These days, a wedding website is a must, but where do you even start? Before you try to learn how to write HTML, rest easy knowing there are sites that make wedding websites for you. Allow us to recommend one of the most all-inclusive, user-friendly platforms we’ve come across–Riley & Grey. Their wedding website templates are designed by editorial experts and fashion industry insiders so your guests are getting a chic first impression of your big day right off the bat. With their easily customized templates, you can build a beautiful wedding website effortlessly and showcase your story and style. But the sites from Riley & Grey are so much more than just a landing page, let’s get into it…

25% off your website
-at checkout enter code-
WEDDINGCHICKS25

Enter WEDDINGCHICKS25 at checkout for 25% off. This Riley and Grey coupon code expires on July 1, 2023.

RSVP management

Quite possibly the hardest part of guest management is the RSVPs. Even if you mail them the stamped envelopes, you’d be shocked how many guests simply forget to post them (or maybe not because we’ve all been that guest before). This is really where a solid wedding website like Riley & Grey can help. You can send digital copies of your invites to all of your guests and they can RSVP right then and there on their phone or computer. Then, Riley & Grey goes the extra mile and organizes all of the RSVPs for you into one easy list that you can pass along to your planner and all of your other vendors that need to be in the know like the caterer and venue coordinator. Guests can also RSVP for more than just the wedding itself, so get the most out of your Riley & Grey site and use it to organize your rehearsal dinner and post-wedding brunch too! And don’t worry, you can select which guests you extend each invitation to.

plus 1 permissions

One of the most awkward parts of wedding planning is fielding uncomfortable calls and texts from family and friends requesting a plus one. Riley & Grey’s RSVP platform makes everything super clear, ie. who is and is not allowed a plus one so there’s no confusion.

tons of customization

You’re here, so we know you appreciate good wedding design and you definitely have your own ideas when it comes to your big day. Riley & Grey sets you up for success with their gorgeous templates, but there is plenty of room to make it your own with design details, add in all of the important info, link your registry, and even customize your domain!

track preferences

Whether you’re offering your guests their choice of entrees or collecting preferences, Riley & Grey’s system makes getting this info as seamless as possible. Plus, it’s 2023 and everyone has a dietary restriction. It’s important to collect all of that info ahead of time and get it to your caterer so they can plan accordingly.

send reminders and messages

Parking instructions, rain plans, transportation info, there are plenty of last-minute reminders that you’ll need to send to your guests. And while you could text them individually or start the group chat to end all group chats, how much easier would it be to just send a message through your wedding website? Riley & Grey makes sending reminders and messages easy and you can select exactly who to send them to.

mobile-compatible

Believe it or not, not all wedding websites are mobile-compatible, but Riley & Grey’s are! And, they even show you a preview of what your site will look like on mobile before you commit. Take it from us when we say a mobile site is the best way to stay in touch with your guests and make sure they actually see your messages.

say it online and in print

No matter how beautiful your wedding website is, Riley & Grey knows that there is something so special about holding your wedding invite in your hand or your friends and family receiving it in the mail. That’s why they offer elegant, luxury paper invites to match or compliment your wedding website.

Ready to make it official? Browse Riley & Grey’s unique design templates and start your wedding website for free.

Give @rileyandgrey a follow on Instagram for even more wedding inspo.

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We partnered with Riley & Grey to make sure building your wedding website is stress-free. As always, thanks for supporting our sponsors!

The post We found the perfect wedding website–meet Riley & Grey appeared first on Weddingchicks.

From bachelor(ette) parties to day-of duties, wedding party members are typically integral to the planning process. They are often tasked with DIY projects, guest communications, and—perhaps most importantly—emotional support. They’ll surround you with love, paving an easy path to the aisle for you and your partner.But selecting the people who will stand by your side at the biggest moment of your life can get complicated. Do you want a large crew that will turn every gathering into a party? Or do you prefer to stick with a few besties who have seen it all? Small and large wedding parties each carry benefits, but they also present unique challenges.

Before pulling out all the stops on your bridesmaid proposals, keep reading to determine whether a small or large wedding party fits your big day better.

Pros of small wedding parties.

Less is more, as they say! When it comes to wedding parties, you’ll find that smaller groups come with less stress and more meaningful connections — especially on the wedding day when it’s easy for nerves to get out of control.

“Having fewer people in your wedding party makes getting ready less of a circus,” confirms Karen Collins of KMC Weddings and Events. “It can be a quiet time to prepare for your day and really enjoy it with the absolute closest people to you.”

Fewer wedding party members means you won’t need to spend as much time on hair and makeup, so you can catch a few extra Z’s or get an earlier start on the celebrations!

Likewise, Nikki Golden of Nikki Golden Photography notes that you’ll also get to save time during cocktail hour. “With a small wedding party, you can decrease your photo time significantly, which gives you more time to spend with your guests,” she explains.

