10 Unexpected Invitation Trends You’ll Love

Need a little invite inspo? Take a look at these ideas we love right now.

by Andrea Fowler

We love a good old-fashioned wedding invitation, but we also love trendsetting stationery that’s totally personalized. Everything from the stamps to the RSVP card can be made into something unique. Custom illustrations, motifs or monograms, creative color palettes, paper alternatives, or even funny wording can inform guests of how much fun they’re about to have at this one-of-a-kind celebration. Here are some of our favorite wedding invitation trends right now.

1. Destination Envelope Liner

ELYSE HALL PHOTOGRAPHY

Hosting your nuptials in a fun, faraway destination? Give a nod to the scenic local on the envelope liner.

From: A Vibrant, Desert Wedding at Boulders Resort and Spa in Carefree, Arizona
2. Local Wildlife Illustrations

NBARRETT PHOTOGRAPHY

For a rustic outdoor wedding, introduce your guests to the natives with a few illustrations of wildlife they might see during their visit.

From: A Rustic, Whimsical Wedding at Golden Homestead in Golden, Texas
3. Geometric Inserts

PHILIP FICKS

Have fun with different shaped inserts. As long as the invitaton envelope follows the usual postal guidelines (to avoid extra postage charges) you can fill the inside with any shapes your hearts desire.

From: How to Pull Off a Playful Watercolor Wedding Palette
4. Laser-Cut Paper

For a really creative take on your invite, go for a custom laser-cut design.

From: A Wine Country Wedding in Calistoga, California
5. Cootie Catcher

ABBY JIU PHOTOGRAPHY

Treat your guests to a blast from the past with a pre-folded cootie catcher tucked inside the invitation. Have a few ceremony details printed on the inside.

From: A Chic Metallic Wedding at the Hay-Adams in Washington, DC
6. Love Timeline

Walk your guests through your love story with a fun timeline of events (think: first date, first kiss and the proposal story).

From: A Country Chic Wedding in Galloway, Ohio
7. Passport Save-the-Dates

ANITA CALERO

If you’re hosting a destination wedding, it’s nice to give guests the 411 on local restaurants, attractions or recomended activities for their stay. Label it their personal “wedding passport” to round out the theme.

From: An Elegant Island Wedding in Maui, Hawaii
8. Non-Paper

JACKIE COOPER PHOTO

Trade out paper and surprise guests with an invitation printed on a different material, like wood.

From: A Rustic Boho Vow Renewal at Bear Lodge in Breckenridge, Colorado
9. Pennant Flags

How fun is this? Print some details on different colored pennant flags—your invitation will totally steal the spotlight come wedding season.

From: A Fiesta-Style Wedding in Scottsville, Virginia
10. Handkerchiefs

ONELOVE PHOTOGRAPHY

You know, for all those happy tears. (And how perfect is this for a vintage wedding?)

From: A Romantic, Vintage Wedding at Carondelet House in Los Angeles, California