In 2026, a standard invitation just doesn’t cut it. Even couples wanting to embrace traditional styles tend to want to throw some sort of extra pizzazz in with it, and we are here for it. Wedding stationery should reflect you as a couple, the new life you’re beginning together, and the experience that you want to share with your guests.
Custom artwork is a great place to begin. Nothing sets the tone for YOUR day – you, specifically, that is – like personalized illustrated wedding invitations. Let’s dive in to some of the custom artwork trends we’re seeing at Dodeline.
Custom artwork is a great place to begin. Nothing sets the tone for YOUR day – you, specifically, that is – like personalized illustrated wedding invitations. Let’s dive in to some of the custom artwork trends we’re seeing at Dodeline.
1. Illustrated wedding invitations featuring the couple
While this trend is a little less common than #2, we are definitely seeing requests for a subtle inclusion of the couple in personalized illustrated wedding invitations.
Check out this example of a save the date and invitation we created for a couple’s 10th wedding anniversary. We loosely illustrated a few of their wedding photos to create a truly special and unique stationery suite.
2. Custom venue artwork
Of course, custom venue artwork is the name of the game! When couples spend so much time, effort, and money selecting the perfect place to say “I do,” it only makes sense that it should figure into the wedding stationery. Illustrated wedding invitations are the way to go when you’ve selected a picturesque place to tie the knot.
It’s not that simple, though – personalized illustrated wedding invitations can be created in a myriad of ways. A few considerations related to custom artwork include:
- Would you like it to be in color or more of a sketch?
- Do you like a loose whimsical style, or more rigid / architectural?
- Will this be used in a large format, like an envelope liner, or very small as an icon?
- What view of the venue would you want to feature?
- Are there any specific details you want to add to the custom artwork that may not actually be there? i.e. your dog sitting on the steps or certain flowers
3. Four legged friends
Including your best friends is pretty much a must, so why wouldn’t that extend to the four legged ones? We love finding creative ways to incorporate couples’ animals into the wedding stationery. Often, they show up on a signature drink sign, napkins, matchbooks, and/or cups.
Sometimes, a couple wants to be sure their animals are part of the wedding from earlier on, though. Check out this fun example of puppies next to a Christmas tree in this holiday themed wedding invitation!
4. Unique Monogram and Custom Crest Designs
A great way to make sure every element of your wedding stationery ties together and feels cohesive is to design a custom crest at the beginning of the stationery design process. It will help set the tone for colors, design elements, and more. The crest can be used as a whole element on its own, but it can also be parceled out as just the monogram, just the flowers, etc. on the other cards, ensuring a seamless and beautiful design. And of course, completely, 100% personal to you.
In Conclusion
While a traditional invitation still has a place in our hearts and is right for some couples / events, illustrated wedding invitations are really taking over in 2026. The potential to create something so unique and personalized that becomes a piece of art is such a fun opportunity. Here at Dodeline, we love working with couples to help their vision come to life. Follow us on Instagram or reach out via email to start talking about your invitation dreams!
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