(top left) From the vivid colors to the oversized scale, this is an invitation for a not-to-be-missed bridal brunch. “We wanted a mix of contemporary and retro,” says Deb Eisner Hackbarth of Paperwhites, hence the lighthearted mix of prints, a houndstooth heart and a liberal sprinkling of confetti. The invitations were all digitally printed and assembled by hand. Every detail was coordinated, right down to the black-and-gold place cards. “I love to create all the pieces that brides will need from the very beginning,” says Hackbarth, “From the save-the-date to the shower to the bachelorette party to the final wedding-day stationery, everything will tie together.”
(top right) Designer Jamie Lea Bertsch created a happy marriage between polka dots and a nature-inspired print in this Bella Figura invitation. It feels cheery but elegant, thanks to letterpress printing on thick cotton paper. The subtle palette is a perfect backdrop for gold foil text, emphasizing the happy couple’s names and wedding date. It’s a pleasure to work with each couple, says Erica Henricksen, Bella Figura’s marketing manager. “We create beautiful, incredibly personalized products with careful attention to detail, so the end result is a keepsake the couple will have forever.”
(bottom left) These crisp invitations get a pop of whimsy thanks to orange accents, charming graphics and playful wording. Cracked Designs’ Tara Scheuerman says she’s noticed many brides steering away from stuffy formal invitations. This reply card features two choices: a perfectly Midwestern “You bet!” or “Darn it!” Scheuerman drew the tandem bike by hand and made economical digital printing feel luxurious by using a textured cardstock. “A lot of brides think invitations are one thing they can do themselves, but time and time again, I’m approached by a frantic bride who needs her invites re-done at the last minute because she got in way over her head.” Making brides smile is one of her favorite tasks. “When I see a face light up because I really nailed the design, there’s nothing better,” she says.
(bottom right) Graphic elements, unexpected shapes and a mix of bold typographic elements come together on this bold invitation suite by J.Invites. The couple included a thoughtful touch with a “Welcome to Milwaukee” packet, featuring their favorite restaurants and attractions, along with a map and rehearsal dinner invitation; the triangular card made it impossible to lose. This suite was printed with budget-friendly flat digital printing, but the unique shapes and typography made it feel like a million bucks. “Whether it be a save-the-date or an invitation, stationery will always be the first thing a guest associates with your wedding,” says designer JoAnna Gibbons. A professional stationer will ensure that everything goes smoothly from the start—just the way you’d like your married life to begin, right?