7 Audacious Wedding Invitation Designs That Are Emily Post APPROVED

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When it comes to wedding invitations, new designs often reflect broader trends in wedding planning and design aesthetics. New artists and designers enter the wedding invitation market every day, providing everything from modern fresh looks to new takes on traditional classics. Today, brides can print their own invitations, have a friend or favorite artist draw a one-of-a-kind piece or visit a stationery store. Some brides still select an invitation after browsing oversized bound sample so they can touch and feel the paper before deciding. There have never been more choices, but that can mean more decisions to make! Here's our effort to help! These choices for 2024 are not just all stunning but also Emily Post approved! 

Classic with a Major Bold Modern Twist

We love this invitation with its classic extra heft 110 lb paper and its bold, modern take on calligraphy. This design brings to mind wild romance, handwritten love letters and French cafes. 

Minimalist Designs

Simple, clean designs with lots of white space, elegant fonts, and minimal embellishments. Favored for their timeless elegance and versatility. White or cream invitations with black or gold lettering, often featuring modern calligraphy or serif fonts.

Sustainable Invitations

Eco-friendly materials like recycled paper, seed paper, or digital invitations to reduce waste. Increasingly popular as couples become more environmentally conscious. Includes elements such as invitations printed on recycled cardstock with soy-based inks and digital e-vites sent via email. While e-vites don't provide you with a memorable keepsake, you can always have a few invitations printed for yourself, the bridal party and parents. 

Floral and Botanical Themes

Invitations featuring floral illustrations, greenery, and botanical motifs.

Always in vogue for spring and summer weddings, appealing for their natural beauty. Watercolor flowers, leafy borders, or intricate floral patterns in soft, pastel colors.

Luxury and Foil-Stamped Invitations

High-end materials with foil stamping in gold, silver, or rose gold for a touch of elegance. Popular for their opulent look, often chosen for black-tie and formal weddings. Thick cardstock with gold foil accents, embossed details, and velvet ribbons.

Vintage and Retro Styles

Designs inspired by past eras, featuring vintage fonts, illustrations, and colors. Chosen for their nostalgic charm, often paired with themed weddings. Invitations with Art Deco motifs, 1920s Gatsby-style designs, or rustic vintage postcards. This design, titled Spring Meadow was designed by Allison Moore. It's a great example of a retro style that's perfect for a bohemian bride who wants a relaxed vibe. 

Acrylic and Vellum Invitations

Modern invitations made from materials like clear acrylic or translucent vellum. Trendy for their unique look and tactile quality, often seen in contemporary weddings. Clear acrylic invitations with white or gold lettering, or vellum overlays paired with traditional cardstock. The 16th Edition of "Emily Post's Etiquette," published in YEAR featured a stunning vellum book cover. 

Hand-Painted and Custom Illustrations

Invitations featuring custom artwork, hand-painted details, or personalized illustrations. Sought after by couples for the bespoke feel, a highly sophisticated way to personalize your wedding.  a personal touch to the wedding. Invitations with hand-painted watercolor illustrations of the wedding venue, custom portraits of the couple, or unique abstract art.

Interactive and Innovative Formats

Invitations that offer an interactive experience, such as pop-up designs, puzzles, or 3D elements. Ideal for couples looking to wow their guests with something memorable and fun. Invitations that fold out into a 3D structure, puzzle pieces that guests put together, or pop-up scenes.

Geometric Patterns and Shapes

Modern designs featuring geometric shapes, lines, and patterns. Trendy for their contemporary aesthetic, often used in modern and urban weddings. Invitations with geometric gold foil accents, hexagon-shaped cards, or abstract line art.

Monograms and Custom Logos

Invitations featuring the couple’s monogram or a custom-designed logo. Adds a personalized and cohesive branding element to the wedding stationery. Elegant monograms embossed on the invitation, or a custom logo that appears throughout all wedding materials.

These trends reflect a mix of classic elegance, modern innovation and personalized touches, catering to a wide range of wedding styles and preferences. There's lots of wedding invitation to do's. Many couples start the process with a Save the Date. For more on how to get wedding invitations crossed off your to do list, read below for more articles that can help! Want more info like this as you plan your wedding? Please sign up for our wedding newsletter, Emily Post Well Wed. Simply fill out the form to the left. We'll send you advice, tips and tactics.