The hand calligraphy on Elizabeth and Anthony’s invitation suite is swoon-worthy, but that’s not all these elegant invitations have going for them. This couple worked with our dear friends at Lee’s Paperie to create their dream invitations. From a custom envelope liner to an unexpected surprise on the reception card, see what makes these wedding invitations with hand calligraphy so stunning.

This chic and classic invitation suite is a customization of our Braxton design. They overall design of the invitation is similar to the inspiration with the difference being the use of black letterpress for all of the text. The Oliva hand by Nicole Black is graceful and elagently flows across the invitation, as well as the reply card and the reception card. The remaining text appears in a serif font that adds to the formality while complementing the curves and flourishes of the hand calligraphy.

The blind emboss double line border provides a subtle yet refined look. Embossing creates a raised impression and smoothes the texture of our decadent cotton paper. The crispness of the border plays off the pillowy texture of the paper.

The envelope liner features the couple’s first initials hand calligraphed, creating a charming monogram. The monogram is digitally printed in white ink on black stock, the reverse of the printing on every other piece in the suite, which features black ink on white stock.

The reception card is unique because it was printed as two cards, a front and a backer, which were then mounted or duplexed together. The back of the reception card bears a geometric harlequin pattern that is playful yet befitting a black-tie affair.

These wedding invitations with hand calligraphy were a joy to work on. We wish the best to Elizabeth and Anthony, and thank you to Lee’s Paperie for bringing this job to us. Do you have visions of hand calligraphy or back patterned suite cards? Reach out to share your ideas or work with one of our dealers to receive expert assistance bringing your ideas to life.

These extravagant custom letterpress invitations with velvet backers and liners are absolutely stunning. We worked with our friends at Walnut Square Gifts and Stationery to create these custom invitations for The Mystic Crewe of Zeus, a community organization, and the oldest Mardi Gras krewe in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Invitation

• letterpress ink: ganache (front) / ganache (back)
• fonts: daughter script
• paper: bella smooth cotton ivory 2-ply (front) / bella velvet cocoa (back)
• card size: f-9
• liner: eris pattern in gold matte foil on bella velvet cocoa
• envelope: ivory text pointed flap
• envelope addressing: ganache letterpress on the back
• finishing: duplex front and back
• job: 74935

These cards feature our lavish 2-ply Bella smooth cotton paper in ivory. The front is adhered or duplexed to a velvet backer, creating a decadent 3-ply card. Both sides of the card feature letterpress printing in our ganache ink. The front features text in a sweeping script font, while the back of the card bears a custom crest in honor of Zeus LXXXIV, a member of The Mystic Crewe of Zeus. Velvet is luxurious, providing a tactile element to the card, and it also holds a crisp letterpress impression. The tonal look created by ganache ink on cocoa velvet is subtle but still very impactful.

The liner perfectly exemplifies a regal aesthetic with gold matte foil stamping on our Bella velvet in cocoa. Using cocoa velvet for the card backer and the envelope liner creates consistency. Gold matte foil in the Eris pattern is both stately and grand.

These letterpress invitations with velvet backers are traditional yet very on trend. It was an honor to create these custom-designed cards. If you need an invitation for an upcoming event or want to feature a velvet backer or a foil-stamped velvet liner on your invitation, we can make that happen. Locate one of our dealers to see samples and swatches and receive expert guidance.

These lovely bucolic wedding invitations set the perfect tone for a fall wedding in Vermont. Olivia and Andrew worked with our dear friend Staci of Sincerely Staci to create their letterpress wedding invitations, which feature a colorful belly band and a stunning accordion fold details card.

Invitation

• letterpress ink: goldenrod
• fonts: ivy ora + mr eaves mod
• papers: bella smooth cotton white 2-ply
• card size: f-8 (8.19” x 6.19”)
• envelope liner: spruce text (no printing)
• envelope: white text
• envelope addressing: spruce digital on the front and the back
• job: 76505

Belly Band

• digital: cmyk
• papers: 40# vellum
• card size: f-8 vertical tall belly band (1.75” x 17.11” open, 1.75” x 8.24” closed)
• finishing: assemble with the invitation
• job: 76505

The inspiration behind these invitations is our Sedna design. The couple chose to maintain the invitation layout and keep the same fonts, but then they got creative. While they kept the belly band, they swapped out the Art Deco shell pattern of the inspiration design for artwork depicting a nature scene. The belly band secures all the cards in the suite when in the envelope. In this instance, it also introduces vibrant pastoral artwork. When wrapped around the invitation, the belly band also covers a part of the invitation that is void of printing. This attention to detail allows the pieces to complement one another.

