Having worked with countless newly engaged couples, I know how planning your wedding can feel like a whirlwind of excitement — and a mountain of decisions, too. Sound familiar? No worries, I got you!

Inside the Ultimate Wedding Stationery Guide

From save-the-dates to thank-you cards, this ultimate wedding stationery guide will help you navigate the enchanting realm of wedding stationery on your journey to the aisle (and beyond!). I’ll break down everything you need to know to create a wedding invitation suite that truly captures the essence of your love story.

So, grab a cup of coffee (or maybe a glass of champagne?) and let’s dive into the vibrant world of wedding stationery!

Semi-Custom vs. Custom Wedding Stationery

Choosing between custom and semi-custom wedding stationery is like deciding between a bespoke gown made for you and a designer dress off the rack. Custom wedding stationery offers a blank canvas, allowing you the creative freedom to infuse every detail of your love story into your wedding invitations through personal touches like specific colors, fonts, illustrations, wording, and printing techniques.

At idieh design, we love collaborating with you to create an invitation design that embodies your personal style and vision, ensuring your invitations are as unique as your romance. Custom wedding stationery is perfect for couples who want a truly one-of-a-kind suite that celebrates their individuality and unique partnership.

Left: Custom wedding invitation suite | Right: Semi-custom wedding invitation suite

On the other hand, semi-custom stationery design offers more flexibility and affordability. These are curated, pre-designed invitations that allow for some personalization—such as colors and text—and add-ons, like embellishments and printing upgrades (more on these later!). Semi-custom wedding stationery is perfect for couples who want something beautiful and unique without the higher price tag or longer lead time of fully custom designs.

Both options offer benefits, so consider your budget, timeline, and personal preferences when making your choice. Here at idieh design, we specialize in both, ensuring every couple can find their perfect match. Whether you opt for semi-custom or custom stationery, your invitations should reflect the style and vibe of your wedding, providing guests a first glimpse into your big day.

(Oh, and we feel it’s important to mention that when you partner with idieh design, we assemble, stuff, stamp, seal, and deliver your invitations directly to your guests. You read that right. You’ll thank us later, promise.)

Wedding Invitation Inserts: What Information to Include

Your wedding invitation suite is more than just an invite; it’s a sneak peek into your big day and a treasure trove of information for your guests. Besides the main invitation, consider including inserts like RSVP cards, weekend events cards, accommodation details, and maybe even a map. 

These inserts help your guests plan their trip and ensure they have all the necessary information. Don’t forget the essentials: who, what, when, and where.

Be sure to include the date, time, and location of your ceremony and reception. If you’re hosting additional events, like a welcome dinner or farewell brunch, include those details as well.

Pro tip: We also like to house these details on a personalized wedding website, which we then lead your guests to with a URL or QR code in your invitation.

For a comprehensive breakdown of what to include, check out our detailed guide to wedding invitation suites. Remember, clarity is key—ensure your guests have all the info they need to celebrate with you.

Wedding Stationery Printing: Features & Styles to Consider

|| Flat Printing ||

Digital printing (also known as flat printing) is versatile and cost-effective, perfect for vibrant and intricate designs. It allows for a wide range of colors and is suitable for both simple and complex designs.

Printing techniques can add a touch of magic to your wedding stationery, elevating it to fit perfectly into the overall look and feel of your big day. From classic elegance to eclectic chic, these printing techniques can make it easy to create unique wedding stationery that set the tone for your celebration.

More inspo: Chloe + Graham’s whimsical wedding stationery

|| Letterpress & Embossing ||

For a more timeless and elegant look, consider letterpress or embossing, which create a tactile feel on the paper. Letterpress involves pressing the design into the paper while embossing creates a raised effect that adds a luxurious touch.

More inspo: Emily + Kevin’s minimalist wedding stationery

|| Foiling ||

Foiling adds a dash of glamour with metallic accents, available in various colors such as gold, silver, and rose gold (there are colors, too!). It’s perfect for couples looking to add a bit of sparkle and shine to their invitations. 

More inspo: Geyse + Adam’s modern wedding stationery

|| Die Cutting ||

Die cutting allows for unique shapes and cutouts offering endless possibilities for creativity. Because die cutting is highly customized, it adds a layer of sophistication and a one-of-a-kind feel.

More inspo: Julie + Michael’s sunny Arizona wedding stationery

Each technique offers its own flair, so choose what resonates with your wedding theme, personal style, and budget.

Wedding Invitation Embellishments

Embellishments are the cherry on top of your wedding stationery sundae! They add style and personality to your invitations, menus, programs, and more. Here are some examples of embellishments we can add to your custom wedding stationery.

|| Envelope Liners & Wax Seals ||

Envelope liners add a pop of color and surprise, while wax seals bring an added dimension. These small details can elevate your invitations and make them truly memorable. 

Check out Molly + Ari’s garden-inspired wedding invitation suite with a floral-infused wax seal and monogrammed envelope liner!

|| Belly Bands & Ribbons ||

Belly bands and ribbons tie your suite together, both literally and figuratively, while adding a cohesive and polished look.

Don’t miss Dalton + Kevin’s funky wedding invitation suite, complete with a 70s-inspired floral belly band!

|| Jackets ||

Jackets can come in different forms, but the most popular are vellum jackets and laser cut jackets. Vellum jackets offer a sheer, sophisticated layer, adding depth, texture, and intrigue to your suite, while laser cut jackets add a delicate, tactile vibe with a luxurious touch.

Brianna + David’s classic wedding invitation suite was the perfect fit for an elegant vellum jacket and white wax seal.

|| Pockets ||

Pockets keep everything neatly organized, ensuring your guests have all the information they need in one place. 

