The Purple Book: A Guide to Colorado Springs Weddings and Receptions

Creative Invitations
the latest trends in designer invites

by Brinda Hammel, graphic designer, BlueBug Studio

I happened to catch an episode of King of Queens the other evening – the one where the
show’s main characters, Carrie and Doug, receive an invitation to a wedding and devise
all kinds of schemes to get out of attending.

I couldn’t help but wonder if the invitation was, well, boring. If you get right down to it,
you are, in a sense, marketing your wedding. With the time commitments and busy lives
we all lead nowadays, the more enticing and exciting you make your wedding event appear,
the more likely your invited guests will clear their calendar in anticipation of your big day.

Fun themes in fabulous colors, embellished graphics and monograms on stylish papers
and cardstocks are just some of the elements on a bride’s wish list for a creative,
one-of-a-kind invitation. A big trend in invitation design is the organized folder or
pocketfolder, which features all of the information your guests will need in an organized
folder. Include a card insert outlining some fun activities and outings for your guests, such
as golf for the guys and a spa day for the gals. Square shaped invitations are also a popular
choice these days. This shape really evokes a modern, hip look. Remember that the post
office charges a surchage of .13 for square or odd shapes weighing in at one ounce or under.
However, since most invitations weigh more than one ounce, the additional surcharge will
not apply. It is always a good idea to check with the post office before posting and mailing.

So, if you’d like to forget the days of cherubs and raised wedding bells in cream or white,
go ahead -- the trend nowadays is creativity. Embrace this opportunity to reflect your
personal style -- not only will you feel a special connection to your wedding stationery,
but your special attention to this detail will certainly be noticed by your guests.