Another huge perk of a smaller wedding party is the freedom to spoil your squad. While a large wedding party can get cost-restrictive, “a smaller wedding party will allow you to gift more to your loved ones,” adds Diane Kolanović-Šolaja of Dee Kay Events.

“With 2 or 3 in your party, you can purchase their bridesmaid dress or tuxedo,” she says. “The ability to give more creates intimacy and connection even further to create the memories that matter.”

Kevin Dennis of Fantasy Sound Event Services says, “This also means that you’ll likely have more of an overlap in terms of everyone’s budget comfort. Being a wedding party member can get pricey, and juggling upwards of 20 different budgets and ensuring everyone is comfortable with the overall spend can get out of hand quickly. Having fewer people in your party is much more manageable, and it’s easier to communicate about these sometimes tough conversations.”

So if you’d prefer to prioritize deeper connections and enjoy a calmer wedding day, consider scaling back on your wedding party and keeping it small!

^{Photograph: Jessica K Feiden Photography}

Cons of small wedding parties.

Most of the time, couples choose a large wedding party simply because they don’t want to leave anyone out. For this reason, a smaller group may not work in your circle.

Lilia Shatnaya of Plume and Stone offers a reminder that “you may not be able to include all the friends you would like. Some people may even get upset or offended for not being included.”

And while it is your wedding day, you might want to preserve your relationships with friends and family by asking them to join your wedding party.

(A pro tip from Bridal Bliss and Rock Paper Coin’s Nora Sheils: “One way to avoid that is to include them in the getting ready festivities, and you never know, they may thank you for not having to wear a bridesmaids dress or rented suit!”)

But hurt feelings aside, fewer people means less support throughout the planning process and on the big day itself.

“Having a smaller wedding party might mean fewer helping hands if push comes to shove with something like running interference with an invasive relative,” notes Amber Anderson of Refine for Wedding Planners.

Plus, if you expect your wedding party to turn the party up a notch, you might have a hard time with only a few of you leading the charge. As Mary Angelini of Key Moment Films explains, “it’s the responsibility of the wedding party to lead the party to the dance floor. If there is a small wedding party, there will be less help to get guests up and to dance and create a celebratory atmosphere.”

Yes, smaller wedding parties offer a calm and straightforward approach to your wedding day. But if you’d pick “upbeat and energetic” over “chill and tranquil” any day, you’ll probably want to think bigger for your wedding.

Pros of Large Wedding Parties

On the other end of the spectrum, larger wedding parties are great for creating a lively atmosphere at your wedding. The more, the merrier!

“If you are really into having the party of a lifetime, a big wedding party will do that for you,” Kolanović-Šolaja promises. “They will be the first on the dance floor and the last to leave the after-party. These are your hype people, and they will bring the dancing, laughs and good fun all around.”

Plus, more people means more support — and when planning a wedding, there’s no such thing as too much help.

“With a larger wedding party, you’ll have more people to rely on for support throughout the planning process and on the wedding day,” Angelini says. “They can help with everything from picking out decorations to handling last-minute emergencies.”

Golden adds that “weddings are definitely an “all hands on deck” type of affair, so having a large bridal party can certainly help you get lots of things checked off your “to-do” list leading up to the big day!”

And if you and your partner have many friends, it might be your only chance for some awesome pictures of the whole gang. Nothing beats a group pic, especially when you don’t have to squeeze into the selfie camera!

“Having your best guys and gals by your side on your wedding day allows you the opportunity to have great group pictures,” affirms Kate Rudloff of A Final Take Films. “Whether popping champagne, linking arms or posing together, having a larger wedding party can allow for more grand imagery.”

Large wedding parties can change the whole vibe of your celebration, adding vibrancy and enthusiasm to the reception. And if you could use the extra support from your loved ones, it’s worth expanding to include everyone!

^{Photography: Amy Sims Photography}

Cons of Large Wedding Parties

While smaller wedding parties offer simplicity, larger squads can create more headaches than expected. “Larger wedding parties are more people to manage,” reminds Jen Sulak of Weirdo Weddings. “Between personalities clashing, figuring out responsibilities between everyone AND getting your wardrobe/outfits ready for the big day – you may find yourself overcommitted to trying to help everyone have a good time or get along.”

You’re planning a wedding — you don’t need the added responsibility of wrangling everyone in your wedding party. And you might not want the extra costs associated with every additional person in your group.

“A larger wedding party means a bigger budget for bouquets/boutonnieres, attendant gifts, and the rehearsal dinner,” assures Peter Mitsaelides of Brooklake Country Club & Events. When you factor in additional expenses like gifts, accommodations, beauty styling, and attire, it’s easy to blow your budget on a large wedding party.

More people can also mean a longer wedding day timeline, starting with getting ready in the morning. Rudloff says, “you will also need to set aside more time on the wedding day for hair and makeup preparations. Trust me, it takes longer than most people anticipate, and a larger wedding party exponentially increases the time and cost requirements.”

