Table of Contents Show
Wedding invitations set the tone for your special day. They give guests a first glimpse of what to expect and build excitement for the celebration to come. I’ve gathered 20 classy invitation ideas to inspire you as you plan your big day.
These invitations range from elegant and traditional to modern and unique, with options to suit every couple’s style and budget. Whether you prefer classic letterpress or sparkling foil accents, you’ll find ideas here to help announce your wedding with flair. Let’s explore some beautiful ways to invite your loved ones to share in your joy.
1. Acrylic Wedding Invite Style
Give out your wedding invitation in style with this acrylic wedding invitation card. This type of invitation can add a touch of sophistication to the celebration and make the invitation special and unique.
2. Handwritten Calligraphy Invitations
Handwritten calligraphy invitations add a personal touch to your wedding. I love how they make each invite feel special and unique.
You can create these yourself with some practice. I suggest getting a dip pen, nibs, and ink to start. If you prefer typing, you can also download great calligraphy fonts.
For a professional look, consider hiring a calligrapher. They can craft beautiful, flowing script for your invites. This works well for formal weddings.
Calligraphy pairs nicely with different materials too. I’ve seen lovely examples on paper, wood, and even pottery. It’s a versatile choice for many wedding styles.
3. Laser Cut Lace Envelopes
Laser cut lace envelopes add an elegant touch to wedding invitations. I’ve seen many couples use these for a classy, romantic look. The intricate designs mimic delicate lace patterns.
These envelopes come in various styles and colors. White and ivory are popular choices for traditional weddings. Some brides opt for metallic shades like gold or silver for extra sparkle.
The laser cutting creates beautiful openwork patterns. This allows a peek at the invitation inside. It builds excitement as guests open the envelope to reveal the full details.
Many couples match the lace design to their overall wedding theme. Floral patterns work well for garden weddings. Geometric designs suit modern celebrations.
4. Foil-Stamped Invites
Foil-stamped invitations add a touch of glamour to wedding stationery. I love how they catch the light and create an elegant, luxurious look. Gold, silver, and rose gold are popular foil colors that pair beautifully with various invitation styles.
For a classic look, I recommend combining gold foil with traditional letterpress designs. This elevates simple invites to something truly special. Beach weddings can benefit from foil-stamped wave patterns that hint at the oceanfront setting.
To keep costs down, I suggest using foil accents sparingly rather than covering the entire invite. Even small foil details can make a big impact. Pre-designed cardstock with foil elements is another budget-friendly option worth considering.
4. Velvet Ribbon Tied Cards
I love the luxurious touch velvet ribbon adds to invitation cards. It’s a simple yet elegant way to make invitations feel extra special.
Velvet ribbon comes in many colors, so I can match it to my wedding theme. I might choose a deep burgundy for a fall wedding or a soft blush for spring.
Tying the ribbon around the card or through a small hole adds a tactile element guests will appreciate. It also keeps multiple pieces together neatly.
For a polished look, I can use wax seals where the ribbon ends meet. This creates a beautiful focal point on the invitation.
6. Watercolor Floral Designs
Watercolor floral designs are a beautiful choice for wedding invitations. I love how they add a soft, romantic touch to any invitation suite. These designs often feature delicate blooms in pastel hues like pink, purple, and green.
Watercolor florals work well for many wedding styles. They’re perfect for garden parties, spring celebrations, or bohemian-inspired events. I’ve seen some lovely invites with tropical flowers for beach weddings too.
The paint-like quality of watercolors gives invitations an artistic, handcrafted feel. It’s a nice way to make your invites feel special and unique. You can choose bold or subtle color palettes to match your wedding theme.
7. Rustic Burlap and Lace Invites
Burlap and lace invitations are perfect for a rustic wedding. I love how they mix rough and delicate textures.
These invites often use natural colors like beige and ivory. Some add a pop of color with flowers or ribbons.
Many couples choose to wrap their invites in burlap. They might tie it with twine or add a lace bow. This gives guests a preview of the wedding style.
I’ve seen beautiful designs with lace overlays on burlap backgrounds. It creates an elegant country look that’s very popular.
8. Acrylic Invitation Cards
Acrylic invitation cards are a stunning choice for couples who want to make a bold statement. I’ve seen these sleek, modern invites become increasingly popular in recent years.
Clear acrylic creates an eye-catching look that’s sure to impress guests. You can customize them with metallic foil lettering in gold, silver, or rose gold for added elegance.
I like that acrylic invitations come in different thicknesses. Thinner options work well for a delicate feel, while thicker acrylic makes a more substantial impression.
For a personal touch, I suggest adding floral designs or custom monograms. These details really make the invitations special.
9. Gold Leaf Embellishments
Gold leaf adds a touch of luxury to wedding invitations. I’ve seen beautiful designs with delicate gold leaf borders framing the text.
Some invitations use gold leaf accents to highlight key details like names or dates. It creates an elegant, eye-catching effect.
For a more subtle look, I like invitations with small gold leaf motifs scattered across the paper. This gives a hint of shimmer without being too flashy.
Gold leaf pairs well with many colors and styles. It works for formal black-tie affairs or rustic outdoor weddings alike.
10. Vellum Overlay Invitations
Vellum overlay invitations are a beautiful choice for wedding stationery. I’ve seen these become increasingly popular in recent years. They add an elegant, translucent layer to traditional invitations.
Vellum is a thin, semi-transparent paper. When placed over an invitation, it creates a soft, dreamy effect. It can be printed with text or designs, adding depth and visual interest.
I find vellum overlays work well with various styles. They complement both modern and classic invitation designs. Some couples use vellum to display their names or wedding date. Others opt for delicate floral patterns or geometric shapes.
