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Craft an invitation that goes beyond the standard details — like time, place, and dress code — and gives guests a glimpse of your style as a couple and the wedding celebration to come. Put your personal stamp on correspondence using illustrations, fun fonts, embellishments, and more!

By: Stefania Sainato

Enter Slideshow

Use of Color -155125

Highlight a tropical destination wedding setting with bright and festive hues.

Photo Credit: Relate Studios
Embellishments
A belly band with the initials of the soon-to-be newlyweds creates a beautiful first impression when guests tear open the envelope.
Invitation by Five Dot Design / Photo Credit: Ben Elsass Photography
Embellishments
Embrace the frosty temps with a snowflake overlay.
Photo Credit: Carla Ten Eyck Photography
Use of Color
For an ultra-coordinated effect, choose stamps in the same color palette as your invite, like the watercolor-inspired design shown here.
Invitation by Underwood Letterpress / Photo courtesy of Underwood Letterpress
Laser-Cut Details
A beautifully intricate laser-cut pocket offered a sneak peek of the couple's sophisticated Southern wedding affair.
Invitation by William Arthur / Photo Credit: Pasha Belman Photography
Fonts
Classic calligraphy and black-tie bashes go hand in hand. Plus, how sweet is the "Celebrate love!" envelope inscription?
Invitation: Zenadia Design / Photo courtesy of Zenadia Design
Photos
Showcase your wedding location in your paper suite, like this charming Cape Cod three-piece set. Include a map with icons for special landmarks.
Photo Credit: Shoreshotz1 Photography
Illustrations
Art-Deco inspired details are perfect for a vintage-loving bride and groom.
Photo Credit: Stevie Ramos Photography
Use of Color
Use contrasting ink colors to highlight different parts of your event.
Invitation by Sash and Bow / Photo Credit: Emily Steffen Photography
Fonts
A tri-fold wedding invitation with a printed background makes a bold first impression.
Photo Credit: Chameleon Imagery
Illustrations
Photo Credit: Sarah Tew Photography
Illustrations
For consistency, use the same motif and fonts for all of your corresponding stationery items.
Photo Credit: Sarah Tew Photography
Illustrations
Under-the-sea coral instantly channels a beachy vibe.
Photo Credit: Sara Purdy Photography
Fun Extras
Include a prompt for guests to submit their favorite song requests, which you can then share with your DJ or band.
Photo Credit: Monique Hessler Photography
Modern Shapes and Sizes
Photo Credit: Marie Labbancz Photography
Modern Shapes and Sizes
More couples are thinking outside the box with cool and creative invitation shapes. Just keep in mind that it will cost more to mail an envelope that is rigid, nonrectangular, or not uniformly thick.
Invitation by The LL Studio / Photo Credit: Magnolia Adam's Photography
Illustrations
Collaborate with your stationer to create a one-of-a-kind illustration that's meaningful to you. For example, this invitation featured the church where the couple said "I do."
Photo Credit: Leigh + Becca
Embellishments
A faux peacock feather is such a glamorous touch!
Invitation by Designs in Paper / Photo Credit: Jewels Photography
Borders and Envelope Liners
Or pick two statement-making patterns: one for your border and another for your liner.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Crenshaw Photography
Fonts
A text-heavy invitation with simple details (check out those cute hearts!) is ideal for a casual outdoor affair.
Photo Credit: Al Weddings
Use of Color
Metallic calligraphy pops against a dark envelope, as opposed to standard cream or ivory.
Photo Credit: Jeff Walker Photography
Embellishments
Add Old World elegance to your invitation with a wax seal. You can make your own using a crafting kit, or see if your stationer offers ready-made options with convenient adhesive backing.
Photo Credit: Your Lovely Wedding
Fonts
An all-lowercase font gives off a youthful, free-spirited vibe.
Photo Credit: Vanessa Hicks Photography