You will also need to factor in more buffer time for moments that require your whole wedding party’s attention: ceremony processional, recessional, formal portraits, grand entrance, introductions, and toasts could all take longer than expected.

So, will you opt for a small or large wedding party? One is not better than the other — the best option is the one that feels right for you and your partner. No matter your choice, you’ll love knowing your favorite people will be at your side when it’s time to say, “I do!”

Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.

The post Small vs. large wedding parties appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Minted is known for their beautiful, modern, and customizable wedding invitations – so you can guess how excited we were to take a peek at their 2023 collection. Not only do they offer a variety of styles of invitation suites, but also have all new save the dates available! From announcing your big day to your RSVPs, Minted Weddings has you covered, including helping your create your own complementary wedding website.

Check out their new designs and see what unique stationary by Minted would be the perfect fit for your wedding day!

Just got engaged? Share your date with a custom save the date!

Just picked the perfect venue but don’t know where to start with your wedding planning? Start with a cute and creative Save the Date. From modern and refined designs to playful colored patterns – there’s something for every style of bride! Plus, Minted is offering 25% off for your Save the Dates with code: CHICKS25

There are so many details you can customize with any collection from Minted, including the font, shape, and color palette of your design. Take a peek at these envelope and wax seal embellishments available to add-on!

Invitation suites for any aesthetic

Whether you’re a glamorous, chic, or nontraditional bride there’s a collection of wedding invitations that will perfectly suit your style! From colorful floral patterns to gold-gilded classic styles Minted’s wedding collection offers a wide variety of customizable invites. In addition to their gorgeous new line of invitation suites, Minted offers Flat, Foil-Pressed, Letterpress, and Gloss-Press options you can add to each design.

Not only does Minted create elegant, beautiful wedding invitations, but they also offer other custom paper goods including escort cards, seating charts, and wedding signage for your big day. Check out these cute reception menus!

Minted makes building a wedding website a dream!

Once you’ve created your dream save the dates and wedding invitation suite, you can create your own complementary wedding website hosted by Minted. Minted’s east to create sites make it easy to manage RSVPS, share your gift registries, post wedding updates and more! You can even match your invitations to your website design and vice versa – making it truly simple to create a beautifully tied together wedding.

Share your gorgeous new website with friends and family via your own custom QR code! You can add your code to your save the dates or wedding invitations in a simple and subtle design.

Make memories with Minted’s new collection

Thank you to our sponsor Minted for sharing their 2023 wedding collection! Minted is the perfect destination for any bride’s style of wedding paper goods. From save the dates, wedding invitation suites, to custom wedding websites – they offer everything you need to start planning your dream wedding aesthetic. Be sure to follow Minted on Instagram to see their new design releases and more!

The post Free wedding websites + new wedding stationery from Minted appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Wedding invitation suites are getting more extra by the day…and we’re not mad at it. After all, your invitation suite sets the tone for the rest of your wedding. You want it to feel special, to get your guests excited about everything that’s to come. With that being said, you can’t just lick the envelopes. Why? Well, there’s COVID (obviously), but also how much cuter does everything look with a wax seal? And lately, we’ve seen couples and stationary designers getting creative with their seals. We’ve seen everything from clear wax with pressed flowers to wax-sealed silk ribbon and more. Still not convinced? Well, keep scrolling…you will be.

what you need to know before you seal

Invitation suites with wax seals and other special packaging should be hand canceled, meaning they don’t get sent through the usual sorting machine. This costs a bit more, but trust us when we say it’s worth it!

the right tools

While many stationary designers offer wax seals as part of their invitation suite packages, it’s a pretty simple DIY if you feel so inclined. And if you’re feeling extra crafty, did you know that Wedding Chicks has a ton of gorgeous FREE PRINTABLES, including entire invitation suites, save the dates, RSVP cards, and all?! Etsy has a great selection of wax seal options that range from cute images like floral designs to custom monograms. There are also soooo many options when it comes to wax. You can do it the old-fashioned way by dripping wax from a wax stick that’s essentially a candle. Or, for time and efficiency’s sake, you can purchase wax sticks that fit in your traditional glue gun. There are also companies out there that can make custom wax seal stickers that you simply peel and place. And the colors…don’t even get us started. Wax is available in not just any color you can imagine, but any finish, from pearlescent to metallic and everything in between. So find the combo that speaks to you and seal away. Now here’s a little inspiration…

^{Photo/Wax Seal: Tidewater and Tulle}

^{Photo/Wax Seal : Claudia Mayorga via Pinterest}

^{Photo: Pinterest}

^{Photo/Wax Seal: Fiona Supply Shop via Etsy}

^{Photo: ❀Ᏸʅυҽ 🌹 Ꮢσʂҽ❀ II via Pinterest}

^{Photo/Wax Seal: The Vintage Inkwell}

^{Photo/Wax Seal: Empress Stationery}

^{Photo: Jessica van der Marel Photography}

^{Photo/Wax Seal: Papira via The Lane}

^{Photo/Wax Seal: Emerald Pine Studio via Etsy}

^{Photo: Allen Tsai Photography}

^{Photo/Wax Seal: Sea and Paper Creative Studio}

^{Photo/ Wax Seal: Shine Wedding Invitations}

The post These wax seals have the Wedding Chicks seal of approval appeared first on Weddingchicks.

