Custom Wedding Invitations and What Inspires Them

Custom Wedding Invitations and What Inspires Them

Alyssa + Jared | 9.14.24

*Take me to the details.

Custom wedding invitation suite flat lay styled with florals and vintage decor.

A custom wedding invitation is as unique to a couple as a fingerprint. It belongs to them and there is simply no other invite like it. 

White Ink has been specializing in custom invites for several years. And each process is as exciting as the one before. Seeing our brides and grooms incorporate distinctive and meaningful details into their wedding invitations and make their visions come to life is easily the best part of our job. 

The custom invitation suite we created for White Ink couple, Alyssa and Jared, is a beautiful example of what it looks like when we pull together unique textures, tones, florals, and calligraphy that speak to the personality of a couple and what inspires them. 

Custom wedding invitation suite flat lay styled with florals and vintage decor.

“Nothing says ‘timeless southern wedding’ more than blue and white hydrangeas.”

The inspiration behind the design of custom wedding invitations aims to reflect the theme of a client’s big day. For Alyssa and Jared, that meant choosing details that could blend perfectly into their end-of-summer, southern nuptials which included a gorgeous summer wedding reception at the iconic Hermitage Hotel in Nashville. Nothing says “timeless southern wedding” more than blue and white hydrangeas!

From top to bottom, the entire suite is giving southern living with a kiss of Nantucket floral vibes! Each layer is an absolute treat for the eyes with florals peeking from every corner. 

If you’re familiar with the motif of a traditional southern wedding, you’ll know that more is always better- especially when it comes to florals! This invitation suite did not disappoint. From the envelope liner to the vellum gatefold, these invites are blooming with summery, southern florals. 

By giving us an in-depth dive into the details and design of the grandmillenial aesthetic of their wedding, Alyssa and Jared were able to achieve the classic elements and charm they envisioned for their custom wedding invitations. We work closely with our couples to make each project nothing short of special. 

Custom wedding invitation flat lay includes envelope liner and envelope spot calligraphy

It’s all in the Detail.

We are thrilled when it’s time to roll up our sleeves and begin the process of designing the custom wedding invitation our clients dream of. This is what we love to do and it’s why we’re here!

Let’s get into details that perfectly pulled Alyssa and Jared’s invitation suite together to pair with their classic southern, summer wedding day.

  • The dusty-blue toned envelopes were addressed using spot calligraphy in dark blue ink. 
  • We created the dark blue envelope liner that boasted baby blue and white summer florals. Envelope liners are always an eye-catching experience for guests! 
  • A vellum gatefold is used to clutch the invitation suite. The soft transparent texture complete with southern florals easily elevates the elegance of the invites.
  • A custom wax seal added to the charm and texture of the vellum gatefold. 
  • The custom monogram located atop the main invitation is digitally printed. Customized invitation artwork like this can pack a powerful punch in the uniqueness of an invitation suite.  
  • The lettering throughout the invitation suite is done in a soft silver hue using thermography text- a process that is used to mimic the look of engraved lettering. 
Thermography- Did you Know?

Thermographic printing is a printing technique that uses heat to slightly raise the lettering off of paper or cardstock adding to the texture and finish of an invite. It’s like adding an instant layer of luxury to your invitation suite!

custom wedding invite showcases thermographic print in silver ink.

When it comes to custom wedding invitations, White Ink has you covered. We have extensive experience in what it takes to create the exact invite our clients envision. Whether the theme is boho chic or traditionally southern, we know how to make an invitation suite that is uniquely you! 

Tell us about your vision! What details and designs do you want to see on your wedding invites?

Credit
Planner: Vision in White Events
Reception Venue: The Hermitage Hotel
Invitation Photography: Peterson design & photography
Invitation & Calligraphy: White Ink Calligraphy

A Garden of Love | Kelly + Tyler | 6.22.24

A Garden of Love | Kelly + Tyler | 6.22.24

Bride and Groom sharing a twirl beneath a canopy of wisteria  with mountains in the background.

