My participation with #DesignYourDreamInvites Challenge 2021

Karla Chew of Written Word Calligraphy initiated this new design challenge for calligraphers (or anyone) interested in making their move into the wedding invitation business.

I had been feeling in a rut in the past couple of months trying to work on custom orders. Weddings have been a business goal to venture into and this was a great opportunity to dip my feet into and see if I liked it.

For 3 days, Karla sent us an email and a Live video about the fictitious couple and wedding details. We had about less than a day to sketch ideas and post for the group. So many people joined and the ideas were all so different. It goes to show that one concept that have many variations.

I timeboxed myself to under 1 hour for each sketch/research. Karla was so good about doing all the moodboard and getting the colors ready for us. I loved how in-depth she went into the couples and we were able to ask questions for clarification. She’s so good!

Day 1: Natalie and Eric

This challenge was keeping it cozy and elegant but NOT RUSTIC, which was difficult since it was a “barn wedding”. Because the couple is initially from NYC area and I’m familiar with the scene, I saw the couple as someone I know from Brooklyn. They like city-life but also the nostalgia for the outdoors. So for this wedding, I kept everything pretty simple. I used old style illustration paired with toned down botanical leaves and string lights. I wanted something to mimic city life while in suburb/NY farm. This is a style I can definitely create!

Day 2: Garreth and Samantha

Challenge 2 was my favorite. It was over the top. I pushed myself out of my minimal comfort zone and thought of all these ideas for letterpress, wax seals, dance cards, love letter rehearsal notes, and a Baroque inspired box invitation with 3D butterfly model.

Day 3: Emery and Vikal

Challenge 3 was also quite fun. I included boarding pass inspired Save the Date and even RSVP cards. I loved using the textured pattern for background motifs. Also my first time including seeded paper into the design. Because of the location, I wanted to think of things that were eco-friendly and also not damaging to the local environment.

Final Result

Of the 3, the one I knew I could produce at home was Day 1: Natalie and Eric. I wrote the calligraphy and drew all the illustration on Procreate before laying everything out in InDesign. I used paper from Share Studios to print. The final touches were all the gouache painting and folding and writing on the envelope. The wax and the seal is from Fiona Ariva.