There are a few things that really make marriage feel official: your first ring tan line, when your marriage license arrives in the mail, and seeing your official monogram for the first time. A monogram is the perfect visual representation of your two names (and lives) growing together into one beautiful composition. But how do you get a monogram? It all starts with a graphic designer and Penelope from DesigningLove is our absolute fave!

The Process

According to Penelope, the perfect monogram captures so much more than just your initials, it reflects both of your unique personalities and your relationship as a whole. She describes her aesthetic as “modern, elegant simplicity with a minimalist vibe and sophistication”, a vibe we can all get down with. First, she meets with her couples to get to know them. She also learns about your wedding design so that she can incorporate that into your monogram too. Then the real work begins. She carefully crafts two design concepts and works closely with the couple to select the one that fits them best and iron out the details like the font. Once it’s finalized, your monogram is digitized and yours to keep to use for the rest of your happily ever after.

Where To Use Your Monogram

Once you have your custom monogram, there is an endless amount of ways to use it. Of course, our first thoughts are of all the ways you can use it to personalize your wedding details. From your invitation suites (envelopes, wax seals, cards, etc.) to signage, monograms are a great way to make your wedding design truly unique. But, there are plenty of fun uses for it long after you say, “I do.” Here are some of our favorite ways to use a custom monogram:

• Embossed on invitations and thank you letters

• Wax seal for invitations and thank you letters

• Embossed on cocktail napkins for the bar

• Enlarged on a wedding welcome sign

• Custom cake topper

• Embroidered on towels, sheets, and other linens

• Embroidered on a shirt, tie, or pocket square as a wedding or anniversary gift

• Embroidered on a handkerchief, robe, or button-up shirt for getting ready looks

  

The possibilities are endless! All you have to do is send the digital file to your favorite vendors and let the magic begin…

What’s Included In The Monogram Suite?

In addition to your custom monogram file, couples will also receive their individual names in a matching font/style. This ensures cohesive branding throughout your wedding and any event after. Use them for anniversary parties, custom stationery, and other special gifts along the way. This package also includes a style guide so you know how to format any other designs for your wedding (and after). Schedule your custom consultation with Penelope today and let DesigningLove take your wedding to the next level with a custom monogram suite.

Check out their blog and follow @designinglove.co on Instagram to see all the ways you can use your custom monogram.

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We partnered with DesigningLove to bring you this hot tip on customizing your wedding. As always, thanks for supporting our sponsors!

The post Everyone Needs A Wedding Monogram And DesigningLove Is Here To Help appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Wedding planning can be as overwhelming as it is fun, but it doesn’t need to be. The key is keeping everything organized. Back in the day, couples would keep a wedding planning binder, but it’s 2022 and we’ve made everything a whole lot easier. Did you know that you can plan your entire wedding right here on Wedding Chicks? Yep! From hosting your wedding website and checklist to tracking your RSVPs and your budget, we’ve got you covered from every angle. We even have printable wedding invitations. Oh, and did we mention, it’s all FREE?! Let’s get into it!

Your Wedding Checklist

Don’t even know where to start with your wedding plan? We do! And we know every possible step in between. In fact, we’ve outlined exactly what you need to do and when you need to do it. No more guesswork! Simply consult your personalized wedding checklist that’s generated automatically on your profile and check off each line item as you get it finished. It’s that easy.

Wedding Budget Tracker

Budgeting for your wedding is definitely one of the more stressful tasks. It can be hard to know how much to allocate to each part of your wedding. So, leave it to us! Simply enter your budget and we’ll tell you exactly how much you should spend on every line item from flowers to jewelry and everything in between. You can even track payments as you go and edit your budget in real-time if something ends up costing more or less than you originally estimated.

Your Wedding Vendor Dream Team

Vendors are the backbone of any wedding. They are the pros that are responsible for bringing your vision to life. We have a database full of the top wedding vendors from all over the world. When you sign up for our wedding planning tools, we automatically recommend vendors in your area that work within your budget. With just the click of a button, you can easily request quotes and correspond with vendors directly through your online Wedding Chicks portal.

Guest List & RSVP Tracking

It can be hard to keep track of RSVPs, especially when they’re coming in via snail mail, text, DM, and e-mail. Start by creating your guest list directly on your Wedding Chicks planning portal and track RSVPs right there. You can also allow your guests to RSVP online through your wedding website and then we’ll do all the work for you, including giving them menu options or asking other important questions like if they have any food allergies.