We have been looking forward to taking you guys behind the scenes of this incredibly whimsical wedding located at none other than the iconic Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville! White Ink couple, Kelly and Tyler, invited us along to customize and create some of the most darling details we have made yet!

Flat lay of 2-piece wedding invitation suite

An early summer wedding offers the warmth of summer and all the beauty of the passing spring. It’s still the perfect time to embrace the gentleness of the air and the unmatched florals that haven’t yet been challenged by the summer heat. Kelly and Tyler wisely let nature take the stage as they chose florals for the focal point in much of the detail throughout their big day. To begin, White Ink designed an invitation suite that would really reflect the botanical-inspired nuptials. A simple two-piece invitation suite with a dusty blue envelope perfectly embraced the delicate florals that draped around the paper. These particular floral prints on the invites would remain a familiar detail for Kelly and Tyler’s guests as the design was pulled throughout the entire wedding day. (I just LOVE it when that happens!)

Flat lay of 2-piece wedding invitation suite styled with florals and jewelry.
Colorful bride's bouquet held by bride's hands
Custom wedding welcome sign styled with florals along the floor.

Notice anything familiar? Our floral print came full circle from the invitation suite to the wedding welcome sign. I’ve said it many times before, carrying details throughout an event has the unbeatable power to elevate it. It shows attentiveness and your guests DO notice it.

floral arrangements line the aisle of an outdoor wedding venue.
floral arrangements line the aisle of an outdoor wedding venue.
Bride and Groom walking together up the aisle after ceremony hand in hand. Bride holds bouquet of flowers.
Custom reception seating chart styled with florals.

Kelly and Tyler wanted a custom seating chart that suited the light and floral-filled motif of the day. The simplicity of the color and design of this chart spoke to its elegant style while lending itself as the perfect canvas for displaying the gorgeous floral arrangement sitting at its base. Proving that simplicity also makes a statement!

Formal wedding reception tablescape complete with florals, glassware, plates, cutlery, candles, and custom table numbers and menus.
Formal wedding reception tablescape complete with florals, glassware, plates, cutlery, candles, and custom table numbers and menus.
A custom reception menu sits atop formal place setting beside linen napkin.

How sweet are these custom gray menus? Gray is a color that seamlessly fits into nearly any style or design pattern. I especially love how the white font pops right off the paper while not stealing the show from the arrangement of the stunning, garden party -inspired tablescapes.

Don’t forget that even the most delicate of details can be functional! What may seem like a simple pressed flower atop each place card actually served as the meal indicator for the guests! The place cards were gently fastened to their menus using baby pink ribbons.

Formal wedding reception tablescape complete with florals, glassware, plates, cutlery, candles, and custom table numbers and menus.
Formal wedding reception tablescape complete with florals, glassware, plates, cutlery, candles, and custom table numbers.
Formal wedding reception tablescape complete with florals, glassware, plates, cutlery, candles, and custom table numbers.

The table numbers we created for Kelly and Tyler’s reception are truly some of my favorites. The crisp, bright white paired with the boldness of the number catches the eye in the most inviting way. Kissed by the blooming floral print on either corner is just the cherry on top.

We were happy to be a part of this adorable “polaroid guestbook” table. I love traditional ideas with a modern twist. White Ink provided the table signage which boasted the familiar floral print from the invitation suite as well as the wedding welcome sign.

Guest book table signage with guestbook and polaroid cameras.

Nothing is more moving than the beauty of nature and the power of love. Audrey Hepburn once said, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” Kelly and Tyler’s unforgettable day was a beautiful reflection of that hope and intention for their future together. Here’s to the happy couple as they walk through the garden of love. Cheers!

Bride and groom share an embrace and stare outdoors.

Venue: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Planning + Designing: W Events, Khloe Jackson
Photography: Maria Gloer Photography
Florals: Rosemary & Finch, Mary Love Richardson
Calligraphy: White Ink Calligraphy
Rentals: Please Be Seated
Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Suit: Richards Bespoke

A Toast to Forever | Lauren + John | 5.03.24

A Toast to Forever | Lauren + John | 5.03.24

Black and white image of bride in gown with her back towards the camera looking off to the side.

