With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, weddings are returning to pre-pandemic form as smaller, more intimate receptions are transitioning back to bigger celebrations. However, couples are still looking for ways to add a uniquely personal touch to proceedings, even if their guest list numbers are on the rise, and what better way to put a figurative and literal stamp on things than with your wedding invitations!
The best part is that you can be as creative or classical as you want to be with your wedding invitations, and the 2022 trends prove that! From QR codes that will virtually deliver all the information your guests need to know about directly to their smart phone to eco-friendly handmade paper that is as sustainable as it is stylish, we’ve narrowed down some of the emerging trends for wedding invitations that we’re loving right now! It doesn’t matter if you’re planning an extravagant wedding or keeping things small, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Eye-Catching Envelopes
When it comes to wedding invitations, first impressions count, and elaborate envelopes immediately set the tone and give an indication of what’s in store. From bold pattern and ornate calligraphy, to statement stamps like the limited-edition Love Stamps from An Post, there are lots of ways to make your wedding invitation envelopes as eye-catching as possible from the moment they pop through the letter box.
2. Venue & Map Illustrations
Whether you’re getting married on Irish shores or have a destination wedding planned, why not make your venue the theme of your invitations with a bespoke venue or map illustration? From whimsical hand drawn styles, to more bold and graphic designs, they’re a great way to ensure your invites are totally unique to you and haven’t been seen anywhere else!
3. Eco-Friendly Stationary
From a sustainability standpoint, handmade paper that hasn’t been mass produced, or seed-filled, plantable paper invitations are a wonderful way to ensure your wedding invitations are as eco-friendly as possible. And from an aesthetic perspective, they look incredible – understated, elegant and with an almost timeless appeal as if they were created hundreds of years ago!
4. QR Codes
Pre-pandemic we can’t remember the last time we used a QR (quick response) code, but couples are increasingly turning to this type of technology to make their wedding day as seamless as possible and give their guests all the practical information regarding venue, menu options, accommodation bookings, maps and more, all in one handy place. And if you don’t like the look of them on the main wedding invite, simply opt for a separate enclosure card.
5. Printed Vellum Jackets
Delicate and almost ethereal in appearance, semi-translucent vellum (also known as parchment paper) sleeves are ideal if you want to add a soft colour or print to an otherwise understated invitation suite. The trend which saw a 105% increase in searches last year on Etsy is also perfect if you’re sending several enclosures in the same envelope and want to keep them nicely bundled together.
An Post is offering 10 national love stamps for just €8.80 (usually €11) until February 20th. Visit www.anpost.com/love for more information
