15 Wedding Invitation Trends for 2026

Looking for the latest in wedding invitation trends? Look no further. I am a professional stationery designer and wedding blogger so staying on top of and ahead of the trends in all things paper is part of my job. I got into stationery design because I loved traditional paper-making techniques, creating unique and personal stationery and the long lost art of sending love in the mail. Here’s an update to my popular post on wedding invitation trends for 2025, with brand new trends as we wrap up the 2025 wedding season and head into 2026. (And if you’re curious about previous trends, check out our post on wedding invitation trends from 2024 as well.)

My knowledge of trends is based on my personal experience with couples as we work through save the dates and invitations for 2026 weddings, conversations with luxury wedding planners at industry events like Engage!, and research into everything from bridal fashion trends to reports from industry leaders like Minted, The Knot, Etsy, and Pinterest. I also closely watch what the leaders and trend setters in the stationery world are creating for their clients.

Here are the top wedding invitation trends for 2026 and some trends that are sticking around from last year:

The top 15 wedding invitation trends for 2026 are bows, Taylor Swift orange, sculpted emboss, digital invitations, stripes, fruit and vegetable inspiration, watercolor crests, maximum personalization, siren-coded, rich brown, destination-inspired, unique shapes, rococo revival, cherry-coded, and old money.

These trends reflect a fascinating mix of nostalgic elegance, bold personal expression, and technological evolution. Let’s dive into what each of these trends look like for wedding stationery.

1. Bows

Bows continue to dominate wedding stationery in 2026, evolving from the trend that captivated us throughout 2025. We just can’t seem to get enough bows everywhere – from bridal fashion to home decor to invitations. For Bridal Fashion Week 2025, several designers featured both larger-than-life statement bows and delicate all-over bow details in their collections, and this trend continues to translate beautifully to invitations.

From using a big bow to tie your full suite together to incorporating it as a statement piece, a well-chosen bow instantly elevates any invitation. However, be mindful when mailing large bows as they require extra postage or need to be tied with a flat knot to mail properly without damage. Check out our ultimate mailing guide for more tips about working within post office guidelines.

Pro tips for choosing the best bow materials:

• Use finer materials like silk or velvet for a luxurious look
• Try frayed chiffon for a more rustic, organic feel
• Remember that tiny bows are equally on-trend – not every bow needs to be oversized
• Consider incorporating bows into my vellum wraps for an elegant layered effect

The evolution for 2026 includes more dramatic interpretations and crossovers with other trends, like Taylor Swift orange ribbon, striped patterns, or even bow-shaped die cuts that coordinate with other invitation elements.

2. Taylor Swift Orange

The vibrant orange associated with Taylor Swift’s recent era has officially made its mark on wedding invitations, as I detailed in my comprehensive guide to incorporating Taylor Swift orange into weddings.

For wedding invitations specifically, orange works beautifully as an accent color. It can be incorporated through envelope choices, wax seals, and ribbon details. The key is treating it as part of a sophisticated color palette rather than an obvious fan tribute. Think sunset-inspired combinations with coral and gold, or citrus themes with yellow and pink accents.

Here are some ideas how to incorporate Taylor Swift orange in invitations:

• Bright orange envelopes create immediate impact when guests receive their mail
• Orange envelope liners provide a beautiful surprise inside classic white envelopes
• Orange wax seals add luxury touches while nodding to the trend
• Silk ribbon in orange tones can tie together multi-piece suites

The most successful applications feel intentional and beautiful rather than theme-like, creating “Easter egg” moments for fellow Swifties while ensuring all guests appreciate the sophisticated color choice.

3. Sculpted Embossing

Sculpted embossing continues to gain momentum as stationery designers seek techniques that create texture and dimension. This advanced printing technique involves creating two plates for embossing and debossing, with paper heated and pressed between them to create three-dimensional images.

What makes sculpted embossing particularly appealing is its ability to create dramatic texture without requiring ink. The technique has become more accessible recently as dies have become cheaper to make and more widely available, though it still requires professional expertise to execute properly.

Why couples are choosing sculpted emboss:

• Creates stunning white-on-white textural contrast
• Adds luxury without relying on color
• Photographs beautifully with dramatic shadows and highlights
• Works perfectly with monochrome and classic aesthetics
• Impossible to replicate with DIY methods

4. Digital Invitations

Perhaps the most surprising trend emerging for 2026 is the embrace of digital invitations by luxury couples. At Engage! this year in Amelia Island, Florida, numerous luxury wedding planners shared that their high-end clients are increasingly moving away from physical invitations while doubling down on spectacular day-of stationery instead.

