How to Choose Affordable Wedding Invitations Page 3

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From save-the-dates to invitations, menu cards and thank-you notes, here's how to leave a fabulous paper trail without breaking the bank.

By: Sharon Naylor

Trends We Love

1. Pastels: "The big look for weddings will be in the interesting pastels, like the lightly minted greens. It is amazing how many other colors you can use with these softened greens, because just as in nature, green goes with everything!" —Leatrice Eiseman, noted color specialist and Pantone consultant

Photo courtesy of Wedding Paper Divas

2. Blues: "This year’s hottest color is surprisingly…cool. Some of our freshest designs are taking ‘something blue’ to a new level with gorgeous options in steely slate, vivid aqua and classic navy. For the bride who wants to stand out, one of the chicest trends is to go ultra-modern, using striking geometric patterns — chevrons, stripes and dots—with a strong pop of color. If a romantic look is preferred, we love the elegance of the vintage deco trend, with flowing organic curves and ornamentation." —Amber Harrison, Wedding & Etiquette Maven at Wedding Paper Divas

Photo courtesy of Wedding Paper Divas

3. Watercolors: "We’re seeing a variety of trends: birds, feathers, chalkboard, vintage and circles. Floral and flourish designs will still be hot, and watercolors are a new trend that’s growing stronger. Color is trending, with ecru, white, purple, blue and orange being some of our top searches." —Ann’s Bridal Bargains, annsbridalbargains.com

Photo courtesy of The Occasions Group

4. Fusion: Digital and print integration. Checkerboard’s Fusion Invitations program combines the impact of paper invitations with a single online destination that allows you to streamline your envelope addressing, track and manage RSVPs, even search for addresses via social networks like Facebook. "We combined the best of both worlds: couples can not only design their own printed invitations, which reinforces the importance of the event and is etiquette appropriate, but also digitally manage those communications easily in a manner they are used to," —Micah Chase, president, Checkerboard Ltd.

Photo courtesy of Checkerboard

5. Neon: "In 2013, top trends will include hand-drawn graphics, hand painting, spot calligraphy, neon, gold foil and embellishments — especially lace!" —Elizabeth Seaton, Posh Paperie, poshpaperie.com

Photo courtesy of Mary Healy Photography For Papermints