(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?