Build Your Wedding Website

These days, every couple needs a wedding website. It’s the perfect place to include important information that didn’t fit on your invitation suite. It is also super helpful for staying in touch with your guests and giving them any important updates like alerting them about a postponement or COVID-19 restrictions/regulations. We have a huge selection of beautiful templates to choose from, we’re sure that you’ll find the perfect one to coordinate with your wedding design. Include everything from links to your registry and information on hotel blocks and transportation, and allow guests to RSVP right then and there.

Free Printables

We have a beautiful line of free printables that coordinate with our wedding websites to create a cohesive overall experience for you and your guests. Print everything from save the dates and full invitation suites to table numbers and other miscellaneous signage. Not only will all of your stationery look great, this easy DIY could save you thousands!

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up today for your wedding planning profile and get started! Oh, and make sure you sign up for our weekly newsletter as well. We’ll send you the newest wedding ideas, tips & advice, DIY ideas, and some sweet discounts from the best brands in the wedding industry!

For even more wedding inspo, be sure to give us a follow @weddingchicks on Instagram!

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The post Did You Know You Can Plan Your Wedding Right Here On Wedding Chicks? appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Money can be a tricky topic for a couple to discuss, but being on the same page financially is paramount to a lifetime of happiness. Planning and saving together for your big day is great practice for navigating finances in your marriage. 

1. Discuss your priorities 

Your idea of the perfect wedding may differ from that of your partner’s. For example, a “small wedding” might mean 20 guests to you and 100 guests to your partner. Have a conversation regarding your priorities early on in the planning process to ensure you are on the same page and your budget is being allotted to the most important items for the two of you. Make a list of your “must-haves” and your “wants,” so when budget surprises appear, it’s easier to decide what can be cut and what each of you considers a “non-negotiable.” When everything on your wish list is viewed as essential, the costs can quickly spiral out of control. 

2. Set a budget 

This may sound like a no-brainer, but knowing your absolute top limit for spending allows you to set a savings goal. While weddings can be a huge expense, some metrics show the average cost actually decreasing as couples become more cost-conscious and shift their priorities. Work with your partner to come up with a total amount you are willing to spend on your big day. If someone in your family is assisting with the wedding expenses, make sure you understand the budget they have in mind as well. When it comes to family and finances, assumptions can fly, so make sure everyone is comfortable with the final arrangement. Once you’ve established your budget, you can use a budgeting tool such as Monifi to monitor your savings and wedding expenses. Monifi allows you to create multiple visual goals and tracks your progress, so you can keep close tabs on how your savings stacks up to your wedding expenses. In fact, Monifi can even categorize your purchases under umbrella terms, such as “catering”, “DJ”, or “wedding attire,” so you can track the total amount spent in each category and of course, as a whole. 

3. Create a timetable 

As you make decisions on the venue, catering, cake, and attire, create a timetable of when each deposit and payment is due. Is the final venue payment due before the florist? Keeping track of your deadlines will aid in managing your budget and cue you to make your payments on time. 

4. Make a monthly savings plan 

Once your budget and timeline are set, work backward to calculate how much you’ll need to save per month or week to meet your goal. Then make a savings commitment and get started! 

5. Rein in miscellaneous costs 

Throughout the planning process, stick to your budget, especially with small expenses. Big expenses like the food and venue are easy decisions to stick to once they’re made, but small decisions, like centerpieces, décor, favors, etc. can quickly add up to be budget busters. Stay true to your priorities and keep your spending in check.

We partnered with Monifi to bring you these hot $$$ saving tips for your big day. As always, thanks for supporting our sponsors!

The post 5 Tips On How To Save For Your Wedding appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Did anyone else love event planning when they were young, because picking an invitation and letting it guide the rest of the preparations and theming led to an almost immediate high? I seriously can’t believe it was just me… From splashy write-in cards to ones you’d design on the computer (yes, create-your-own-stationery CD-Roms in the late 1990s, we see you 👀), it was always a fun time to consider the vibes of a future celebration and land on an invitation that matched in a major way. Fast forward to the 2020s, and the opportunities to find the most apropos paper goods for every life event — wedding days included — are endless; you can really narrow your decision down to a design that’s positively perfect for your party and all its particulars. Our friends at Minted have created the most incredible invitation ideation experience for anyone getting married, and you can be sure that what drives it is that fire feeling we all got when we found something that was ‘just right’ for the events (birthday parties, graduation parties, holiday hooplas, sleepover soirees, etc.) of yore.

Shameless plug

Truth be told, I’ve been a personal fan of Minted for nearly 10 years. I got the save-the-dates for my 2014 wedding from the brand, and have since purchased close to a dozen different designs for bridal showers, baby showers, holiday cards, birthday parties, and countless other occasions throughout the years. And I’ve always been blown away by how stylish their stock is, but as I look at their new 2022 Wedding Invitation Collection, I’m at a loss for words by how unique and tailored-to-any-type-of-knots-to-be-tied their offerings are. 

