One of the most fun parts of designing an invitation is choosing the paper you will be using. This decision also creates the style you are portraying through the invitation. If you’re going for a fun, funky style, then you would choose bold or bright colors. If you’re going for an elegant, refined style, then you would choose simple colors or patterns such as black and white.
Sometimes I never know what style I’m going after until I get to the store and am standing in front of the many stacks of paper. It’s usually at that time that I decide what my invitation is going to look like.
I start by figuring out what the theme of the party is and who it’s for. These two things are really what the style of my invitation is based on. I try to decide what colors or patterns best fit the personality of who I’m making the invitation for. This helps create a very personal invitation, which people really appriciate.
If the invitation is for a bridal shower, I take into consideration the colors the couple has chosen for their wedding. I like to keep colors all within the same color scheme so the recipients begin to relate to the events they have been invited to. I like to add in some patterned paper too, to break away from an invitation that may become too stuffy.
Next, I start looking for paper patterns or colors that catch my eye. If it catches my eye while I’m standing in front of a thousand different sheets of paper, then it will surely catch someone’s eye when they receive it in the mail!
If I decide that I’m going to use a patterned paper, then I try to complete the design with two more solid color pieces or a piece of ribbon that coordinates well with the papers I’ve chosen. I like to use any kind of patterned paper that I find pleasing…if I liked it in the store, then I’m sure I’ll like it when I get home.
Or, sometimes I’d rather just use solid colors in different layers. Black and white look so beautiful and crisp. Fuscia, chocolate brown and a crisp white look very trendy. Different colors convey different styles. Adding a coordinating or contrasting color of ribbon to the invitation adds a beautiful and personal touch too.
Be confident in the colors or patterns of paper you choose. If you think they work well together, then they probably do! Or, if there are other customers in the aisle looking at paper, ask their opinion. They’re usually happy to give it and may turn around and ask for yours in return!
Good luck in choosing paper for your next invitation! Remember that it’s supposed to be a fun task, not a daunting one! I’d love to give my opinion on colors or patterns you may be choosing for an invitation your planning…let me know what you’ve got!
-Lindsay
