The approaching spring is often the time when the most invitations to summer weddings are sent out. It's also the busiest time for invitation makers. If you're still undecided about what kind of wedding invitation you want for your wedding, then read on and check out LĪGAVĀM 's roundup of invitation trends for the upcoming wedding season.

The revival of paper and clean lines

Wedding decorator who also designs wedding invitations, Dagnija Gaile / LOVE LETTERS indicates that various new materials have gained popularity in wedding invitation fashion this year, for example:

• hand cast paper;

• use of organic glass in the design of invitations;

• as well as mixing papers and textures.

"Not finely drawn invitations, but completely clean lines are becoming relevant. The use of calligraphy in invitation designs is still relevant, that is, handwritten text, where the calligraphy artist designs the names of the new couple in several writing styles, later transferring them electronically and including them in the layout.

On the other hand, the ready-made calligraphic fonts are exactly the ones that are rarely found in invitation trends at the moment, because mostly couples choose clean and classically shaped letters," says Dagnija Gaile.

Paper has certainly experienced a kind of "rebirth" in wedding invitations. Dagnija explains this by the fact that various new types of paper and color shades are increasingly available in Latvia as well.

"Right now washed out or dirty tones, grayish and bluish shades are relevant. This summer, pure colors will not be in fashion, not only in invitations, but also in floral and decoration trends," said Dagnia.

Speaking of colors, one of this year's TOP colors is definitely ultra violet ( ultra violet ), recognized as the color of 2018 by the Pantone color institute. However, the main color of 2017 - greenery or green will not disappear anywhere.

The ubiquitous minimalism

One of the biggest trends in paper invitations is austerity, straight lines and, in a sense, Scandinavian classics.

"I can say that currently every second couple wants austere invitations, where, for example, different symbols or floral motifs are no longer used, but by using different production technologies, it is achieved that the invitation radiates quality," says Dagnia Gaile.

If the floral motif and symbols are still used, then by applying geometric lines, figures and combining them according to the best minimalist traditions. Minimalism is definitely a trend that is being invoked all over the world when it comes to wedding decorations and invitations. Dagnia points out that minimalism is not characterized by how many objects are included, but by how these objects are connected, what forms are used, and how high-quality materials are used.

Watercolors are still in fashion

Another trend of this year's wedding season is the mix of different techniques and materials. Speaking of materials, for example, the once so popular lace is no longer on the list, but its place has been taken by organic glass or wood, which would be especially suitable for a French-style wedding.

"The new trends in digital technology allow the invitation text to be printed on basically any material, and young couples try to use it as well.

Watercolors, which are scanned and later processed on a computer as the basis of an invitation, are also still relevant. Although their relevance has waned and they are being replaced by plain white, high-quality paper as a background for designs, young couples still choose watercolors as well,” explains Dagnia. A lot of emphasis is placed on handwork in invitation designs - it can be handwritten text, cast paper or, for example, the use of a herbarium. Also, sheets of paper are increasingly being torn rather than, for example, precisely cut.

Various mixtures of metallic materials, glitter and various bright, metallic details will also not go out of fashion this year. It's an elegant way to design an invitation and make the wedding feel glamorous.

Photo: AGNETA JONEL, LINDA LAUVA , MICK SCHEL