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Digital Wedding Invitations Are an Often Overlooked Way to Save Time, Cut Costs, and Unleash Your Creativity

March 5, 2025 | justine

Image by Ammata

From the perfect venue to a meaningful guest list, couples want each element to reflect their style and vision—and invitations are no exception. They set the tone for your big day, giving guests a first glimpse of what’s to come. While traditional paper invites have long been the norm, digital wedding invitations are becoming a popular choice for their convenience, creativity, and sustainability.

One of the biggest advantages of going digital is the flexibility to make your invitations uniquely yours. Video invitations, in particular, are a growing trend, allowing couples to bring their love story to life. Whether it’s clips from your engagement shoot, a heartfelt message, or a cinematic teaser of your big day, a video invite creates an emotional connection that a static design simply can’t. Plus, with built-in RSVP tracking and guest management tools, digital invitations do more than just impress—they make planning easier.

Common Misconceptions About Digital Invitations

Despite their growing popularity, some couples hesitate to go digital due to a few common myths. Let’s clear them up:

  • “Digital invitations aren’t elegant enough.” Today’s digital invites can be just as sophisticated as printed ones, featuring high-end designs, animations, and even luxurious typography.
  • “Older guests won’t know how to use them.” Most digital invitation platforms are user-friendly, and you can always send a direct link or even assist certain guests personally.
  • “They feel less personal.” A well-designed digital invite can be just as heartfelt—especially if you incorporate video messages, personalized notes, or interactive elements.
  • “Guests will miss the invite in their inbox.” Using platforms with RSVP tracking and automated reminders ensures your invite won’t go unnoticed.

 

The Benefits of Digital Wedding Invitations

Switching to digital invitations isn’t just about going paperless—it’s about saving time, cutting costs, and adding a personal touch. Here’s why more couples are making the switch:

  • Saves Money – Printing and postage costs add up quickly. Digital invites help cut expenses without sacrificing style.
  • Eco-Friendly Choice – A paperless option means less waste and a smaller environmental footprint.
  • Saves Time & Effort – No need for envelope-stuffing or last-minute post office runs—send invites in just a few clicks.
  • Easy to Track & Manage – Built-in RSVP tracking and guest list tools keep everything organized in one place.
  • Endless Creative Possibilities – Add animations, videos, or interactive elements to make your invitations truly one-of-a-kind.

 

Where to Find Stunning Digital Wedding Invitations

Choosing the right platform comes down to your style, budget, and what you need for your big day. Here are some top picks:

Lovebird

Lovebird is a wedding platform that helps couples keep everything in one place, from digital invitations and RSVP tracking to guest list management and meal selection. Instead of juggling multiple tools, you can handle all guest interactions in a single, streamlined space. It also includes features like gift registry integration and messaging, making communication easier for both you and your guests. No paper, no postage—just a simple way to stay organized while keeping everyone in the loop.

Image by Lovebird

Paperless Post

Offers elegant, polished designs with RSVP tracking and animation features, perfect for couples looking for a sophisticated touch. Their collection includes a mix of classic and contemporary styles, with options to customize or upload your own design. With built-in delivery tracking, RSVP collection, and guest messaging, Paperless Post makes sending and managing invitations effortless.

Image by Paperless Post

Evite

A budget-friendly option with easy-to-use templates, perfect for casual weddings and pre-wedding events. It keeps things simple—just import your contacts, send your invites, and get notified as guests RSVP or comment. You can also schedule reminders and even collect guest photos from the big day. For a more polished look, Evite Premium lets you customize with photos, embellishments, or your own design, all without ads. With both free and premium options, it’s a convenient choice for everything from the engagement party to the wedding day and beyond.

Image by Evite

Bliss & Bone

High-end, luxury digital invitations with a sleek, modern aesthetic—perfect for fashion-forward couples. Their designs mimic the look and feel of real paper with textured details and subtle shadows. Invitations are sent via email and link to a personalized event page, where guests can RSVP and access important details like maps, hotel info, and dress codes. Bliss & Bone also hosts wedding websites, making it easy to keep everything in one stylish place.

Image by Bliss & Bone

Greenvelope

An eco-conscious option with premium designs and event management tools, perfect for sustainability-minded couples. You can customize every detail, from colors and text to digital envelope liners, or upload your own design. With styles ranging from modern to vintage, there’s something for every aesthetic. Plus, a portion of each sale supports forest conservation efforts, making Greenvelope a great choice for couples looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Image by Greenvelope

Etsy

Offers unique, customizable digital templates from independent designers, making it a great option for couples who want a one-of-a-kind invitation. Most designs come as editable PDFs, allowing you to personalize the details and send them out yourself. While it requires more manual work, it gives you full control over customization and delivery. With a wide range of styles—from classic to rustic—Etsy is an affordable and creative choice for digital wedding invitations.

Image by Etsy. Shop this style here.

Beyond the Wedding Invitation: Digital Stationery for Every Milestone

Digital wedding stationery isn’t just for the main wedding invitation—couples are embracing paperless designs for every stage of their wedding journey. Whether you want to announce your engagement, keep guests informed, or express gratitude after the big day, digital options provide a stylish, convenient, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper.

  • Engagement Announcements – Let your friends and family in on the big news with a digital announcement. Whether it’s a quick message, a sweet photo, or even a short clip from the proposal, it’s an easy way to share the excitement.This is a great way to spread the word without waiting for formal invitations.
  • Save the Dates – You can send a stylish design or even a fun video from your engagement shoot—either way, it’s a great way to give guests a heads-up.
  • Rehearsal Dinner & Pre-Wedding Events – Instead of sending separate paper invites, digital invitations make it easy to inform guests about events like the rehearsal dinner, wedding shower, or welcome party.
  • Post-Wedding Thank You Notes – You can send personalized thank-you messages, include highlights from the wedding, or even share a short honeymoon recap video as a heartfelt gesture to guests.

Digital wedding invitations are a modern, stylish, and practical choice—but they don’t have to replace tradition completely. Many couples opt for a hybrid approach, using paper for formal invites and digital for save-the-dates, rehearsal dinners, and thank-you notes. For added convenience, you can include a QR code on printed invites to direct guests to your wedding website or RSVP page.

Ultimately, your wedding invitations should reflect your personality, style, and vision for your big day. Whether you go digital, stick with tradition, or find a happy medium, what matters most is that your invitations set the perfect tone for a celebration that’s uniquely you.

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This Romantic Big Sur River Wedding Let California’s Beauty Speak for Itself

March 4, 2025 | justine

Casey and Michael come from opposite coasts—she’s from Southern California, and he’s from Florida. But fate brought them together in San Francisco, where they bonded over art, nature, food, and a shared dark sense of humor. Their love story unfolded through hikes, road trips, rock climbing, and making music together. After nearly six years together, they got engaged during a quiet, rainy hike in Kauai.

The couple’s first trip together was a road trip along the California coastline over Thanksgiving weekend. Renting a camper van, they packed it full of holiday treats (pies included) and drove down Highway 1, stopping for scenic naps and campsite cooking. Their journey led them to Big Sur, where they camped along the river, surrounded by towering redwoods. That trip made Big Sur special to them, so when it came time to choose a wedding location, they knew there was no better place. “If our families were going to travel for the wedding, we wanted them to experience what we thought was the most beautiful place in California.”

The evening before their Big Sur wedding, Casey and Michael hosted a rehearsal dinner that blended Filipino heritage with heartfelt connection. “Our wedding party wore traditional Barong Tagalogs and Filipiniana dresses made from pineapple fiber, which felt like a beautiful way to honor my roots,” Casey said. “That night was about so much more than just practicing for the big day. We had long conversations with family members we had never met, friends connecting with our pastor—it felt like everyone was coming together in the most beautiful way.” The welcome party followed, complete with appetizers, drinks, and a collodion tintype photographer capturing timeless portraits of the guests.

Featured Vendor:

Joshua Rose Photography

From the start, the couple leaned into the natural surroundings. The theme came together around Michael’s favorite flower, the California Golden Poppy, inspiring a vibrant color palette of poppy orange, oceanic teal-blue, and rich brown from the redwoods.

The groomsmen wore teal-blue suits, while the bridesmaids donned flowing dresses in shades of golden poppy. The man of honor’s white suit was embroidered with golden poppies and a California quail, the state bird, tying in even more local inspiration.

The wedding day itself started with an unexpected twist. Casey, waiting for her turn in hair and makeup, decided to grab breakfast for her bridesmaids. As she waited for the food, she was offered a cup of tea. Somehow, the tea slipped, spilling onto her chest. “I panicked and dunked myself into a water fountain outside the roadhouse,” she recalled. “The next thing I knew, Mike and his groomsmen were nearby, trying to avoid seeing me before the ceremony, and I was calling out for him.”

As fate would have it, an EMT happened to be at the roadhouse and quickly jumped in to help. Within minutes, Casey and Mike were in an ambulance on their way to the emergency room—a 40-minute drive away. She suffered second-degree burns across her chest and upper body, injuries that would leave permanent scars. But despite the pain, she opted for minimal medication so she could fully experience her big day. “As crazy as it was, that morning grounded us. It reminded us that nothing mattered more than being there for each other.”

With her wounds treated, Casey returned just in time for a magical ceremony beneath the redwoods, the Big Sur River flowing nearby. Guests were seated in a semi-circle for an intimate setting, with minimal decorations to let the landscape shine. The couple exchanged vows in a deeply personal ceremony, incorporating Filipino wedding traditions.

“We included a cord and veil ceremony, a meaningful Filipino tradition. Our parents placed a cord and veil on us, symbolizing unity and protection. We also chose a reading, ‘To Love is Not to Possess’ by James Kavanaugh, beautifully read by the groom’s close friend, Seth. Pastor Sovory, a longtime family friend, delivered a homily that reflected on the sacredness of the land, surrounded by ancient trees and the flowing river—it truly set the tone for our ceremony. All our family and friends played such a big role in making it happen. It was incredibly grounding.”

Related: Get Inspired By These 30 Touching Wedding Vows Examples

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Afterward, they changed into more comfortable clothes. Casey switched into an ivory high-neck dress that wasn’t originally planned but was perfect for covering her bandages. Luis, her man of honor, had cleverly fashioned a tulle shawl during the ceremony to conceal the burns until she could change. “That little moment of practicality really saved the day!” Once changed, they joined their friends and family at the roadhouse for cocktail hour, where they signed the marriage license. “It felt like a more relaxed and intimate time with our mothers, who co-signed the license, before we dove into the rest of the celebration.”

The reception continued the couple’s California-inspired vision, with tables decorated in wildflower arrangements and earthy textures that echoed the surroundings. Guests dined on locally sourced dishes, with a menu designed to highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients. “We wanted our wedding to feel like an extension of Big Sur—natural, vibrant, and welcoming.” 

 

Personal touches and DIY elements made their big day feel even more intimate and reflective of the couple’s journey together. Casey and her mother took on the florals, crafting all the bouquets, boutonnieres, and arrangements by hand. She also designed the printed signage, ensuring every detail felt true to their vision. Meanwhile, Steve, the groom’s dad, handcrafted custom wooden table signs, each named after a meaningful place in California. Their head table, for example, was named after their shared address in San Francisco—a nod to the life they’ve built together.

One of the highlights of the night? The music. A string quartet made up of students from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music played during the ceremony, while DJ Adam Millman kept the dance floor packed all night.

“There were so many unforgettable moments that made our celebration truly special. One of the highlights was our first dance as a married couple, along with the father-daughter and mother-son dances under the stars, surrounded by our closest family and friends.”

“We loved seeing everyone letting loose on the dance floor, it was so much fun to watch!” The bride’s parents shared a slow dance to the same song that played at their wedding years ago, a touching full-circle moment that filled the night with love and joy.

Thoughtful details extended beyond the décor. Michael assembled the guest gift bags, which included Filipino desserts as a tribute to Casey’s heritage, and personally crafted the confetti cones that hung on guests’ chairs during the ceremony. As the newlyweds walked down the aisle, a shower of confetti filled the air.

Even the cake table carried sentimental weight. Framed wedding photos of their parents and grandparents surrounded the display, adding a sense of history and connection. But one of Michael’s favorite details? The cake topper—a pair of tiny alpacas dressed as a bride and groom—playful, personal, and a perfect reflection of the couple’s fun-loving spirit.

For Casey and Michael, the biggest priorities in their budget were location and food. “We wanted our guests to feel comfortable and well-fed throughout the day. From the ceremony to the reception and even by the firepit later in the evening, we made sure there was always something to snack on.” They allocated the bulk of their budget to catering and the venue, ensuring they had all the necessary rentals to make the space inviting without overshadowing its natural beauty.

Attire was another key consideration. The couple covered the cost of their wedding party’s outfits for both the rehearsal dinner and wedding day to ensure no one felt burdened. “We were particular about our own clothing choices, but we also wanted our loved ones to feel taken care of.”

One area where they saved? Florals. Instead of splurging, the bride and her mom, Christine, took a hands-on approach, designing and arranging all the bouquets, boutonnieres, and floral décor themselves. With help from family, the arrangements were safely transported and set up by their coordinator on the big day.

Their careful budgeting was made possible thanks to Casey’s mom, who generously covered most of the costs. “She was so excited to be part of the process, and we were incredibly grateful for her support. It gave us the flexibility to be thoughtful about how we spent, making sure every decision added to the experience and comfort of our guests.”

Looking back, they have two key pieces of advice for future couples—one practical and one personal. “Tactically, make sure you understand exactly what’s included with your venue before booking, especially when it comes to rentals like tables and chairs. Get a detailed list of what’s provided and a full quote from the rental company, including delivery and setup fees. We were shocked to find that delivery costs were nearly as high as the rentals themselves, so having this information upfront is crucial.”

Beyond logistics, their biggest takeaway was learning to embrace the unexpected. “We had an ER visit on our wedding day, and yet it was still one of the best days of our lives. Things won’t always go as planned, but if you focus on each other and what truly matters, those unplanned moments can bring you even closer. If spending time together makes you feel calmer, don’t feel pressured to follow traditions—do what feels right for you. For us, sticking together through it all made the day even more special.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Joshua Grant Rose
Event Planning – Relic Events
Venue – Glen Oaks Big Sur
Catering – H. Jackson Events
Cake – Tart and Tin Cakes
Officiant – Baron Sovory
DJ – Adam Millman
Live Music – San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Videography – Lindsey June Photo and Film
Invitation Design – Garden By the Sea Paper
Makeup Artist – Stephanie Cardenas
Hair Styling – Rachael Morales
Rentals – Chic Event Rentals
Reception Table Signs – Olleroma Woodworking
Collodion Tintype Photography – North Coast Tintypes

 

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This Winnipeg Art Gallery Wedding Embodies the Spirit of a Moody, Romantic Dinner Party

March 3, 2025 | marissa

When Jacqueline and Michael met in their first year of medical school, they couldn’t have predicted how quickly their friendship would evolve. “We went from friends to more than friends pretty quickly,” Jacqueline shares. After weathering the pandemic together as each other’s primary contact, they discovered just how compatible they truly were, bonding over shared passions for “family, friends, food, travel and our careers.”

From the beginning of their wedding planning journey, the couple had a clear vision. “Our top priority above all was to have fun and for our loved ones to do the same,” Jacqueline explains. “We wanted our guests to feel both at ease and part of something truly special from the moment they arrived.” This guiding principle shaped every decision they made, from venue selection to menu planning.

“Anything to ensure that feeling was a priority of ours in the budget,” she continues. “For us this meant that outstanding food, wine, flowers and other decor were essential.” The result was an October 2024 wedding at the Winnipeg Art Gallery that felt like the ultimate dinner party—intimate, sophisticated, and deeply personal.

“We love hosting our friends and family at our home. If we could have fit 150 people in our dining room we would have! There is no better feeling to us than sitting down for a beautiful cozy meal and sharing laughs and memories with the people we love.” With the help of their planners, they created exactly that feeling, just on a larger scale.

Featured Vendor:

Michael & Melanie Photography

On the morning of the wedding, the couple opted for a first look at 529, an iconic Winnipeg steakhouse where they’ve shared many special meals. The restaurant’s classic interior provided a sophisticated backdrop for photos of the couple and their wedding party.

Both Jacqueline and Michael kept their fashion choices deliberately simple. Jacqueline wore a sleek off-the-shoulder gown with a statement train and fingertip-length veil, while the wedding party dressed in black to emphasize the rich floral arrangements by Stone House Creative.

The first look transitioned into one of the day’s most significant moments: the Ketubah signing. “Our Ketubah is our most cherished physical memory from that day,” Jacqueline notes. The document blended her Jewish heritage with Michael’s Irish Catholic roots, incorporating Celtic knots and a Claddagh alongside traditional Hebrew text.

“Neither of us are particularly religious, but we both feel a strong connection to our cultures,” explains Jacqueline. “We wanted the more formal parts of our wedding day to bring these elements together to make it uniquely ours.”

For the ceremony, guests gathered in the intimate Skylight Gallery of the Winnipeg Art Gallery. The couple chose their medical school classmate, Juan, to officiate. “Juan has been a champion of our relationship from day one,” Jacqueline says. “We knew he would be able to create a beautiful and meaningful ceremony that represented us well.”

Walking down the aisle to “Dreams” by The Cranberries played by a string quartet, the couple exchanged handwritten vows under their beautiful chuppah. The intimate gallery setting allowed Jacqueline and Michael to feel fully surrounded by loved ones.

Though Jacqueline’s mother passed away in 2017, her presence was felt throughout the day. “She was honored in every vow and speech,” Jacqueline remembers.

Following the ceremony, guests moved downstairs of the Winnipeg Art Gallery to a cocktail hour that reflected the couple’s idea of a perfect gathering. That meant an oyster bar and dirty martinis for everyone.

The reception space revealed the full expression of their vision: a sophisticated dinner party with rich, deep colors. “Early on in the planning process, we told our planners we wanted the room to feel like a juicy glass of red wine, and they nailed it,” says Jacqueline. The deep purples and reds not only created a dramatic contrast against the Tyndall stone walls of the gallery but also added a romantic, moody feeling that the couple envisioned.

Dinner, catered by Wow! Catering, earned high praise. “We had multiple guests report to us that it was by far the best wedding food they had ever had,” Jacqueline notes proudly. Another essential personal touch was the Guinness on tap, as a nod to Michael’s Irish roots. 

Throughout dinner, speeches alternated with live acoustic music. One particularly moving moment came when Jacqueline’s aunt Rachel and family friend Sari spoke on behalf of the mother of the bride. “They perfectly captured my mom’s essence, and there was not a dry eye in the room,” says Jacqueline.

After dinner, DJ Karli Colpitts started the dancing with the Horah, the traditional Jewish celebratory dance, before transitioning to contemporary music that kept everyone on the dance floor.

For this portion of the evening, Jacqueline changed into what she describes as “one of my favorite outfits I have ever worn”—a white blazer with subtle sparkle. “I gravitate to more straight lines and masculine cuts, so it was perfect for me yet still bridal,” she shares.

One unexpected highlight came when Jacqueline’s maid of honor and best friend, Morgan, took over as guest DJ. “It was a running joke that she would learn to DJ in time for our wedding so she could have a set, and she did it—black gown and all!” Jacqueline recalls. “Her set truly got the party going.”

Looking back, Jacqueline offers three pieces of practical advice for couples planning their weddings: “Plan the wedding you’d want to attend—it keeps you focused on what truly matters.”

She also suggests focusing on how you want to feel: “Consider how you want to feel that day, and make choices that support that vision. We, personally, wanted to feel surrounded by love and laughter and for our guests to feel the same.”

Finally, she acknowledges the value of professional help: “We had no idea how to plan a wedding going into this, so for us our wedding planners were essential,” though she recognizes this isn’t possible for everyone. Her advice? “If you’re unsure where to start, professional planners can be invaluable.”

What’s perhaps most surprising about their planning journey was how stress-free it felt. “We were often asked if we were stressed leading up to the wedding and we surprisingly never were,” Jacqueline reveals. “This is a huge testament to our planners.” Working with Soiree Planning, the couple created a celebration that was both meticulously organized and genuinely personal—a true reflection of their shared values and vision for the future.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Michael & Melanie
Event Planning – Soiree Planning
Venue – The Winnipeg Art Gallery
Floral Design – Stonehouse Weddings
Catering – Wow! Catering
Hair – Frenchy Peixoto
Makeup – Bailey Delbigio
Invitation Design – Dorian Schwartz
Content Creation – Bride’s Eye View
Cake – Sugar and Salt Bake Shoppe
Rentals – Collective Rentals + Trend Decor WPGUnion TablePlanned Perfectly
Lighting- Event Light
DJ – Karli Colpitts

 

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