Fixed among the serene beauty of rural Franklin, TN, Southall Farm & Inn lent itself to one of the most gently breathtaking weddings we’ve been a part of. White Ink couple, Lauren and John, allowed us to help customize the finer details of their incredible wedding day and we were honored to do it. Coming in on the heels of spring just before the summer wedding season, this special day proved to be perfect in so many ways.

Black and white image of Bride walking towards groom who is turned away from her on outside patio deck.
Bride and Groom share an embrace on outside patio deck.
Flat lay of formal wedding invitation suite decorated with flowers.

We began with designing Lauren and John’s impressive and quintessentially classic invitation suite. There is a notable balance of boldness and delicacy as the envelope liner with a print of the gorgeous foothills of the Southall venue jumps right off the paper while the vellum sleeve softly wraps around the classic letterpressed invitation. A perfectly placed, dusty-rose, wax seal to close the vellum wrap added an extra charm that effortlessly tied the suite together. It really was the perfect invite.

Flat lay of formal wedding invitation suite decorated with flowers.

Notice that the custom wax seal not only matched the dusty rose color of the RSVP card, but it also boasts florals to match the ones found on the vellum wrap. There is nothing that elevates a wedding like tying together details throughout.

Outdoor ceremony seating space with grassy aisle, floral arrangements, floral arbor. There is a lake and forest trees in background.

From the bride’s bouquet to a cascade of florals used for the arbor, we couldn’t get enough of the gorgeous flowers bursting through each part of this spring wedding!

Outdoor ceremony seating space with grassy aisle, floral arrangements, floral arbor. There is a lake and forest trees in background.
Bride and groom standing hand in hand in front of officiant and floral arbor. Lake and trees in background.
Framed bar signage.

Chic, sleek, and simple, the bar menu that we prepared for Lauren and John fit perfectly into the bar’s clean look and layered textures. Guests definitely enjoyed the inviting vibe of this delicious cocktail hour. How could you not?

Bride and groom holding cocktails and making a toast.
Wedding reception white, rectangle seating chart with floral arrangements placed beneath.

We helped guests to their seats with a tastefully designed seating chart. I adore the soft gray lettering against the white signage as flower arrangements kissed the bottom of the chart. Florals and signage just go together, there’s just nothing else like it!

Wedding reception white, rectangle seating chart with floral arrangements placed beneath.
Wedding reception white, rectangle seating chart with floral arrangements placed beneath.
Formal reception dining place setting with table menus, candles and floral arrangements.

One of the most exciting things for us at White Ink is when our couples request the “designer’s choice” for some of their details and signage. Sometimes, brides and grooms know exactly what they’re looking for with these types of details and decor, while others just simply aren’t sure what would look best. We LIVE for these moments because this is what we do and what’s more, it means that our couples completely trust us and our experience.

Flat lay of formal wedding invitation suite decorated with flowers.

For Lauren and John, we were happy to flex our creative muscles to come up with these stunning table numbers for their reception. We surprised them with a frosted acrylic to match the vellum wrap we made for the invitations as well as etched florals from the vellum wrap. We then mounted it against a laser-cut number in white acrylic to natural wood. Designer’s choice and a chef’s kiss.

Formal reception dining place setting with table menus, candles and floral arrangements.
Floral arrangement decor sits on top of white-linen dining table.
Floral arrangement decor sits on top of white-linen dining table.
Printed menu sitting atop formal place setting at reception table.

Menus are another great opportunity for brides and grooms tie in special details. Lauren and John chose the same letter press wording and hue of that of their wedding invites.

Printed menu sitting atop formal place setting at reception table.

These menus were simply made for this tablescape as they tucked effortlessly against the napkins and place settings. Never stealing the show, only elevating it.

Guests seated at reception table making a toast.

