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Photo by Dawn Derbyshire
Invitations set the tone for a wedding, and you don’t want to call on your guests with something that's not your style. So if you're open to surprising your guests with an invitation suite that feels more personal than traditional, there are endless ways to amp up the creativity level in your wedding invitations.
You can customize every detail of your invitation suite, selecting everything from the paper it's printed on to the stamp that seals the envelope. But remember: There's a lot more to your invitations than what they're printed on. Consider using fun shapes, mixed materials, and hand-painted artwork to create the vibe you want.
Read on for unique wedding invitation ideas to help inspire you.
Consider Color Blocking
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Photo by Meaghan Brianne Photo; Invitation by Double Dipped Calligraphy
An invitation suite with a sunny disposition. A warm color palette consisting of sunshine hues puts a retro spin on this mood-enhancing color block style.
Mix Linen and Leather
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Photo by Hey Beloved; Invitation by Isidore and Augustine
Make your invitations match the theme of your garden party wedding with a Jane Eyre-inspired design. Linen and letter-pressed invitations are understated elegance, complete with torn edges that exude vintage romance.
Find Inspiration From the Outdoors
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Photo by Hazelwood Photo; Invitation by Tracy Subisak
A Pacific Northwest wedding calls for an outdoor-themed invitation suite that comes alive with adventure. We can't get enough of Tracy Subisak's quirky woodland-inspired illustrations.
Think Transparent
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Photo by Taralynn Lawton; Invitation by Made Divine; Planned by Roxanne Bellamy
A transparent acrylic invitation with simple white lettering achieves contemporary minimalism. The "less is more" aesthetic uses a visual hierarchy of text to highlight only the most important details.
Consider Chinoiserie
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Photo by Josh & Dana Fernandez; Invitation by Nib & Pixel; Florals by Mibellarosa
This colorful invitation suite is inspired by a Chinoiserie, the European interpretation of Chinese motifs. A teal and aqua color combination with hints of pinks illustrates cherry blossoms and bas relief birds.
Have Fun With Illustrations
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Photo by Experimental Vintage; Invitation by Wide Eyes Paper Co.
Illustrated fold-out watercolor invitations are a fun alternative to the traditional wedding invitation suite. This whimsical design features the bride and groom alongside a scenic landscape of the vineyard where they’ll tie the knot. The fourth panel is perforated so guests can tear it off and send in their RSVP.
If you're looking for a way to personalize your wedding invitations, hiring an illustrator may be your best bet. Illustrated wedding invitations not only add artsy flair, but there's something so special about having an invite that's truly one-of-a-kind. Anything from a custom portrait of you and your partner to a hand-drawn family crest can be turned into an illustration.
Create an Indie Print
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Photo by Joe + Kathrina; Invitation by Minted
Desert nuptials? The indie cactus print on this all-in-one invitation is sure to set the tone for your wedding day. Bonus: The perforated RSVP postcard is ready to be dropped in the mail.
Design Your Own Royal Wedding
Invitation by Penny Lane Papery
An invitation suite fit for a princess. Complete with illustrations and a custom-designed crest, these teal-themed invites are as fairytale-esque as it gets.
Work With Watercolor
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Photo by O’Malley Photographers; Invitation by Momental Designs
These stunning green watercolor invitations were inspired by a woodsy canopy of trees—and they’re incredibly magical. All the coordinating pieces (from the invitation and RSVP card to the menu) are perfectly harmonious and provide attendees with a sneak peek of what's to come.
Forgo Paper
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Photo by Ash & Stone; Invitation by Paper Birch Design
Forget paper—leather invitations add an unexpected texture and get major points for originality. Plus, they’re the perfect complement to the free-spirited bride’s indie wedding.
Use a Rustic Palette
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Photo by Dawn Derbyshire; Invitation by Oh Joyful Day
A violet and copper palette is rustic and elegant when combined with wax seals and silk ribbon. Deckle-edge invitations and calligraphy wedding envelopes really make this suite stand out.
Carve Your Details on Wood
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Photo by Aly Barnett; Invitation by Cut Above Stationery
There’s no better invite for an outdoor bohemian wedding than one fashioned from wood. An envelope with a fern print stamped on will seal the deal.