The details card is equally stunning. This 6-panel accordion fold card features the full rundown of events during the wedding weekend. Everything from the Friday golf outing through Sunday brunch is represented on a panel. Each panel features artwork or a motif from our design library, with a hand-drawn look that coordinates with the custom artwork on the first panel. The final panel provides reply details, allowing this piece to serve as both a details card and an RSVP card.

Details Card

• letterpress ink: spruce
• digital: cmyk
• fonts: ivy ora + mr eaves mod
• papers: bella smooth cotton white 1-ply
• card size: 6-panel accordion fold – 16.25” in x 4.75” flat; 2.71” x 4.75” folded
• job: 76505

The rehearsal dinner invitation takes a much more simplified approach, while still coordinating with the other pieces. Spruce letterpress printing matches the envelope liner, while a digitally printed wedding band motif serves as the only adornment. This card is understated and charming.

Rehearsal Dinner Invitation

• letterpress ink: spruce
• digital: cmyk
• fonts: ivy ora + mr eaves mod
• papers: bella smooth cotton white 1-ply
• card size: a-5
• job: 76505

Olivia and Andrew started with an inspiration design but completely made it their own, designing lovely letterpress wedding invitations that perfectly represented their wedding weekend. Work with one of our dealers to create the wedding stationery of your dreams. Whether you want an artful belly band or an informative and stylish details card, or anything else, our dealers are experts who can guide you through the design process.

Elevated beach charm makes this invitation, featuring a blind emboss on handmade paper along with dreamy velvet accents, a beautiful wedding suite. The bride and groom, Madelene and David, selected our Toussaint design and worked with our dear friend Jessica at Rock Paper Scissors in Tennessee. Some subtle yet impactful design choices made this invitation the perfect fit for a wedding on the sandy shores of St. George Island, Florida.

Belly Band

• papers: bella velvet camel
• card size: f-8 vertical belly band (1.75 x 13.25 open, 1.75 x 6.24 closed)
• finishing: apply peel-and-stick adhesive
• job: 73783

Adding a liner to an inner envelope ensures guests can enjoy the design of the liner. Traditionally, the outer envelope is sealed, and the inner envelope is left unsealed. The outer envelope will be cut or torn when opened, leaving the inner envelope liner intact and in perfect condition.

Details Card

• letterpress ink: camel
• fonts:
• papers: bella cotton white 1-ply
• card size: a-6
• job: 73783

The details card is entirely original and drastically changes course from the inspiration suite. Detailed fish artwork adorns the card. A fish motif from the details card appears near the bottom of the invitation, creating consistency between the two cards.

This couple did an amazing job of designing wedding invitations that are elegant, while still maintaining a beachy vibe. Best of luck to Madelene and David! Are you thinking about blind emboss on handmade paper or decadent velvet accents? Locate one of our dealers, and they can help turn your vision into the perfect invitations for your wedding.

Everything about these stylish anniversary party invitations is timeless and elegant, from the die-cut shape to the combination of letterpress printing and foil stamping, and the foil-stamped envelope liner. We had the pleasure of working with our friend Lisa from Mark Harris Stationers to create these lovely die cut anniversary party invitations celebrating Robert and Marilyn.

Our Bella cotton paper is plush yet firm and holds a deep impression. Gold matte foil stamping creates a border that mimics the shape of our Franklin die-cut, accentuating the die-cut shape. Robert and Marilyn’s names appear in a script font that is formal yet still has a contemporary edge. The font’s flourishes add drama and contrast against the straight lines of the foil-stamped border.

Invitation

• letterpress ink: pewter
• foil stamping: gold matte
• fonts: velvet hammer, antique regular, garamond
• paper: bella cotton white 2-ply
• card size: a-6
• die cut style: franklin
• die cut shape: BF-49
• liner: marseille pattern in gold matte foil on light gray text
• envelope: white text pointed flap
• envelope addressing: pewter digital on the front and pewter letterpress on the back
• job: 72325

The envelope liner features gold matte foil stamping on our light gray text, which beautifully coordinates with the pewter letterpress printing on the invitation.

It was a pleasure to create these custom die cut anniversary party invitations. Do you need invitations for an upcoming milestone celebration? Or are you interested in selecting the perfect die-cut shape or fonts for your design? Work with one of our dealers to receive tips and expert guidance on creating your custom invitations.

We created a custom pattern just for these NYC-inspired letterpress wedding invitations. The pattern appears on two of the cards in the suite and makes a charming envelope liner. The couple, Colby and Matt, worked with our Bella Figura NYC store, and we are so happy they did.