Lauren and John were a delight to work with from start to finish and it was an honor to be a part of their big day. The couple ensured that every guest felt special, and that every detail mattered. This is a wedding that will certainly be hard to forget. A toast to the happy couple- a toast to forever. Cheers!

Black and white image. Bride and groom share a glimpse at each other while seated at head reception table.

Venue: Southall Farm & Inn
Design/Coordination: Kelsey Rae Designs
Photography: The Brocoffs
Calligraphy: White Ink Calligraphy
Florals: The Florista
Tabletop Rentals: West Era Rentals

The Night Before

The Night Before

A bride and groom’s time to shine isn’t narrowed down to just one day. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments happen in the days surrounding a wedding day. One of the biggest roles of a rehearsal dinner is to allow the bride and group an opportunity to properly welcome family and the wedding party. Cason and Eddie set the bar for what a rehearsal dinner should look like and feel like! I was honored that they invited White Ink to take part in delivering a rehearsal to remember!

Bride and Groom smiling together while seated on sofa.
Custom Rehearsal invitation suite, menu, and table number styled with purple florals to match.
Custom Rehearsal invitation suite, menu, and table number styled with purple florals to match.

White Ink knows how to deliver the goods…. paper goods! Cason and Eddie’s June nuptials offered the perfect chance for them to use the beauty of summer floral prints. I especially love that the floral print we used on the rehearsal invite liner was also used when customizing the table number signs for this beautiful couple.

Custom Rehearsal invitation suite, menu, and table number styled with purple florals to match.

I always love to see that gorgeous dusty blue hue. Our couple incorporated this color throughout the entire evening, and I simply didn’t get enough of it.

Custom Rehearsal invitation suite, menu, and table number styled with purple florals to match.

Notice the “C.E.” monogram sporting more gorgeous blue summer floral prints on both the custom Rehearsal Dinner menu and invite.

Custom Welcome Sign in front of draped entrance and ornamented with florals

Cason and Eddie chose the ever-stunning Noelle in Nashville to welcome their close friends and family to their wedding celebrations. White Ink collaborated with Hill Event Rentals to put together this amazing welcome sign that was tucked perfectly against a draped entryway. The florals that lined the bottom of the sign was the cherry on top that made this welcome sign the delicate focal point that it was. Teamwork!

Custom Welcome Sign in front of draped entrance and ornamented with florals
Custom Welcome Sign in front of draped entrance and ornamented with florals
Bride and groom smiling and walking down stairs together.
Bride and groom embrace in a kiss at doorway entrance.
Grand arched entrance flanked by florals and escort card display.

“Your Seat Awaits,” topped the escort card display. Hill Event Rentals once again showcased some of their best work with building this display to match the Welcome Sign display. White Ink did what we do best and added the laser-cut text along with individually calligraphed place cards, complete with a custom monogramed wax seal.

Remember, event signage doesn’t have to be cold or bossy. Direct your guests in a warm and beautiful way! Feel free to make it unique and even playful! We love helping our clients with these ideas.

Florals, champagne flute and custom table number display on a formal dining table.

The table numbers fit perfectly into the stunning formal tablescapes in the Noelle’s Sadiee Gallery Grand Ballroom. They simple belonged in this room!

Formal place setting including gold rimmed plate topped with napkin and custom dinner menu.

The place cards elevated the show-stopping tablescape and fit effortlessly alongside the goldware at each place setting. This is a perfect example of how one seemingly small detail can really pack a big decor punch!

Formal place setting including gold rimmed plate topped with napkin and custom dinner menu.
Formal place setting including gold rimmed plate topped with napkin and custom dinner menu.

Classic display of the custom menu we designed for Cason and Eddie. Carrying details like color and prints throughout the whole of an event sends a message of intention and thoughtfulness and can show guests that their enjoyment is a really big part of the planning process!

Formal place setting including gold rimmed plate topped with napkin and custom dinner menu.
Bride and groom walking away together crossing the street.

