The "extended contemporary" style of calligraphy looks streamlined, simplistic and modern. Certain parts of letters stretch up vertically, for a long, lean elegant look. The straight lines of a lowercase l and h, for example, extend upward beyond the height of any nearby capital letters. This is a great style to use when space is tight, because the letters are close together.
The "flourished italic" calligraphic lettering style commands attention and exudes sophistication. Depending on the calligraphic artist, letters written in this style may look rounded or straighter, but will always greatly exaggerate certain parts of letters with long sweeping strokes. Parts of letters will usually extend in both horizontal and vertical directions. A rounded curve of a capital "C" written in this style might almost resemble a full circle, matching the round curve of a lowercase "g." Or, the bottom curve of a lowercase j or y might extend in a curly, figure-8 shape below a word.
This is a lettering style that requires lots of room, and is often used on wedding invitations.
Old English lettering has certain distinguishing features. It is very ornate, and requires several different strokes to create an uppercase letter. A number of small extra lines and other details are added to each letter before it is complete. Another feature of Old English style is how the circular parts of letters such as lowercase a, c, and p, are not written in smooth, continuous strokes. For instance, an O is drawn with 6 sides, like a hexagon. This style is commonly used for tattoos.
The uncial lettering style is unique, and not typically seen as often as other styles. Letters in this style are short and wide. It more closely resembles printing, rather than a form of script.
Uncial is a Celtic font. The Celts were an ancient society of western Europe that left behind hand-decorated books, such as The Book of Kells, where different forms of uncial calligraphy were preserved.