Designs by Sarah Meyer
  • home
  • wedding invitations
  • wedding signage
    • products + packages
  • other events
    • elopements
    • baby showers
    • birth announcements
    • graduations
    • birthdays
    • holidays
  • contact me
  • blog

2023 Wedding Invitation Trends

1/19/2023

0 Comments

 
Wedding trends should be helpful tips to inspire more unique ideas. They shouldn't be guidelines or boundaries that hold you back from creating what you want. The style, color palette, and theme you choose for your wedding are a reflection of you and your partner’s personalities, and the invitations are an extension of that. I always encourage my clients to lean on those design foundations when making decisions on whether to apply certain trends. If you are having a classically formal wedding with white and ivory flowers everywhere, you don’t want an invitation suite with tons of vibrant colored card stocks and envelopes. And even though online RSVPs have become more popular, if you love getting snail mail as much as I do, go ahead and create those traditional mail back RSVPs! 
​
Your wedding paper goods do not have to look like everything you see on social media, and any trends that are supposedly “out” can always be modernized for 2023. So, take them or leave them, either way I really hope the five trends listed below will get you excited to design wedding invitations that make you and your partner happy!
colorful floral wedding invitation

1. Colored Card Stocks

I put this trend at the top of the list because it is my favorite. Pops of color show up at weddings in flowers, bridesmaid gowns, and weddings cakes, so let’s include them in your wedding invitation suite too! Ombre wedding invitation suites are especially fun to explore if you are so bold. Otherwise, go with a white or ivory stock for the main invite card and try a more subtle color for those secondary rsvp and details cards. Dark blues or black card stocks can also be wonderfully moody and elegant when combined with a white ink printed on them.
citrus theme wedding invitation
Photo by Kimberly Mitiska Photography

2. Online RSVPs

Yes, more and more couples are opting to collect their RSVPs online. It can be a no-brainer to bypass the lost mail worries, weddings are stressful enough. This should certainly be the way to go if you are mailing your invitations late—giving your guests little time to respond. Plus, maybe your venue requires a final headcount early. Most wedding website hosts will offer RSVP collection, and it is very easy to set up. This is also very convenient when meal selections need to be tallied for your caterer. The site will provide a spreadsheet with guest names and their meal selections for you to pass on to vendors. I love the organization it provides when clients hire me to design day-of items like escort cards, seating charts, and/or place cards!
online wedding rsvp card

3. Invitation Suite Wraps

There are a lot of lovely embellishments to add to your wedding invitation suite like envelope liners and wax seals, but the item my clients have been asking for the most recently is an embellishment that will ensure all of the separate cards are held together. Wraps are basically an evolution of the belly band. I like them because they are a larger element within the wedding invitation suite for us to design. Use the wrap to incorporate that pop of color, pattern, custom graphic, etc. that you may not want on your invitation card itself.
silver foil vellum wrap
vellum invitation wrap with gold wax seal

4. Custom Wedding Logos

While you are customizing your whole suite design, ask your invitation designer about creating a logo for your wedding. A lot of times this will be a graphic that uses your monogram or duogram. One of my clients mentioned they already had a logo graphic designed by a friend. We decided to add their names to it, matching the font from the wedding invitation. They had the final logo printed on the back flaps of their envelopes and their reception napkins. This is a fabulous way to brand your event and it can be used anywhere!
letterpress mountain wedding invitation
mountain wedding rehearsal dinner invitation
Photo by Sarah Porter Photography

5. Typography Only Invitation Cards

Clean, simple and modern are adjectives I hear a lot when I ask clients about their invitation card design layout. Bold fonts can create a mood of their own, but make sure they are readable for your guests. If you are still wanting to incorporate graphic elements like venue sketches or watercolor paintings, those can always be incorporated on the secondary cards. Embrace the white space in your design! Please don’t feel the need to fill every card corner to corner with stuff. A simple invitation card with a unique font combination is always in style.
modern black and white wedding invitation
0 Comments

