written by Hillary Hoffower 

It’s OK to say goodbye to simple typefaces and heavy card stock! Invitations set the tone for a wedding, and you don’t want to call on your guests with something that’s not your style. So if you’re open to surprising your guests with an unique wedding invitation suite that feels more personal than traditional, consider using fun shapes, mixed materials, and hand-painted artwork to create the vibe you want.

There are endless ways to amp up the creativity level in your wedding invitations! In fact, you can customize every detail of your invitation suite, selecting everything from the paper it’s printed on to the stamp that seals the envelope. But remember: There’s a lot more to your invitations than what they’re printed on! So, don’t be afraid to get creative with the shape and presentation, color palette, and illustrations, and even extra embellishments like tasseled envelopes, raised type, and engraved designs. Even classic brides can get creative without throwing tradition out the window. It’s possible to keep the mainstays of a timeless invitation suite while elevating it with simple effects, like metallic foil lettering or gilded beveled edges. 

After all, designing your invitations is all about crafting your personal style. What kind of statement do you want to make when they land in your guests’ mailbox? If you don’t know the answer to that quite yet, these unique wedding invitations are sure to inspire you. These 10 invites are everything but your parents’ paper goods!

Consider Color Blocking

Color blocking is in. A warm color palette of sunny hues puts a retro spin on this modern style. 

Mix Linen and Leather

Linen and letter pressed invitations are all understated elegance, complete with torn edges that exude vintage romance. 

Find Inspiration From the Outdoors

A Pacific northwest wedding calls for a woodsy inspired invitation suite that comes alive with adventure and fun. 

Think Transparent

A transparent acrylic invitation with simple white lettering achieves contemporary minimalism.

Consider Chinoiserie

This colorful invitation suite is inspired by a Chinoiserie, the European interpretation of Chinese motifs. A teal and aqua color combination with hints of pinks illustrates cherry blossoms and bas relief birds. 

Have Fun With Illustrations

Illustrated fold-out watercolor invitations are full of fun and whimsy. This one features the bride and groom and a scenic landscape of the vineyard where they’ll tie the knot. The fourth panel is perforated so guests can tear off and send in the RSVP. 

Create an Indie Print

Design Your Own Royal Wedding

An invitation suite fit for a princess. Complete with illustrations and a custom-designed crest, these invites give off enchanting garden vibes. 

Work With Watercolor

These green watercolor invitations were inspired by a woodsy canopy of trees—and they’re completely magical. 

Forgo Paper

Forget paper—leather invitations add an unexpected texture and get major points for originality. Plus, they’re the perfect complement to the free-spirited bride’s indie wedding.