Whether you live for invitation shopping or feel indifferent about the experience, historically (which makes us cry, if we’re being honest, but we’re suspending judgments here!), you will love shopping for your wedding invitations with Minted, for the following reasons. 

We promise.

You’ll come for the invites and stay for the style they bring to your wedding (in its entirety).

We can’t stress this point more. When you start looking for your wedding invitations (and perhaps even save-the-dates, prior to that) on Minted, you’ll instantly find yourself falling in love with a wedding style, not just a singular piece of wedding stationery. I found my save-the-date and was so entranced with the youthful fonts and typeface, the whimsical colors and formality that it informed the overall vibe of everything related to our vows. And that’s exactly what Minted strives to do: To provide end to end, seamless wedding style, across digital and physical products and across all stages of the wedding. 

You’ll get an invitation design that feels like a complete thought, a creative and flawlessly-curated thought.

The invitations that were available when we were younger have nothing on what’s possible for us to put together at this time. Flat cards with the obligatory who, what, when, where, and whys written out aren’t a thing anymore, and we can thank Minted for championing that reality. With your modern, 2022 wedding invitation, you can carry your distinct look and feel through every element of the design, like matching back-of-card facades, envelope liners, RSVP cards, belly bands, and more. And you have so many cool formats to consider, too — from 5 X 7 classics and chic, scaled-down petites to creative folded panels, all-in-one fold outs, and multi-paged minibooks. 

You’ll have access to luxury at prices that won’t bottom out your bottom line.

Wedding stationers are phenomenally talented, and, as such, they certainly deserve the compensation they ask for when it comes to custom design work and bespoke detailing. At Minted, though, every season there are new designs submitted and available for commission from independent artists across the globe. You can choose a template that has everything you want and need already OR you can work with a dedicated Minted designer to turn your favorite find into everything you’ve ever dreamed of — complete with custom colors, symbols, and/or aesthetic elements that you don’t see everyday. And everything is priced at average/accessible per-card rates that allow everyone to buy Minted designs for their wedding.

You’ll have a plethora of printing-type and material options to take your event to the next level.

Certain invitation design choices have a very palpable effect on the expectations your guests have of your event. So, if you want to up the ante on your affair’s formality, you can do so — beautifully — with well-appointed Minted upgrades. Hand-pressed foil, for instance, can make a bold and richly-elegant statement on your unique design. And nothing makes an impression of sophistication like luxe letterpress: deeply hand-pressed with rich, vibrant inks on thick 100% cotton paper.

You’ll get 20% off when you shop with our code.

We really are super tight with the team at Minted, so to help make your wedding invitation shopping experience even more special (and exciting), they’ve shared an incentive for your [hopeful] future purchase! From now (3/21) through the end of April (4/30), use promo code “WEDDINGCHX20” at checkout for 20 percent off your wedding invitations. New customers (i.e. you’ll be making your first purchase with Minted, ever) only! 

**Also know that Minted offers a “Buy Now, Personalize Later” feature, so even if you’re not ready to work on your wording yet, you can get the design of your dreams locked in (and take advantage of the 20 percent off!)**  

FOLLOW MINTED WEDDINGS ON IG TO SEE WHAT NEWBIE ENGAGED COUPLES (YESTERDAY WAS JUST NAT’L PROPOSAL DAY, AFTER ALL) ARE SENDING OUT FOR THEIR NUPTIALS 

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We partnered with Minted to share some pretty paper inspiration for the start of wedding planning season! As always, thank you for supporting our sponsors!

The post 5 Reasons You’ll Love Shopping for Your Wedding Invitations appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Look at you, you’ve got a ring on your finger, a spring in your step, and you’re all set to start wedding planning–congrats!!! Once you’ve secured your venue and know your wedding date, it’s time to lock it in with all your nearest and dearest with some super-cute save the dates. When ordering your save the dates, it’s a good idea to find your dream stationery designer, the one that will be designing your official wedding invitation suite (and yes, you should hire a stationery designer, even if you’re eloping!). You want all of your guest correspondence to be cohesive and give your guests a feel of what they have to look forward to with your wedding on their calendar. Let’s start with a little inspiration–we’ve rounded up ten of the most insta-worthy invitation suites and stationery designers that the industry has to offer. From bright and modern to soft and vintage, we’ve got something for every wedding design. 

Now that you’ve got all the inspo you need to create your dream invitations, it’s time to start collecting addresses. Here’s a trick to collecting all the info you need in one easy step. 

Kelly McDevitt Design

^{Photo Credit: Jennifer Sanders Photography}

A classic invitation suite like this one never goes out of style. But timeless doesn’t have to be simple, we love the playful fonts and the envelope lining on this elegant suite by Kelly McDevitt Design.