Bevel the Edges
Photo and Invitation by Kara Anne Paper
Watercolor art, gold beveled edges, and engraved butterflies evoke a fairytale dream come true. The lavender envelopes featuring an ornate gold seal will give guests something to remember.
Depending on the complexity of your wedding invitation suite, you should contact stationery designers nine to 12 months before your wedding. If you're looking for a custom seal or illustrations, then you may want to reach out even sooner.
Get Eclectic With Cut-Outs
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Photo by Alex Mari Photography; Invitation by Pen and Fold
Crystal-inspired invitations are edgy and eclectic—perfect for the bohemian bride. The foil-pressed lettering and dynamic laser-cut design lend an artistic touch.
Embrace Warm Tones
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Photo by Jenny Collen; Invitation by Minted
Burnt tones add a splash of color in this Indian-inspired invitation complete with gilded lettering and patterned corners. For a traditional Hindu wedding, we'd expect nothing less.
Stick With Patterns
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Photo by Rouxby; Invitation by Ink & Ivory
Bring the Roaring ‘20s to life with an Art Deco invitation suite that exudes class and sophistication. Crisp lines, geometric patterns, and a black and gold palette strike a chord.
Use Your Venue as Inspiration
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Photo by Ashley Paige Photography; Invitation by Curate Events and Design
Playful and fun, this retro print is reminiscent of a postcard. Everything from the vibrant color selections to the mid-century modern design capture the spirit of this Palm Springs wedding venue.
Try Desert Glam
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Photo by Lauren Mihae Photography
Boho desert vibes, anyone? A dreamcatcher, feather motif, and desert landscape artwork combine for the most free-spirited invitation suite we've seen yet.
Throw It Back To the '70s
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Photo by Lauren Miles; Invitation by Letters & Dust
Acrylic invitations are taken to new heights when they sparkle with glitter. This groovy disco-inspired invitation set puts a modern twist on the 1970s. Our favorite part? The RSVP cards prompting guests "Ready To Dance?"
Make It Personal
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Photo by The Nichols; Invitation by Vine Island
We’re loving the modern desert vibes in this spunky invitation suite, which get points for a personal touch—the groom, a graphic designer, created them himself. We're also partial to the eye-catching palm frond-covered envelopes that appear to be handpainted.
Keep Your Colors Minimal
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Photo by Jen Huang Photo; Invitation by Paperfinger
A black-and-white color scheme marks a stamped botanical print with minimalism. For an intimate ceremony tucked away in a secret garden, what more could you ask for?
Allude To Your Destination
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Photo by Carmen Santorelli Photography
Destination wedding? A watercolor map drawing will give your invitations some local color in more ways than one. Even the tile patterned liner found inside the envelope hints to a Positano wedding.
Think Vintage
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Photo by Noel Perrone; Invitation by Elins Art Studio
An invitation suite with a color palette of warm greens, blues, and gold is inspired by the Bethesda Terrace in New York City’s Central Park. Watercolor splashes, elegant calligraphy, and parchment paper are reminiscent of a vintage painting.
Incorporate Geodes
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Photo by Green Antlers Photography
Create an edgy, earthy feel with a geode-inspired print in vivid turquoise and metallic gilded edges. While the design is effective in conveying important wedding day details, it's also easy on the eyes.
Stick With Simplicity
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Photo by Eleanor Jane Photography; Illustrations by Miss Magpie Fashion Spy; Calligraphy by Nikki Whiston Inks
Sometimes simple and understated is best, especially when it sets the tone for a barn wedding. Rustic wedding stationery goes minimalist with a bold type and evergreen artwork.
Remember Less Is More
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Photo by Miss Gen Photography; Invitation by
For this bold and clean invitation suite, layered elements combine for a design that's ripe in simplicity and beauty. From the couple's mantra (Who Loves Wins) to the modern palette consisting of black and deep burgundy, no detail goes unnoticed.
Play With Shapes
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Invitation by Swell Press Paper
Nothing says time to party like a bunch of circular-shaped wedding invitations! For a playful twist, the orange invites are topped with a holographic foil lettering. The top vellum paper portion swivels to reveal the details for the day.