Borders and Envelope Liners
Make your names stand out with an illustrated border.
Photo Credit: Tana Photography LLC
Embellishments
Combining burlap and lace is the epitome of rustic elegance.
Invitation by The Paper Perfectionist / Photo courtesy of The Paper Perfectionist
Modern Shapes and Sizes
Invitation by The Paper Perfectionist / Photo Credit: Kim Lyn Photography
Fun Extras
A luggage tag is such a fun and useful stationery add-on for a destination wedding!
Invitation by The Paper Perfectionist / Photo courtesy of The Paper Perfectionist
Embellishments
Add a dose of sparkle to your invitation suite with crystal or pearl accents.
Invitation by Engaging Papers / Photo courtesy of Engaging Papers
Borders and Envelope Liners
Invitation by Engaging Papers / Photo courtesy of Engaging Papers
Borders and Envelope Liners
For an extra "wow" factor, choose an envelope pattern in a complementary design as the main invite.
Invitation by Engaging Papers / Photo courtesy of Engaging Papers
Use of Color
A subtle wash of color adds gorgeous visual interest to an otherwise classic invitation.
Invitation by Engaging Papers / Photo courtesy of Engaging Papers
Fonts
A font with regal flourishes befits this storybook wedding at a public library.
Invitation by The Paper Perfectionist / Photo courtesy of The Paper Perfectionist
Illustrations
A pineapple graphic added a whimsical, unexpected element to a preppy navy and pink combo.
Invitation by The Paper Perfectionist / Photo courtesy of The Paper Perfectionist
Illustrations
Highlight a key component from your venue on your invitation suite.
Invitation by The Paper Perfectionist / Photo courtesy of The Paper Perfectionist
Borders and Envelope Liners
Invitation by plainjane designs / Photo Credit: Andie Freeman Photography
Borders and Envelope Liners
Give your invitation some edge with a graphic border.
Invitation by plainjane designs / Photo Credit: Andie Freeman Photography
Modern Shapes and Sizes
Photo Credit: dani. fine photography
Photos
Put your engagement photos to good use by incorporating them into your invite or save-the-date, like this BMX groom's action-packed shot.
Photo Credit: Tony Gambino Photography
Fonts
Bring a modern-themed wedding to life on paper with an oversized graphic font.
Photo Credit: Candice C. Cusic Photography
Illustrations
With the help of a stationer friend, this couple created a custom crest for their new family.
Photo Credit: Elisha Clarke
Embellishments
Dress up store-bought invitations with luxe ribbon.
Invitation by Maureen H. Hall Stationery and Invitations / Photo Credit: Le Secret d'Audrey
Illustrations
Introduce your loved ones to your wedding theme using an illustrated motif, like this stunning floral design we spotted at a garden wedding.
Invitation by Rifle Paper Co / Photo Credit: Micah and Megan Photographers
Borders and Envelope Liners
Invitation by Bella Figura / Photo Credit: Douglas Benedict Photography
Embellishments
DIY invitations adorned with fabric flowers and book pages were a lovely addition to a shabby-chic wedding.
Photo Credit: Jeff Wallace Photography
Photos
The invitations were designed by the bride, who owns a design business called Kiex Fötögraphy & Design, to resemble an old newspaper.
Photo Credit: Sugar & Soul Photography
Fun Extras
This invitation included a passport to the weekend's activities and a "pre-flight" video showing clips of famous movies set in the wedding destination, San Francisco.
Photo Credit: Lars Wanberg/Withers Wanberg Pictures
Embellishments
Twine lends a charming country feel to any invitation suite.
Photo Credit: Kate Holstein
Laser-Cut Details
Invitation by Zenadia Design / Photo courtesy of Zenadia Design
Photos
Personalize the stamps for your invitation with various photos from your engagement session.
Photo Credit: Sarzy O from Timeless Tales Photography on Polka Dot Bride via Lover.ly; Stamp: Zazzle.com
Borders and Envelope Liners
Invitations by Madranas Custom Culture / Photo Credit: Dan and Melissa Photography

