A Festive Invitation Suite for an Elegant Winter Wedding

Today on the blog I’m showing off a beautiful custom invitation suite for the dreamiest winter wedding, held in the castle-like estate, Cairnwood, in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania. Keep reading for all of the little details. ​

When Riley came to me in late summer to talk about custom watercolor invitations, she had a clear vision of what her wedding would be. The event, to be held just a week before Christmas, would fully embrace the holiday season, but in a classy, elegant way. Guests in black tie; doorways draped in lush greenery; Christmas trees decked with glittering baubles;  cozy candles in gleaming gold votives... Oh, did I mention the reception was going to be held in a castle? Think, Christmas at Downton Abbey! It would be an upscale holiday vibe, and she wanted stationery to match.

Invitation 

The main event, the invitation, features a watercolor rendering of their venue, Cairnwood Estate (click here for a video of me painting this venue!). It’s such a beautiful building, it had to be featured prominently in the suite, so guests can admire its beauty and get excited to enjoy it for one very special night. The invitation also features spot calligraphy to set the couple’s names apart from the rest of the text on the card. A thin black border runs along the edge, something you’ll see on the other cards.​

RSVP Card

Guests were asked to reply online, which is popular with so many of the couples I work with. It’s still great to include an RSVP card in the suite as a designated place to remind guests to respond by your chosen date. The couple also used this card as an opportunity to remind their guests that it’s an adults-only event. The illustration on this card evokes the cozy, festive atmosphere that would await guests at the event. 

Details Card

On this details card, we included the couple’s simple crest, which also appears on the envelope liner. I love the simplicity of the greenery, embellished with a red bow! The details card is a great place to lay out the weekend’s events, and to direct guests to the website where more information can be found.

Envelopes

The couple wanted an envelope liner, so they included both an inner and outer envelope. The outer envelope was gold, and the inner was black (although my photos here include a white envelope instead). The inner envelope was unsealed so that guests could enjoy the liner, no ripping or tearing needed! 

Perhaps my favorite thing about this suite is what awaits the guests when they initially open that inner envelope. Cards were stacked face down so that the patterned backs of each card were on full display upon opening, and they really look so beautiful together.

Other Stationery Items 

Riley and Michael also opted for thank you cards and welcome cards, both of which were designed to coordinate beautifully with the rest of the invitation suite.

A Festive Invitation Suite for an Elegant Winter Wedding

Riley and Michael’s wedding invitation suite is proof that you can embrace Christmas at your winter wedding without employing cutesy symbols like Santa and Rudolph (no offense, Mr. Claus!). It also shows the virtues of a simple, elegant invitation suite. You can keep things clean and classy, while still filling your wedding invitations with personality!