We were honored to join our couple, Cason and Eddie, in one of the most meaningful nights of their lives! They made sure that their family and wedding party received a proper welcome. We cannot wait to share more details about their wedding day too! For now, we will hold on to memories that were made “The Night Before.”

Venue: Noelle
Planning: Modern Vintage Events
Photography: Gray Kammera Photography
Calligraphy: White Ink Calligraphy
Florals: FLWR Shop
Rentals: Hill Event Rentals

Planting the Seed | Morgan + Tommy | 6.24.23

Planting the Seed | Morgan + Tommy | 6.24.23

Every moment of planning with this sweet couple was a true joy for all of us at White Ink. Morgan and Tommy chose an incredible balance of boldness and gentleness throughout their wedding details making this wedding unforgettable for all in attendance. I love getting to show you all events where there is no shortage of details that aim to inspire. Enjoy!

Wedding bouquet in focus with bride and groom in the background.
Invitation suite of envelope, invite, vellum wrap, rsvp and details cards.

Morgan and Tommy’s invitation suites delicately showcased a beautiful lavender color and theme- a detail that was laced throughout the entire ceremony and reception! The letterpress work on the card stock paper was beautifully done by our friends at Clover Calligraphy Co. who always do impressive work! A soft lavender hue was chosen for the envelopes in addition to the vellum envelope liners with a dainty tuber rose print. I also want to point to the pressed flowers in the custom wax seals! Is this not the dreamiest invitation suite?

Invitation suite with lavender stems beside it.

If you look closely at the details card from our bride and groom’s invitation suite, you can see that this textured card is actually seed paper! The cards were infused with wildflower seeds so that wherever guests planted their cards, wildflowers would grow! Talk about a memorable detail!

Outdoor frosted acrylic wedding welcome sign on easel.

The wedding welcome sign was done in a frosted acrylic. It really brought me back to the invitation suite details as guests could see the same custom monogram from the invite as well as the beautiful tuber rose print on the vellum envelope liner. Connecting details throughout an event, especially a wedding, can easily elevate your special day.

Outdoor frosted acrylic wedding welcome sign on easel with flower arrangement in front.
Outdoor wedding seating area under tree canopy.
Outdoor frosted acrylic wedding welcome sign on easel.
Ceremony programs with wooden handles styled with flower and lavender and lavender seeds.

A very thoughtful detail that Morgan and Tommy added to their June wedding was letting us create these adorable fan programs which, of course, included the stunning lavender color theme and floral prints that blanketed the details of their wedding. This is a perfect example of making parts of your ceremony details functional for your guests while maintaining a delicate theme.

Escort card display with escort cards placed inside wooden boxes on wooden shelving decorated in florals and greenery.

Alright you guys, it’s time to talk about this stunning, garden-party inspired seating chart! Guests could find their escort cards in these adorable little wooden garden boxes that were appropriately filled with gorgeous florals and greenery. One of the sweetest seating charts I’ve been honored to take part in.

Engraved wooden bar sign on top of bar with prepared drink and small flower arrangment.

Among all of the delicate designs of the day, Morgan and Tommy still maintained a wonderful balance of boldness, like this one-of-a-kind bourbon bar. We got to create this awesome, laser-engraved, wooden bourbon bar sign which matched incredibly well with the rustic look they wanted for this setting. I’m really proud of how great this sign turned out. It made for a great conversation piece among guests too!

frosted acrylic cocktail signage with spot calligraphy.

White Ink also created the custom cocktail sign using the same frosted acrylic as the wedding welcome sign. Yes to matching signage!

frosted acrylic table number, placecards, and escort cards. Styled with florals and lavender.

The table signage, place cards, and escort cards were not left out of this lavender inspired theme. Look at how well all of the finer details fit together! I’m obsessed. Notice more of the tuber rose print throughout.

Reception Menus in lavender topped with wax seals.

I loved getting to create these summer-perfect, lavender-inspired menus for Morgan and Tommy’s reception. Does the wax seal look familiar? It’s the same custom wax seal with pressed flowers that sealed the guests’ invitation suites! These looked so amazing among the beautiful tablescapes.

