Choosing your wedding stationery can be a minefield. We’re not just talking wedding invitations online, but the whole shebang – save the date cards, rsvp cards, thank you cards and all the rest. You’ve also got to consider reception items such as wedding place cards and wedding favours… and this is all before the complexities of who to invite, where to seat them, how many to invite, and whether plus-ones are allowed! Although it may be tempting to go running for the hills, bear with us. Wedding correspondence is what builds the bridge between your guests and the big day itself. Once you’ve nailed your wedding cards, the rest will be a breeze.
Finding your theme
The theme. Where do we start? Deciding on a theme can be overwhelming with so many ideas buzzing round both your own head and the Internet, but it is a crucial element to wedding planning. With sites likes Pinterest overflowing with out-of-this-world wedding photos and I-wish-I-thought-of-that ideas, you may find yourself drowning in mood boards and inspiration walls. Unfortunately, you can’t have it all. The best way to choose your wedding stationery theme is, ultimately, to consider which designs and colours say the most about you, and what message you are trying to give out.
1. Check out current design trends
First things first – get browsing. Bridal magazines, wedding blogs, wedding fairs and Pinterest boards are all great sources of inspiration in finding the perfect theme for your wedding cards. Build up a collection of images and styles that you like and gradually strip it down to what works best for you. Here are our top five favourite wedding invitation trends for 2016 to get you started:
WATERCOLOUR
Watercolour designs offer romantic, floral imagery without the cliché. Opt for soft pastels and ombre shading for a subtle fashion statement. Graduations of saturation and tone can infuse your wedding stationery package with more life.
https://paperlust.co/cascade-design/287/wedding-invitations–digital-cards–splash-invitation/
https://paperlust.co/cascade-design/510/wedding-invitations–digital-cards–watercolour-invitations/
https://paperlust.co/cascade-design/514/wedding-invitations–digital-cards–doodle-invitations/
GOLD FOIL
Nothing says luxury like a splash of gold. Whether you want to make a big statement with your wedding stationery or take a more elegant stance, gold foil works either way. It’s the perfect method to give a traditional twist to otherwise modern designs.
https://paperlust.co/cascade-design/444/save-the-date–foil-stamp–batik-bagus-save-the-date/
https://paperlust.co/cascade-design/423/wedding-invitations–foil-stamp–leaves-invitations/
https://paperlust.co/cascade-design/705/wedding-invitations–foil-stamp–xo-invitations/
1920s/ART DECO
If vintage glamour is your bag, then a roaring 20s, Gatsby-style theme could be the way to go. The Art Deco design is characterised by bold geometric forms, symmetry and high contrast colour.
Source: https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/172001310/art-deco-printable-wedding-invitation
Source: https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/PaperTruly?ref=unav_listing-r
BOTANICAL
Botanical themed imagery is a hot topic within wedding stationery right now, with Australia’s best illustrators creating cute woodland designs left, right and centre.
Source: http://boards.styleunveiled.com/all/invitations-and-paper-goods
INDUSTRIAL CHIC
Exposed brickwork, stripped back lighting and rusting metal inspires an industrial wedding stationery theme. Its raw, simple print lends itself well to Letterpress. Despite working best on wedding stationery, this particular trend is extremely versatile and lends itself well to interior design. Why not go the whole hog and carry the theme though to your wedding cake, dress and venue?
Source: http://www.inspiredbythis.com/wed/rooftop-wedding-inspiration/
Source: http://www.unitedwithlove.com/2013/01/10/romantic-industrial-wedding-ideas-in-washington-dc/#/
2. Choose a colour palette
It’s a huge relief when you find the perfect colour palette to use throughout your wedding stationery set. Not only reserved for paper, the colour scheme spans the whole event from bouquets to cakes to bridesmaid dresses. Every year, Pantone release their top colour picks and trends for the season ahead. In 2016 there are two colours: “Rose Quartz” and “Serenity” (in the open air) and their soft, cool and warm colours balance one another and are highly influential to wedding colour schemes in 2016 and 2017. Here are some of the top colours this year:
ROSE QUARTZ
Source: https://au.pinterest.com/pin/91620173647795249/
Source: https://au.pinterest.com/pin/114771490481253397/
Source: https://au.pinterest.com/pin/100345897925416001/
SERENITY
Source: https://au.pinterest.com/pin/379357968593266593/
Source: https://au.pinterest.com/pin/ARBvbJjLjvXBs3-vYWJ5HVSo-yBvTt3PUwWcGnLn9_CjxfwJpWy_Mqg/
Source: https://au.pinterest.com/pin/14777505005283984/
POTTER’S CLAY
Sandstone is a complex neutral with a warming presence. It is rugged, earthy and real. Incorporate it into your wedding for simplicity with boho flair.
Source: http://www.bridalguide.com/blogs/bridal-buzz/pantone-colors-spring-2015
Source: https://au.pinterest.com/pin/101682904062240189/
Source: https://au.pinterest.com/pin/495677502709775793/
MARSALA
Marsala is a robust shade, being both sensual and bold. Its red-brown roots hint toward a sophisticated, natural earthiness.
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/430797520580651274/
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/112590059409066027/
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/552394710521097386/
SMOKE GREEN
This earthy tone is cool and soothing. The green-ish grey offers a soft and airy quality, and mixes beautifully with peaches and corals.
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/114771490480172991/
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/114771490480172960/
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/280560251763174097/
HANDY TIP Wedding invitations set the style and tone for your wedding. Ensure you start planning your ensemble at least six months in advance to give yourself plenty of time to suss out great designs and whittle down your options.