Top 5 wedding invitation trends
Written by Cari Colclough, guest writer
The wedding industry is constantly evolving, reflecting the unique tastes of modern couples. In 2024, wedding invitations are becoming more personalized and creative, setting the tone for unforgettable celebrations. From vintage inspirations to playful designs, here are the top wedding invitation trends for 2024.
Storytelling: Crafting Personal Narratives
Weddings in 2024 are all about personal touches, and this trend is prominently seen in wedding stationery. Couples are embedding their unique love stories into their invitations, transforming them into a visual narrative of their romance. By incorporating storytelling elements, such as illustrations of significant locations or designs that chronicle their journey together, invitations become cherished keepsakes that add creativity and charm to the celebration.
Vintage-Inspired: The Timeless Appeal of "Grandmillennial" Style
Vintage-inspired weddings remain a popular trend in 2024, often referred to as "Grandmillennial" or "granny-chic" style. This aesthetic, popularized by the Netflix show "Bridgerton," blends classic and romantic elements to evoke nostalgia and sophistication. Neutral tones, elegant typography, and romantic floral motifs create a timeless beauty that appeals to couples seeking traditional elegance. This trend combines heirloom pieces with contemporary accents, making weddings feel both nostalgic and fresh.
Dainty Wildflower Motifs: Natural Beauty in Full Bloom
Wildflower motifs continue to be a favorite in 2024, especially for spring and summer weddings. Delicate wildflower blooms bring a natural and romantic touch to wedding invitations, setting an enchanting tone for the entire celebration. Whimsical floral designs, dainty fruit illustrations, and wildlife motifs add an organic beauty to the stationery, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests.
Handmade Paper and Deckled Edges: Embracing Old-World Charm
Handmade paper and deckled edges are making a significant impact in 2024. This trend harkens back to old-world beauty and elegant romance, reminiscent of past eras. Invitations made from handmade or seed-filled (plantable paper) are not only eco-friendly but also offer an understated elegance with timeless appeal. These letterpress invitations, featuring vintage monograms, watercolor venue illustrations, or fine art paintings on envelope liners, are perfect for couples seeking a blend of historical charm and environmental consciousness.
Wavy and Playful: Modern Whimsy in Design
One of the most exciting trends is the rise of curved and wavy shapes in invitations, moving away from traditional rectangular forms. Playful wedding stationery with squiggles and scribbles is a trending design choice for 2024. Hand-drawn curves and fonts, doodle-like elements, and bold colors create a fun and whimsical feel. These unexpected trim lines add a touch of playfulness, perfect for couples looking to infuse fun into their wedding theme. This trend complements laidback, creative weddings and is expected to grow even more popular in 2025.
As we approach the 2024-2025 wedding season, the focus of wedding stationery is on personal expression, meaningful celebrations, and timeless elegance. Personalized stationery lets couples tell their unique love stories, while vintage-inspired designs maintain an air of elegance and romance. These trends provide endless inspiration for creating a wedding day that is both stunning and deeply personal.
Cari is the Owner of Turnage + Watts, A wedding invitation design studio based in Maryland & D.C. and available worldwide.
BIO
Art has been my passion since I won my first drawing contest at age 7. By age 12, I was studying at the Corcoran School of Art and Design and painting my heart out. (I wanted to be as good as my aunt, who is an AMAZING artist!) Every piece that leaves my shop is made with joy and pride. My early career was as an Art Director in NYC’s publishing industry. I’ve worked with some of the best in the luxury events industry including, Departures, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, American Express Travel, and TIME Magazine. (And won a few awards along the way.)
The greatest moment of my life came when I reconnected with my high school prom date and eventually married him 36 years later! I am incredibly blessed! Every day with him feels like falling in love all over again and it’s taught me to cherish every precious moment life throws my way.
And that’s where Turnage + Watts comes in. Named after my beloved grandmothers, it’s a tribute to family, tradition, and the enduring power of love. Through Turnage + Watts, I have the privilege of helping couples capture their unique love stories on paper. Each suite isn’t just paper and ink. It marks the first chapter of their shared journey—a special moment I deeply value! My passion is encapsulating a couple’s individual story and treasured moments, weaving them into a piece of art that is perfectly and uniquely them.