When you think about the guest lists for ultra luxury events, it makes total sense why they might turn to digital evites over paper invitations.

Why luxury couples are choosing digital:

• International guest lists make physical mailing complex and slow
• High-profile guests often have assistants who manage their mail, meaning they won’t even see the invitations
• Environmental consciousness among affluent couples
• Ability to include interactive elements like embedded videos or music
• Instant delivery eliminates postal delays
• Easy RSVP tracking and guest management

This shift doesn’t mean couples are sacrificing elegance – digital invitations can be beautifully designed with animation, custom illustrations, and sophisticated typography. The budget previously allocated to printing and mailing gets redirected to stunning day-of stationery that creates maximum impact during the actual celebration.

The luxury digital approach key elements:

• Custom-designed digital suites with brand cohesion
• Interactive elements that enhance rather than distract
• Professional video enhance invitations for VIP celebrations
• Invites with physical gifts for VIP guests or family members might still go out
• Big emphasis on custom wedding websites

As this becomes more and more popular and accepted among the elite set, I can see the trend trickling down more and more couples getting married who want to save money and paper by sending digital invites.

5. Stripes

Bold, graphic stripes are making a major statement in 2026 wedding invitations. This trend draws inspiration from both preppy boarding school vibes and the pickle ball trend, creating invitations that feel fresh and contemporary while maintaining classic appeal.

Consider striped envelope liners, border details, or as background elements that complement your main design elements.

Here are some key ways to incorporate stripes into your wedding invitations:

• Thin pinstripes in metallic foil for subtle sophistication
• Bold green and white stripes for pickleball vibes
• Squiggly or doodle stripes for a hand drawn Italian coast effect
• Hand-painted watercolor stripes for organic, artistic appeal
• Diagonal stripes for dynamic, modern energy

The key is choosing stripe width and color combinations that enhance your overall aesthetic. Fine stripes read as sophisticated and classic, while bold stripes tend to make more dramatic statements.

6. Fruit and Vegetable Inspiration

Moving beyond traditional florals, couples are embracing fruit and vegetable motifs that feel fresh, unexpected, and delightfully personal. This trend works particularly well for couples planning garden parties, farm-to-table receptions, or destination weddings in agricultural regions.

This trend originated from the famous haute event designer David Stark Design. He is well known for executing dramatic celebrity and luxury brand events featuring decor made of things like loaves of bread or yellow squash. I saw him present at Engage! in December at Amelia Island and he was truly inspiring with his creativity and detailed execution. Naturally, other planners and designers have been inspired by his work. And couples have started saving photos from his over-the-top events to their inspiration boards ever since.

David Stark’s styling might be out of reach for the average couple, but there are ways to ask your planner and florist team to incorporate fruit and veggies into your decor or to attempt some DIY. I will caution anyone going the DIY route that this looks simpler to execute than it actually is. Getting the freshest, best looking produce available, can be hard to source unless you know a good farmer’s market or produce supplier. And you’ll need a lot more fruits and veggies than you realize to make it look right. Then you’ll need to be an expert food stylist and have a budget for all of that produce plus styling props. It’s not as simple as placing a few tomatoes in the middle of the table if you want it to look truly intentional and amazing, instead of sad and weird.

When it comes to stationery, the best way to accomplish this trend is with artwork. A lot of couples are having watercolor or other painted representations of the produce show up on their invitations and stationery.

Here are some popular fruit and vegetable motifs we’re seeing these days:

• Lemons and oranges for Mediterranean-inspired celebrations
• Cherries or strawberries for summer weddings
• Pears and apples for autumn celebrations
• Tomatoes and herbs, or olives for Italian-inspired events
• Artichokes and other vegetables for unique, artistic appeal

The vibe lies in the execution – watercolor illustrations feel elegant and artistic, hand drawn doodles give more of a laid back European feel, while botanical-style line drawings create vintage appeal. We have some of these motifs already featured in our semi-custom invitation designs for you to choose from.

7. Watercolor Crests

Custom watercolor crests are still incredibly popular as couples seek ways to customize their invitations and stationery with a unique personality-infused piece of artwork. Unlike traditional heraldic crests that can feel stuffy or pretentious, watercolor versions feel personal and can incorporate your favorite hobbies, interests, or details from your love story.

For example, I once worked on a crest for a couple who met on Bumble where we made the crest into the shape of a yellow honeycomb. It was a subtle detail that most guests wouldn’t notice or understand the significance of, but for the couple and a few friends in-the-know it was a delightful Easter Egg to uncover and represented their love story beginnings.