Invitation

• letterpress ink: french blue + cherry blossom + acadia
• fonts: wordless script + 1769 display + argent cf
• papers: bella smooth cotton white 2-ply
• card size: f-8
• ribbon: chiffon pink blush (customer supplied)
• envelope liner: custom pattern in french blue digital
• envelope: white text
• envelope addressing: carolina digital on the front and the back
• job: 77040

The three-color letterpress invitation is printed on our 2-ply Bella smooth cotton stock, so it holds a deep impression. The couple had the idea for the custom pattern, and we brought their vision to life. Individual motifs representing iconic images from NYC were placed together, creating the pattern. A border appears in acadia letterpress ink, between the pattern in French blue and the text in cherry blossom ink. This border is reminiscent of the Greek Revival architecture of the venue, the Cipriani Wall Street.

The reply card is letterpress printed in cherry blossom ink and features a delicate floral border. The ink color coordinates with the ribbon tied around the invitation.

Reply Card

• letterpress ink: cherry blossom
• fonts: wordless script + 1769 display + argent cf
• papers: bella smooth cotton white 2-ply
• card size: a-5
• envelope: white text
• envelope addressing: acadia digital on the front
• job: 77040

The welcome party card closely mimics the design of the invitation. The same NYC-inspired custom pattern appears, but a thick, solid line border separates the pattern from the text.

Welcome Party Card

• letterpress ink: acadia
• fonts: wordless script + 1769 display + argent cf
• papers: bella smooth cotton white 2-ply
• card size: a-2
• job: 77040

These custom NYC-inspired letterpress wedding invitations are both playful and formal, and one-of-a-kind. It was a pleasure to work with Colby and Matt, and we’re so happy to have turned their idea into a reality. Are you thinking about a custom pattern for your wedding invitations? Reach out, and we’ll be happy to help.

Christine and Sean’s wedding invitations are lovely and formal, and include many personal details that are special to the couple and their wedding. A soft color palette and a beautiful and functional back pocket elevate the design of these custom invitations. The couple worked with our dear friend Bridget of Wynwood Letterpress to create their wedding invitations.

The custom crest at the top of the invitation features the initial ‘B’ for the couple’s last name. The remaining sections of the crest contain different motifs representing activities from the weekend, including a golf ball on a tee, a boat anchor, and a pickleball paddle. This crest is fun and playful, and makes the invitation more personal. The traditional layout of the text, along with the stately fonts, establishes a more formal tone. The velvet liner is luxurious and introduces a soft texture.

A pocket adhered to the back of the invitation provides a spot to secure the additional cards in the suite. A digitally printed lake scene on the pocket panel is a nod to the location of the nuptials, The Sagamore Resort.

The weekend events card features our spruce paper, which matches the letterpress ink from the invitation. The standout detail of this card is the illustration of the couple’s beloved dog, who happens to be holding a banner with the couple’s initials. This is another charming detail that makes the suite feel personal and helps set the tone for the formal yet intimate weekend.

The boat cruise invitation features spruce letterpress printing on our Bella Smooth Cotton white 1-ply paper. This card is unique because it features reverse printing. Instead of printing the text and leaving the rest of the card unprinted, the printing area is the entire card, except for the text and artwork. The text and artwork are the unprinted parts of the paper. When letterpress printing covers a large area, it creates an almost translucent, textured look. Utilizing this design technique distinguishes this card from the other pieces in the suite, while still maintaining a consistent appearance and theme.

Christine and Sean did an excellent job of balancing their fun personalities with formal invitations, creating something lovely and sentimental while still being traditional and elegant. Are you thinking about a custom crest, a venue-inspired back pocket, or a darling illustration of your pet? Work with one of our dealers to see ink and paper swatches, samples, and receive expert guidance in designing your dream wedding invitations.

This darling baby shower invitation has a fun die-cut design and a custom envelope with an on-theme liner. Our dear friend Shayne, of Ink Papery, came to us with this charming design, and we can’t wait for you to see it.

Invitation

• letterpress ink: navy
• fonts: eternal blossom + california oranges
• papers: sky 1-ply (front) duplexed to dark blue (back)
• card size: a-7
• card die cut shape: cd-591
• custom converted envelope: sky text
• envelope die cut style: e-401
• envelope printing: rosalie pattern in navy + powder blue (interior) + navy (addressing)
• job: 76246

The inspiration behind this baby shower invitation is our Rosalie wedding design. While the baby shower invite has a lot of similarities to the inspiration design, swapping the colors and artwork made it perfect for a baby shower. Navy letterpress printing on our sky paper is perfect for a mom-to-be welcoming a baby boy. The whimsical die-cut shape is both fun and playful, and the printing along the edge emphasizes its unique shape. 

