Engraved? (Good News: I Have Other Tricks Up My Sleeve)
Live engraving is stunning—but it's not the only personalization service I offer. Some surfaces just don’t play nice with engraving (looking at you, champagne bottles). That’s where my other live event artistry comes in.
Depending on the item and the vibe, I also offer:
🖋️ Live Calligraphy Perfect for: paper goods, mirrors, champagne bottles, gift tags, ribbons, and more → Gorgeous hand-lettering on the spot using permanent inks—ideal when you want that romantic, handwritten feel.
🔥 Leather Debossing / Foiling Perfect for: leather (real and faux), journals, luggage tags, card holders → Think: initials applied with heat and pressure to bond metallic foil onto leather—equal parts tactile and chic.
🔥 Wood Burning Perfect for: charcuterie boards, serving trays, or other elevated wooden pieces that double as personalized décor → Adds a sophisticated, permanent touch that’s functional, aesthetic, and fully guest-worthy.
Each technique has its strengths, and I’ll help you choose the right one based on your event, the materials you’re using, and the aesthetic you're going for.
TL;DR: If it can be written on, I probably personalize it—beautifully and live at your event.
Where I Work (aka Where I’ll Pack My Engraving Kit and Go)
I'm based in Virginia, between Charlottesville and Richmond, but I regularly travel for weddings and events in:
Washington D.C.
Pittsburgh, PA
Harrisburg + State College
And other locations across Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the East Coast
If you're planning something special and you're looking for that extra touch—you know, the one guests can’t stop talking about—I’d love to help.
What It’s Like to Work With Me
Whether you’re a luxury brand hosting a multi-day activation or a couple planning your dream wedding, I make the personalization process feel effortless—from the first inquiry to the final flourish.
And if you're wondering, "How many guests can she actually personalize for? Will this work for my event?"—the answer is: let's find out together. I tailor my services to your guest count, timeline, and materials, and I’ll guide you to the option that fits your event best. When we work together, you get:
A smooth, guided experience that takes the guesswork out of what’s possible
Insightful recommendations on materials, timelines, and the best personalization techniques
A creative collaborator who can match your aesthetic and your energy
A sharp eye for detail with an editorial sensibility—because elegant doesn’t have to mean expected
I bring calm, clarity, and a little sparkle to every event—and my clients love how easy (and fun) I make it to wow their guests.
How to Book Live Engraving (or Other Live Artistry!)
I recommend reaching out at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially for peak season events. Travel, materials, and minimums vary depending on the scope of the event (I’ll walk you through all of that, don’t worry).
📨 Ready to create something unforgettable? Reach out here and let’s make it happen.
Not sure what service is best for your event? That’s my job! Reach out with your vision, and I’ll recommend the perfect technique (or combo) to wow your guests and suit your materials.
See It in Action
That moment when a Hall of Famer pauses to watch your work? Unforgettable.
💡 Looking for more details on logistics, timing, or what live engraving looks like behind the scenes? You’ll find answers (and lots of inspo) on my Onsite Artistry page.
Want to see live engraving in action? Check out my Onsite Artistry page or follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments from real events, weddings, and brand activations.