Modern watercolor crest elements:

• Initials or monograms as central elements
• Meaningful symbols like your pets, hobbies, or shared interests
• Venue illustrations incorporated into crest designs
• Floral elements that tie to your wedding flowers
• Geographic elements representing your hometowns or where you met

These crests work beautifully across your entire stationery suite – from invitations to programs to thank you cards. The watercolor technique keeps them from feeling too formal while creating a cohesive brand for your entire celebration.

Before we continue, if you’re not sure what stationery you need for your big day, check out this free wedding stationery checklist.

8. Maximum Personalization

The trend toward maximum personalization goes far beyond adding your names to a template. Couples are expecting more and more that invitation suites are tailored to them and that they have the ability to tell their love stories or reflect their personalities through custom illustrations, personal symbols, and meaningful details that make each piece uniquely theirs. No one wants anything cookie cutter.

Here are some elements of maximum personalization we’re seeing couples incorporate:

• Custom venue illustrations showing your ceremony or reception location
• Pet portraits incorporated into the invitation crest
• Maps showing your favorite things to do in the area for your guests
• Custom patterns inspired by meaningful textiles or locations
• Timeline illustrations showing your relationship milestones

This level of personalization requires working with skilled designers who can translate your story into beautiful, cohesive artwork. The result is an invitation suite that becomes a cherished keepsake rather than simply an informational piece.

9. Siren-Coded

Beach weddings have always been popular. And we’re seeing couples embrace the sea by incorporating ocean motifs over and over again, choosing romantic siren-coded iconography and themes. This trend embraces oceanic elements, iridescent textures, and shimmering soft colors that feel both mythical and elegant.

Some of our favorite siren-coded invitation elements we’re seeing couples choose:

• Iridescent foils or papers that shift color in different lighting
• Pearls and shells incorporated into the design literally or to add texture
• Flowing, organic shapes that mimic water movement
• Sea glass and ocean-inspired color palettes
• Oyster, lobster, and other coastal artwork
• Translucent vellum overlays that create subtle depth

The key is executing these elements with sophistication and softer, romantic colors so it doesn’t look like a kid’s birthday party. Stay away from glitter and bold colors, and lean towards iridescent shimmers and pastels instead. If Hailey Bieber would paint her nails in the color palette then you’re on the right track. Nod to oceanic themes using more realistic, vintage, or custom artwork rather than leveraging clip art. Choose details that feel ethereal and romantic rather than costume-like.

10. Rich Brown

Inspired by the Pantone color of the year, rich, chocolate brown is continuing as a sophisticated neutral of 2026. This warm, mahogany tone pairs beautifully with both bold accents and subtle complementary colors. Think vintage Dad library or professor vibes. I particularly like the color for fall weddings paired with orange and cream tones. But it also works for spring paired with blush and ivory.

Here are some rich brown applications for your wedding invitations:

• A chocolate brown inner envelope with white calligraphy
• Foil stamping in bronze and copper tones
• Brown ink for a softer alternative to black
• Brown velvet backing for added texture
• Leather or suede cord to tie your suite pieces together or as an enclosure for your menus

Brown works particularly well for rustic or estate venues. It photographs beautifully and creates sophisticated contrast with white, cream and lighter colors. Think of it as an inspired new twist on black and white minimalist to do brown and white instead.

11. Destination-Inspired

Destination weddings are in full swing these days. And couples love to get their guests excited for the trip with invitations and stationery that captures the spirit of the wedding destination. This trend was how Cotton and Bow was born! I couldn’t quite find the right invitations to capture the beauty of my upstate New York wedding venue location when I was planning my own wedding so I created my very first wedding invitations. From there, I caught the design bug and continued to create invitations inspired by couple’s wedding destinations ever since.

Rather than generic tropical or European themes, couples are commissioning detailed illustrations and elements that capture the unique spirit of their chosen locations.

Here are some of the ways we work destination-specific elements into our designs:

• Detailed architectural illustrations of your venue
• Local flora and fauna rendered in watercolor
• Maps showing your favorite things to do in the area for guests to explore
• Shapes and patterns influenced by the location
• Textures and materials inspired by the venue or destination
• Custom watercolor artwork and motifs
• Color palettes inspired by the region’s natural aesthetics

This trend works beautifully with my semi-custom Venue collection, where I create invitation suites that feature your wedding venue or destination. Plus you receive an original watercolor painting as a lifelong keepsake!