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50 Ideas for Your Wedding Invitations

Wedding Dresses of Sheer Beauty

"See-through" and "wedding dress" may not seem like they belong in the same sentence, but the following bridal styles prove that showing a hint of skin can be just as sweet as it is sexy. Designers such as Galia Lahav, Ines Di Santo, and Pronovias drew inspiration from the red carpet this season with translucent skirts, peekaboo panels, and light, airy fabrications.

By: Stefania Sainato

Enter Slideshow

Hayley Paige -155592

Wedding gown by Hayley Paige.

Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Hayley Paige gown gallery ►

Photo courtesy of designer
Pronovias
Wedding gown by Pronovias.
Photo courtesy of designer
Monique Lhuillier
Wedding gown by Monique Lhuillier.

Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Monique Lhuillier gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Ines Di Santo
Wedding gown by Ines Di Santo.
Photo courtesy of designer
Ines Di Santo
Wedding gown by Ines Di Santo.
Photo courtesy of designer
Inbal Dror
Wedding gown by Inbal Dror.
Photo courtesy of designer
Alon Livné
Wedding gown by Alon Livné.
Photo courtesy of designer
Alon Livné
Wedding gown by Alon Livné.
Photo courtesy of designer
Romona Keveza Luxe Bridal Collection
Wedding gown by Romona Keveza Luxe Bridal Collection.
Photo courtesy of designer
Pronovias
Wedding gown by Pronovias.
Photo courtesy of designer
Reem Acra
Wedding gown by Reem Acra.

Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Reem Acra gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Reem Acra
Wedding gown by Reem Acra.

Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Reem Acra gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Pronovias
Wedding gown by Pronovias.
Photo courtesy of designer
Inbal Dror
Wedding gown by Inbal Dror.
Photo courtesy of designer
Amaré
Wedding gown by Amaré.
Photo courtesy of designer
Berta Bridal
Wedding gown by Berta Bridal.
Photo courtesy of designer
Pnina Tornai
Wedding gown by Pnina Tornai.
Photo courtesy of designer
Berta Bridal
Wedding gown by Berta Bridal.
Photo courtesy of designer
Marchesa
Wedding gown by Marchesa.

Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Marchesa gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Hayley Paige
Wedding gown by Hayley Paige.

Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Hayley Paige gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Sottero and Midgley
Wedding gown by Sottero and Midgley.

Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Sottero and Midgley gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Berta Bridal
Wedding gown by Berta Bridal.
Photo courtesy of designer
Naeem Khan
Wedding gown by Naeem Khan.
Photo courtesy of designer
Martina Liana
Wedding gown by Martina Liana.

Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Martina Liana gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Maggie Sottero
Wedding gown by Maggie Sottero.

Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Maggie Sottero gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Galia Lahav
Wedding gown by Galia Lahav.
Photo courtesy of designer
Galia Lahav
Wedding gown by Galia Lahav.
Photo courtesy of designer
Eve of Milady
Wedding gown by Eve of Milady.
Photo courtesy of designer
Eugenia Couture
Wedding gown by Eugenia Couture.
Photo courtesy of designer
Amsale
Wedding gown by Amsale.
Photo courtesy of designer
Alon Livné
Wedding gown by Alon Livné.
Photo courtesy of designer
Vera Wang
Wedding gown by Vera Wang.

Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Vera Wang gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Pronovias
Wedding gown by Pronovias.
Photo courtesy of designer
Julie Vino
Wedding gown by Julie Vino.
Photo courtesy of designer
Inbal Dror
Wedding gown by Inbal Dror.
Photo courtesy of designer
Amaré Couture
Wedding gown by Amaré Couture.
Photo courtesy of designer

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Wedding Dresses of Sheer Beauty

30 Pretty Wedding Gowns With Spaghetti Straps

Can't envision yourself wearing long sleeves on your wedding day but strapless feels too bare? Strike a balance with whisper-thin straps, which add a delicate, ethereal quality to ball gowns, mermaids, and sheaths alike. Check out some of our favorite ballerina-beautiful styles from Hayley Paige, Kenneth Pool, Dennis Basso, and more.

By: Stefania Sainato

Enter Slideshow

Moonlight Collection -155478

Wedding gown by Moonlight Collection.

Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Moonlight Collection gown gallery ►

Photo courtesy of designer
Moonlight Collection
Wedding gown by Moonlight Collection.

Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Moonlight Collection gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Hayley Paige
Wedding gown by Hayley Paige.

Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Hayley Paige gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Legends by Romona Keveza
Wedding gown by Legends by Romona Keveza.

Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Legends by Romona Keveza gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Alon Livné
Wedding gown by Alon Livné.
Photo courtesy of designer
Mikaella Bridal
Wedding gown by Mikaella Bridal.
Photo courtesy of designer
Christos
Wedding gown by Christos.
Photo courtesy of designer
Kenneth Pool
Wedding gown by Kenneth Pool.
Photo courtesy of designer
Dennis Basso
Wedding gown by Dennis Basso.
Photo courtesy of designer
Enaura Bridal
Wedding gown by Enaura Bridal.
Photo courtesy of designer
Jim Hjelm
Wedding gown by Jim Hjelm.
Photo courtesy of designer
Isabelle Armstrong
Wedding gown by Isabelle Armstrong.
Photo courtesy of designer
Ines Di Santo
Wedding gown by Ines Di Santo.
Photo courtesy of designer
Hayley Paige
Wedding gown by Hayley Paige.
Photo courtesy of designer
Christos
Wedding gown by Christos.
Photo courtesy of designer
Anne Barge
Wedding gown by Anne Barge.
Photo courtesy of designer
Amsale
Wedding gown by Amsale.
Photo courtesy of designer
Alon Livné White
Wedding gown by Alon Livné White.
Photo courtesy of designer
Victoria KyriaKides
Wedding gown by Victoria Kyriakides.
Photo courtesy of designer
Val Stefani
Wedding gown by Val Stefani.
Photo courtesy of designer
Rebecca Ingram
Wedding gown by Rebecca Ingram.
Photo courtesy of designer
Nouvelle Amsale
Wedding gown by Nouvelle Amsale.
Photo courtesy of designer
Mori Lee
Wedding gown by Mori Lee.
Photo courtesy of designer
Lillian West
Wedding gown by Lillian West.
Photo courtesy of designer
Lihi Hod
Wedding gown by Lihi Hod.
Photo courtesy of designer
Legends By Romona Keveza
Wedding gown by Legends by Romona Keveza.
Photo courtesy of designer
Kelly Faetanini
Wedding gown by Kelly Faetanini.
Photo courtesy of designer
Justin Alexander Signature
Wedding gown by Justin Alexander Signature.
Photo courtesy of designer
Julie Vino
Wedding gown by Julie Vino.
Photo courtesy of designer
Jaclyn Jordan New York
Wedding gown by Jaclyn Jordan New York.
Photo courtesy of designer

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30 Pretty Wedding Gowns With Spaghetti Straps

25 Delicious Wedding Cake Alternatives

Not a fan of the traditional wedding cake? These dessert options are so tasty, your guests will forget all about cake.

By: Kristen Klein

Enter Slideshow

Mini Cakes -156026

Fancier than cupcakes but more portable than a cake, these mini cakes are the perfect compromise.

Related: 50 Ideas for a Modern Wedding

Photo Credit: Pasteleria Martinez
Macarons
This French dessert has taken the world by storm; make them even more fitting for a wedding by displaying them on a tiered platter.

Related: Wedding Ideas by Color
Photo Credit: OneLove Photography
Ice Cream
Perfect for a summer wedding, create a grab-and-go ice cream stand.

Related: 100 Ideas for Summer Weddings
Photo Credit: Ten22 Studio
Fruit Tarts
Light and refreshing, fruit tarts are a crowd-pleasing dessert option after a hearty meal.

Related: 35 Ways to Save Money on Wedding Desserts
Photo Credit: Kurt Boomer
Doughnuts
Top your doughnut tower with a cake tier so that you can still have that cake-cutting moment.

Related: 50 Creative Wedding Cake Toppers
Photo Credit: Ashlyn Dawson Photography
Doughnut Hole Skewers
For a fun treat, serve bite-size doughnut holes on skewers.

Related: 15 Ways to Serve Doughnuts at Your Wedding
Photo Credit: Joielala Photographie
Croquembouche
This traditional French dessert consists of cream puffs and caramel.

Related: Fun Cultural Traditions to Include in Your Wedding
Photo courtesy of Equally Wed on Lover.ly
Cookies & Milk
The ultimate comfort food goes upscale with milk and cookie shots.

Related: 10 Ways to Make Your Wedding More Kid-Friendly
Photo Credit: Ten22 Studio
Cotton Candy
Guests will love this nostalgic treat!

Related: 50 Ideas for a Vintage-Inspired Wedding
Photo Credit: Johnny Miller
Cookie Tower
Cut into tiers of soft-baked cookies.

Related: 101 Amazing Wedding Cakes
Photo Credit: Brandy Angel Photography
Cupcakes
Cupcakes are the most popular wedding cake alternative; give your dessert display a whimsical touch with unique décor.

Related: 25+ of the Most Unique Wedding Themes We've Ever Seen
Photo Credit: The Jo(e)s Photos
Cake Pops
For an elegant take on this fun dessert, display your cake pops on a tiered platter.

