Top 7 Trends in Wedding Invitations

315 weddings happen in Las Vegas every day. Yep, that's more than 13 per hour. So, what better place than Las Vegas to gather my newest wedding invitation trends and inspiration. I ​love seeing modern invitation designs, trendy colors, unique design layouts, water color splashes, and fun envelope sizes to keep my wedding designs fresh.

As I toured the wedding invitation business in Las Vegas, here are seven trends I spotted that are coming our way in the Midwest:​

1. Inspiration Boards: Forget the match-matchy colors, and use an "inspiration board" of ideas. (It would be great if you even created an inspiration board as direction for you wedding! Think of your Pinterest wedding board as an online "inspiration board.") Use a variety of hues and think all aspects of your wedding. It's more about the feeling your invitations gives your guests than the perfectly-matched color scheme. I'm not saying choose a hideous color combination, but you don't have to get worked up about matching the envelopes exactly to your bridesmaids dresses. Think of the ambiance of your wedding invitation (if there is such a thing.)

2. Corner ribbons: (like shown above on the left) They don't add much cost, but add a really unique touch.

3.​ Activities for the entire wedding weekend: Check out this wedding invitation set. The couple even included an entire guide to a weekend in Tahoe. Guests are able to RSVP to any and all events that are planned.​​

4. Folded letter-style Save the Dates: And look! There's that unique ribbon again. Save the Dates are taking a more letter-like form, using patterned paper and a personal message that all gets folded and put into an envelope. This couple even tucked their fun photo strip inside.

5. Emerald Green: Emerald is Pantone's "Color of the Year" and is hitting the wedding scene big time. Use Emerald Green with accents of gold, blues, lime green and sparkle.

6. Invitations that fold along the short vertical edge: These invitations have a little of everything. They measure 5x7, and are folded along the short edge of the paper with a thick ribbon down the front. Also inside is a hand-written message and it all tucks into an oversized outer envelope. So pretty.​

7. Envelope Liners: Patterns, bold colors, fun graphics, pearlized paper...it's all lining the envelopes of this year's wedding stationery sets. ​

So, there you have it. Those are the top seven wedding invitation trends I have my eye set on for 2013.​ I love trying new ideas, so contact me if you have a great one!

Las Vegas wasn't all business, though. We did find time for Red Rock Canyon, the Hoover Dam, shopping and some Stratosphere rides.

​What? It's 65 degrees in Las Vegas and 10 degrees at home? Let's get in the pool.

Deeply Rooted

This tree. It's the well-known landmark of the Leischner farm. It's where Robbie proposed to Lindsay. It's been in many family photos. It belongs on their wedding invitations. And when people speak of their "family tree" it usually means their genealogy on paper. Well, this family tree has deeper roots than that.

I loved everything about working with this great couple. When I first met with them, I found out that Robbie had an Irish background (I guess that also explains why he was drinking Guinness at our meeting. Nice!) and Lindsay has a Parkston background. (And come to find out, my aunt used to babysit her and my good friend from high school is now her personal attendant. My mom even knows her parents and knows the exact tree at the end of their driveway. Leave it to South Dakota to only have 1 degree of separation from anybody.)  :)

It's a given that we used this family tree on each piece of their wedding invitation set.​ Their invitations were on warm white paper with kraft-paper envelopes, and matching programs. And a piece that I absolutely love! -- A fold-out card that they left at each person's place setting at the reception. In the 4-page fold-out card, was a heartfelt thank you, a prayer, and a write-up of each person in the wedding party and how they had touched Robbie & Lindsay's lives. It was sweet and meaningful. And in lieu of wedding favors, they gave a donation to an organization that Robbie volunteers with. Once again, how special.  ​

So, can you see why I loved working with them so much?​

Imagine that...Robbie & Lindsay even planted a "Unity Tree" instead of lighting a unity candle. Talk about doing something that will truly last the rest of their lives. Congratulations! You now have your own branch on the family tree.  ;)

P.S. Everyday I drive by this GREAT antique old Fold farm truck. So I stopped to take photos of Lindsay & Rob's invitations on this truck. Thank you to the owner who came out to chat, smoke and help me. Sort of. It was kind of you to let me use the old Ford.