We took it up a notch for Peyton + Jacob’s luxury wedding invitation suite, which featured a monogrammed silk box with a pocket to keep all the inserts together.

We’ve even hand-stitched (Japanese-bound) all of the inserts in an invitation design for a truly custom one-of-a-kind piece! All that to say, the possibilities are endless when it comes to your dream wedding stationery.

With so many options, you can mix and match to create a suite that’s as unique as your love story. Don’t be afraid to get creative and let your personality shine through these embellishments, leaving a memorable first impression for your guests.

Paper for Wedding Stationery: Materials & Sizes

|| Wedding Invitation Materials ||

Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all stationery. From luxurious & colorful cardstock to delicate handmade paper, the material you choose helps set the tone for your wedding stationery.

Cardstock is a popular choice due to its durability and versatility, while handmade paper offers a more tactile, organic experience. For something truly different, consider unique options like metal, wood, or fabric for a truly standout suite. These materials can add an unexpected and memorable touch to your invitations.

Left: Custom wooden menu design | Right: Gold metal invitation

|| Wedding Invitation Sizes ||

When it comes to size, traditional invitations are usually 5×7 inches, but don’t be afraid to play with dimensions. Larger or uniquely shaped invitations can make a bold statement and leave a lasting impression on your guests. Consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve and choose materials and sizes that complement your wedding theme.

Creating a Wedding Guest List

Your guest list is the foundation of your wedding stationery. After all, if you don’t have a guest list, who are you sending these gorgeous invitations to? From save-the-dates to dinner menus, your guest list will help you determine how many prints you need for each piece of wedding stationery.

We can’t lie, though. Creating a wedding guest list is one of the trickiest (and most tedious) parts of wedding planning! However, it’s a crucial step you’ll need to take before you can order stationery. Here’s how to get started:

1. Start by brainstorming everyone you want to invite to your wedding. (Remember to consider who else may have a say in who makes it on the guest list, like your parents and who they want to attend.)

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to include yourselves, your bridal party, and parents on this list! You’d be surprised how often these VIPs get overlooked.

2. Refine and prioritize the list based on your budget and venue capacity. 

Pro Tip: We suggest focusing only on a list of names first; guest details can come later!

3. Once your guest list is finalized, it’s time to move on to collecting the addresses. Recruit your friends and family members to help you gather information for your guests.

Pro Tip: If you find you have more email addresses than mailing addresses for the majority of your list, consider using Postable to easily collect guests’  mailing addresses!

It’s important to have a clear idea of your guest list early in the planning process, as this will affect many aspects of your wedding, including your stationery needs and investments. For more guidance, check out our blog post about starting your wedding guest list.

Ordering Wedding Invitations: How Many Do I Need?

The guest list is complete — now what? It’s time to order wedding stationery!

“But, wait… we’re inviting 125 guests, so we need to order 125 invitations… right?”

Negative.

It’s common for couples to assume they should order as many invitations as the number of guests on their list. However, the real number of invitations you’ll need is determined by the number of households on your guest list, not individuals. A single family doesn’t need four individual invitations!

Outside of that, you’ll also need to factor in a few extras. You know, just in case there’s an addressing error or an accidental tear while stuffing envelopes. You’ll probably want a copy for your photographer to shoot on your wedding day, too. Don’t forget to factor in an extra set if you plan to save it as a keepsake!

For more insight, read our blog post to determine how many wedding invitations to order for your big day.

Postage for Wedding Invitations

Guest list? Check. Invitations ordered? Check.

Now, it’s time to think about sending them to your guests. And, just a heads up, mailing wedding invitations involves way more than just dropping them in the mailbox. (Seriously, we don’t recommend dropping them in your mailbox!)

Our best advice is to take a fully assembled suite to the post office to determine the correct postage needed for wedding invitations. Then, you can easily multiply that by the number of invitations you plan to send out. Voila!

Pro Tip: Ask different clerks and/or different branches for suggested postage to ensure it’s consistent.

The main factors that affect postage for wedding invitations are weight, size, and thickness. Over an ounce? You’ll need more postage. Is it a square? More postage. Is it rigid and non-bendable? More postage! And, don’t forget the postage for those RSVP envelopes, too!

Next, to the always hot topic: To hand-cancel wedding invitations or not? Our best advice is to hand-cancel your invites when it makes sense or is required. In other words, if you have a bulky or unevenly-shaped invitation that could be damaged if it goes through a postal sorting machine (or simply won’t go through the machines due to being too rigid or too thick), it must be hand-cancelled. 

In order to hand-cancel wedding invitations, you must include the non-machinable surcharge in your final postage amount. Without it, the postal system will either return your invitation due to insufficient funds or force them through the sorting machines, only to be damaged. 

Pro Tip: If you have a super flat invitation, we suggest skipping the hand-cancelling / non-machinable surcharge (unless you prefer to pay for the additional postage) since your wedding invitations are still going through the sorting machines unless the surcharge fees are accounted for.

Be advised! If your invitation is over ¼” thickness, it’s classified as a parcel and postage is determined based on the distance it must travel. A parcel generally starts at $5.25+ per envelope.

Pro Tip: If you work with us, we have access to discounted rates starting at $4.25.

When a couple wants to track their wedding invitations or prefers an added layer of protection, we sometimes mail their invites as parcels by packaging them inside rigid mailers and shipping via USPS Ground Advantage. With this option, we can provide our couples with real-time updates on the percentage of invitations that have been delivered and the status of those still in transit.

Anyways, we’re not going to sugarcoat it. Postage can be tricky, but when you collaborate with us, we’ll be by your side to guide and assist you every step of the way. For more details, check out our blog post that outlines all the factors that affect how much postage you’ll need for wedding invitations.

