Dreaming about those high-end wedding details, but having nightmares about your wedding budget? Say it with me “semi-custom wedding invitations!”

Trust me, I know how quickly the wedding budget goes, especially when you’re set on being intentional and hiring small businesses that care just as much about your big day as you do. I know Pinterest doesn’t make it easier not to want #allthethings – the perfect dress, an incredible venue, killer photography, jaw-dropping invitation suites. You’ve been looking at your budget and you need to make concessions somewhere, right?

I’m a huge believer of investing in what’s most important to you, but I also think that are some accessible options for getting more bang for your buck while still shopping small and supporting a local business owner. Wedding invitations are one of those areas! When I go to shoot detail photos and find beautiful stationery that my couples spent hours searching for I DIE – something that reflects who they are, the feel of the wedding day and show off a little of their personal style. It truly elevates their final wedding gallery and provides a more cohesive feel to their wedding albums. Plus, who doesn’t love all the pretty?

I know it’s SO easy to go to a big box store like Minted, but shopping small doesn’t mean you have to invest in a completely custom invitation suite. Soooo many stationers offer these semi-custom designs to help meet you in the middle while still providing you a beautifully unique wedding invitation suite that preserves your sanity (and your wallet).

I had the honor of shooting a few of these suites to show off the diversity (and the incredible quality) of these semi-custom wedding invitations from Amanda at Leighwood Studios and Megan at Peach Paper & Designs (these two have topped the PVP Preferred Vendor List for quite some time)! I also wanted to show you how easy it is to use these designs to still give your wedding that fun-loving or elegant vibe that comes through in your final photos.  Have the budget for a completely custom suite? Well, you’re in luck, because they also provide those services as well! You can’t go wrong.

1. First meet, the Tori suite, from Leighwood Studios. Pro tip: These invitations are already stunning, but you can take it to the next level by asking your florist to provide a few extra flowers on your wedding day for your photographer to include in your photos. Put all your details in a box (including your invites, your rings, any ribbon you love, etc.)  so when you photographer greets you, you can provide them with everything they need to great an amazing flat-lay. 
2. Next up, the Watercolor Floral Invitation from Peach Paper. I styled these with a pink Mrs. Box to really make the pink pop! Pro tip: Looking to add that little something *extra* to your invitations? Ask your stationer if they also sell wax seals – it brings that the old world charm to a modern suite. You can also ask your stationer if they provide calligraphy services, a hand-addressed envelope for photos is the sweetest touch.    
3. Last, but certainly not least, meet the Kingston suite from Leighwood Studios. Pro tip:  Many stationers allow you to upgrade your package to include invitation liners – isn’t this mettalic gold one to die for?! We paired this suite with confetti to really play up the celebratory feel of this design. We’re definitely poppin’ the champange over here (you know us)!

    

Have you already snagged a set of semi-custom wedding invitations that you love? Tell me which one in a comment below! Are you still looking for a wedding photographer who will style your details to perfection? Send me a note and let’s chat about your vision!

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