Neutral Tones on a Wedding Invitation

Earth tones like brown, green, beige, and purple are all part of this wedding invitation set for Carly & Jeremy. She wanted a wheat graphic on the inside, a photo covering the entire front panel, and their names written on the side of the opening. This wedding invitation fits inside a #10 envelopes, which was chocolate brown. ​

Do you like how they used an engagement photo on the front of their invitations? See more ways to include photos on your invitations here.​

Do you like their country rustic theme, check out my "Country Bliss" board on Pinterest.​

Love 'em, Carly & Jeremy!​

See more of Carly & Jeremy's invitations by going to the Wedding Invitation Design Gallery​

Branded Rustic Wedding Invitations

What a great way to use your engagement photos in your wedding invitation! As requested by Erin, I used a vintage butterfly brand and a burnt-looking wildflower stamp on the inside to create a rustic looking wedding invitation. And because the invites are two-sided with a gate-fold, Erin and Derick put all their information on one wedding invitation with an RSVP card. Add the kraft-paper envelopes, and you have the perfect wedding set for their chocolate brown, latte, and coral-colored wedding. 

I love this look! It fits you perfectly, Erin & Derick. Wishing you the best!

​Click the photos to see more unique wedding invitations.

How to Make Sure Your Crystals, Paper and Ribbon Stick So Those Suckers Do Not Come Off

Ribbons come in all different shapes and fabrics and they're tough to adhere to a paper invitation. The best method I've found? If you want to save postage, avoid tying a knot in your ribbon. That way, it will go through the postal machines flat and only cost one Forever stamp. Here's what I do: 

• Trim your ribbon to the length you need to wrap around your entire invitation.
• Cut one end (the end that will be glued to the top) in a "V" shape. That keeps it from fraying.
• Use permanent sticking double-sided tape to cover the entire length of the front of the invite under the place where you want the ribbon to stick.
• Stick the ribbon straight down on your strip of permanent tape on the front of your invitation.
• Put tape on the two loose ends of ribbon and tape them down (with the "V-cut" end on top) on the back of your invitation. This is the hardest part because I'm a perfectionist when it comes to lining up the ends and not having any bubbles or loose areas of the ribbon. 

Click the image above to see what the front of Sarah's wedding invitations look like

 For crystals that will not pop off in the mail: 

• I use the crystals that are heat-activated (the iron-on kind). That means the glue is already on the back of the crystals and you use a hand-held iron tool to permanently heat the crystal onto the paper. It heats through the crystal to melt the glue on the opposite side. 
• I also use these kinds of crystals because they are clearer and sparklier (that's a word now) than others that you might buy on a strip with the sticky side on a plastic sheet. 
• Put the crystal down where you want it, and press the hand-held iron on it for 10-12 seconds. It'll stick like no other. 

Click on this image to see the rest of Megan & Marc's invitation photos on Copper Ink Wedding Design

And if you're gluing anything else to your invitations--like feathers, twine, the knot of a ribbon--I use a special gel glue with a really small tip. You don't want glue squishing out the sides of whatever you glued, so smaller and stronger is better.

If you're gluing a backing paper to another piece of paper, I use two fail-proof methods:

• If you're sending your invitations during the winter months, you don't want your glued paper to pop off in the mail because the temperature got so cold that your glue didn't hold. 
• I use permanent glue rollers that act like a strip of permanent adhesive (it looks like a white-out roller) along each of the four edges of the paper.
• In addition to using strips of adhesive glue, I use spray mount. It's a messy, messy method (I had to Goo-Gone my entire kitchen. And my feet. And the dog.) but it adds that extra layer of not-coming-off-ness. 

Click the photo above to see the rest of Angella's pocket invitation

Have no fear, though. We at Copper Ink Wedding Designs can assemble your invitations for you at a price per invitation. And you'll have the peace of mind knowing that your wedding invitations, programs, save-the-dates, or thank you notes will come out looking perfect...and so will anything you decide to add to it.