“I believe in thoughtfully blending your overall wedding vision with a personalized design to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind invitations that are a reflection of you and your fiancé. My timeless designs are carefully curated with high-quality paper, artisan printing methods, and elegant finishing touches. As one of life’s most significant moments, I wholeheartedly understand how meaningful each piece of your wedding day is to you. Together, we will present your guests with a memorable “first look” at your wedding day.” – Kelly McDevitt

Paper Refinery

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Invitations are a great way to introduce your wedding color palette to your guests before they even arrive at the wedding. We love the beautiful watercolor illustrations on this invitation suite by Paper Refinery, and we’re all about a wax seal!

“The one-woman shop, owned by Holly Weaver, takes a limited number of projects each year in order to provide a custom, in-depth experience for selected couples. Gathering with purpose is important and she believes that your invitation isn’t simply a carrier of logistics. It’s the first opportunity you have to set the tone for your day, and, if done well, it should tell a story. Each piece is designed with meaningful details to create and leave a lasting impression, and executed with the highest quality materials on the planet.“- Paper Refinery

Wide Eyes Paper Co.

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Nothing beats a custom watercolor illustration of your venue (bonus points if you use it multiple times)! Wide Eyes Paper Co. is known for their whimsical illustrated invitations and we can’t get enough.

“Located in Sunny Southern California, WEP specializes in unique, custom illustrated Wedding Paperie. Inspired by adventure, travel, and the great outdoors, we specialize in custom watercolor landscapes, whimsical maps, and illustrated portraiture. Our team of designers and artists aim to redefine non-traditional wedding stationery by creating one-of-a-kind wedding suites for couples all around the globe.“- Wide Eyes Paper Co.

Blake Design Studio

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If you’re going for that vintage elegance look, then you absolutely have to go with deckled edge invitations like this suite by Blake Design Studio. It gives them that perfect old-world touch. We love that this designer also offers multiple colors in this rich paper!

“Our pieces are made for today, but with tomorrow in mind. We want you to be able to keep them, and for years to come, look back on them in your home and remember. Remember how you felt, how happy and excited you were, and to be transported back to that special moment in your life. Because life is made of these moments.“- Blake Design Studio

ATELIER AZURE

^{Photo Credit: Calvo Photography}

“At Azure Invitations, we take pride in honoring this tradition with deep creative discovery. We believe that amongst the clutter of bills and advertisements, your guests should find a beautiful invitation to escape their everyday, celebrate with loved ones and reconnect. Our goal is to make sure this correspondence, sent from your heart, is designed to distinctly echo your sentiments and your style. Because it may seem like a small gesture, but your guests will always treasure the way you made them feel.“- Atelier Azure

A.E. Paperie

^{Photo/Invitation Suite: @a.e.paperie}

Specializing in modern invitation suites, A.E. Paperie is the perfect designer if you’re looking for something fun and vibrant or sleek and minimalist. 

“A.E. Paperie is your destination for thoughtfully created art and stationery that celebrates your memories, spreads kindness in our community, and brings joy to your special moments. Whether you are looking to create something entirely unique or you’d like to start with one of our pre-designed invitation suites, we work one-on-one with you to create the statement for your love story. Signed, sealed, and delivered…We are always and forever here for you and yours.”- A.E. Paperie

Ashley Bunton Design

^{Photo/Invitation Suite: @ashleybuntendesign}

This whimsical invitation suite showcases everything we love about Ashley Bunten Design from the custom stamps to the dreamy watercolor illustrations! 

“I’m passionate about creating bespoke wedding stationery that is beautiful, memorable, and sets the tone for your special day. I am committed to capturing my clients’ aesthetic and creating a luxury invitation suite that your guests will be honored to receive. Using only the highest quality materials and unparalleled attention to detail, the outcome is a beautiful piece of artwork serving as the first glance into your wedding day.“- Ashley Bunten

Check out their portfolio on Wedding Chicks.

Betty Lu Paperie

^{Photo/Invitation Suite: @bettylupaperie}

If your planning a luxe ballroom wedding, then this soft pastel invitation suite by Betty Lu Paperie with gilded embossing is the perfect fit. We love the floral envelope liner and the vintage stamps!

“I’m here to help you create the perfect wedding invitation—even if you’re not paper obsessed or well-versed in etiquette—so you can check them off your list and keep waltzing toward your wedding day. Through our thoughtfully designed collections of luxurious elegant and classically traditional paper goods, we create stationery that paints a picture of your wedding day–long before your guests’ first glass of champagne.“– Valerie of Betty Lu Paperie

Check out their portfolio on Wedding Chicks.

CUTTING IT UP

^{Photo/Invitation Suite: Cutting It Up}

How fun is this football-themed invitation suite by Cutting It Up, complete with a custom ticket? Cutting It Up offers the most authentic and elegant ticket-themed invitations for the most avid sports fans, because you deserve them! Cathy (owner of Cutting It Up) was a Baseball Bride herself and specializes in sports themed, one-of-a-kind, invitations and other wedding stationery worthy of a true MVP.

