Top 10 New Trends in Wedding invitations
In our custom wedding design business, we have noticed some trends that are inspiring couples to take a new look at the classic wedding invitation. We are happy to share these with you.
- Mixing fonts
We have noticed a marked trend in using multiple fonts on wedding invitations. Mixing scripts, blocks and italics is very common now. When using multiple fonts, we suggest carrying this theme over to each part of the wedding ensemble.
- Heavier card stock
“Does this come heavier?” is a question we hear all the time. Invitations can now be two ply or three ply on a typical order.
- Deckled edges and handmade papers.
Rough edges, recycled paper, and more nature-inspired designs are trending. We used Arturo or Fabriano papers to achieve the mood of the moment. We are always on the lookout for new handmade papers to make our clients happy.
- Digital watercolor designs
The use of digital printers has expanded the design options. Beautiful floral patterns, seascapes, skylines and wild life commonly adorn classic wedding texts these days. These patterns and illustrations partnered with classic wedding text, work well together to create a mood.
- Colored envelopes
Stardream or shimmer papers in different colors are used as liners or even as envelopes for modern wedding invitations. Colored envelopes certainly make your invitations stand out in the mail. We often match the ink color on the invitation with the color of the outer envelope.
- Vellum is back
Translucent vellum has returned, either colorless or tinted. Sometimes it is used as an invitation wrap, belly band or as website insert. The beauty of the vellum is that it does not compete with any design, and allows space for added text or even artwork.
- Negative space
One striking change in today’s wedding invitations is the use of more blank space. The bride and groom’s names often appear to be floating in a vacuum far from the rest of the text. Wedding copy is sometimes moved down to the very bottom of the card, giving it a more contemporary vibe.
- Painted edges
Instead of classic bordering, the trend is now towards subtle edge painting. Even nontraditional colors are popping up on the edges of classic invitations. Painted edges are most popular on thicker invitations, since they show more and often are required to hide the fact that different layers are pasted together.
- Custom crests
Monogram crests of modern versions of heraldic crests are being used to adorn the top of invitations. These crest often depict characteristics of both bride and groom. They tell a love story, and add flavor to any invitation set.
- Architectural
Sketched renderings of buildings or venues are becoming more popular on wedding invitations. Both city and country venues lend themselves to illustration. Locational sketches are often suited for destination weddings. Printing processes such as thermography, engraving , foil stamping and letterpress are often combined to showcase the renderings and add dimension to wedding invitations.
Lifestyle and design go hand in hand. Customs have become increasingly less formal over the past few decades, and this trend is reflected in the modern wedding invitation, hence we see more color and artwork on layouts.
As long as you keep in mind that the key to a well-designed wedding invitation is balance, these new trends ramp up the individuality of the invitations. The design should not overwhelm the text and the copy should not squelch the design. The two should work together to convey your message of love and tradition.