40 Chic Invites from Real Weddings to Inspire Your Own

Think of your save the dates and wedding invitations as your first impression to your guests, and one of the tentpoles in building the aesthetic of your event. And when deciding what that first taste of your style will entail, think about what best illustrates your look and feel–from quirky illustrations and hand-drawn monograms to luxe textures and finishing touches.

Set the tone guests can expect when they arrive at your event, and nail down the wording so that it delivers all the information they'll need–from the dress code you expect to the weekend's events they are welcome to attend.

To start you thinking about ideas and inspiration for your paper suite, we've rounded up 40 wedding invitations, from lavish nuptials in the south of France to seaside ceremonies in Lana'i, and those inviting guests to mountaintop views in Colorado. Here, some of our favorites, with some help from the industry's best on why they love them in their own words. Tap these suites for motifs, fonts, details, and styling–and steal them for your own.