These invitations often incorporate other elements too. Wax seals, ribbons, or custom monograms can enhance the look. The result is a unique, luxurious invitation that sets the tone for a special day.
11. Custom Illustrated Maps
Custom illustrated maps are a unique addition to wedding invitations. I love how they add a personal touch while being practical. These maps can show important locations like the ceremony and reception venues.
They’re also great for highlighting local landmarks or spots special to the couple. Artists can create beautiful watercolor or hand-drawn designs that match the invitation style.
For destination weddings, illustrated maps are especially helpful. They give guests a fun overview of the area and key places to visit. Including travel info and accommodation details on the map is super useful too.
I think custom maps make invitations more memorable. They’re a creative way to get guests excited about the big day and the location.
12. Monogrammed Stationery
Monogrammed stationery adds a personal touch to wedding invitations. I’ve seen couples use their initials or full names in elegant designs.
Some opt for simple monograms with just their first initials. Others incorporate their wedding date or other meaningful details.
The monogram can be the focal point or a subtle accent. I’ve noticed botanical wreaths and minimalist styles are popular choices.
Couples can carry the monogram theme throughout their wedding suite. This creates a cohesive look for save-the-dates, invitations, and thank you cards.
Monograms work well with various printing methods. I’ve seen beautiful examples using letterpress, foil stamping, and digital printing.
12. Eco-Friendly Seed Paper Invites
I love the idea of seed paper invitations for weddings. These unique invites are made with biodegradable paper embedded with flower seeds.
After the event, guests can plant the invitation and watch flowers grow. It’s a wonderful symbol of new beginnings.
Seed paper comes in many styles. I’ve seen elegant designs with wildflower, daisy, or marigold seeds. Some even use recycled materials for extra eco-friendliness.
This option cuts down on paper waste. It also gives guests a lasting memento. Seed paper invites are perfect for nature-loving couples who want to reduce their wedding’s environmental impact.
13. Pocketfold Invitations with Inserts
I’ve seen pocketfold invitations become a popular choice for weddings. They offer a neat way to keep all the important details together.
These invitations typically include a main card and several inserts. The inserts can cover things like RSVP cards, maps, or additional event information.
I’ve noticed that pocketfolds come in different colors and styles. Some couples choose bold designs with fern leaves or floral patterns. Others prefer elegant options in gold or ivory.
One advantage of pocket folds is their versatility. They work well for both formal and casual weddings and help guests keep track of all the wedding details in one place.
14. Destination-themed Boarding Pass Invites
I love the idea of boarding pass invitations for destination weddings. They set the perfect tone for a travel-themed celebration. These invites look like real airplane tickets, complete with flight details and seat numbers.
Many couples customize the “flight information” with their wedding date and venue. Some even add cute touches like listing the airline as “Love Airways.”
Boarding pass invites come in different styles. I’ve seen elegant ones with gold foil and vintage-inspired designs with retro fonts. Some are part of larger invitation suites that include passport-style booklets too.
These invitations are a fun way to get guests excited for the trip. They make great keepsakes after the wedding as well.
15. Vintage-Style Postcard Invitations
Vintage postcard invitations are a charming choice for couples who want a touch of nostalgia. I love how they combine old-world elegance with a unique twist. These invites often feature classic winter scenes or retro imagery that sets the mood for your big day.
Postcard-style invitations are practical too. They’re typically more affordable to print and mail than traditional invites. Plus, guests can easily send back the RSVP portion.
For a winter wedding, I suggest using snowy landscapes or cozy cabin scenes on your postcards. This creates a warm, inviting feel. You can also add vintage-inspired fonts and borders to enhance the retro look.
16. Metallic Ink Printing
Metallic ink printing adds a touch of elegance to wedding invitations. I’ve seen it create stunning effects that make invites pop. The special foil system applies a 4-color process, resulting in vibrant metallic hues.
This technique works well for both subtle shimmer and bold shine. It elevates invitations without breaking the bank. I find it’s a great way to make invites feel more luxurious and sophisticated.
Metallic ink can highlight key details like names, dates, or decorative elements. It catches the light beautifully, giving invitations a eye-catching sparkle. This printing method is perfect for couples wanting to make a stylish impression.
18. Blind Debossed Detailing
Blind debossing is a subtle yet elegant way to add texture to wedding invitations. I’ve seen this technique create a sophisticated look without using ink or foil.
The process involves pressing a design into paper, leaving a raised impression. It works beautifully on thick, high-quality cardstock.
I find blind debossing especially striking for minimalist designs. Simple motifs like olive branches or geometric patterns can make a big impact.
For a cohesive look, I suggest carrying the blind debossed elements through other wedding stationery. This could include RSVP cards, menus, or place cards.
19. Transparent PVC Invitations
I’ve seen transparent PVC invitations become a hot trend for weddings. These clear invites offer a unique, modern look that catches the eye.
PVC is a durable plastic material that can be printed on. This allows for creative designs with see-through elements.
Many couples choose to add metallic foil accents to their transparent invites. Gold, silver, and rose gold are popular choices that pop against the clear background.
Some transparent invitations incorporate floral designs or venue illustrations. This adds a personalized touch to the sleek, contemporary style.
I find that transparent PVC invitations work well for both formal and casual weddings. They’re versatile enough to match many different themes and color schemes.
20. Typography-Focused Designs
I love the impact of typography-focused wedding invitations. These designs let the words take center stage. They use unique fonts and layouts to create visual interest.
Some typography invitations mix different font styles for a striking look. Others play with size, making certain words or phrases larger for emphasis.
Color can also enhance typography-focused designs. Black and white is classic, but metallic inks add elegance. Bright colors can make invitations pop.
The key is choosing fonts that match your wedding style. Serif fonts often feel traditional, while sans-serif options give a modern vibe. Script fonts add romance and formality to the design.