And in case you were wondering...here is Dori, the dog that helps with every Copper Ink project here in Sioux Falls, SD.  :)

For more pics of Dori, Renee and Copper Ink Wedding Designs, check out her Facebook page

Peacock Feathers in Your Wedding Invitations

Using real feathers, twigs, ribbon, twine and other embellishments can really add a surprise element to your invitations. After all, your invitation is the first impression you'll make with guests for your big day. Even the programs had photos of Chad & Teresa on the back for a personal touch.

Congrats, Chad and Teresa! (They also sent these in purple shimmery envelopes. And Teresa wore a peacock feather in her hair piece that day. I love it when everything comes together.)

Check out all the photos of the peacock feather wedding stationery set by clicking on these photos

Wedding Invitations that Shimmer

These invitations were printed on shimmering white paper and mailed in shimmering dark blue envelopes. And since they printed their wedding invitations 2-sided, there was only one insert card---the RSVP card.

Amy & Jordan even included a detail from their wedding...white calla lillies. Shining invitations and a glowing couple. Is there a better combination for a wedding?

Click on Amy & Jordan's invitation photo to see more in their photo gallery

Amy & Jordan's wedding set included an invitation, RSVP card, program and menu card that was tucked into each folded napkin at the reception. Nice!​

2012 Wedding Invitation Trends

Vintage Charm: Patterned place settings, illustrated invites, and retro decor with pops of color help to set a playful yet sophisticated mood. Whether you're strolling down the aisle in your grandma's 1950s lace gown or pulling up to the reception in a baby blue roadster, this versatile trend can easily be incorporated into the special day.

Rustic Enchantment: As more couples swap traditional chapels and reception halls for barns and cottages, rustic style imagery is popping up everywhere from roadside signage to menu cards.

Sheer Romance: Pastel palettes, water-color illustrations, soft modern florals and lace textures give that "lavender scented sundrenched room on the morning after you fell in love" type of feel.

Bold and Modern: Your modern wedding invitations can be graphic, boisterous, bright and contemporary. Let the clean lines and bold colors set you apart.

Personal Touch: This trend has been most popular with brides and grooms who are young at heart and not afraid of the causual and uncoventional. Hand drawn fonts and figures can add your personal touch.

Article by: iStockPhoto.com

How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Font

What does the typeface you choose for your wedding invitations say about your big day?

Fun and full of charisma?  Traditional and fancy?  Funky and modern?

Whichever you choose, it's my job at Copper Ink Wedding Designs to make sure your invitation is elegant AND funky/modern/rocked-out/full of your personality.

Elegance just means the design is two things at once: unusually simple and surprisingly powerful.

Check out some font options from Copper Ink Wedding Designs. Set up an appointment to see all your options in person!

Trying to Save Money on Your Wedding Invitations?

Here are two great options if your wedding invitation budget is a little tight:

Click on Jenna & Eric's Wedding Invitation to see their full gallery of photos

Click on Bonnie & Steve's Wedding Invitations to see their full wedding gallery of photos

How did they save some money? Jenna & Eric and Bonnie & Steve decided to print all of their wedding information onto their one-piece wedding invitation instead of printing three separate pieces (an invitation, an RSVP card and a hotel/direction card). Jenna & Eric even opted to list an online RSVP. Their guests will log onto their wedding website to RSVP for their wedding, saving them the cost of an RSVP postcard and stamps. One general rule...the less paper you use, the less expensive your invitations will be. The fewer the pieces, the lower the cost.

Both of the invitations shown are printed on shimmery white paper, but if you wanted to save money another way, it's cheaper to print on glossy or matte paper rather than shimmery. (But be careful of fingerprints on a glossy option.)

Contact Copper Ink Wedding Design if you'd like a price quote for your wedding invitation idea. We work with any budget! 

Eat, Drink and be Married

Using your wedding colors throughout your wedding brings the entire event together. From flowers and dresses, to invitations and treats, your guests will notice the effort you took to make everything coordinate (not so matchy-matchy...just coordinated).  :)

Here are a few ways to work your wedding colors into your day through invitations and treats:

Look at www.madefromscratchrecipes.com for more ideas!

The invitations were created by Copper Ink Wedding Design. The Godiva chocolate candy-coated pretzels are compliments of Katie Norling, and the pink champagne cake is a recipe from my good friend, Shayla at MadeFromScratchRecipes.com. Both are great additions to a dessert buffet, which is regularly taking the place of (or in addition to) a traditional cake. You can have a lot of fun with jelly bean colors, drink colors, candies, goodies, cupcake frosting colors, popcorn drizzle and more. Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas!