Creating a Realistic Wedding Stationery Budget

Before we dive into budgeting, it’s important to note that wedding stationery isn’t limited only to wedding invitations. It encompasses all the touchpoints throughout your wedding celebration that help personalize the experience and delight your guests, from save-the-dates and programs to escort cards and menus.

At idieh design, we believe that what we create isn’t only stationery, but a brand — it’s decor that creates a cohesive visual vibe and adds so much to the energy of your magical day. Therefore, we advise allocating funds in both the stationery and decor categories of your budget for a realistic snapshot.

To help keep you organized, we created a comprehensive wedding stationery checklist that includes all the stationery items you might consider for your special day. We encourage you to download the checklist, determine the items you are interested in, and estimate the quantities needed for each. 

You’ll want to consider items such as save the dates, followed by invitations, and all the wedding day essentials, including welcome signage, menus, programs, table numbers, seating display, bar signage, welcome bag inserts, cocktail napkins, thank you cards and so much more.

As for how to estimate a budget for your wedding stationery, start by determining your overall wedding budget and allocating a portion to stationery (and decor!). We recommend allocating around 4-7%+ of your total budget to wedding stationery & signage + decor. 

This is just an average of what our couples allocate for their stationery and signage needs. Keep in mind that many factors can cause stationery costs to fluctuate up or down, such as materials used, production and printing techniques, anticipated guest count, and whether large installations are involved (e.g. seating displays).

Wedding Invitation Timeline: When Should I Get Started?

Creating your wedding stationery is an exciting journey filled with so many possibilities. Whether you choose custom or semi-custom wedding invitations, add luxurious embellishments throughout your wedding day items, or explore unique materials, your invitations & wedding day stationery are a reflection of your love story.

|| When to Start the Wedding Invitation Design Process ||

Overall, starting the process early is key. For semi-custom and custom wedding stationery design, we recommend beginning 6-12 months before your wedding date to ensure you have ample time to provide feedback to land on a solution that feels 100% you. Planning ahead will help you avoid last-minute stress and ensure your stationery is exactly how you envisioned it for your big day.

|| When to Mail Wedding Invitations ||

Wedding invitations should typically be mailed 10-12 weeks before the wedding date, providing guests ample time to RSVP and make necessary arrangements. 

Destination weddings are an exception to this rule, as they require more lead time due to travel logistics, accommodations, and potential time-off requests. If you are planning a destination wedding, plan to send invitations at least 3-4 months in advance.

|| When to Mail Save-the-Dates ||

Working back from these ranges, couples should plan to send save-the-dates 6-9 months before a local wedding and 9-12 months before a destination wedding. This early notice allows guests to plan well in advance, increasing the likelihood of attendance. 

Regardless of location, couples should set an RSVP deadline approximately three to four weeks before the wedding to finalize headcounts and coordinate with vendors.

In other words, if you’re getting married in the next year, it’s time to start planning your approach! We would be honored to craft your wedding stationery of your dreams — infused with heart and style, all centered around your unique love story. 

Reach out today to begin the delightful & exciting experience of creating something truly magical together. Let’s make your wedding stationery as unforgettable as your love story. Ooh, la love!

Choosing the Best Wedding Stationery Designer

Selecting the right wedding stationery designer is crucial to bringing your vision to life. It’s essential to find a stationer whose style aligns with yours, who offers the services you need, and can deliver top-notch products customized to your needs.

At idieh design, we specialize in creating captivating, personalized wedding stationery that reflects your unique love story. With over 18 years of experience, we’re here to make your stationery dreams a reality with our creative flair. 

We provide custom and semi-custom wedding invitations, as well as all of the wedding day items—such as menus, table numbers, seating displays, all the way down to the thank you cards after the celebration concludes—to create a cohesive event that is sure to delight your guests at every turn. Our team is dedicated to providing a seamless and enjoyable experience, guiding you through every step of the process. Ready to start your journey with us? Let’s create something beautiful together!

Want more resources like this ultimate wedding stationery guide? Check out the rest of my blog!

The post The Ultimate Wedding Stationery Guide appeared first on Idieh design blog posts.

They’re the very first design moment of your wedding. The fonts. The color palette. The tone of voice. The overall vibe. All of it starts telling your guests what kind of celebration they’re walking into.

Because when someone opens your invitation, they immediately start forming a picture in their head of what the wedding will feel like. And when the design carries through the rest of the wedding day? Ohhhh yes! That’s when things get really good.

Your Invitations Set the Tone

Your invitation suite is basically the opening scene of your wedding story. It’s where the design language begins. Maybe it’s bold typography. Maybe it’s playful shapes. Maybe it’s layered textures, custom patterns, or colors that instantly feel like you.

Whatever direction you choose, those details don’t have to stop at the envelope. In fact…they really shouldn’t. The real magic happens when those same design elements start showing up throughout the wedding day! 

Where the Matching Details Come In

Imagine this. Guests walk into your reception. They’ve already seen your invitation months ago.

Then they notice the same font on the welcome sign. The same color palette on the menus. The same playful shape used for escort cards. Suddenly, everything feels connected, intentional. Like every detail was designed on purpose instead of pulled from fifteen different Pinterest boards at the last minute.

We like to call this the “no Frankenstein wedding design” approach.

We all know that nothing kills a vibe faster than mismatched signage, random fonts, and that one menu someone made on Canva the night before.

The Details Guests Actually Notice

Here’s the funny thing. Guests might not consciously think, “Wow, the typography on the bar menu matches the invitation suite.” But they will notice how the wedding feels — like every little detail belongs there.

