10 Ways to Express Your Style — and Match Your Dress — Through Your Wedding Invitations
Written By Annaelle Beenstock |
September 4, 2019
You already have your dream wedding day — or full celebratory weekend — envisioned: your show-stopping dress (and perhaps a second stunning look for the reception), the fantasy venue and Instagram-perfect décor. But take a step back and remember to establish your theme and high expectations from the get-to. In other words, design your wedding invitations as a hint of your impending and sure-to-be unforgettable nuptials.
In line with the Galia Lahav Couture “Make a Scene” musical extravaganza motif (and the Gala “Alice in Wonderland” literary inspiration), a wedding invitation is like a teaser poster or preview of your spectacular leading role to come.
You could tie the invitation to your key colors and/or overall vibe, but definitely your gown — be it retro-influenced, bohemian or full-on Royal Wedding-inspired. Plus, here’s your chance to exercise those creative skills you’ve been showing off on Pinterest by custom-designing your own cards. Or, if you need a little nudge, start with a pre-designed template and add your own personal touch, with preferred fonts, colors and graphics.
Even better: You don’t need to leave your home to visit and negotiate with a printer because there are so many options online. To help you narrow the field — and to give you some inspiration — here are 10 dream invitation and dress pairings from the Galia Lahav Couture and Gala collections.
High Drama
Picture this: You’re the leading lady in an epic romance. Channel your story through rich floral hues and a mood-setting onyx background. The stunning floral artwork on the card links back to the intricate embroidery and 3D appliquéd bodice and long illusion sleeves on your gown — and maybe even matches your centerpieces. Gold foil accents bring the glamour.
Modern and Playful
While you’re going short and irreverent with your aesthetic, you want to keep the classic elements, like lush flower appliqués and a romantic puff sleeve and a high neck. So do the same with your invitations with an inspired — if not edgy — abstract watercolor twist on traditional bloom. The minimalist font keeps the look elegant, but modern, like your dress.
Hopeless Romantic
If the “forever and always” declaration of love on the front fold of the invitation doesn’t say it all, the dreamy details on this invitation will. Romantic blush hues coordinate with the soft undertones of the dress, while the whimsical poppy illustrations coordinate with the delicate 3D appliqués covering your gown. Because you’ll treasure everything about your day — forever and always.
Showstopper
Make sure your headshots — erm, engagement photos, we mean — are in order. Because you’re about to star on your own blockbuster billboard, in the form of your wedding invitations. After all, if you’re wearing a gown named after a triple-threat superstar, then you need to have your leading lady boldness ready and emblazoned on your wedding invitation. If you’re willing to share the spotlight, your co-star is allowed in the photo, too.
Nature Lover
A richly painted watercolor floral motif on a blush pink background offers a preview of your degrade silk dress embellished with a garden of 3D flowers — and the blooming centerpiece on your draped shawl. Rose-gold foil adds a touch of opulence to counter your blossoming outdoor theme.
Royal Wedding
This elegant and refined invitation design is fit for a queen — that’s you — to kick off your own version of a Royal Wedding. But you’re giving your princess gown a modern twist with an inspired and unexpected handkerchief hem. The card’s gilded overlay frame links back to the contemporary irregular ballgown skirting, but the classic black and white classic lettering harkens back to tradition. Can’t you picture this invitation being delivered on a silver tray by an old timey butler?
Fantasy Land
Like flipping the cover of a children’s classic tale — or opening a royal decree in your favorite bedtime story — lifting the double gate fold on this invitation will bring a rush of anticipation and excitement for your wedding day. The satin rose ribbon matches the romantic ice pink hues of your dress — plus, the floral embossed texture creates a throughline to the 3D blossoms trickling down the bodice, draped shoulder straps and ethereal tulle layers of your fantastical gown.
Disco Party
You’re always the life of the party and will definitely dress the part, too — especially on your wedding day. The spotlight will be on you and your rebellious, but eternally-chic jumpsuit with all-over shimmer and asymmetrical one-shoulder silhouette. So channel the festive mood — and disco ball theme — with gilded confetti foil on your invitation.
The Roaring ‘20s
Your guests are guaranteed to have a grand ol’ time at your wedding. So set the stage, so to speak with an invitation that invokes a Gilded Age style cabaret (or clandestine champagne-soaked speakeasy) vibe to match the flapper fringe and Deco beading on your festively sultry gown. Bottoms up!
Bohemian Vibes
It’s like the flower crown version of a wedding invitation: florals, feathers and a free-spirited vibe. Plus, the watercolor artwork’s French country house influence meshes with the sheer embroidered lace on your gown and the billowing milkmaid sleeves on the detachable bolero.