Make Your Day Inviting...And All Your Own

Before you say “I’m yours” to that special someone, be sure you’ve signed, sealed and delivered an invitation that reflects your taste, not your mother’s, or anyone else’s for that matter. With the possible exception of your wedding gown, the invitation can be the single most important detail in your planning. This is your chance to make a great first impression.

Several of our invitation consultants told us that while there’s always a place for tradition, a wedding invitation is a direct reflection of the bride’s sense of taste and style — it sets the tone for the day. Many of today’s brides are looking past the traditional ivory card, and setting their sights on something that makes more of a statement.

Pocket invitations are very popular, and with them, you no longer have to stress over the order in which to assemble your response, reception and direction cards. The pocket keeps all the pieces together in one neat packet.

Other invitation trends this year include the use of bold stripes or pinstripes (in all shades); embellishments with rhinestones, pearls and crystals; vintage and damask patterns, including pattern printing on the back of the invitation; monograms printed on invitations or on envelopes — or both; three-dimensional flowers instead of embossed type; and unique materials, such as fabric, wood, metal and acrylic, in place of paper or card stock.

In 2009, mailed invitations will be arriving with elegant flourishes such as patterns, dual fonts and colored ink. In fact, the experts point to brown ink as the new black! Brides are also opting for brightly colored card stock with chic white type. Perhaps this is news that would take etiquette maven Emily Post aback, but there’s no doubt that color and design are playing a major role in invitation trends. So choose your faves and go with them!  ~KGM