Those small design moments (menus, place cards, signage, on my!) are what take your wedding from simply “pretty” to fully thought out. And when they all tie back to the invitation suite? That’s when the whole experience starts to feel like one big, beautiful visual story.

The Paper Trail of Pretty

We love saying this because it’s exactly what great stationery does: Your invitations create a paper trail of pretty for your guests.

It starts with the envelope in their mailbox, and it continues with the signage that welcomes them in. And them? It carries all the way through the reception details on their table.

One design story. From beginning to end.

Want a wedding where every detail actually matches? Yeah. We love that too. Inquire now, and let’s create invitations (and day-of details) that turn your wedding into one big personality-packed experience! 

Feature Image: Hailley Howard | Daniel Kim | Janie in the Woods | Hailley Howard

The post Wedding Invitations and the Details That Tell Your Story appeared first on Idieh design blog posts.

Deep. Breath. 

Let’s simplify this together.

At idieh design, we create both custom and semi-custom invitations, and both can be absolutely stunning. It’s not about one being “better”, it’s about finding what fits your vision, your timeline, your personality, and yes, your budget. So grab your coffee (or wine, no judgement here), and let’s figure this out.

Custom: When You Want Something That’s Never Existed Before

Photography by Hailley Howard Photography

Picture this: You’re sitting with us, maybe sharing the inspiration you’ve saved, chatting with us about the vintage couch you just bought for your house, or even just describing the feeling you want when guests first hear about your wedding. We take all of that and create something from absolute scratch…something that exists nowhere else in the world except for your wedding.

Custom invitations are like commissioning a piece of art. We might hand-draw illustrations that match your venue’s gardens, create a monogram that you’ll end up using on everything (including your holiday cards every year), or design a neon sign with your new last name that you hang in your living room. 

Here’s what the custom experience looks like:

• It’s a true collaboration, designing together, bouncing ideas back and forth until it’s perfect
• We create custom designs just for you, from the ground-up (no templates here!)
• You get endless customization options… die-cuts shaped like your venue’s archway, handmade paper that feels like silk, printing techniques you’ve only seen in museums
• We can design for unique events like full wedding weekends, multi-cultural celebrations, and destination welcome experiences
• Timeline-wise, we need more runway- around 4-6 months minimum- for design and production

Photography by Daniel Kim

The investment? The minimum typically starts around $8K, but most custom projects are between $8K–$25K+, depending on how elaborate we get and how many pieces you need. And since every project is unique, every proposal is too.

Custom might be right for you if…

• You want the ultimate in personalization—this is YOUR wedding, after all
• You’re planning something unique (a full weekend celebration, multiple events, something that needs special consideration)
• You have very specific ideas
• You love being part of the creative process
• You have the time for a longer design journey
• Design is a huge part of how you want your wedding to feel
• You’re not even sure what you want, but you know you want it to be completely unique!

Semi-Custom: When You Don’t Want To Start from Zero

Photography Credit: Rachel Solomon

Here’s a secret: Some of our favorite invitations are semi-custom.

Think of it like this: we’ve already created these gorgeous pre-designed templates that we know work. You fall in love with one, see exactly what you’re getting before you commit, and then we customize it with your wording, details, and color palette. It’s like taking a designer dress and having it tailored perfectly to you.

The beauty of semi-custom? You can see the design before selecting your choice. No surprises, no wondering “what will this actually look like?”. You know you love it from the start. Plus, the whole process is refreshingly easy and straightforward.

With semi-custom, you’re getting:

• An existing design from our curated collection
• Customization of colors and all your wedding content
• Clear, straightforward packages 
• A shorter timeline- perfect if your wedding is coming up quickly 
• The convenience of ordering online from anywhere
• A lower minimum investment that leaves room in the budget for other priorities

The investment? Generally $1.2K–$3K+, with room to add special touches if you want. The packages are clear and upfront- you know exactly what you’re getting.

Photography Credit: Rachel Solomon

You might be a semi-custom couple if:

• You saw one of our designs and thought “that’s it, that’s the one”
• You like to see what you’re buying before you commit
• You need invitations relatively quickly (hello, short engagements!)
• You appreciate the convenience of handling everything online
• You want elevated design without the custom price tag
• You’re happy with color and content customization rather than needing structural changes
• You prefer straightforward packages and clear pricing

So, How Do You Actually Choose?

Here’s my honest advice: Think about how you make other decisions in your life.

Are you the person who renovates their entire kitchen from studs up, choosing every single cabinet pull? Or do you prefer to find a beautiful space and add your own art and accessories? Neither is wrong, they’re just different approaches.

I’ve worked with couples who knew immediately they needed custom because they’d been collecting inspiration for years. I’ve also worked with couples who saw a semi-custom suite and literally said, “Why would we change it when it’s already perfect?” Both weddings were absolutely beautiful, and more importantly, both felt authentic to who they were as couples.

Photography Credit: Kaylee Chelsea Photography

Here’s What Won’t Change, No Matter Which You Choose

Whether you go custom or semi-custom, you’re still getting the idieh experience. That means:

• We’re going to obsess over every detail (so you don’t have to)
• We’ll guide you through the entire process
• Your invitations will make people stop their scroll to properly admire them
• You’ll probably text us photos of happy tears when you open the final box

Because here’s the thing: your invitations are the opening act of your wedding. They set the tone, build anticipation, and give your guests that first glimpse of what’s to come. Whether that story is told through a completely bespoke design or a beautifully personalized suite from our collection, it should feel like you.

Ready to Start?

I know choosing invitations can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re dreaming of custom illustrations or you’ve already screenshot one of our semi-custom suites seventeen times, let’s chat. We’ll figure out together what makes sense for your wedding, your vision, and your life.

