Botanical Wedding Invitation Suite

Project Overview

Clients: Claire & Thomas Martinez
Duration: 8 weeks
Role: Wedding Stationery Designer
Event: Garden wedding in Provence

Claire and Thomas were planning an intimate garden wedding at a château in Provence. They wanted their stationery to reflect the natural beauty of their venue while maintaining an elegant, timeless feel.

Design Inspiration

The couple's love story began in their shared garden, where Thomas proposed among the lavender bushes. This personal connection to botanicals became the foundation for the entire suite design.

Visual Elements

Hand-painted botanicals: Lavender, olive branches, and wild herbs native to Provence
Custom calligraphy: Modern script with classical influences
Watercolor backgrounds: Soft washes in sage, dusty rose, and cream
Gold foil accents: Subtle metallic touches for luxury

The Complete Suite

Main Invitation

A 5"×7" invitation featuring:

Hand-lettered couple names in custom calligraphy
Watercolor botanical border
French and English text versions
Subtle gold foil details

RSVP Card

Coordinating 4"×6" response card with:

Meal preference icons
Return address calligraphy
Matching botanical motifs

Details Card

Additional information card including:

Venue directions
Accommodation suggestions
Wedding website QR code
Timeline of events

Ceremony Program

Folded program featuring:

Order of service
Wedding party introductions
Family acknowledgments
Botanical illustrations throughout

Day-of Stationery

Table numbers (1-8)
Place cards
Menu cards
Thank you cards

Production Details

Paper Selection

Main invitation: 350gsm cotton cardstock in soft cream
Inserts: 250gsm matching paper
Envelopes: Euro flap in sage green with custom liner

Printing Techniques

Letterpress: Main invitation text
Digital printing: RSVP and detail cards
Hand-lettering: Envelope addressing
Gold foil stamping: Accent details

Custom Touches

Each suite was assembled by hand with:

Sage green silk ribbon
Wax seal with custom monogram
Tissue paper insert
Individual quality checking

Cultural Considerations

Since the couple wanted both French and English versions, I created two complete sets:

French suite: For local family and friends
English suite: For international guests
Consistent design language across both versions

Sustainability Approach

The couple was environmentally conscious, so we:

Used FSC-certified papers
Employed soy-based inks
Created digital RSVP options
Designed reusable elements (programs as keepsakes)

Timeline & Logistics

Week 1-2: Concept development and initial designs
Week 3-4: Revisions and finalization
Week 5-6: Production and printing
Week 7: Hand assembly and quality control
Week 8: Delivery and addressing

Results

The suite was incredibly well-received:

98% RSVP rate (unusually high!)
Multiple requests for vendor information from guests
Featured in Mariage Magazine
Lead to 5 additional wedding bookings

Client Testimonial

"Anna captured the essence of our love story and our special day perfectly. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, from the paper texture to the way the botanicals framed our names. Our guests still talk about how beautiful the invitations were, and we have them framed in our home as a reminder of that magical day."

— Claire Martinez, Bride