Stay on trend when selecting wedding stationary and favors

Follow the 2 “P”s…  Personalized and Practical

When your mother was married, etiquette divas of the day likely told her the stationary options were white or ivory embossed cardstock and if she was really living on the wild side, print in a color other than black and maybe a border with flowers (gasp). Favors were a bland candy covered almond or a custom matchbook.

The modern bride has ditched the old rules (and for the better if you ask us) and has instead opted to choose save-the-dates, invitations, thank you cards, gifts, and favors that are a reflection of the happy couple. Stationary retailers have embraced this and are now offering an incredible selection of products, and even more exciting, the ability to customize almost every detail. Faced with so many options, selecting your perfect stationary and favors can be a bit daunting. Here is what we suggest:

• Stick with your theme. Back in a prior blog we discussed how the theme will be your unifying concept. It’s the underlying backbone in your planning that keeps the many elements in your event looking cohesive. With that in mind, you can begin honing in on stationary and gift ideas that work to support the theme, and eliminate styles that don’t.
• Personalize. Beyond selecting stationary and gifts in the wedding colors, couples are now choosing items that are creative and unique. Oh course as photographers, we love that modern brides are incorporating more photos into their stationary! From save-the-dates through invitations and thank you cards, couples are customizing their stationary to include photos that reflect their style and personality. Couples also aren’t stuck with the same old flat card. Options from layered, stacked, trifold, and one of our favorites, the pocket foldout, are available in addition to even more options for a total custom presentation.
• Practical. One of the biggest trends for 2015 (and one your guests will appreciate) is for couples to give favors and gifts that are personal AND practical. Here are some of the ideas we have seen lately that we love:

Items that double as both the table setting assignment and the gift:

• Tiny picture frames (bonus is that they help dress your table by choosing frames that support your theme: elegant, rustic, vintage, etc.)
• Customized luggage tags (especially great for destination weddings or one with many traveling guests)
• Chalkboard coasters (chalkboard has been huge in design lately and this is a fun way to incorporate by writing the guests’ names on the coaster at each setting)
• Tiny potted plants with little “signs” for the guest name

Other items that that we love:

• Personalized wine stoppers
• Mason jars with dry ingredients and recipe for your favorite cookie, muffin, etc.
• Personalized lip balm and sunscreen for outdoor events
• Small scented candles in your favorite scent with a customized label

Whatever you choose, taking the time to select stationary and gifts as unique as you will enhance the experience for both you and your guests!

Next week:  Selecting and Booking your Wedding Venue (hint, better get to this early on)

Happy planning!

Elegante Light Photography

Visit our Pinterest site for more creative ideas or schedule a consultation with us to help create you special day.