Because at the end of the day, the best invitations are the ones that make you smile every time you look at them, and make your guests say, “this is so them.”

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I know, I know. It’s easy to think of them as something you’ll “get to later” once the big things are locked in. Venue? Check. Dress? Check. Invitations? Eh…we’ll circle back. But here’s the truth — your invitations are one of the first tangible experiences your guests will have with your wedding. They set the tone. They build anticipation. They tell people, “this is what you’re walking into.” And creating something that actually feels like you? That takes time and intention. 

So let’s talk about it. 

Short Answer: 6-8 Months Before Your Wedding

If you’re working with a custom stationer (hi, hello, that’s me), you’ll want to begin the design process about 6-8 months before the big day. And no, we’re not being dramatic. There are actual moving pieces involved: 

→ Concept development  

→ Design direction

→ Custom artwork or other details 

→ Revisions (yes, plural)

→ Printing + production 

→ Assembly 

→ Mailing timelines 

This isn’t a “pick a Canva template and call it a day” situation. This is storytelling, and good storytelling doesn’t happen overnight. 

Why Waiting Too Long Changes Everything 

Here’s where I’m going to be a little blunt…but lovingly so. 

When you wait too long to start your invitations, you’re going to feel rushed and limit the possibilities. Less time leads to fewer opportunities for customization, simpler design choices (no, not talking about the good kind of simple), rushed approvals, and higher stress levels for everyone involved — yes, including you. 

And if you’re dreaming of something immersive? Something layered? Something that ties into your signage, your menus, your whole wedding vibe? We need breathing room to make that happen. 

What Happens When You Start Early (AKA The Dream Scenario) 

When we start early, everything shifts. We’re not scurrying. We’re creating. 

We can build a design that actually connects to your full wedding experience. Invitations that don’t just match your wedding, they introduce it. 

We can play with texture, color, and unexpected details. We can think about how your escort displays ties into your paper suite. How your menus echo your invitations. How every piece feels intentional instead of thrown together at the finish line. It’s the difference between checking a box and creating a moment. 

A Quick Reality Check on Mailing Timelines 

Even once your invitations are designed, printed, and assembled, there’s still timing to consider. 

Invitations typically go out 8-12 weeks before your wedding (earlier for destination weddings). Which means everything needs to be finalized well before that. 

…See where I’m going with this? This is why we don’t wait. 

If You’re Already “Behind,” Don’t Panic

Listen. If you’re reading this and thinking, “oh no…I’m late,” take a breath. You’re not doomed. You just need a plan. 

There’s always ways to adjust the timelines, simplify where needed, and still create something beautiful and meaningful. The key is starting now instead of waiting another month hoping it magically sorts itself out (it won’t…again, I say that with love). 

Let’s Make It Feel Like You

At the end of the day, your invitations aren’t just pieces of fancy paper. They’re the opening scene. The first impression. The little glimpse of your wedding that guests get to hold in their hands before the day even arrives. 

So give them the time they deserve. 
If you’re ready to create something that genuinely feels like your wedding — not pulled from a template graveyard — you know where to find me.

Photographer Credit: Featured Image: Elyse Hall / Images 1 & 2: Hailley Howard / Image 3: Shelly Anderson / Images 4, 5, & 6: Rebekah Sampson / Image 7: Elyse Hall / Image 8: Ryann Lindsey Photography / Image 9: Jacqui Cole / Image 10: Mashaida / Image 11: Hailey Golich

The post When Should You Start Designing Wedding Invitations? (Hint: Earlier Than You Think) appeared first on Idieh design blog posts.

For me, immersive design is how I approach crafting  wedding stationery and all the thoughtful little details that go with it.  It’s not about being trendy–it’s about being intentional.

Spoiler alert: it’s not just about your invitations.
It’s about the entire experience.

It’s what transforms a wedding from simply “pretty” to unforgettable & deeply personal. The kind of celebration  where your guests tuck the cocktail napkin into their purse because it felt too special to toss. Where your college roommate snaps a pic of the bar menu because the wording made her laugh out loud…just like your invitation did six months ago.

That’s immersive. That’s what I design for.

What Is Immersive Wedding Design?

Immersive design means your wedding doesn’t just have a color palette.
It has a point of view.
A visual language.
A vibe that lives in every. single. detail.

When your signage mirrors  your invitation fonts.
When the custom pattern from your envelope liner reappears on your dance floor..
When the same cheeky line from your RSVP card shows up on your bar signage.
That’s immersive.

It’s the moment guests walk into your reception and think, “Wow… this is so them.” 

That’s the power of cohesive design: from the first impression with your Save The Dates and Invitations, to the final dance on your custom-designed dance floor.

Here’s What Immersive Design Can Include:

• Save the Dates
• Custom Wedding Invitation Suite
• Guest Welcome Bag & Itineraries
• Welcome Signs & Seating Charts
• Menus, Place Cards, Ceremony Programs
• Tables Numbers & Escort Displays
• Custom Bar Menus, Stir Sticks, & Coasters
• Dance Floor Vinyls, Bar Decals, & Branded Decor
• Acrylic Signage & 3D Install Moments
• On-Site Install & Styling

And because it’s all designed by one creative brain (hi, that’s us), it flows together flawlessly.

No mixed aesthetics.
No Canva chaos.
Just one cohesive vibe that tells your story, loud and clear.

Why Immersive Design Matters

→ Your guests notice. Even if they don’t realize it, cohesive design makes your event feel polished, personal, and put-together in a way Pinterest can’t replicate. 

→ You avoid the “Frankenstein” effect. No mismatched signage. No random fonts. No last-minute DIY menus that don’t match your invitations. (We’ve all seen it.)

