Wedding Ideas and Inspiration Blog

Paper Goods

Cut Paper Inspiration Board

I am nuts about all things paper and particularly all things cut paper. It’s a wonder I still do after a harrowing experience of creating almost 100 cut paper paddle fan programs with cut paper accoutrements for a friend’s wedding some years back. Still have the scars to prove it. But, I still have the same love despite those tearful moments. Oh yeah, there were tears. Now, however, I’d leave it to the professionals like the ones featured here.

Credits (clockwise from top left):

Papel Picado Laser Cut Wedding Invitations

Mexican Wedding Banners

Ruby Red Double Cut Paper Luminary

Butterfly Cut Out Favor Box

Kissing Couple Cut Paper Silhouette

Love Birds Cut Out Favor Box

Invitations by Apartment One

The wedding invitation sets the tone for what guests can expect on the wedding day. Some have said to me, “Eh, doesn’t the Save the Date do that?” No. Sure, it makes an initial impression, but the invite is what tells your guests, “All right, everyone, get ready!” That is precisely what these invitations say from creative agency Apartment One. (Or, better yet, these say, “Booyah!”) Once I saw these babies on Apartment One’s “News” page, I knew I had to share! And, thankfully, the fine folks over there were more than willing.

These were the invitations for Partner and Creative Director, Spencer Bagley and his wife, Melissa. Situated at a private home in upstate New York, they wanted their big day to be relaxed and non-formal. There was to be no dress code or assigned seating; just delicious BBQ, a kick-ass band, great people, and good times. So, as a nod to the…

Benign Objects

be-nign, adj. – 1.Of a kind and gentle disposition. And, how! I mean, what could be more genteel than these uniquely lovely wedding invitation handerchiefs by Rachel Wiles of Benign Objects? (Who also just got married this past October! Congratulations, Rachel!)

These custom screenprinted, vintage-style handkerchiefs can serve as wedding invitations (as seen above) or Save the Dates, or for a “Be My Bridesmaid” request, or any other occasion for that matter. In any case, they’ll have people crying tears of joy when they receive them. And, hey, at least they’ll be prepared when that moment strikes.

You can also purchase reply cards and decorative ‘belly bands’ to accompany the handkerchiefs.

What bridesmaid-to-be would say no to this kind of request?

And, what would help carry out the design theme better than custom personalized muslin bags? Great for favors, flower petals, confetti, and more.

Courtney Khail Handmade Stationery

With all of the creative elements that go into planning a wedding, it’s no surprise the number of wedding-related businesses that are born from brides themselves. Courtney Khail is one of those former brides who, when planning her own wedding in 2008, couldn’t find stationery that had that handmade, fine art feeling. So, being an artist herself, she put ink (and watercolor) to paper designing her own wedding stationery and Courtney Khail Stationery & Design was born!

Whether choosing a style from her gallery or having Courtney create a custom design, each piece is hand cut and hand painted onto 100% rag cotton paper and comes with a matching recycled paper envelope. There are a multitude of gorgeous design offerings inspired by her love of nature: peonies, lilacs, blackberries, rose, evergreen, leaves, etc. And, since each of these beautiful images is done by hand no two are ever alike. Thus,…

Studio D. Sharp Artisan Details

If there is one thing I obsess over more than cake, it’s paper. Having a fine arts background in printmaking, I’m in constant awe of all things paper and those who immerse themselves in this mutual adoration. Portland-based artist, Denise Sharp of Studio d. Sharp, is one such person and I marvel at what she dreams up and creates by hand.

Not surprisingly, Denise has a fine arts degree in sculpture and printmaking. And, she has put that training to great effect building a menagerie of stunning and sweet paper adornments and vintage-inspired ephemera. From her vintage stamp cake garlands and custom glitter monogram cake toppers to charming favor boxes declaring “You mean the world to me” or “You rock”, Denise beautifully crafts the kind of creations that are rich in meaning and individuality. And, isn’t that just what one wants in their wedding? Indeed!

Classic Calligraphy Inspiration Board

Maybe it is because my own handwriting rivals a physician’s scrawl, but I love calligraphy. It is hard not to have a little bit of admiration for something so very pretty. The best part is that there are so many varieties that it can easily fit into the style of any wedding, no matter how modern or classic. If you don’t want to have calligraphy invitations or envelopes, try using touches on your programs or place cards.

Credits (clockwise from top left):

Wooden place cards

Heart invitation

Calligraphy close-up

String calligraphy invite

Green envelope

Something Old: Vintage Stamp Packs from The Paper Nickel

By now, it’s become pretty apparent that I’m as much on the vintage bandwagon as anyone else these days. But, how can you resist the charm of yesteryear? Clearly, that is not an answer I have because I cannot resist the charm. Not one bit! So, it should come as no surprise that I’d be touting the wares of The Paper Nickel Stamp Company.

Started by graphic designer and former art director Holly Bedell, The Paper Nickel Stamp Company features the very best in vintage stamps. Holly handpicks and curates colorful and charming collections for every pack of stamps, pulling from an inventory which spans from the early 1900s through the late 1980s. Whether the fun of a mixed packet or a custom color mix (by request), Holly ensures that each assortment is as special as the piece you’re mailing. And, what could be a more distinctive touch for your wedding invitations?

Note: If you think this…

Etsy Round-Up: Rustic Wedding Touches with Burlap

Burlap Wine Bottle Bag Table Numbers

Given the continuing trend of all things vintage with today’s wedding stylings, burlap is a perfect choice for adding a charmingly rustic touch. Fortunately, there are a ton of ways to add a little homespun feel from invitations to the final farewell of “Just Married” on the back of the car. And, yes, everything else in between. Hope you enjoy some of our favorites found on Etsy!

Rustic Barn Burlap Wedding Invitations with Tag

Wedding Ring Bearer Pillow

Burlap Mr. & Mrs. Signs

Monogram Burlap Beverage Bucket

Burlap Birds with Read Heart Wedding Cake Topper

Burlap Floral Candle Holders Set

Custom Wedding Jam Favors

Burlap “Just Married” Bunting Banner

Handmade Paper Florals from Dragonfly Expression

Years ago, I saw a wedding featured on television where the bride had an art background and used paper as a primary element in her work. So, when planning her wedding, she decided to incorporate her love of paper throughout the ceremony. From her bouquet, to the centerpieces, to decor, she had everything festooned with her paper creations. It was amazing and I thought, “That’s something I would love to have!”

Well, flash forward to me making handmade Japanese paddle fan programs for a friend’s wedding that reduced me to tears in the process and left me with permanent scars on my hands and my DIY dream went out the door! (Although, the programs did turn out beautifully if I do say so myself.) Fortunately, there are talented people like Chantal of Dragonfly Expression to help with such a handmade vision without the DIY disasters.

With customized styles and colors,…