Once upon a time, invitations were very straightforward – white or ecru paper, black engraving, and a handful of fonts from which to select. Times have certainly changed, though! Now, engaged couples can choose from illustrated wedding invitations, unique shapes and paper colors, thousands of typography options, and more.
With that many choices to be made, it can sometimes be overwhelming, which is why we think it’s always a good idea to get a seasoned stationer on your wedding planning team. An experienced stationery can help you create something cohesive but still unique and possibly even create the artwork needed for illustrated wedding invitations, if that’s the look you’re after.
So, how do you make your invitations feel personal and unique in a sea of endless options? Below you’ll find 8 ways to create truly fabulous wedding stationery.
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Lean into a theme
Is there something you as a couple are particularly passionate about? Music? Wine? Travel? Invitations are a place you can really go all out with your passions. To really stand out from the crowd, embrace what you love and work with a stationer who can help you make it a reality.
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Get inspired by locale
Our Charleston wedding invitations almost all draw on some part of the Lowcountry for their design. Whether it’s illustrated wedding invitations or pairing a class invitation with a fun map, using your chosen wedding city as a guide is a great way to make the stationery feel fully custom.
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Stay away from the trends
It’s as true about stationery as it is about fashion, music, and everything else – sometimes the best way to make something unique and personal is to go completely the other way from the trends. For example, some of our clients are choosing to go completely classic – like copy-my-mom’s-wedding-invitation level – which at one point would have been just like everyone else’s. Now, it feels special and different.
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Customize your wording
There is certainly a formula for wedding invitation wording, especially if you’re going traditional. However, there is no reason you can’t branch out and use a voice that feels more like your own. Add fun phrasing like “Let’s party!” or whatever else you can dream up to make your invitation one-of-a-kind.
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Consider an unusual format
Invitations are typically a rectangular, flat piece that varies in size and print method. But there is no reason they have to be. The shape could change or even the entire presentation – what about a folded piece? Or one that open in the middle like a gate? Illustrated wedding invitations in particular do well with different formats where you can really showcase the art and be sure to have room for the wording.
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Share a bit of your life
While many of those who receive your invitations are your nearest and dearest, the odds are some of the relatives on your fiance’s side might not know you very well at all. Infusing some of your story into the wedding invitations is a great way to introduce yourself! Whether it’s by including your beloved pets in a crest of envelope liner or noting where you got engaged on a custom map, these are the things that make the suite yours and yours alone.
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Go for color
Wedding invitations have traditionally arrived in a white or ecru envelope with black calligraphy on the outside. Break the mold and go for a colorful envelope to stand out in the mailbox and introduce your wedding color scheme to your guests.
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Follow your instincts
Pinterest and Instagram can positively overwhelm you with possibilities for your wedding invitations. It’s important to try to pick a lane that feels like YOU. Do your best to tune out the noise a bit and go with what you’ve always loved – don’t do a hot pink wedding invitation if it’s literally never been a color you like. If you’re always a “blue person,” go with it!
Ultimately, save the dates and invitations are the first thing you send your guests about your wedding, giving your guests a little glimpse into the event they’re attending. Work with a trusted stationer to make sure you don’t miss a detail and create something that works well for your event.At Dodeline, we’ve been designing and producing wedding stationery for over 15 years. While we’re based in Charleston, we’ve been lucky enough to work with couples all over the country on weddings happening all over the world. If you’d like to chat about your upcoming nuptials, please reach out and/or follow along on our adventures on Instagram @dodelinedesign.
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