This new year has been busy, busy, busy… as you may be able to tell from my seriously slow blog frequency. Thankfully, help came along at just the right moment when Emily walked in the door seeking an internship for this spring. Emily is a 5th year senior in graphic design at University of Tennessee (right down the road). Her portfolio showcased a great use of color and concept, as well as an interest in hand-applied arts (book art, craft, etc). Emily has hunkered down and come alongside to help in every way she can, from wrapping and tying finished packages, to production work on invitations (think adhering, tying twine, wrapping bows), to proofing basic wedding invitations. She’s been a pleasure to have around the studio, and I’m thrilled to have her as a guest blogger today, showcasing a true love of hers: illustrative invitations. Thank you, Emily!
Hey everyone! As you’ve read above, I’m Emily and I love anything and everything to do with stationery. Recently, I’ve noticed a rise in “handwritten” invitations or invitations that have lots of illustrative elements. They have such a unique look to them and it really makes each invitation seem like a personal note from the happy couple. Also, I think it gives brides a chance to play with her own creativity a bit more, as well as the designer. A lot of times, invitations like these are more customized and one-of-a-kind, which seems to be something people value more these days.
1)Vine Illustration Invitation from Dear Darling Calligraphy featured on Brooklyn Bride – I think anyone could incorporate things like this depending on the theme of their wedding. You could mix these drawn elements with a structured font if you want less of the d.i.y look or more if that’s what you’re going for!
2) Hand Lettering Invitation featured on Oh So Beautiful Paper by Haley from Bread of Many- The second invitation is similar with it’s illustrative borders and fonts. I think this one is a great option for someone who wants her guests to feel like they’re receiving a letter written from her!
3)Invitations found on Brooklyn Bride by Impressed Ink -Leaving classic colors behind and utilizing pops of color can really bring an invitation to life! I love this one because of the font and how well they used it throughout the invitation suite.
4)Neon Invitations seen on Oh So Beautiful Paper by Ladyfingers Letterpress -This invitation captures the idea that the standard invitation can be updated in new and fun different ways. This is a poster with colorful type and it’s a great way to make your guests feel excited and enthusiastic about your big day!
Handwritten invitations can be as elegant or as playful as you want depending on the little details and the font— there’s really an unlimited amount of options. So start doodling and enjoy yourself!
—Emily