This invitation features a custom converted envelope, meaning it was custom-made in our shop to coordinate with the card perfectly. The envelope features text-weight stock in sky and digital printing in navy, as well as powder blue, so the colors match the paper and ink of the card. The scallop edge of the flap mimics the die-cut edge of the card for a cohesive appearance. The inspiration design envelope liner was reimagined using our wide selection of motifs to create a pattern that fits the theme and design. 

Are you interested in a charming baby shower invitation, birth announcement, or custom converted envelopes? We can help bring your vision to life, or you can reach out to one of our dealers for expert tips and guidance, creating your custom invitations and more!

This invitation is traditional and formal, while the auxiliary pieces add a Southwest charm, making it unique, personal, and fun. Margaret and Trey worked with our dear friend, Kristyn of Oliver’s Twist, to customize our Elide design. The result perfectly captures the spirit of the festivities.

Invitation

• letterpress ink: spruce
• fonts: miller display + wordless script
• paper: bella smooth cotton white 2-ply
• card size: f-8
• die cut shape: winston
• bevel edge: 45°
• edge paint: spruce
• envelope: almond text
• envelope addressing: spruce digital on the front and the back
• job: 73385

The invitation is die cut into our Winston shape, which is sophisticated and formal. The edges are then beveled at 45° and edge-painted in spruce, perfectly coordinating with the letterpress ink used for the text. Adding edge painting highlights the bevel. The couple liked the look of the inspiration design, but opted for a different script font, selecting Wordless Script, which is still formal but more subdued and laidback than the script font from the inspiration design.

Reply Card

• letterpress ink: spruce
• fonts: miller display + wordless script
• paper: bella smooth cotton white 1-ply
• card size: a-5
• envelope: almond text
• envelope addressing: spruce digital on the front
• job: 73385

Insert Card

• letterpress ink: spruce
• deboss: blind
• fonts: miller display + wordless script
• paper: 130# cover spice nude 1-ply (customer supplied)
• card size: 4.41” x 4.96”
• die cut shape: CD-564
• job: 73385

The additional cards in this suite diverge from the inspiration. The reply card has a geometric Southwest-inspired border that resembles woven fabric. The insert card is die-cut into the shape of a cowboy boot, which is fitting given that the card includes details of the welcome party, held at the Scottsdale Museum of the West. Blind deboss, or letterpress printing without ink, replicates the look of stitching on the boot, adding detail and dimension.

These Southwest inspired letterpress wedding invitations are lovely, and it was a joy to work on them. As always, it is a delight to work with Oliver’s Twist, and we wish the best to Margaret and Trey. We strive to offer a wide selection of designs to suit different looks and styles, and this invitation is an excellent example of how our designs can be reimagined and customized into a completely different aesthetic. Are you trying to figure out how to introduce a regional feel into your invitations? Or are you interested in using fun die-cut cards for additional pieces? Locate one of our dealers to help you create your dream invitations.

Social stationery or personalized stationery is gaining popularity, and for good reason. A heartfelt handwritten note perfectly conveys your sentiment, allowing you to connect with the recipient. Custom stationery has long been the standard for weddings, and many people are realizing the benefit of keeping personalized stationery on hand.

We recently released 20 brand new social stationery suites as part of our mid-year release. We also added new envelope liner patterns and a Monarch envelope! Learn more about the inspiration behind these new designs.

All social stationery orders receive a 20% discount off retail pricing. Social stationery pieces include flat and folded notes, calling cards, lettersheets, and gift tags.

Social Stationery Etiquette

1. Choosing the Right Stationery:

• Formal vs. Informal:
  Formal stationery is generally used for more professional or significant occasions, while informal stationery is suitable for casual notes to friends and family. 
• Personalization:
  Consider whether to use your full name, initials, or a monogram on your stationery. 
• Style:
  Choose stationery that reflects your personal style and the tone of your message. You can opt for embossed stationery, colored paper, or more modern designs. 
• Ink Color:
  Black or dark blue ink is considered more formal, while other colors can be used for casual notes. 

2. Considering the Recipient:

• Relationship:
  If you’re writing to someone you’re on a first-name basis with, you might choose a more casual style. 
• Professional or Formal:
  When addressing professionals or people you’re less familiar with, using formal stationery and titles (if appropriate) is important. 

3. Word Choice and Tone:

• Formal:
  For formal occasions, use proper titles, formal greetings (e.g., “Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name”), and a more formal tone. 
• Informal:
  For casual notes, you can use nicknames, casual greetings (e.g., “Hi”), and a more relaxed tone. 
• Spelling:
  Always spell out words in full when writing to someone of a higher social standing. 
• Avoid Abbreviations:
  Avoid abbreviations unless they are common and easily understood. 