“I have worked with wonderful couples and families to create the perfect stationery for celebrating at sports venues across the country or infusing just a little of their team spirit into a more traditional celebration. I look forward to doing the same with you!“- Cutting It Up

Callirosa

^{Photo Credit: @thecrakes}

Work with your wedding stationery designer to incorporate your entire wedding color palette into your invitation suite, like this one from CalliRosa. It creates a beautiful, cohesive feel and sets the tone for the whole event. We also love these custom sketches that include the florals that are going to be featured in the arrangements at the wedding and the venue itself on the envelope liner.

“Charlotte, designer and calligrapher, will work with you to craft luxury wedding invitations with your love story in mind, weaving in personal details and touches to make your invitations unique to you and your love. CalliRosa creates modern invitations with a timeless elegance. While approaching your invitations with a sleek and modern style, Charlotte always adds an artisanal touch – wax seals, venue illustrations, and calligraphy are all created by hand, especially for your wedding stationery.”- CalliRosa

The post 10 Wedding Invitation Suites That Will Guarantee You A Spot On Your Guests’ Busy Calendars appeared first on Weddingchicks.

We’re sure you’re familiar with luxury brand Carolina Herrera–you know them for their fresh prints and their ever-modern beautifully structured wedding gowns, but did you know they design wedding invitations too? That’s right, Paperless Post teamed up with the House of Herrera and asked them to design an exclusive collection of digital stationery. “Paperless Post has always strived to collaborate with designers whose unique aesthetic perspective brings digital communication to new heights of expressiveness and beauty,” said co-founder and CEO James Hirschfeld. Paperless Post revolutionized the invitation game by making digital stationery just as luxe as its paper counterpart at a fraction of the cost and without any negative environmental impacts. And, according to Carolina Herrera’s Creative Director, Wes Gordon, “[…]here at Herrera sustainability is top of mind.” If you ask us, it’s a match made in heaven!

WHAT TO EXPECT

This collection seriously has something for every couple, whether the vision for your wedding design is full of color and whimsy, modern and minimal, or timeless and elegant. Expect prints, lots of them, ranging from metallic polka dots and embossed lace to florals in foil and vibrant bold colors. Marigold, a color that is currently trending big time in weddings, is one of the stars of the collection, as is a bright indigo that we can’t wait to see more of! “It was a natural fit to partner with Paperless Post on this exuberant line of digital invitations,” says Creative Director for Carolina Herrera, Wes Gordon. “We know that everyone will love the playful, beautiful, and colorful invitations that represent the celebration of love in a way only Herrera knows how to do.”

THEY’RE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY + customizable

Going digital with your invites is a great way to incorporate sustainability into your wedding planning. This stunning new collection proves that choosing the environmentally friendly option can look just as good as it feels. Just think of the paper and ink that you’ll be saving–hundreds of envelopes, invitations, RSVP cards, all kept from landfills without having to sacrifice an ounce of style. As with most Paperless Post suites, this collection features multiple colorways for many of the designs (including the envelopes and liners). You can easily customize your invite on paperlesspost.com and see a preview in real-time. Play with fonts, colors, and wording until you get it looking exactly the way you envisioned. You can even preview your guests’ experience from the moment it arrives in their inbox and they take it out of the envelope.

EVERYTHING PAPER HAS TO OFFER AND THEN SOME

When you choose Paperless Post for your wedding, you’re getting so much more than your standard invitation suite, and you don’t have to sacrifice any of the fun little details. With Paperless Post, invitations can be sent with a custom envelope and liner, stamps, RSVP cards, information cards, even a custom backdrop if you’re feeling extra fancy. Paperless Post invites also allow you to:

• Track your guest list. Guests can RSVP with the click of a button as soon as they open the invite.
• Attach registry information.
• Display a map of the location to make navigation as simple as possible for your guests.
• Ask guests for their mailing addresses, if you want to send paper thank you letters.

They’re Not Just For Weddings

While each of the designs from the Paperless Post + Carolina Herrera collab would make gorgeous wedding invitations, they can be used for so much more! Consider using a coordinating print or a different colorway for upcoming:

• Baby Showers
• Bridal Showers
• Bachelorette Parties
• Rehearsal Dinners
• Anniversary Parties

The list goes on and on!

Start Creating Your Designer Invitations Now

Just think, instead of spending weeks collecting physical addresses, waiting on stationery to be printed, and hiring a calligrapher to hand-address each one…you could be done with your wedding invites today! If you’re ready to start, browse the new Carolina Herrera + Paperless Post collection at paperlesspost.com.

Follow @paperlesspost On Instagram To See How Other Couples Are Using The Carolina Herrera + Paperless Post Collection

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We partnered with Paperless Post to introduce you to their latest designer collab. As always, thanks for supporting our sponsors!

The post Paperless Post + Carolina Herrera Teamed Up To Create Your Dream Wedding Invitations appeared first on Weddingchicks.