Wedding invitations

When you plan to marry, do you sometimes wonder if the invitation will help you show how real and warm your day will feel? For many people, the “rustic” option isn’t only about style—it’s a way to let friends and family know they’ll step into something honest, soft, and natural. When you choose this direction, your invitation isn’t just a card. It’s a sign of what’s to come, with the look and feel that set the story in motion before anyone walks on the ground.

Frequently, invitations described as “rustic” include a mix of natural, simple, or handmade detail. What does that mean as you look at the real card? Usually, the base will be paper with some texture or a kraft style, which adds a soft, warm quality as is. Other features may add small plant shapes, drawn leaf forms, or even pressed flowers, along with twine that might tie together more than one layer—or wrap around the main card itself. Colors tend to include earthy green, brown, soft white, and pale sage. Typography can range from loose, calligraphic lines to more organized, simple text, but it’s always easy to read. Are you looking for a style that’s straightforward and still full of personality? You’ve got your answer here.

What design do most couples choose? When you consider 2023 trends, about five names come up often. “Saranac” offers plant sketches just along the edge, “Millbrook” creates a wood pattern base, “Humbyrd” gives you mountain views floating up into the sky, “Winslow” pairs rough text with a faded edge, and “Verde” uses pine and leaf sketches with small, map-like shapes. Each option signals a slightly different feeling, so you can pick the one that matches your taste.

When it’s time to format your invitation, most couples pick a standard, upright card—about two out of three. Landscape cards are less usual, chosen by about one in ten couples. What about photos? Nearly nine out of ten leave them out, which tells you that a natural feeling doesn’t need a picture to work. Will you see extra details like frames, round shapes, or wreaths? Not very often; such items appear in only a small part of all designs. If you’re thinking about foil finishes or special printing, you may want to reconsider, because most people who want a rustic look also choose the simplest print option.

Is your venue an old barn, a mountain lodge, a vineyard, or somewhere in the woods? The best choice usually echoes that setting. For example, “Winslow” could fit a barn, since the rough text goes right along with old wood and beams. “Verde,” with its outlines of trees or leaves, might fit a mountain ceremony or a place surrounded by wild land. A vineyard calls for cards with that same classic feeling—maybe a grapevine drawn in at the edge. If your day is set in a quiet forest, you could choose multiple layers or leaf shapes to hint at what’s around you.

You may wonder if a rustic card can also show something unique. The answer is yes. If you add a picture, people tend to use just one, but as noted above, most skip it. Switch in your choice of font, or swap in an item that fits your season—a small branch, a single pressed leaf, or even a favorite quote. The key, as always, is to let your details show your personality without overwhelming the straightforward look.

When you put thought into this aspect, rustic invitations do more than announce a day. They set your story’s first step, inviting people to share in what you’re building together, and help everyone look forward to the celebration that follows.