Telluride Wedding Invitation and Save the Date Ideas

10/30/2020

0 Comments

 
Last month I visited Telluride, Colorado for the first time and I absolutely fell in love. There was inspiration everywhere I looked… the gondolas zig zagging through the quaint Mountain Village, the town of Telluride tucked between the towering San Juan Mountains, and the endless roads and hiking trails with breath-taking views. I thought, Telluride is an amazing place to get married! So if you are hosting a wedding there, take a look below at the custom Telluride-inspired wedding save the dates and invitations I designed recently. I hope these ideas will encourage you to create paper goods that incorporate your unique wedding location into your designs.
mountain gondola wedding invitation, telluride wedding invitation
One of my favorite experiences in Telluride was taking the gondola from the Mountain village to the town of Telluride. 
​
The views of the town when coming down from San Sophia station are stunning! This is a perfect scene to include on your save the date card or wedding invitation because it will no doubt get your friends and family excited about going to your wedding.
couple walking in the woods save the date
My husband and I hiked like crazy while staying in Telluride.
​We were there for peak fall foliage and our walks were surrounded by rows of golden aspens. Save the date cards are an opportunity to be less formal, so use your favorite “together activity” as inspiration. I’m finding many couples are now moving away from the typical engagement photo save the date and including a custom drawing or painting of themselves instead. Generate a little mystery for your guests by using latitude and longitude coordinates in lieu of the town and state. This will have them looking up your location and doing research online right away!
waterfall wedding invitation, bridal veil falls wedding invitation
Our final hike in Telluride was Bridal Veil Falls.
​It is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado. What a fantastic location for a small wedding ceremony or elopement! Create a keepsake invitation suite or elopement announcement by including a wedding day story to coincide with the eye-catching imagery of your unique ceremony location.
gondola ticket wedding save the date, ski pass save the date
As mentioned, the Telluride gondola is a major attraction—and it’s free to ride!
​I get requests constantly for ticket themed invitations and save the dates. A gondola ticket save the date is a super fun idea that works no matter what Colorado ski town you are getting married in. Having a winter wedding and inviting friends and family who love to ski and snowboard? Design a ski lift ticket save the date. Customize the card even further by punching a hole in the top and tying some ribbon or twine around it to act as the lanyard.
telluride wedding invitation
There are memorable sites at every wedding venue or destination.
​Maybe you want to show off the town your venue is located in, or maybe your ceremony is on the balcony of an historic mansion overlooking the mountains. Pick your favorite and ask your invitation designer to paint that picture for your guests. I encourage you to also try some out-of-the-box verbiage for your invitation suite, like using roman numerals for the year instead of writing it out. There are endless ways to customize your wedding stationery to make it stand out from the rest. I know you have some awesome ideas—go get started!

Interested in creating custom save the dates or invitations for your wedding?

Contact Sarah
0 Comments

Wedding Invitation Tips During COVID-19

5/29/2020

0 Comments

 
During this crazy time some wedding invitation formalities and traditions will have to bend a bit to simplify the process. I hope these invitation tips will help ease your mind and the minds of your guests.
new wedding date, save the new date, wedding postponed
You've postponed your wedding, but the save the dates/invitations have already been mailed...
  • There is absolutely no need to print and mail a whole new invitation suite. Create a “wedding postponement card”. It can be a 3x5in postcard (recipient address and stamp on front, new date info on the back). If you want it to feel more formal, simply include an envelope.
  • Compose an email to your guests informing them of your new plans and include a link to your wedding website, but only do this if you have everyone’s email addresses. I do not recommend using social media to spread the word—it is very impersonal and posts/private messages can easily get deleted or lost.

