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 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

Charmed in Boston | Georgi + Jason | 9.30.23

Charmed in Boston | Georgi + Jason | 9.30.23

Bride and groom walking up stairs towards entrance of Boston Public Library

The September sky gave way to one of the most gorgeous and memorable weddings we’ve put our touch on. And it couldn’t have happened to a sweeter couple. Getting to watch these nuptials unfold at the Boston Public Library was the cherry on top! Georgi and Jason put together an amazing wedding and as thrilled as we were to be a part of it all, we hated to see the day come to an end. Couples like this, with weddings like this one, are something we keep close to our hearts.

full image of bride walking on sidewalk, veil trailing behind

The detail that I just can’t get over- Georgi’s veil alone was enough to stop us in our tracks. Draped gently behind her long dark hair, this stunning piece was having a moment!

Styled flat lay of formal wedding invitation suite

Georgi and Jason’s invitation suite boasted a seamless balance of delicate and bold features. Full calligraphy done in rose gold ink complimented the black envelopes beautifully. The invitation suite was letter-pressed with spot calligraphy on stock paper and elevated with a beautiful black, vellum overlay which included a custom sketch of the Boston Public Library! Vintage postage and a custom rose gold wax seal completed this impeccable design.

formal, custom wedding invitation suite
black and white image of the Boston Public Library building
invitation suite with print of Boston Public Library, tied with black ribbon
fully calligraphed, black wedding invite envelope
invitation envelope with custom gold wax seal
Bride in gown, long dark hair, standing in front of window
Groom in black tux pulling jacket together and looking out window
Wedding invitation suite styled with jewelry
Wedding invitation suite styled with jewelry
entrance stairway of Boston Public Library styled with florals
Custom, formal wedding welcome sign at entrance of staircase

White Ink was honored to add to the breathtaking staircase entrance of this unforgettable venue. The sharp black wedding welcome sign topped with white lettering, stood out against an impressive array of florals and lit candles which demanded the attention of each guest as they passed by.

Bride and groom walking up staircase looking back at camera
formal table of floral arrangement at entrance of staircase styled in florals
Overhead view of bride and groom walking up stair case
Bride walking down aisle in nighttime outdoor venue
Bride and groom meet at the end of ailse with officiant
Overhead view of formal reception tables styled with high florals
custom table number among florals and formal tablescape

Just as Georgi and Jason’s invitation suite and wedding welcome sign harnessed a delicate boldness, so did the table numbers which sat perfectly into the formal tablescape for their reception. There are times when table signage takes an unassuming role among the tablescape, but then there are moments when table signs play an important part in grabbing the guest’s attention. These sharp lines and block signage with gold numbers set against the soft florals and candles and white linen offered a uniquely formal taste and modern/chic appearance to the 170-year-old venue. A detail which was beautifully and purposefully done.

Formal reception tables styled with high florals
Bride and groom seated at formal head table
Bride and groom dance on the dancefloor.

We love our Nashville couples, that’s no secret. But getting to meet our couples where they are is something we cherish and are always honored to do. Finding ourselves at the Boston Public Library in the presence of Georgi and Jason along with their closest family and friends was an incredible moment for us at White Ink. I am so moved to have been a part of this incredible journey with the perfect couple. To Georgi and Jason, thanks for the memories that will last forever. Cheers!


Venue: Boston Public Library
Photography: Paulina Bichara
Flat-Lay Invitation Suite Photography: Peterson Design House
Calligraphy: White Ink Calligraphy


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

Details for a Day, Memories Forever | Emma + John | 10.8.22

Details for a Day, Memories Forever | Emma + John | 10.8.22

I am honored beyond words that I get to work alongside so many amazing vendors for weddings and other major events. It is a community that I never knew I needed. We all may have different jobs, but in the end, we are working towards one goal- giving our clients the wedding/event of their dreams! Taking part in the beautiful nuptials of our couple, Emma and John, last October gave us a front-row seat to one of the dreamiest weddings we had the pleasure of being a part of. I’ve been excited to show you all of the personalized details that made this wedding exceptional. In truth, there is a lot of hard work that goes into a wedding day, but the effects of that dedication last far longer than just a single day; we help create the details that are put into memories that last forever.

Emma and John’s save-the-date was done using card stock topped with gold calligraphy and tucked into a warm, dusty rose envelope giving it a most delicate and inviting feel. I like to imagine the smiles people give when opening up these happy color combos.

This invitation suite steals the show. For me, this is about as good as it gets. The invitation was done in letterpress on handmade paper (yes, handmade paper). I especially love how Emma and John went from a dusty rose save-the-date envelope to dusty blue invitation suite envelopes. The envelopes were closed with a gold, custom, monogrammed wax seal. (Icing on the cake!)

