Oh, invitations—how I love and hate you all at the same time!
When I got engaged I thought I knew exactly what I wanted. Formal feeling with a hint of interest. I ordered a sample about 40 minutes after the the ring was on my finger:
Above images via Invited Ink on Etsy
While they are GORGEOUS and very well made, they just didn’t feel right. I started doing more research and realized there is a whole world of invitations out there—way more than what I initially wanted. I mean look at these—they’re embroidered, for pete’s sake!
Image via Rifle Paper Co.
Or how about these? They are a freaking record! They play a song!
I mean, how could the measly invites I was considering not look inadequate after seeing THAT video!? I started to panic—but then I realized that I needed to think about it like this: what do I want these invitations to say about our wedding? I definitely want a formal feel, since we will be having a black-tie-optional affair. But I don’t want them to be stuffy or boring; I want fun formal invitations, maybe with some floral details to match the garden-y feel of the wedding.
Here are the final three designs that are fighting for my love at the moment.
Option #1: Custom calligraphy—love the adorable little flowers!
Image via Angelique Ink on Etsy
Option #2: Trellis of flowers
Image via Wedding Paper Divas
Option #3: Wreath with the most adorable bow ever!!! (Have I mentioned yet that I love bows?)
Image via Minted / Design by Gakemi Art+Design
While I have samples of the first two options, the third one is not actually in production—it is currently in a contest to find new designs for Minted.com, and the public can vote for the designs they like the best. (Hint hint—GO VOTE NOW!)
I can’t decide which I like best! All three are adorable and get the message across that we are intending to send, but I don’t know which one should be OUR invitation! So, hive, do you have a preference? Which do you think fits our wedding and style the most?
Number 1 is nice and has a fun feel to it. Number 2 looks a little more formal but still not stuffy.
I also thought I knew exactly what I wanted for invitation – and thank goodness for samples because some were not the paper quality I wanted and expected.
“I ordered a sample about 40 minutes after the the ring was on my finger”
I ordered 4 and let them order the other sample and I don’t even have a ring yet, lol.
Definitely #1!!!!!!
I too love flowers and bows, and my favourite is the first one with the little flowers! So whimsical 
I personally like the third option, but I tend to like something with a little quirk to it. The flowers are charming.
I’m a HUGE fan of Minted and I’ve been voting for designs for a while.
If #3 goes into production, I vote for that! It is so pretty and interesting. #1 is back 2nd fave – I really like the font.
I LOVE Angelique Ink Calligraphy, I recognized it as soon as I saw the invitation! We almost used them for our name/address stamps, so I personally would pick that one!
#1 for sure
Mrs. Elk, City: Syracuse/Long Island Age and Occupation: 25, Medical Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Computer Engineer Engagement Date: November 22, 2010 Wedding Date: May 2012 Venue: The Old Field Club About Me: I’m a Long Island girl finishing my last year of medical school in western NY, on the road to becoming a pediatrician. When I’m not studying or sleeping at the hospital, I spend my free time watching bad TV (Vampire Diaries anyone?), playing with my pooch, singing incredibly off-key (to the annoyance of Mr. Elk ), and reading Harry Potter for the zillionth time. Mr. Elk and I are planning a secular wedding infused with both Irish and cultural Jewish traditions. Only a week after I become an M.D., I will get my Mrs. degree, too!
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