Wedding invitation trends for 2026

For a while it looked as if printed wedding invitations might become a thing of the past – with an increasing number of couples going “fully digital.” But – the tide is turning, and for an elegant wedding, beautifully designed printed invitations are still the gold standard.

We asked our all-time favorite wedding stationer – Jacques Oskanian of Hyegraph in San Francisco – which trends to expect for next year. In-house designer extraordinaire Munnie Tran breaks it down for us.

Sculpted Embossing


Texture and tactile impression is everything these days, and sculpted embossing has
emerged as a luxurious touch to add to custom wedding invitations. While standard
embossing creates a raised impression, sculpted embossing adds another dimension
with even more depth and detail. From delicate flower petals to intricate monograms,
the results of sculpted embossing are quite literally like a sculpture. Every fine detail
appears hand-carved and is crisply defined on heavyweight paper stock.


Vellum


Vellum is a lightweight material that is semi-translucent. It is very versatile and is
frequently used to embellish wedding invitations, whether by adding a belly band, gate
fold wrap, or a folder. Thinking beyond the invitation suite, it can also be used for the
wedding day of stationery, on items such as menus, programs, place cards, and more.
Its sheer appearance adds a touch of softness and romance to any style, and the
possibilities are endless as you can print any design or color on it.


Unique materials


Traditional paper invitations are both timeless and classic; you can’t go wrong! However,
if you are looking for something that is sure to wow your guests and stand out amongst
the crowd, consider utilizing unique materials. Some examples include acrylic, wood,
velvet, suede, handmade paper, and so much more. Keep the traditional paper
invitation, but use these special materials in other areas, such as envelope liners, belly
bands, pocket folder, or enclosure cards.


Die Cut Shapes

When you think of a wedding invitation, you may picture a 5” x 7” rectangle, as it is
pretty standard. However, you can definitely think outside of the box and do all sorts of
unique sizes and shapes. Whether it’s a simple geometric hexagon, or detailed shapes
of states, animals, and more, this is a great way to add character and dimension to your
wedding invitation suite.

Well – what’s your favorite? Are you even able to choose? At least you’ve gotten a LOT of inspiration for your own totally unique invitation design!

The 5 hottest wedding trends for 2025

Planning a wedding in 2025? Here are the five hottest trends that will make your special day unforgettable. From eco-friendly designs to futuristic tech, weddings in 2025 are all about personalization and innovation.

1. Eco-Friendly Weddings

Sustainability is not just a buzzword—it’s becoming a wedding essential. In 2025, eco-conscious couples are opting for environmentally friendly décor, using locally sourced, seasonal flowers (which is also the most budget-friendly option!), sustainable materials like wood and bamboo, and minimizing waste. Another way to do that? Restrict the use of anything disposable – rent china, glassware and flatware instead (it looks much nicer, too!).  Expect more outdoor ceremonies where nature is the star of the show, adding a touch of elegance while remaining kind to the planet. Many of MY couples have been making this exact choice for years: look at these examples!

Megan Reeves Photography
Photo by ADLNO
Bre Thurston Photography

2. Romantic Pastel Palettes

If you’re dreaming of a fairytale wedding, pastel color schemes are here to stay. Soft hues of pink, lavender, and baby blue create a romantic, ethereal vibe. Floral arrangements and whimsical lighting add to the charm, turning your venue into a dreamy, almost magical setting. These colors pair beautifully with delicate decor, like sheer curtains and vintage table settings – AND with the trendy not-only-white wedding dresses like this dream dress by Savin of London.

Danny Dong Photography
Image generated by AI

3. Micro-Weddings with an Intimate Touch

Micro-weddings are continuing to rise in popularity, with couples focusing on quality over quantity. Fewer guests mean more intimacy and the chance to spoil your loved ones with personalized touches, such as handwritten notes, custom playlists, or bespoke meals. The cozy atmosphere of a small wedding also allows for more meaningful interactions with each guest – without guests whispering to each other, “And how are YOU connected to the couple?!” One example from this summer: a couple who invited their family and closest friends to a FIVE DAY wedding weekend at a remote resort, to spend quality time with the people they love. Another example: my smallest wedding ever – a mature couple and their grown children, 5 persons total.

Gavin Farrington Photography

4. Futuristic Tech-Inspired Weddings

For couples looking to add a modern twist, 2025 brings weddings infused with futuristic elements. Think metallic color palettes, LED lighting and dance floors, holographic decorations, and smart technology to create an immersive experience. From interactive dance floors to custom light shows (think drone shows!), tech weddings are both innovative and fun, ensuring your guests will never forget the night.  One of my couples – both mathematicians – even named their tables after their favorite algorithms!

Maria Hedengren Photography
Image generated by AI

5. Destination Weddings with a Boho Twist

Destination weddings continue to reign, especially on breathtaking beaches and exotic landscapes – among other things, because the guest count is mostly significantly lower than at a close-by wedding venue, again shifting the emphasis from quantity of guests to quality of experience. However, 2025 is bringing a boho-chic aesthetic to these getaways. Picture tropical flowers, soft textiles, and relaxed, rustic décor paired with the natural beauty of a sunset backdrop. The vibe is relaxed yet luxurious, making it perfect for adventurous couples seeking something unique. Examples? Here they are – from two of my couples of years ago. They were clearly ahead of their time!

Frank J. Lee Photography
Kevin Chin photography, bouquet by Green Petal Designs
Image generated by AI

Each of these trends brings its own special flair, so whichever direction you choose, your 2025 wedding will definitely be one-of-a-kind and “so YOU!”