4. Examples of Social Stationery Use:

• Thank You Notes: Always send a thank you note for gifts, hospitality, or other acts of kindness. 
• Invitations: Use formal or informal stationery depending on the type of event (e.g., formal wedding invitation vs. casual birthday party invitation). 
• Condolence Notes: Use a formal and compassionate tone when sending a condolence note. 
• Birthday Notes: Use informal stationery and a cheerful tone when sending a birthday note. 

5. Etiquette Considerations:

• Handwriting:
  Always write thank you notes and other personal notes by hand. 
• Timing:
  Send thank you notes promptly, ideally within a week or two of receiving a gift. Address:
  It’s generally considered polite to hand-address envelopes, especially for formal occasions. 

6. Where to Write Your Message:

Flat notes should be handwritten on one side only. Folded notes, often referred to as informals, should be written on the inside only, but it is appropriate, if you need more space, to write on the top inside of the card rather than the back.

Create Your Own Social Stationery

Check out our social stationery designs. Like all of our designs, the social stationery designs are customizable. You can change the fonts, paper, printing methods, colors, envelope liner, and more to create something unique, or you can create your very own stationery design. Contact us to learn more and create your social stationery.

We recently released our first-ever social stationery collection, and we’re excited to share with you some of the inspiration behind this release. We wanted to elevate the look of the handwritten note with this collection. Stationery is an opportunity to let your personality shine through on paper and leave a lasting impression. 

So we tried to create stationery suites that could speak to lots of different styles. From modern and tailored designs like Julian and Anthony. To whimsical and wonderful designs like Georgina and Lauren. 

We paired together refined typography, elegant patterns, and bold die-cut shapes to create designs that will wow whoever receives them. But the customization options are endless, so we hope you can use these designs to inspire what is perfect for you! 

See all of these new designs in our Social Stationery Collection. Are you ready to create your own social cards? Contact us to create your very own custom note card, calling card, tag, or more! You can also work with one of our dealers to see samples, paper and ink swatches, and receive expert tips and guidance.

We recently caught up with Laura of Laura Damiano Designs and learned how she got her start in the industry, what inspires her to keep going each day, the best advice she ever received, and more!

Tell Us About Yourself and How You Got Into the Stationery Business

I’ve always been an artist at heart. Growing up, I was constantly drawing, coloring, and dreaming beyond the lines. What started as a childhood love for creativity quickly grew into a lifelong passion that shaped the first two decades of my life.

I began my journey in the stationery world purely out of a love for paper and typography. While working in corporate America, I had the opportunity to design all the stationery and signage for a wedding – and I instantly fell in love with everything and the process. Once people saw what I could do, they started reaching out for their own events. One thing led to another, and what began as a creative side hustle turned into a full-blown business. Fast forward, here I am 15 years later and still going strong! 

Where Do You Find Inspiration? 

I draw inspiration from everything around me. I’m always observing, absorbing, and creating in my head. I keep a notebook close to capture my thoughts – quick scribbles that often snowball into new ideas. One idea sparks the next, and before I know it, my imagination is exploding.

What is the Best Advice Anyone Has Ever Given You?

The best advice anyone has ever given me is to never be afraid to ask questions. To admit that you don’t know everything is not a weakness – it’s a strength. Because questions lead to answers, answers lead to growth, and growth allows us to adapt and conquer. Curiosity is not just the beginning of knowledge; it’s the beginning of transformation.

What Does a Typical Day in Your Life and Business Look Like?

As a single mom and business owner, my days are never short and never simple. But I refuse to let the busyness stop me. With organization, resilience, and moments of self-care, I create space for both responsibility and growth. Every day reminds me that strength is built in the balance.

What Can Couples Expect When They Work With You?

Couples can expect a truly personalized, one-on-one experience from start to finish. Every detail is carefully tailored to reflect their story, ensuring the design is completely unique to them. I never duplicate art. Each piece is intentionally crafted as a one-of-a-kind creation – never cookie-cutter.

More About Laura

Laura Damiano Designs is a multi-award-winning studio specializing in custom wedding invitations, event stationery, and brand design. Based in Westchester, New York, and serving clients throughout the Tri-State area and worldwide, Laura Damiano Designs offers bespoke creations that capture the unique stories and personalities behind life’s most meaningful moments and professional milestones.

Each piece is personally designed by me, Founder + Creative Director, Laura Damiano – ensuring a distinctive, handcrafted touch. From timeless elegance to bold modern styles, I bring limitless creativity to every project – carefully selecting colors, fonts, and design elements to reflect each client’s individual vision.