→ You get to be hands-off, but still feel seen. We handle the creative direction and the nitty-gritty details. You show up and say, “OMG. This is exactly what I pictured… but better.”

Whenyou work with us in an immersive design capacity, we’re not just designing things (mind you, they are things that will likely be talked about and remembered forever).

We’re designing a full-scale, high-touch visual experience.
This ins’t plug-and-play design.
It’s done-for-you, made-just-for-you artistry.

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If you’re a couple who cares about the full experience (or a planner who wants a creative partner who gets it) you’re in the right place.

Let’s create a wedding that’s not just pretty…let’s make it immersive as hell.

Inquire now to start your full-service design experience

Photography: Hailey Howard

The post What Is Immersive Wedding Design (and Why Your Event Needs It) appeared first on Idieh design blog posts.

Welcome to the idieh design GIRL TALK SERIES! We’ve made it our mission to guide couples in their wedding journey with some legit advice about wedding stationery, planning, and all things in between.

We want every couple’s experience to be as smooth as possible. So we’ve gathered all the best tips and advice you could possibly need to help plan the wedding of your dreams.  Find more tips & tricks here.

It’s that time in the wedding planning process to get those wedding invitations ready! (Our favorite!) Yet, there’s a little more to the wedding invitation suite than just basic details of who, what, and where. Today’s couples are faced with a more complex system of wedding invitations that not only serve a purpose, but they set the entire mood for the big day to come.

What pieces should I include in my wedding invitation suite?

Every wedding ceremony is different, which means so are the invitations. However, there are a few must haves in each wedding invitation suite you will absolutely need to keep your guests informed and make your life easier when it comes to wedding planning.

Wedding Invitation

The shining star itself, the wedding invitation. Your wedding invitation should include all the necessary information your guests will need to know for your big day. This includes:

• Parents’ Names (if preferred)
• Your Names
• Date
• Time
• Ceremony Location & Address
• Suggested Attire

The actual wording of the invitation will vary depending on your ideas and personality and the celebration itself. Many times, wording is decided upon by the couple with guidance from a wedding planner and the invitation designer so the right fit is chosen.

RESPONSE CARD

This is one of the most important parts of the wedding invitation. The response card will include:

• Requested response date
• Space for the guests name
• Indication of attending or not (this is an area where you can get creative in how your guests say “yes” or “no”)
• Selection of Preferred Meal (if needed)
• Any other info you might want to request, like maybe your guests’ favorite songs

RESPONSE ENVELOPE

Giving your guests a response envelope that already has the designated address printed on it will make it so easy for your guests to respond. It’s also common courtesy to include a stamp on this envelope as well. Either way, the response envelope helps ensure a prompt response from your invited guests. (PRO TIP: Keep in mind, no matter how much you ask the Universe to have all of your guests respond, some will inevitably not do it. You’ll need to reach out to them on an individual basis to get their response.)

RECEPTION/DETAILS/WEBSITE CARD

Also known as the directions card, but with today’s technology and Siri always making sure we get to our destination, this card has come to serve a different purpose. Use this card to officially make note that a reception will follow the ceremony (if it’s at a different location than the ceremony, make sure to include the reception address here as well). And, if you have a website, use this card to direct your guest to the web address. If you opt out of a wedding website, you can include accommodations info here, other weekend activities taking place, or maybe even a custom map.

THE “EXTRAS” CARD

Sometime if you have a lot of info that you need to include in your suite, an additional third insert card will be needed. This card can house weekend activities (rehearsal dinner, welcome party, newlywed brunch, etc.), accommodations info, a custom map, and the list goes on. If you need to invite only certain guests to some events, this is another way to do that. You would then only insert this card into the envelopes of the guests whom are invited to the additional activities.

OUTER ENVELOPE

This little guy keeps it all together. Whether you decide to have hand written, calligraphy, or digitally printed return and guest addresses, make sure you’ve got enough stamps. (PRO TIP: While the RSVP envelope typically only requires standard postage, the outer envelope might require additional postage if it’s an odd shape, over 1oz. or too rigid to go through the USPS sorting machines.)

Now that you know what you should include in your wedding invitation suite, it’s time to get planning. Remember, the more organized you are and the easier you make it on your invited guests, the better the outcome! Happy wedding planning!

Wanna learn more awesome and helpful tips about the wedding planning process? Check out our GIRL TALK SERIES for more!

The post What to Include in a Wedding Invitation Suite appeared first on Idieh design blog posts.

The big day has been finalized and it’s time to start sending out the invitations. YAY! While it might seem like a daunting task because of all the details you need to think about, don’t worry! We’re here to help! Making sure you DO send out invitations is vital for having a successful wedding and/or reception. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want that?

Many times the wedding invitations are overlooked or rather viewed as a minor part of the wedding. Furthermore, it is often said ‘Don’t worry about getting nice invitations or doing them at all. People just throw them out anyways.’ GASP! We die.

However, this initial part of your wedding planning will set the tone for the overall wedding itself. Not to mention, the information you are sending out will be more than necessary for a successful wedding. While there will always be a few out there who will try to convince you it’s not worth the hassle or the money, there are a few reasons you will absolutely need to send out invites. Not to mention all the fun you will have during the process.

Setting the Tone

The wedding invitations are what sets the tone for the entire event. Something we like to call “leaving a paper trail of pretty for your guests”. When your guests open the envelope for the first time they will automatically start to envision the big day. The chosen fonts and styles of the invitation will reflect your personality and love story for your guests as well as give them hints to the wedding day celebration.

If you are planning an extravagant event with fireworks – um, AWESOME!, – your invitations should reflect this. If you opt for a Halloween-themed wedding, your invitations should showcase this and we’ll consider you as the “coolest person on the planet”. The same concept applies for the more private and intimate wedding ceremonies. Bottom line, the wedding invitations let guests know right away what to expect about your big day.