I am so proud of the work we were able to accomplish for Morgan and Tommy! This summer wedding was one for the books and certainly one I will remember for years to come. When it comes to summer wedding inspiration, I guess you could say, this couple has planted the seed! Cheers!

Bride and groom walking along on path among plants and flowers with cottage in the background.
black and white image of bride and groom walking together along outside path.

Venue: Long Hollow Gardens
Planning: Modern Vintage Events
Photography: Nathan Westerfield
Florals: Vintage Florals, Mellissa Broadwell
Calligraphy: White Ink Calligraphy
Invitation Letterpress: Clover Calligraphy Co.
Stylist: Read Event House
Custom Garden Boxes: Custom Goodner, Tom Goodner

Florals are Forever | Molly + Cam | 4.22.23

Florals are Forever | Molly + Cam | 4.22.23

When it comes to planning a spring wedding in Nashville that can deliver an enchanting array of florals, Cheekwood reigns supreme. If you know me, then you probably hear me talk about my obsession with florals especially when it comes to invitations. The cherry on top is when the very florals we use to design invitation suites actually match the florals of the event and can be seen throughout the decor of the day!

Florals at entranceway of outdoor path

This past April, White Ink had the honor of working with the sweetest couple on their wedding day stationary details. Molly and Cam share the same love for florals that I do and together, we created one of my favorite suites to date. I’m so excited to share this one.

Invitation suite flat lay boasting full spot calligraphy and florals.
Invitation suite flat lay boasting full spot calligraphy and florals.

This invitation suite was so inspiring for me and the White Ink team to create. We loved having the chance to let the beauty of florals and calligraphy interlace in the most magnificent ways.

Floral decor around ceremony seating.

This invitation is designed using full spot calligraphy in dusty rose ink and letter pressed onto beautiful, white stock card. I love the unique, tilted orientation of the print. Each of these details makes this invite so very memorable to the guests receiving them.

Flat lay of invitation suite boasting florals and full spot calligraphy.
Tall florals at the entrance of outdoor path.
Flat lay of invitation suite boasting florals and full spot calligraphy.
Cocktail Bar lined with floral print. at outdoor reception area.
Flat lay of invitation suite boasting florals and full spot calligraphy.

It’s important that I point out one of the best parts about this suite. The floral design that is printed on the beautiful dusty rose liner is the very floral print that lined the bar at the reception area of the wedding day. Tying together wedding day details is a top tier move, tying together floral details is magical.

Cocktail Bar lined with floral print. at outdoor reception area.
Cocktail Bar lined with floral print. at outdoor reception area.
Cocktail Bar lined with floral print. at outdoor reception area.
Tall florals line the outdoor reception tent.

Our fun continued with Molly and Cam’s guest escort cards. These cards were done using a delicate scalloped card stock. Spot calligraphy on, you guessed it, dusty rose (a fast favorite for many of our clients!).

Scalloped escort cards in dusty rose.
Scalloped escort cards in dusty rose.
Scalloped escort cards in dusty rose.

I personally love the way these gently designed escort cards were displayed on a grand, round, linen table topped with bold florals. It’s all about balance, this is a gorgeously perfect example.

Escort card displayed on round lined table topped with florals.
Outdoor reception tent and tables with tablescapes and floral decor.
Outdoor reception tent and tables with tablescapes and floral decor.
Outdoor reception tent and tables with tablescapes and floral decor.
Large floral arrangement at outdoor reception.

Molly and Cam took the time to bring in florals throughout the wedding day decor which was only enhanced by the remarkable scenery of Cheekwood. I look back on this project fondly and I am so proud of how wonderfully it all came together for our amazing couple. Florals seem to speak their own special language that people intuitively understand. Florals represent life, they represent love. Florals are forever.

Venue: Cheekwood Botanical Gardens
Planning: Modern Vintage Events
Details Photography: Erin Fox Photo
Calligraphy: White Ink Calligraphy
Florals: Vintage Florals
Rentals: Please Be Seated