Here are some verbiage ideas:
  1. No matter the situation our love stays strong. Our wedding hasn’t been cancelled, but has been moved to NEW DATE. Please visit our website for updates.
  2. Good things are worth the wait. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we made the difficult decision to postpone our wedding to NEW DATE. We will be in touch when we have new plans.
  3. Same party, different date. Due to the recent global pandemic, our wedding has been postponed to NEW DATE. More details coming soon or Please visit our website for updates.
  4. Save the new date. In light of recent events, our wedding will now take place on NEW DATE. More details coming soon.
  5. Distancing now to celebrate later. In order to celebrate safely with you, we have chosen to postpone our wedding celebrations to NEW DATE. For more information and to stay updated on our plans, please visit our website.
elopement announcement, we eloped card
You’ve decided to elope...
  • ​Let friends and family know you tied the knot by mailing an elopement announcement. Many photographers are offering reduced rates for elopements right now. Include a favorite photo or two on the announcement card and share a few little details about your special day. There’s nothing better than a love story!
rsvp online card, rsvp card, wedding website card
You’re having this wedding no matter what...
  • Mail your invitations out as close to the wedding date as possible. We are learning more about this virus every day, so no one is going to make a decision in June whether or not to attend your October wedding. Ask your venue when they need a final headcount and create your timeline based on that. Simplify the process by putting rsvps online (see below for rsvp tips). Give the post office about 10 days for mailing and your guests 14-21 days to submit rsvps.   
  • Normally I am a huge advocate of rsvp cards via mail. This year though, I am recommending couples take the time to setup an online rsvp system on their wedding website. I think we have all noticed that the post office is running behind, so this solution will expedite your invitation timeline. If you know some guests will not be comfortable with this, include a phone number on the rsvp card so they can text or call in their rsvp. This also gives them a way to contact you should they have more questions.​
  • Add a details card with COVID-19 related information to your wedding invitation suite. The safety and health of our friends and family is so important. Provide them with a list of the precautionary measures to be implemented at your event. This shows guests you are taking the current situation very seriously and could be the thing that changes a “no” rsvp to a “yes!”.
Please reach out if you have questions or need any assistance with your wedding stationery. You do not have to be my client—I'm happy to help!
CONTACT SARAH
0 Comments

WHAT KIND OF WEDDING INVITATION CAN I AFFORD?

7/17/2019

4 Comments

 
what kind of a wedding invitation can i afford?
First things first… what is your wedding invitation budget? I’ll give you a hint: couples should reserve 3-5% of their total wedding budget for invitations. Go 3% if wedding invitations are not a priority; go 5% if you want to wow your guests.

​It should come as no surprise that wedding invitations are expensive. Let’s put it into perspective. How much did you spend at the store for your mom’s birthday card this year? I bet it was at least $2.00 for ONE card and envelope—not including postage by the way. Postage alone for 150 wedding invitations comes to $105.00 and that is NOT including postage for the rsvp return envelope. Whoa! Hello? Wake up call! Ok, take a deep breath. I’m breakin’ it all down for you below—by dollar amount—to help set your expectations.

WEDDING INVITATION BUDGET IS $250-$500 

Unless you are having a very small intimate wedding of 25 people, this budget is a challenge. You realistically have one choice, and that is to DIY. Here are a few suggestions on what you can do to make this budget work:
  • ​Purchase a digital invitation design template off of Etsy.com.
    Find a simple black ink only design template or ask the seller if the design would look good in grayscale. Ink cartridges and/or printing in color can bust your budget if you need a large amount of invitations.
  • Purchase card stock and envelopes at Staples or Amazon.com.
    ​Buy a fun color card stock and colored envelopes that match your wedding theme for that pop of color behind all of that black ink.
  • ​Print the invitation cards on a home printer or take the art files to your local mom and pop print shop.
    Google: Minuteman Press or Kinkos
  • Set up a free wedding website and have your guests RSVP online.
    This will save you money on the rsvp envelopes and postage.
  • ​If you can’t print the envelopes on your home printer, ask a friend/family member who has impeccable hand-writing to help you address them.
    I’m sure they would do it in exchange for a free dinner!
  • Buy a self-inking address stamp online and customize it with your return address for stamping the back flaps of the envelopes.
    You can find these for like $25 at your local print shop or online and I guarantee you will use it all the time. 
denver wedding invitations, colorado invitation designer, denver wedding invitation designer, simple wedding invitation, mountain wedding invitation, colorado wedding invitation, square wedding invitation, minimal wedding invitation