Creating Feelings of Excitement and Anticipation

Checking your mail and seeing a fancy envelope creates a sense of excitement of something great to come. Since mail is fewer and far between these days, sending out the save the dates and wedding invitations will have your guests looking forward to checking their mail on the regular as well as attending the romantic event itself. EEK! How excited are YOU?!

Once the guests open the invites, there will be a sense of glee and excitement that THEY get to attend YOUR wedding in a few weeks. If one thing is for certain, people love celebrating happy occasions and weddings are one of the happiest events in life to celebrate. Your guests will be counting down the days while they look forward to attending the celebration of your love story.

All the Details Your Guests Need to Know

Giving your guests the wedding invitations will provide them with all the essential and necessary information they need to know for your wedding. A great invitation will not only have style and reflect the personalities of the soon- to- be wedded couple, but it will serve the purpose of informing your guests about all the details of your big day. In other words, an invitation stationery suite is a MUST HAVE for any wedding.

Keep in mind that the more personalized an invitation looks and feels the more your guests will see that YOU have put your heart and soul into organizing your special day. We can all fist bump to that!

Are you in the process of picking out your invitations? What are you finding challenging? What are you loving about the process? Share your story with us here!

The post Importance of Invites appeared first on Idieh design blog posts.

We want every couple’s experience to be as smooth as possible. So we’ve gathered all the best tips and advice you could possibly need to help plan the wedding of your dreams.  Find more tips & tricks here.

When it comes time to order those wedding invites, many couples just count the number of their guests on their master guest list and think, that’s that. Well, we’ve got two things that every wedding couple needs to know before they order too many or worse, not enough, wedding invites.

TIP #1: No. of Invites ≠ No. of Guests

First things first, you do NOT need as many wedding invites as you have guests!

While it might seem like common sense, many times at idieh design we hear that the wedded-couple-to-be needs 200 wedding invites. When in all reality, they are expecting 200 guests to attend the special day. The best way to combat this mistake is to remember this rule of thumb:

200 guests = approximately 100 wedding invites.

TIP #2: 60% Rule

The second tip brides should put to good use before they want to order their wedding invitations is, start out with just 60% of your total guest list. But wait, don’t I just need exactly half of my total guest list?

In a perfect world, yes darling, you would. But think of it like this – wedding invites are sent to couples. Then you need to consider the families with children and any single and looking invitees. While this mix of guests can even each other out, generally speaking, the extra 10% is covered.

Now, we’re not saying you should go out and order whatever 60% of your total guest list ends up being. All we mean is that it is a great place to start to get an estimate of what your actual numbers will be and help you determine your budget.

TIP #3: Lines = Invitations

What’s the best way to figure out the actual numbers?

Luckily for you, we have a tried and true system that allows you to stay organized and it helps make the invitation process easier down the line. (Want it to be EVEN easier?! If you choose idieh design for your stationery needs, we offer the option to digitally print the return and guests addresses for you, too! SCORE.)

To get started follow these steps:

1. Use a spreadsheet – Excel is a great example.

2. List each household you need to send invites to in a separate row. For example:

• Each Couple in its individual row (Mr. and Mrs. Smith)
• Each Family in its individual row (The Smith Family)
• Each Single in its individual row (with or without plus one)

Note: Make sure you include yourself, your bridal party, and the parent’s of the soon-to-be newlyweds. While it might seem ok to skimp out on ordering their invites, because duh, they are invited, these are the people who will cherish the invitations the most.

3. Once you’re done, if everything has been inputted into the spreadsheet correctly, the number of lines within the spreadsheet will be the number of wedding invites you will need. Yay! So easy!

TIP #4: Order Extra

You’ve got the exact numbers now, but you’ll still need just a few more. You might be thinking, “Huh? I thought I had my numbers down?” Let me tell you from experience, you will thank yourself later by ordering extra.

Start with at least 10 extra wedding invite added to your guest list total from the spreadsheet. That’s a minimum you should stick to. Have a think on this for second. Let’s say your guest list is at 200 and you’re spreadsheet indicates you need to order 100. Add in an extra safe cushion of 20% to cover all emergencies and order 120 wedding invites.

20%? That’s way more than I will ever need! Before you forego the idea of this comfy safety net, consider all the scenarios that could possible happen in the two months before you need to send the wedding invites to the post office.

A.) Mother of the Groom insists on adding 4 more guests to the list.

B.) You’ve realized you forgot to invite your great aunt Jane.

C.) Your mother decides she needs to invite a few people from work.

D.) Your grandmother tells you she wants to keep one for posterity – and then so does your mother, the mother of the groom, etc.

E.) Your Groom insists you send an invite to his college buddy who is overseas – even though they won’t be coming to the wedding.

And we still haven’t considered any invitations that could get lost in the mail or returned due to having a wrong address!

Bet that extra 20% sounds like a lifesaver now!

All things considered, do yourself a HUGE favor and order just a few more invites to have on hand in any scenario or situation. Wedding planning is stressful enough as it is and if you can save yourself the headache, or worse, a last minute panic, the better! (Believe me, it’s WAY more costly to have to order more invites down the road then ordering them all upfront.)

Wanna learn more awesome and helpful tips about the wedding planning process? Check out our GIRL TALK SERIES for more!

The post How Many Wedding Invites Should I Order? appeared first on Idieh design blog posts.

