50 Wedding Invitations, Save-the-Dates, and Programs

By Real Simple
Updated August 05, 2011
Tara Donne
Here, out-of-the-box ideas for spreading the word.
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Couples Dance

Tara Donne

Set the party mood by including a CD of your and your groom’s favorite toons. By Bird & Banner.

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Scenes From an (Impending) Marriage

Tara Donne

Put words into action via a flip book that showcases the two of you going in for a smooch. This invitation was designed by the couple and printed at a local print shop.

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Love Note

Tara Donne

Loved passing notes as a kid? Fold the details up like an accordion and present them in a tiny TOP SECRET envelope. By Erin Jang of The Indigo Bunting.

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State of the Union

Tara Donne

Print your invitation on a map showcasing your destination (in this case, Yarmouth, Maine). By Foreshadow Press.

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Romantic Comedy

Tara Donne

Try a twist on a movie poster (“FEATURING FALL FOLIAGE AND MICROBREWS OF THE MIDWEST!”). By Rifle Design.

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Family Tree

Tara Donne

Play up an outdoor vibe by letter-pressing your message in wood―a decidedly grown-up version of initials carved on a tree trunk. By Bird & Banner.

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Sea It Clearly

Tara Donne

Have fun with a silhouette. Here, each “wave” contains wedding details. By Mélangerie.

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Informal Greeting

Tara Donne

Loosen up the language: “Alex and Meghan have been running partners, canine lovers, and beer connoisseurs…. Please join them…” By Foreshadow Press.

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Have a Hanky Handy

Tara Donne

Use vintage handkerchiefs in lieu of traditional paper. By Bird & Banner.

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Folk Art

Tara Donne

“Frame” the invitation and label the “art” accordingly (A Marriage Celebration, 2009). By Bird & Banner.

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Black Tie

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Rethink formal. White script on black paper is eye-catching and unexpected. By Ceci New York.

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Face Painting

Tara Donne

Showcase your personalities―and wedding location―with a playful, customized illustration. By Rifle Design.

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A Ribbon Runs Through It

Tara Donne

Embrace whimsical embellishments, such as this invitation-wrapping ribbon that serves as the scarf of a passenger en route to a wedding weekend in Vermont. By Ceci New York.

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Eat, Drink, and Be Married

Bird and Banner

Prepare friends for a feast by mailing a lobster bib as a save-the-date. By Bird & Banner.

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Language of Love

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Get guests excited for an overseas fiesta with useful phrases (“Please! I beg you, no more tequila.”). By Mr. Boddington’s Studio.

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The Bird’s the Word

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Coordinate an entire stationery set―including thank-you notes and save-the-dates―in a muted letterpress design. By Dauphine Press.

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Spread the News

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Let bold typographical treatment take center stage. By Ceci New York.

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Familiar Yarn

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Incorporate your beliefs into the design. Here, a red string is stitched to evoke the Chinese tale that an invisible red string ties the ankles of a man and woman destined to be together. It may stretch or tangle, but never break. By Bird & Banner.

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Groove Is in the Heart

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Mix the past (in this case, the psychedelic 1960s) with the present. By Peculiar Pair Press.

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Animal Husbandry

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Choose a mascot for your celebration (here, a moose for Wyoming). By Mr. Boddington’s Studio.

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Branch Out

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Nature lovers? Consider a simple tree silhouette. By Greenwich Letterpress.

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Get Out the Map

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Mix and match patterns and colors in your stationery set. In this case, an antique map style folder tied with twine secures enclosures, and the entire package is delivered in a kraft paper box. By Kenzie Kate.

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Work of Art

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Let the reception space dictate the style of the invitation. A sunny graphic feels appropriate for an art gallery affair. By Mr. Boddington’s Studio.

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Bundle of Fun

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Don’t take yourselves too seriously: Let your invitations be as whimsical and fun as you. By Two Paperdolls.

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Home Is Where the Heart Is

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Enlist a designer to draw a cityscape. By Kenzie Kate.

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State of the Union

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Put your own stamp on your invitation: feature silhouettes of yourselves and your state. By Swayspace.

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Fan Favorite

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Give guests a way to cool off during a summer ceremony―with a multitasking program. By Mr. Boddington’s Studio.

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Word Perfect

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If you’re not into frills, try a minimalist design. By Blue Pool Road.

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Wing It

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Pick a chic color combo, like gray and teal. By Kenzie Kate.

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Glamorous Life

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Experiment with different design styles, like art deco. By Mr. Boddington’s Studio.

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Bridge Partner

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Feature an iconic image of your hometown (here, the Brooklyn Bridge). By Swayspace.

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Go Green

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Opt for a single magnolia bloom for a floral theme that isn’t overly frilly. By Kenzie Kate.

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Travel Companion

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Tell the story of your courtship (“After chasing each other around the world, Amy and Robert are on their way to Mexico to get married.”) with a truly personalized invitation. By Mr. Boddington’s Studio.

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