WEDDING INVITATION BUDGET IS $500-$750 

With this budget you can trade the all-consuming DIY for the all-consuming online stationery shops. Search through thousands of designs to find the one that closely fits your awesome wedding theme and have them take care of the printing for you.
  • Find a simple design on Minted, Paper Divas, Etsy, etc.
    By “simple design” I mean NO foiling, NO letterpress, NO embellishments
  • To keep your budget closer to $500, go for the all-in-one invitation designs.
    There is no envelope needed here. The invitation and rsvp are folded into one piece, and the rsvp card is a detachable postcard (example image below).
  • Be careful because these online shops charge extra for everything. 
    You want colored envelopes? Upcharge! You want a nice thick card stock? Upcharge!
  • I recommend getting a physical sample of your top two favorite designs before moving forward with your whole order. 
    Things look and feel much different when you see them printed in person then they do digitally on a computer screen. And, yes, their company logo will probably be printed on your invites.
Picture
Design by FeelGoodInvites {www.feelgoodinvites.com}

WEDDING INVITATION BUDGET IS $750-$1000

Now you can upgrade to a higher price point within those online stationery shops and select from more formal invitation layouts.
  • Find a design with foiling and have it printed on a nice heavy card stock, add a belly band, etc.
    There is a tiny selection of letterpress designs around the $1000 mark, but more than likely you will need a budget of $1500-$2000 to purchase a letterpress invitation suite online.
  • Add more information cards to your suite.
    Include a details card, a reception card, a directions card, and/or registry card. ​
  • After your engagement, sign up for emails, newsletters and promos from all the different online stationery shops.
    This way you'll find out when discounts and freebies are offered.
  • Mom and dad are paying and want to see design samples in person.
    Surprisingly old school invitation binders and catalogs still exist. Call around to some local stationery stores and boutiques. Give them your budget and ask if they have a selection of invitation designs that fit that price point. A lot of times these shops require you to make an appointment since looking through these binders is an extremely time-consuming process.
  • Are you looking for something more out-of-the-box like laser cut invitations or pocket enclosures?
    Increase your wedding invitation budget and read below.
lavender wedding invitation, silver and lavender wedding invitation, silver shimmer wedding invitation, silver sparkle wedding invitation, wedding details card, rsvp card, denver wedding invitations, colorado invitation designer, denver wedding invitation designer

WEDDING INVITATION BUDGET IS $1000-$2000

Go local and search out a custom invitation designer! A lot of couples don’t even know we exist, so I’m telling you now… we do exist and we rock! Ask your photographer or event planner for a referral—both of these vendors work closely with wedding stationery designers.
  • Custom invitation designers are basically wedding planners, but solely for your wedding stationery! 
    ​We take the time to look through your inspiration imagery and then create an invitation design that matches your style, theme and budget. We’ll show you paper styles, envelope and embellishments samples; we order all supplies for you, including the correct postage and manage the printing/production so you can focus on your wedding planning.
  • We can design ANYTHING and we make the process a memorable experience.
    Custom invitation design means there are no templates to fit within, no boundaries—the concepts are limitless. I love collaborating with my clients! They bring ideas to the table that I would never think of doing. And in the end they have the perfect wedding keepsake created by them for their one-of-a-kind day.
  • The designs are limitless, but the printing techniques will depend on your budget.
    ​Because most custom invitation designers use local print shops, digital printing normally falls between $1000-$1500, foiling closer to $2000. Depending on your quantity needed, this budget can include a 5-piece wedding invitation suite (invite card, rsvp card, details card, rsvp envelope and outer envelope), plus envelope addressing.​
vintage railroad train ticket invitation, train ticket wedding invitation, travel theme wedding, rehearsal dinner invitation, denver custom wedding invitations, colorado invitation designer, wedding itinerary invitation card, custom wedding invitations, vintage train ticket invitation