Related: 50 Clever Signs Your Wedding Guests Will Love
Photo Credit: Sweet Lauren Cakes
Waffles
Instead of cutting the cake, drizzle syrup over your waffle stack together.

Related: Non-Traditional Tiered Dessert Ideas
Photo Credit: Becca Rillo
Stacked Cookies
These adorable cookies are designed to look like mini wedding cakes.

Related: 25+ Edible Wedding Favors Your Guests Won't Leave Behind
Photo Credit: Rena Harvey
S'mores
A create-your-own-s'mores bar is a crowd-pleasing option any time of year.

Related: 75 Ideas for a Rustic Wedding
Photo courtesy of Hollywood Candy Girl
Rice Krispie Treats
Feature your favorite childhood treat in a wedding-worthy way with a cake make of Rice Krispie treats.

Related: 101 Ways to Personalize Your Wedding
Photo Credit: Kina Wicks Photography
Candy Buffet
Gather a variety of candies that match your wedding color scheme, and invite each guest to fill a bag to take home.

Related: How to Create a Sweet (and Stunning!) Candy Buffet
Photo Credit: The Rose Weddings
Pie Pops
A pie-on-a-stick is deliciously portable.

Related: 150+ Ways to Make Your Wedding Unforgettable
Photo courtesy of Pillsbury
Pie Tower
Dig into a slice of your favorite pie together.

Related: 17 Ways to Serve Pie at Your Wedding
Photo Credit: Jose Villa
Pie Fries
This grab-and-go dessert is perfect for a wedding — your guests can keep on dancing while satisfying their sweet cravings.

Related: Stylish Ways to Display Your Food & Drinks
Photo courtesy of Elegant Affairs, Inc.
Oreo Tower
Pile up these cookie sandwiches to create a cookie cake.

Related: 100 Sentimental Wedding Ideas You'll Love
Photo Credit: Andi Mans Photography
Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon buns aren't your typical wedding fare — which is why your guests will love this unexpected choice.

Related: 7 Unique Ways to Display Your Wedding Food
Photo Credit: One Fine Cookie
Mini Pies
A stack of mini pies lets each of your guests grab his or her favorite flavor.

Related: 10 Wedding Favors You'd Never Guess Cost Under $1
Photo Credit: Set Free Photography
Dessert Shots
Transform your favorite dessert into a sweet dessert shooter, featuring layers of pastry and cream in a shot glass.

Related: Wedding Bar Guide: How Much Alcohol Do You Need?
Photo Credit: Manhattan Beach Creamery
Cookie Bar
Feature your favorite family recipes in an elaborate cookie buffet.

Related: 25 Ways to Wow Your Guests
Photo Credit: Abby Rose Photo

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50 Ideas for Your Wedding Invitations

Use of Color -155125

Embellishments

Embellishments

Use of Color

Laser-Cut Details

Fonts

Photos

Illustrations

Use of Color

Fonts

Illustrations

Illustrations

Illustrations

Fun Extras

Modern Shapes and Sizes

Modern Shapes and Sizes

Illustrations

Embellishments

Borders and Envelope Liners

Fonts

Use of Color

Embellishments

Fonts

Borders and Envelope Liners

Embellishments

Modern Shapes and Sizes

Fun Extras

Embellishments

Borders and Envelope Liners

Borders and Envelope Liners

Use of Color

Fonts

Illustrations

Illustrations

Borders and Envelope Liners

Borders and Envelope Liners

Modern Shapes and Sizes

Photos

Fonts

Illustrations

Embellishments

Illustrations

Borders and Envelope Liners

Embellishments

Photos

Fun Extras

Embellishments

Laser-Cut Details

Photos

Borders and Envelope Liners

50 Ideas for Your Wedding Invitations

Wedding Dresses of Sheer Beauty

Hayley Paige -155592

Pronovias

Monique Lhuillier

Ines Di Santo

Ines Di Santo

Inbal Dror

Alon Livné

Alon Livné

Romona Keveza Luxe Bridal Collection

Pronovias

Reem Acra

Reem Acra

Pronovias

Inbal Dror

Amaré

Berta Bridal

Pnina Tornai

Berta Bridal

Marchesa

Hayley Paige

Sottero and Midgley

Berta Bridal

Naeem Khan

Martina Liana

Maggie Sottero

Galia Lahav

Galia Lahav