The right wedding invitations do more than grant insight into who you are as a couple, they also clue invited guests in on what to expect—and how to dress—for the ceremony. Matching your invitation to your style—be it casual, formal, old fashioned, or modern—is a great way to ensure you set exactly the tone you’re going for. Luckily, there are plenty of styles to choose from, and listed below are just a few to take into your next brainstorming session.

Vintage

Pairing classic wording with an older typeface, invitations set in a vintage style convey a sense of timelessness and tradition. Diecut is often used to soften the edges, and classic images such as roses or lace give the invitation a timeless quality. Often, they’re a precursor to a formal dinner or afternoon tea, depending on what time the ceremony begins.

 

Modern

Invitations set in a modern style allow for complete freedom, both in design and word choice. You can use first names only, initials, and even play with whimsical fonts. This style typically sets a casual atmosphere for the wedding but can also portray elegance, such as when a black and white motif is used to signal a formal dinner.

 

Destination-Inspired

If you’re having a destination wedding—such as on the beach or in the mountains—you can use the locale to inspire the style of the invitation. Including pictures of shells, trees, mountains, or the ocean as a background ties together the entire event, as do colors symbolically associated with your specific destination.

 

Similarly, you can do the same with an urban destination by incorporating motifs that represent the city well—in the case of a Vegas wedding, for example, you might include images of dice and various shots of the strip. As with all destination-inspired invitations, however, keep in mind that word choice impacts the level of formality indicated to guests so that you can plan accordingly.

 

Theme-Based

Theme weddings allow for unlimited inspiration when it comes to invitations! You can match them to a retro theme such as the roaring twenties, rock and roll, classic photography, or anything that's meaningful to you as a couple. Consider using photos from your shared travels or a line from a favorite song to inspire the layout and design. Later in the planning process, you can incorporate these same elements in your reception's overall décor; guests will love seeing the theme first sparked by your invitation brought to life!