Copper Ink Wedding Designs can be as involved as you need us to be when it comes to coordinating pieces of your wedding. (The day-of or preparing everything you'll need ahead of time, including treats and desserts.)  :)

Choosing Your Wedding Color Pallette

Need help choosing your wedding colors?

Maybe this website will help: www.design-seeds.com

Tin tones, romantic grays and rustic purples are some of the most popular right now.

A Year's Worth of Love on Paper

We've seen a lot of happy couples put their love on paper before they tied the knot.

Thanks for allowing Copper Ink Wedding Design to be a small part of your big day!

Click the image to see an entire gallery of invitation options.

Find us on GonnaGetWed.com!

Copper Ink Wedding Designs is now listed on GonnaGetWed.com!

You can find us in the category: Invitations/Stationery

Click to visit Copper Ink Wedding Design on the best Sioux Falls wedding site.

Renee Halgerson  •   renee@copperinkdesign.com

Fun Ideas for Save The Dates

Your Save-The-Date is what’s going to make a first impression with your guests. It’s the first thing they’ll receive that sets the tone and personality of your wedding.

Is your wedding going to be fun and quirky?  Traditional and romantic?  Energetic and whimsical?

How about some fun ideas like these?

• A box of match sticks would “Let the Sparks Fly”

• Everybody has a sweet tooth. In a small box, send a packaged sugar cookie with your date written in icing. Include a card/note with it, in case someone eats your Save-The-Date!

• Send a CD to your guests and call it “Songs That We Fell In Love To.” On the cover of the CD, include your Save-The-Date message. It’s flat, personal, easy to mail, and is something your guests will keep.

• Send a pencil through the mail. Use a piece of card stock with your wedding date information and tape a pencil to it (or use a hole punch to slide a pencil through) with the phrase “Please Pencil Us In!” 

• Calendar (add a photo if you want)

Renee Halgerson  •   renee@copperinkdesign.com

Another Beautiful Wedding

I had the honor of designing Angella & Kristian's wedding invitations for their special day on August 6.

They turned out beautifully, just like their wedding.  :)  Congrats, A&K.

Click here to see their entire gallery of wedding invitation photos.

Wedding Invitations, Sioux Falls, SD

Click the photo to see more of Angela & Kristian's wedding invitations

 Renee Halgerson  •   renee@copperinkdesign.com

Newly Engaged?!

Are you newly engaged?! Congrats. The most stressful part of planning a wedding is knowing where to search for the perfect photographer, cake, invites, floral arrangements, limos, and DJ in your area. 

Located in Sioux Falls, SD, Renee Halgerson and Copper Ink Wedding Design can help you get started.

Generally, people in the Midwest have a do-it-yourself mentality. They are very resourceful and appreciate a good deal when they find one. Copper Ink Wedding Design understands that completely. That's why:

• We already have lists of the latest options for cakes, photographers, florists, DJs, limos, and more. We provide you the list, then highlight the low, medium, and high price-range options. Then let you choose. We are just here to provide you the options so you spend less time searching and more time enjoying the process.

• Your wedding brings friends and family together for one special day. We want you to enjoy each and every minute of it! That means instead of your aunt, cousin, or personal attendant decorating the church, setting up the reception, lighting candles and tearing everything down at the end of the night, you can count on Copper Ink Wedding Design to do that for you. Let us take care of everything while you enjoy your friends and family.

• We will coordinate the rentals, returns, set-up and tear down of everything you may need. That's the last thing you or your mother need on your minds. We're glad to help! And we're very affordable.

• And when it comes to the wedding invitation design, we specialize in unique, contemporary designs. After all, your invitations and save-the-dates become the first impression your guests receive of your wedding day. Do you want a feeling of romance and sweetness? Fun and excitement? Chic and couture? Punk and pretty? We do it all.

Like what you're hearing? Fill out this order form to get the process started.

We bring together a creative mix of everything you have in mind, all while building a personal relationship. It's like planning the perfect party with a good friend.