Wedding invitations

When you first start to plan a spring wedding, do you consider how much your invitation not only shares the time and place, but also begins to show the feeling, look, and idea that you hope your day will have? The truth is, your invitation often gives guests their first sense of what to expect, and when you take inspiration from that “season of renewal,” you give your new marriage journey a strong start. Every March, April, and May, as the world comes alive outside, many couples choose invitation designs such as Laurelwood—which often features gentle green detail that brings forward the fresh spirit of this time. Maybe your choice is Farnham, which uses simple, calm lines and soft colors that seem to reflect an outdoor setting.

Color choice is not a small part of any invitation, and when you want your spring wedding stationery to fit in with the season, you often look for shades that match the gentle changes and lighter days. Do soft shades like light pink, green, or purple speak to you, or are you looking for a look inspired by a garden, with shades of orange, sage, and light red, which can be a great fit for an event outside? Sometimes, more bold shades are best—sky blue or coral can work if you want something with a new and/or modern style, while not leaving behind the spring mood. Merryton can make color selection easier, as it lets you adjust to a wider set of spring colors, so you do not have to worry if plans shift near the end of your process.

Often, the right style makes use of simple, nature-inspired, or even abstract detail that can feel fresh and lively, which is exactly what many hope to show at a spring event. Hand-drawn styles—examples include Octavia, another top pick—can outline your message with a nod to new growth or spring plants. What if you are a fan of design that avoids showy looks? Spasso stands out for clean lines and only a touch of decoration, still calling to mind the time of year, but staying minimal. For most couples (near to 75%), using a vertical (portrait) invitation seems natural, since upright lines look like flower stems. Few (5%) use borders, and almost everyone (92%) leaves photos off the page, giving these seasonal elements room to shine as is.

When you want to make sure guests can attend, should you send invitations early in the new year, or wait? For most, sending them out 6 to 8 weeks before the day (February for March or April dates, March for those in May) gives plenty of time for planning. If your date falls during holidays (like Easter), school break, or at the start of graduation time, 8 weeks ahead is wise. For those with out-of-town guests, or if you plan to marry on Memorial Day weekend, save-the-date cards 6 to 8 months early can be a big help.

After choosing your design, how you pick the right paper can still shape your guest's experience. Why does this matter? Because the touch and weight of the paper can add to each color and detail you show, with quality choices (found in Laurelwood and Farnham, for example) making artwork or plant details stand out as is. Some couples will keep the same print or finish from save-the-dates all the way to thank you cards, which joins the whole experience in a smooth way.

Picking the best spring invitation is just the start. When you think carefully about color, seasonal ideas, and the materials you use, you create a day—and a message—that matches the unique, lively feeling of one of the year’s best times.