WEDDING INVITATION BUDGET IS $2000-$3000

This is a sweet spot for more formal invitations. Absolutely you can hire a custom invitation designer and create…
  • Embellishments: pocket enclosures, belly bands, ribbon, wax seals, vellum, lined envelopes, etc.
  • A complete foil stamped invitation suite for a large quantity (150+)
  • Laser cut or die cut invitations​
  • Deckled edge (hand-torn) or hand-made paper invitations​
laser cut wedding invitations, dusty blue wedding invitations, boho wedding invitations, laser cut wild flower invitations, denver invitation designer, custom wedding invitations in denver, colorado wedding invitation designer

WEDDING INVITATION BUDGET IS $3000+

For those who want every bell and whistle for a very large and formal wedding.
  • Go for a letterpress invitation suite
    The higher your budget the more colors you can include. 1-color designs are significantly less expensive than a 3-color design.
  • Acrylic invitations​
  • Calligraphy invitations and/or envelopes hand-addressed by a calligrapher
  • ​Ask your designer to assemble your invitations, stamp, seal and mail them
  • More crazy fun solutions are at your disposal
    Challenge your custom invitation designer!
letterpress wedding invitation, botanic gardens wedding, floral wedding invitation, floral watercolor wedding invitation, formal letterpress wedding invitation, gold wax seal, vellum belly bands, colorado custom invitations, denver custom invitations, denver wedding invitations, colorado wedding invitations
For more information on wedding invitation design options, visit my blog
CUSTOM INVITATIONS VS. TEMPLATE DESIGNS
4 Comments

WEDDING INVITATION DO'S & DON'TS

5/15/2019

3 Comments

 
Picture
Your mom is telling you “do this”. Your cousin twice-removed is telling you “don’t do that”. A lot of wedding stationery rules have gone out the window, so we ask friends and family. This isn’t always the best idea. What is a great idea is to go with your gut. The wedding rules are truly YOURS. Because guess what? It’s YOUR wedding! Obviously, hiring a wedding stationery designer can alleviate the stress and guide you through the dos and don’ts. And since I am a custom wedding invitation designer in Denver, I’ve put together a list below specifically on the subject of invitation suites.
blue and white vintage floral wedding invitation
DO mail physical wedding invitations
DON'T create an e-vite

DO mail invitations 2-3 months out
DON'T mail invitations more than 4 months out (unless you are having a destination wedding and did not send out save the dates)

DO formally address your envelopes ("Mr and Mrs Smith") and mail them
DON'T hand-deliver wedding invitations with a name scribbled on the envelope
white and black wedding invitation wording
DO put the bride's name first
DON'T include too many family names (try to keep parent names on one line)

DO use bold and interesting fonts
DON'T use fonts that will make your invitation illegible 

DO include a separate RSVP card with clear information for your guests
DON'T throw a wedding website at the bottom of your invitation card
blue and green leaf wedding rsvp card
DO have multiple friends and family proofread all cards in the wedding invitation suite
DON'T trust your invitation designer to catch everything

DO order at least 10 extra of everything 
DON'T underestimate your guest list — last minute additions can pop-up

DO take an assembled invitation suite to the post office and weigh for postage cost
DON'T guess and apply postage to envelopes beforehand 

Tip: If you have questions about wedding invitation etiquette contact a local stationery designer and ask! I know I am always available to help anyone out, client or no client.
blue and white calligraphy wedding envelope
For Do’s and Don’ts on Save the Dates, see my 2.27.19 blog.
3 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    Sarah Meyer

    Categories

    All
    Real Weddings
    Wedding Invitations
    Wedding Signage
    Wedding Trends

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    May 2022
    October 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    November 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018

designs by sarah llc
© 2023 Designs by Sarah LLC


  • home
  • wedding invitations
  • wedding signage
    • products + packages
  • other events
    • elopements
    • baby showers
    • birth announcements
    • graduations
    • birthdays
    • holidays
  • contact me
  • blog