G
o ahead… embellish
In addition to an array of colors and color combinations, there are flourishes such as floral designs and trimmings of feathers and crystals. In terms of floral motifs, once-traditional tulips, roses and hydrangeas have evolved into snaking vines or an architectural styling of buds and petals, according to Grace. Embellishments of peacock and ostrich feathers or Swarovski crystals are also popular, as are ribbons, which add their own flair of color and can be customized with names or motifs. Other style statements include damask backings, layers of different colored paper, gilding, or embossed or beaded borders. “There’s a lot of interest in texture,” says Herzig.
P
aper pickings
As for what invitations can be printed on, papers with square or round corners are emerging and oversized cards are making a comeback. In fact, Herzig indicates thatWilliam Arthur has reintroduced a few products it discontinued several years ago. But once-popular paper styles aren’t the only things being recycled. Overall, there’s increased interest in eco-friendly products. William Arthur, for its part, offers bamboo paper and its regular papers are sourced entirely from sustainable forests. Meanwhile, Snail’s Pace, a new wedding line from Indiana-based Abbey Press, works almost exclusively with 100 percent post-consumer waste products and soy-based inks.While they don’t offer wedding invitations at this time, their line does offer bridal shower invitations, wedding congratulatory cards, scrapbook papers and gift bags. As far as designs and colors are concerned, product director and designer Ashley Verkamp says that ecofriendly products “have as much flexibility as traditional papers.” But while interest in going green is increasingly piqued these days, Grace says that many couples do stick with tradition by selecting a heavy paper stock.
Invitations this page:Wedding Paper Divas
62 Winter
2011
BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com