Wedding invitations

When you begin to plan for a winter event, you may wonder what truly defines a “winter” invitation, and why these details set it apart from every other season. Often, just a subtle “snow” symbol or a cool “blue” and “silver” color, included with care, is all it takes for your guests to get a clear sense of the season’s atmosphere—long before the date arrives. Which styles do most couples choose? Based on data, you’ll often see that “Kelton” stands out for its use of snowflake details, and “Glacier” leads when bold color is a top priority. Those who want a classic touch usually select “Belvoir” due to its traditional look.

When deciding on color, you’re not only staying on theme—you also influence the mood your event will set. Would “icy blues” and “silver” give your invites a true winter look? If you ask, the answer is yes. Yet, deep “burgundy” or dark green have just as much impact, especially if your event links with the holiday period, and “gold” or “copper” add warmth, forming a very strong style. Sometimes couples do want timeless simplicity—so “black and white” will always have a place. A green-and-gold mix, as you see in Winslow, allows you to combine both tradition and a modern touch; other styles, like Pinehaven, appeal to followers of natural themes.

If you’re hoping for a simple look with a modern update, you’ll usually select a portrait layout, since about 71% of couples go this route. But what if you crave more structure or design? Roughly 1 in 10 couples favors a frame, as is, to highlight special winter symbols and add structure. Would the use of a “picture” be wise? Only about 6% pick a photo for this. Most people prefer strong type and seasonal images instead. While you can adjust nearly any part of your invitation, popular options include textured card (to mimic fresh snow), a clear layer for a frosted effect, and metallic ink to show the soft shine often linked to a winter event.

Does sending winter invites require a different schedule than other seasons? Yes, and for good reason. When your date lands close to a main holiday—say, Christmas or New Year’s—you’ll need to give people more notice. You should send these out at least 10–12 weeks before your day, which is earlier than the usual 6–8 weeks, making it much less likely that your invite will get lost in a full box. For a meeting in December, sending by late October should be your target (so you’re ahead of Thanksgiving), and for January or February, early December is best, so guests get enough time to plan and/or arrange travel.

How do you take your stationery from simple paper to a true winter suite? The best route is to start with your main invitation and add matching items—save-the-date cards, RSVP cards, menus—as well as thank you notes that pick up the same winter look. If every piece shares the same color or uses similar “snow” or “season” symbols, your guests get a sense of unity from the start.

Uncertain weather is part of winter, so how do you protect your invitations and help guests fully prepare? Choosing thick card creates durability to deal with moisture, while added information—like places to stay and how to get around—helps guests focus more on the fun and less on travel concerns.

With a well-planned “winter” invitation, you not only announce your event, but also set the tone for something special and give your guests a clear view into the style and excitement they can expect on your day.