The wedding invitation is one of the first glimpses your guests will see of your big day, giving them a sense of the style and theme of your event. For couples that want to hold an elegant wedding, there are certain design elements they should look closely for when choosing their stationery. “I don’t think there are hard and fast rules for things to avoid,” says Carly Martin at Clementine Studio. “In my opinion, it’s more about knowing what’s current and what will always look classic—and I think that’s a no-fail recipe for an elegant invitation suite.”
Start with a font fit for an elegant invitation
The fonts used on a wedding invitation can mean the difference between a design that feels fresh and modern, and one that looks dated and done. Luckily, there is no shortage of gorgeous fonts to choose from, so couples should have no problem finding something that works for their elegant wedding. “I love how the simple combination of a modern script with a chic block font can instantly make the whole invitation feel fresh,” says Martin, adding that some of her current favorite fonts include Audrey and Ivy Mode for a fancier sans serif, and Quentin for a modern handwritten-feel script.
Keep florals neutral
If you want to showcase a floral motif on your wedding invites, be sure to stay neutral, such as utilizing lots of greenery and vines. When it comes to elegant stationery, less is definitely more.
Mix it up with shape
You don’t have to stick with the traditional rectangular shape, even for an elegant invite. Step out of that comfort zone by selecting something in a more out-of-the-box shape, such as a square or even a circle. Want to stick with the tried-and-true rectangle? No problem, but maybe spice it up with some scalloped edges!
Don’t be afraid of color
Couples might think they’re limited when it comes to color on an elegant wedding invitation, but you can think go beyond the usual ivory or white card stock with a black or gold font. “I’ve been loving an olive green with muted pastels—like a blush pink and terracotta,” explains Martin. “I think color combinations that feel fresh and a bit unexpected but aren’t garishly bright. I always refer to modern brand designs for cues to color and design trends, like a new coffee company logo or soap packaging that catches my eye. Oftentimes great graphic designers lead the way for the color trends we all end up loving in a moment of time.”
Combine design elements
"My favorite combination is a double printed style invitation suite: letterpress printed text and digitally printed designs," notes Martin. "The letterpress is classic, elegant and texturally elevates the suite, while the digitally printed designs (in my case watercolor florals or scenery) allow the couple to add a bit more personality and color."
Ready to start looking for your wedding invitations? Let LSTV help you—browse through our directory of stationery designers to find the perfect pro for you!
