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Wedding Invitations & Stationery - Trends for 2009 (Part 1) |
As a designer of wedding invitations and stationery for many years, I applaud 2008 as being one of the most exciting and progressive years for South African couples when it came to making a statement in their wedding stationery needs. In previous years the wedding invitation was overlooked and kept to a minimum when it came to the wedding as a whole. Let’s be honest and I’m sure you have heard it before “It’s the first indication that your guests receive as to what the wedding will entail” so you want that to be reflected in your wedding invitation to set the tone for your special day. Today’s Brides want something unique and are keeping up to date with local and international trends taking wedding selections by storm, but also not forgetting to add that South African flavour. It’s saying “This is who we are” and 2008 has definitely achieved that. Things can only get better seeing a lot of the designs, styles and themes overflowing into 2009 taking on a new twist.
Here are some trends that I believe we will see in 2009 making your unique wedding invitation one to remember for years to come.
Vintage Candy:
As I’m sure most of you are familiar with the vintage prints that the end of 2007 and 2008 introduced. Damask, baroque patterns were all the rage and, I believe, will still continue in this vein with bolder colour combinations, adding modern elements and alternative letter styles that will bring in a new concept on the old design. Wedding invitations will now see these antique style patterns take on a whole new meaning.
Colour Me Shades:
Every bride is unique in their own way and no doubt already has a colour in mind whether it be the trend or not. My suggestion is “Go for it!” - it’s your personal choice at the end of the day. Wedding invitations of 2009 will utilise an array of different colour palettes. The trend I’m noticing is that brides stick to a single colour scheme but experiment and mix its different shades. This choice not only broadens your options but takes the difficulty out of trying to make everything match. It’s also chic, stylish, fun and different.
Monogram Us:
The classic interlinked initials seen on the majority of wedding cards will now be replaced with ornate framed monograms customised according to the requirements of the bride and groom. The monogram itself is a design which can be carried through all the wedding stationery for your special day. Basically, like an old coat of arms, these modern day gems can incorporate personal elements and most importantly, make your wedding stationery one-of-a-kind.
Citrus Splash:
Two colours that have been popular towards the end of 2008 and already getting a lot of interest for 2009 are orange and yellow. Orange, which is no newcomer, is having a facelift with new tones that are really exciting, and being blended with colours unheard of in the past. Think neon orange, tangerine fizz, tangy orange and then consider the complete colour palette. It goes well with choc brown, baby blues and mint green or pure white and gives your wedding invite that extra pop. Yellow, on the other hand, was a colour rarely seen (and to be honest, difficult to play with) but with the new patterned prints and unique wedding invitation shapes that are available, it’s making its mark. Think canary yellow, lemongrass, buttercup, lemon zest and I’m sure you can no doubt taste the possibilities. These two colours are not only fresh but reflect the seasons that lie ahead.
It’s In The Shape:
Wedding invitations come in all shapes and sizes. The one that 2008 labelled as the most popular, and will once again carry over into next year, is the pocket-fold invitation. This unique invitation which epitomises style and elegance and incorporates your additional info cards (like directions, RSVP, accommodation details or an added before- or after-celebration) neatly folds up into a standard size invite keeping everything in place. 2009 will also see a more economic trend playing a large roll – it is unavoidable in this day and age. That having been said, you need not skimp on the quality. Dual sided cards are the option of choice in this case, with the front panel being the canvas which reflects the desired colour and design while the reverse panel features the actual invite.
Envelope Me:
Last but not least, we must touch on the envelope. Gone are the bland white envelopes we have seen for so many years. We now say hello to a matching affair. Not only do envelopescome in avariety of colours and sizes which compliment your wedding invitations, but 2009 will see them being given a much needed facelift with matching outer and inner prints. Another popular trend is that of having the envelopes personally addressed in the invitation font and a crest or monogram on the back leaf.
To end, I hope this has shed some light on what 2009 will bring and wish you all the best for the festive season. Part 2 of Wedding Invitation Trends will be out in the New Year. Happy planning!!!
Article contributed by: Crystal Print - Wedding Stationery Specialists |
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