Emma and John personalized their invitation suite to include a liner that had a print which was actually hand-painted by John’s mother. The same print was also used on the suite’s vellum overlay. THIS is what I mean when I say we help create memories that last forever. How special is this gorgeous detail?

John’s mother, Penny, is an artist who took on the role of creating this piece for her son and daughter-in-law as a way to include those who were with them in spirit. She used very special and specific details in this image to represent those loved ones. We were honored to pen the letter that went along with the beautiful picture display.

The chalkboard directional signs fit perfectly within the woodsy scenery of this Cheekwood venue. They stand out just enough to guide guests to their seats.

Here is a refreshing new detail that we don’t see very often. The couple wanted to have special seating for the ceremony portion of the wedding. We did that by taking the printed programs and writing the names of each guest so they knew where to find their seat. This was a beautiful example of how much thought went into each moment of Emma and John’s big day.

You can never go wrong with a classically beautiful, mirrored seating chart. Although this is a very popular seating chart display, there was something especially whimsical about seeing the textural differences of the glass mirror against the beautiful trees in the garden.

White Ink is always happy to put our touch on table signage like we did for Emma and John’s bar sign. But what we loved most was getting to make the super awesome cocktail napkins that displayed several of the couple’s favorite sayings. Taking it to the next level and making it your own, is what’s it’s all about. I hope you enjoy these!

Another table-top sign was for the deliciously showstopping oyster and shrimp bar! Yum!

Every single wedding White Ink gets to be a part of is always so special to us. We loved the deeply personal touches that Emma and John made room for on their big day. A gem of a wedding, indeed! Cheers to the happy couple! Check out some of the amazing vendors who took part in this event.

Planner: Read Event House
Photographer: Eden Ingle Photo
Calligrapher: White Ink Calligraphy
Venue: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Rentals: Please Be Seated
Oysters: Clean Plate Club

“I Carry Your Heart With Me” | Andrei + Sean | 9.24.22

“I Carry Your Heart With Me” | Andrei + Sean | 9.24.22

Take a look at White Ink’s journey to Rhode Island as our creativity made its way up the coast! Everything about Andrei and Sean’s wedding was top notch and we are in LOVE with how well the details turned out for this spectacular event.

As far as invitation suites go, there was no stone unturned. Andrei and Sean selected the most beautiful gold ink pressed into white cardstock. The suite was wrapped together by a stunning vellum jacket complete with a gold, custom monogramed wax seal. On the vellum jacket you will notice a print of the historic Rosecliff Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island which would be the location of our couple’s reception. Fun Fact: Rosecliff Mansion was featured in the 1974 film, The Great Gatsby.

If you want your invitation suites to embody elegance, we cannot recommend envelope calligraphy enough! The gold calligraphy on these white envelopes shines like the treasure they are.

How stunning is this engraved, custom monogramed ring box?!

White Ink also designed the wedding programs for Andrei and Sean. The ceremony took place at the gorgeous St. Barnabas Catholic Church located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

I have been SO excited to show you guys what we did for Andrei and Sean’s seating chart for their reception! I know we have shown you some unique seating chart pieces, but this one is definitely one I will always remember.

Each guest was gifted a book of poems where they could find their names followed by their table number written in custom gold calligraphy down the spine of their individual book. (I mean… I have no words). Inside the books, White Ink designed custom bookmarks that marked the page where Andrei and Sean’s favorite love poem was written. You could also enjoy excerpts of the famous E.E. Cummings poem, I Carry Your Heart with Me, written on the wall of the shelves. Honestly, it’s enough to turn you into a puddle!

Andrei and Sean asked White Ink to help create the menus for the reception which carried the same delicate combination of gold and white just as their wedding invitation suites did. I say it every time, connecting even the smallest details together can really be the thing that separates your wedding apart.

Ellegant or not, you know White Ink is going to show up at the bar! We love the look of this bar menu inside the distressed gold frame.

The perfect little place cards we did for Andrei and Sean blended effortlessly into the stunning tablescapes.

I especially love when White Ink gets to leave a mark in destinations beyond Nashville. It’s always a beautiful journey and a fantastic opportunity to represent our little corner of the wedding world. Couples like Andrei and Sean remind us of why we love what we do. This couple put so much effort and thought into every single part of their wedding day. We were honored to connect with them in such a memorable way. You could say, we will carry them in our hearts. Cheers!

Photography: Austin Gros
Wedding Venue: St. Barnabas Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Rosecliff Mansion
Calligraphy: White Ink Calligraphy
Florals: Sydney Smith Design
Bridal: Francis Libiran, Philippines
Groom: Canali