12. Unique Shapes

The evolution of unique shapes continues into 2026 with even more creative die-cutting options. Stationery designers are pushing boundaries to create shapes that would be incredibly difficult to achieve with DIY methods, differentiating professional design from template-based options.

Here are some new shape trends I’m seeing for 2026:

• Custom shapes that follow the lines of the original artwork
• Intricate laser cut floral wraps and gate folds
• Custom shapes that reflect the destination or personal interests – e.g. a state outline or the shape of a boat
• Layered shapes that create multi-dimensional effects
• Custom envelope pockets where invitations slide out from within, or with windows to see the design peek through

The key is choosing shapes that enhance rather than distract from the overall design concept. The most successful applications feel intentional and meaningful.

13. Rococo Revival

The Rococo trend that emerged in 2025 continues to evolve, with couples embracing the dramatic flamboyance, curved asymmetric ornamentation, and romantic drama of this 18th-century French aesthetic. The 2026 evolution includes lighter, more whimsical interpretations that feel fresh rather than heavy.

As a reminder, here are the elements we’re seeing that reflect the Rococo trend:

• Curved, asymmetrical invitation shapes
• Sculptural embossing with ornate details
• Custom heraldic crests and decorative borders
• Handmade paper with deckled edges
• Gilding and metallic accents
• Pastel color palettes rather than dark, heavy tones

This trend works particularly well for formal venues like castles, historic estates, or elegant ballrooms. The key is balancing ornate details with modern sensibilities to avoid feeling like a masquerade ball.

14. Cherry-Coded

Separate from the fruit and vegetable trend, cherry is having its own moment in 2025 and 2026 weddings. This trend embraces both the visual appeal of cherries and their bold, rich red hue. We’re seeing couples incorporate a pop of red into their black and white minimalist aesthetic from wedding decor to attire to invitations and stationery.

And the cherry trend isn’t limited to weddings. Cherry red is popping in everything – fashion, make up, home decor, and more. Making this truly a trendy, statement color for the upcoming season.

I love the idea of adding a red envelope, red ribbon, cherry-colored wax seal, or bold, rich envelope liner to your otherwise, black and white modern invitation suites as a surprising use of color. It’s both bold and romantic.

15. Old Money

The Old Money aesthetic continues to influence high-end wedding invitations, offering couples a way to achieve timeless elegance that feels both classic and current. While a lot of the elements aren’t new – couples have forever loved traditional, classic details that give their weddings a timeless elegance – I think we’ll see it popping up a lot more as a trend this year in a bold contrast to the more whimsical, hand-drawn look. You’ll either be team whimsy, or team Old Money in style. The Rococo and sculptural embossing trends fit into this aesthetic nicely. So do the cherry-coded and rich brown color trends.

What’s Out for 2026

Some trends from 2025 and prior years are decidedly fading as we move into 2026:

Grand Millennial is continuing its decline with the generational shift in who’s getting married. Gen Z couples prefer more casual, authentic aesthetics over the polished, preppy style.

Acrylic invitations continue to decline in favor of organic materials like linen, handmade paper, and natural textures that feel more authentic and environmentally conscious.

Lacy laser cut pockets are completely out, replaced by clean, organic shapes and sophisticated die-cutting that feels intentional rather than decorative for decoration’s sake.

The Future of Wedding Invitations

As we look toward 2026, wedding invitations are becoming more personal, more sophisticated, and more varied than ever before. The split between couples choosing digital solutions and those investing heavily in tangible, heirloom-quality pieces reflects broader trends in the cultural landscape. Whether you’re embracing new technology like AI, or rebelling and turning back to nature and the tactile, weddings give us all a chance for deeper human connection and long lasting memories.

The 2026 wedding invitation landscape reflects couples’ desires for both sophistication and authentic self-expression. From the continued popularity of bows, and the surprise emergence of Taylor Swift orange, these trends offer something for every couple’s vision and budget. The key is choosing elements that genuinely reflect your personalities and wedding aesthetic rather than trying to incorporate every trend. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic elegance of Rococo revival, the personal touch of watercolor crests, or the modern convenience of beautifully designed digital suites, 2026 offers unprecedented options for creating invitations that perfectly introduce your celebration to your guests.

Looking for more wedding stationery guidance? Check out these related articles:

How to Incorporate Taylor Swift Orange into Your Wedding,

Mail with Confidence: The Ultimate Wedding Postage Guide,

Are Custom Wedding Invitations Worth It?,

When to Send Out Wedding Invitations, and

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Letterpress Wedding Invitations.