OMG it’s here again! I LOVE Halloween and each year keeps getting better and better. And since it’s my favorite time of year, what better way to celebrate than to play with hair and makeup for our annual Halloween card? Keeping up with tradition, this year I’ve got the hair and makeup need-to-know for a DIY perfectly spooky Miss Peregrine from Tim Burton’s Miss Peregrine’s Home of Peculiar Children. I first read the book awhile back (and loved it!) and after seeing the movie, it was a no-brainer. This HAD to be this year’s costume! Simply follow these steps and you’ll be just as glamorously spooky as Miss Peregrine herself!

HAIR

Step 1:

Prep hair with heat protector. Use a pliable medium hold hair spray for curling. When curling wrap and pin. Allow hair to cool before removing pins.

Step 2:

Remove hair pins, and start to pick the curl out in a “S” pattern. You will need to manipulate the hair into the finger waves. Hair going back, then hair going forward.

Step 3:

Pin the back into the finger wave pattern, by twisting and Bobbi pinning hair in a tucked updo. Repeat on the other side of hair.

Step 4:

Use hair chalk to add blue color. This will highlight the “S” shape in the finger waves.

MAKEUP

Step 1:

Prep face with makeup primer. Apply your base coat. Use a color that is a shade or two lighter than your natural color to capture that “pale” look.

Step 2:

Brows! Miss Peregrine has a bold, dark brow. We used a pencil to create the sharp edges. Fill in and extend beyond where your natural brow ends.

Step 3:

Dark eyes. Create the wing shape with shadow and fill in. Clean the edges with white powder.

Step 4:

Contour and create a sharp cheekbone. And finish it off with a bold lip.

COSTUME DETAILS

The blazer & shoes I found at Goodwill. I then DIYed the sleeves of the jacket with fabric I purchased at JoAnn’s. (I love trying to find ways to make my costume unique and one-of-a-kind.) The skirt is from Asos. And the pipe & pocket watch I found on Amazon. Easy peasy, right?!

Make sure to tag @idiehdesign on Instragram and use hashtag #idiehHalloween if you decide to rock this look. I would LOVE to see your creation!

Or if your in the mood for something darker or something completely quirky and fun, check out the looks from Halloween’s past:

• Halloween Makeup & Costume | Maleficent
• Halloween Makeup & Costume | Lichtenstein-Inspired

Of course all this Halloween magic wouldn’t have been the same without the awesomely talented team! SO SO thankful for you girls and for helping make all my Halloween dreams come true. xo

Hair & Makeup by Mariana Marie

Photography by Michelle Herrick Photography

Be sure to check them out for more inspiration.

The post Halloween Makeup & Costume | Miss Peregrine appeared first on Idieh design blog posts.

As a bride to be, you’ve got a lot on your plate when it comes to planning your big day. One of these being the wedding guest list. No matter what type of bride you are or what type of wedding you are having, every bride experiences a moment of ‘Should I invite them?’ At idieh design, we’ve gathered the seven rules you should keep in mind when making cuts to your wedding guest list.

Keep in mind, these rules are BASIC guidelines you should consider when you are making cuts from the wedding guest list. At the end of the day, we suggest going with you gut and following your heart. They know best.

1. Same City

Just because you live in the same city as a potential invitee doesn’t mean you have to invite them. If you see them out at events or bars often, but don’t hang out regularly, don’t feel obligated to invite these acquaintances.

2. Old Hook Ups

This one is easy. If at any point the invitee has had more than friend-status relationships (you know what we mean) with either the bride or groom, it’s probably best to leave them off the list. The last thing you need is someone getting a little tipsy and trying to make a speech about ‘the good ol’ days’.

3. Co-workers

Everyone considers inviting those they work with, but before YOU do ask yourself “Outside of work, do I have anything in common with this person?” If not, don’t worry about inviting them. More often than not, they aren’t feeling the expectation to be invited, either.

4. Don’t Know Your Future Spouse?

Is there a potential name on the list that hasn’t even met your future spouse? It’s ok to cross off their names as well. A wedding is a celebration of the joining of two souls and if a guest doesn’t even know one of those souls, well, let’s just say they aren’t top priority to witness the special occasion. (The exception to this would be if you just haven’t had a chance to meet up in this thing called life. It happens. The wedding could be the perfect opportunity for them to meet!)

5. Plus Ones

Here’s where things can get tricky. Typically those in the bridal party get to bring whomever they like-it’s kind of a small thank you for being in your wedding. Sometimes couples use the ‘no ring, no bring’ rule, yet it’s many times an unrealistic rule to follow. Our advice is that if the ‘plus one’ has only been around for a short time, don’t feel obligated to invite them. But, we do feel it’s common courtesy to invite ‘plus ones’ that have been in your guest’s life for a significant amount of time. Our best advice, put yourself in your guest’s shoes. What would be your expectations?

6. Five Years From Now

If you are looking at a potential guests name and still aren’t sure whether or not to invite them, ask yourself where you think the relationship with them will be five years from now. You don’t want to look back at wedding photos to see a face you haven’t seen, well, since the wedding.

7. Guilt Trip

Is there anyone on your list just because you feel guilty about leaving them off? Were you invited to their wedding and you’re feeling the pressure to invite them to yours? Don’t let the guilt trip win. If it feels forced, it probably is. Invite guests that feel natural and that you GENUINELY want to be there to celebrate your love story. It’s best for all involved.

Wanna learn more tips about the wedding planning process? Check out our GIRL TALK SERIES for more!

At the end of the day, it is up to you. It’s your big day and your own love story. This is YOUR wedding, so we suggest choosing authenticity over approval. Like we say, “Own Your Story. Live Your Style.” (a.k.a Keep it real.)

Are you in the process of cutting your master list? Where are you struggling the most?

The post 7 Rules for Cutting Your Wedding Guest List appeared first on Idieh design blog posts.