Our interview with Ceci Johnson from Ceci New York on wedding invitation trends.

Q1. What are the must have items in wedding stationery for 2017?

I’m seeing brides move away from favors and gifts and spending more of their time and budget to fabulous menus and items that create a wow effect for their guests to experience at their wedding. It’s all about the details and creating personalized memorable moments.

 

Also, creating a nicely designed cohesive invitation package is important. Brides are not crazy about having multiple cards loose in the envelope. They prefer having the cards thoughtfully designed and contained in a controlled experience for their guests. It really is all about the details and presentation. Whether cards are presented in a folder, wrapped with a laser-cut bellyband or enveloped in a hand-died silk ribbon tie, it’s important to have all the details carefully organized.

 

Q2. What colours and colour combinations are going to be big in wedding stationery in 2017?

Blush, dustier than your average pink

and a shift from rose gold to copper and bronze is already a trend we’re exploring.

 

Blush is still going strong. Soft, romantic blush but dustier than your average baby pastel pink. Pair this with a metallic or a pewter letterpress and you have a beautiful color combination. I’m still seeing rose gold as a favorite, but now the desire is shifting to a copper or bronze metallic foil for something still luxurious but unexpected. Champagne gold will always remain timeless and classic, so you cant go wrong with that. Paired with any color, it always works beautifully and will continue to be a favorite.

Q3. What are you seeing as the key trends in wedding stationery in 2017?

PERSONALIZATION: Personalization is huge.  It is bigger than ever and brides are seeking out that extraordinary detail that will set them apart and make a beautiful impression.  Working with a couture invitation designer will remain the ultimate in wedding stationery.

 

WATERCOLOR: Having a custom watercolor painted for your invitation is a big favorite. Loose watercolor done in a painterly, artful way is very popular. I’m painting everything from wedding crests to floral prints and even portraits of the wedding venues.

LASER-CUT: The intricate and detailed laser-cut printing technique reigns. Brides love it. They’re obsessed with the luxurious look and quality. It’s like lace on a wedding dress, beautifully delicate yet so special. It also can be done in many creative forms from a belly band to duplexed to the invitation to an envelope holding the invitation and beyond.

RETURN TO CLASSICS: Lastly, Brides now more than ever are seeking a timeless, elegant look for their invitations. They’re having fun with Save-the-Dates and extras like envelope liners and menus, but the classic invitation is making a comeback.  Some are topped with a custom monogram or edged with a dramatic bevel, but all are a throwback to a more traditional time.

 

 
TEXTURE: Layers upon layers upon more layers is huge. We’re seeing this with layered laser cut wraps and folders, cream velvet backing and ivory invitation and even watercolor artwork paired with a textured linen. This year is all about the touch and feel and elevating through texture and depth.  I’m loving some of the designs my team and I are working on for our incredible clients as we’re getting to play quite a bit with beautiful stocks, tonal palettes and unique packaging to enhance the texture of the suites.

Q4. What patterns are popular in 2017?

Modern florals, patterns with movement, and softer geometrics.

Garden flowers of all variety are and always will be popular. Peonies dominate but all florals are loved. I’m especially loving illustrating more unique arrangements and flowers that are personal and important to my clients whether in their wedding decor or found at their venue location.

 

Ornate Baroque prints are also very popular. They’re perfect for ballroom weddings and opulent affairs.

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