Luxury Red Wedding Editorial | Color-Drenched Wedding Design & Custom Stationery

Bold, dramatic, and endlessly romantic, this luxury red wedding editorial was designed to celebrate the power of color when it’s used with intention. Centered entirely around rich shades of red, this styled shoot explored color-drenching as a design philosophy, creating an immersive wedding environment that felt opulent, refined, and unapologetically striking.

Rather than using red as a simple accent, the goal was to allow it to fully envelop the space—layering tone, texture, and depth to create a wedding aesthetic that felt both timeless and modern.

For my role in this shoot, I focused on elevating the design through luxury wedding stationery and paper details that balanced softness with strength.

Flowing silk and satin fabrics were used throughout the table-scape and signage styling to introduce a gentle, romantic contrast to the bold color palette. The table runners and draped elements softened the overall look, adding movement and a tactile quality that felt elevated and sensual rather than heavy.

In contrast, for the invitation suite design, I chose to feature modern, bold typography with a classic foundation. Clean layouts, refined spacing, and confident letterforms ensured that each piece—from the invitation suite to menus, table numbers, and bar signage—felt timeless yet contemporary, and was also very easy to read, which can often be a complaint from wedding guests!

Today’s couples are increasingly drawn to weddings that feel personal, artistic, and expressive. This red wedding editorial was created for those who are not afraid of color, drama, or making a statement.

It’s a reminder that luxury weddings don’t need to rely on light or neutral palettes to feel elegant. When done thoughtfully, bold color choices can feel classic, romantic, and incredibly elevated. Stationery and signage play a key role in this storytelling. They are often the first tangible experience guests have with a wedding—and when designed intentionally, they set the tone long before the ceremony begins. Giving guests a glimpse of red before entering the space would feel very branded and complete.

At Letters & Dust, I specialize in luxury wedding stationery and day-of design for couples who value artistry, intention, and elevated details. From custom wedding invitations to day-of paper goods and editorial-style signage, every piece is thoughtfully designed to complement your overall wedding aesthetic—whether bold and dramatic or soft and romantic.

My approach blends tactile materials, refined typography, and a deep understanding of visual storytelling, resulting in stationery that feels cohesive, timeless, and entirely personal. If you’re drawn to rich color palettes and paper goods that feel like works of art, I would love to collaborate with you!

✨ Inquire to begin designing a wedding experience that is as intentional as it is unforgettable.

Vendor Team Credit List:

Venue: @eastonbroadpdx

Photo and Creative Vision: @analyphoto

Coordination and Styling: @jaime.ta

Videography: @anhdinhfilms

Custom Drapery: @192decor.pdx

Photo Booth: @smirkphotoco

Signage and Invitations: @letteranddust

Dessert: @sugar_blooms_cakes

Florals: @kristineaejinRentals: @ardeneventcollective 

Linens: @bbjlatavola

Hair and Makeup: @artistrybymai 

Dress Rentals: @taylarmadedresses

Couple: @izabellabeyu 

Mobile Ice Cream Bike: @maddyscreambike

Flat Lay Details: @flatlaylibrary

Why the Holiday Season is the Perfect Time to Stock Up on DIY Wedding Invitation Essentials

The end of November and early December are not only filled with festive excitement—they're also one of the best times of year for couples to save while planning their wedding stationery. Many Etsy shops (including my own) offer sales for Black Friday / Cyber Monday and the run-up to the holidays. If you’re planning to design or assemble your invitations yourself, this sale period presents a golden opportunity to source high-quality design elements at a discount.

DIY wedding invitations allow couples to keep creative control, stay within a desired budget, and infuse personal touches into their stationery. But even when you’re DIY-ing, the right pieces—think envelope liners, custom venue illustrations, digital downloads—can upgrade the look while simplifying the process. That’s where a sale becomes strategic: investing now means you’ll have the design building blocks ready long before your print deadlines.

What to Consider Before You Buy

When you’re prepping for DIY invites, here are questions to ask yourself:

1. What style or visual story do we want our invitations to tell? A cohesive look across your invite, liners, and day-of pieces helps set the tone.

2. Which parts do we want to DIY vs. outsource? For example: “We’ll print and assemble ourselves, but we want a professional illustration for our venue.”

3. What’s our timeline? Buying early during the sale gives you breathing room for printing, addressing, assembling, and mailing.

Best Items to Buy on Sale for DIY Wedding Invitations

Here are five key items to add to your cart when you see holiday deals—items that will elevate your DIY invitation suite and save you time:

1. Digital Download Invitation Templates: Buying your main invitation as a template or digital file means you can print it yourself or use a cost-effective print service. On sites like Etsy you’ll find great templates with editable fields for you to input your custom information.

   • Why buy on sale: Templates may be bundled or deeply discounted during holiday sales—ideal for DIY couples.

   • How to use: Grab the file, plug in your wording and colors, print at home or locally, and pick up extra pieces as needed.

2. Envelope Liners & Matching Stationery Add-ons: One of the easiest ways to give your invites a custom, upscale look is through liners, belly bands, coordinating RSVP cards, and more.

   • Why buy on sale: These decorative extras often go on sale when shops clear inventory or offer bundles.

   • How to use: Purchase liner designs (like those I offer) that fit standard envelope sizes so you can DIY: print, cut, glue, insert. The most common standard size for wedding invitations is A7 (5.25x7.25")

3. Custom Illustrations (Venue Sketches, Monograms, Icons): Custom illustrations elevate DIY invites from “home-print” to “stationery studio finish.” A venue sketch or personal monogram makes your suite unique and meaningful.

   • Why buy on sale: Pre-sale ordering during holidays may mean discounts or faster turnaround times—good when you’re working on a DIY timeline.

   • How to use: Commission an illustration, receive the digital file, then incorporate into your invite template or liner for print.

4. Coordinated Details & