As an invitation designer, there’s nothing more magical than capturing the essence of a wedding through art and paper. When I designed this Christmas-inspired invitation suite, I wanted it to feel like an invitation into a cozy winter wonderland—warm, elegant, and full of festive charm.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of The Inn at Barley Sheaf in Pennsylvania, this wedding was the epitome of holiday romance. From the very first glimpse of the invitation suite, I aimed to set the tone for an unforgettable seasonal celebration.
A Festive First Impression
The heart of this suite is the custom folio invitation, adorned with lush hand-painted holly and berries and tied with a rich velvet red ribbon—a tactile detail that instantly evokes the warmth and luxury of the holiday season. When guests open the folio, they’re greeted with a watercolor scene of a winter village, reminiscent of a storybook Christmas.
Deep red envelopes with elegant calligraphy and festive stamps complete the look, ensuring that every detail speaks to the romance and beauty of a holiday wedding. Gold wax seals add a final touch of elegance, tying together the invitation suite in a way that feels timeless yet modern.
Personalized Watercolor Touches
One of my favorite aspects of this suite was the custom illustrations that reflected the couple’s story. From the charming depiction of their wedding venue to a whimsical watercolor of their beloved dog wearing a holiday bow, these details made the suite feel uniquely theirs.
Every stroke of paint and every design choice was made to transport guests into the festive elegance of this celebration before they even arrived.
Elegant Holiday Wedding Details: A Cohesive Paper Suite for the Big Day
When designing a wedding invitation suite, I always think beyond the invitation itself—creating a cohesive, immersive experience that carries through to the wedding day. For this Christmas-inspired wedding at The Inn at Barley Sheaf, I designed wedding day paper goods that perfectly complemented the invitation suite, bringing a seamless, elegant holiday aesthetic to every place setting.
Personalized Place Cards with Wax Seals
Each guest was welcomed to their seat with a custom place card, featuring a watercolor holly and berry border that matched the invitation suite. To elevate the look, I adorned each card with a gold wax seal stamped with a wintery tree design, adding a touch of timeless elegance.
Matching Folded Menus with Luxe Ribbon Detail
The menu design continued the hand-painted holiday theme, with watercolor greenery and berries wrapping around the text. To add an interactive element, the menus were folded and tied with a rich red velvet ribbon, mimicking the invitation folio. Guests untied the ribbon to reveal their dining experience, making it feel like a beautiful gift at each place setting.
Velvet Ribbon Name Details
For an extra luxurious, personalized touch, some place settings featured deep red velvet ribbons with each guest’s name scripted in gold calligraphy. This small yet striking detail added a regal, bespoke feel, blending seamlessly with the gold charger plates, rich linens, and seasonal floral arrangements.
By bringing the wedding invitation aesthetic into the reception details, the design felt cohesive, refined, and immersive, creating a stunning, unforgettable holiday tablescape.
Bringing the Holiday Spirit to Life
A winter wedding is all about embracing the season’s magic—and the invitations are the very first step in setting that scene. With this suite, I wanted to create something that felt timeless yet deeply personal, evoking the warmth of holiday traditions, fireside gatherings, and the joy of celebration.
For couples dreaming of a Christmas wedding, incorporating hand-painted elements, rich textures, and custom artwork into your stationery can make your invitations truly one-of-a-kind. Your wedding starts the moment your guests open that envelope—so let’s make it magical.
Are you planning a holiday wedding? Let’s bring your vision to life with a custom watercolor invitation suite as unique and beautiful as your love story.
Contact Allison today for your custom stationery quote.
Makeup/Hair: Makeup by Lyss
Venue: The Inn at Barley Sheaf
Photographer: Emily Kirsten Photography
Event Decorator: Miss Lyss Planning
Stationary: Hand Painted Weddings
Florist: Ne Flower Boutique
Wedding Dresses: House of Bridal
Accessories & Jewelry: Dareth Colburn
Designer Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes
Model: Francesca @francescxaa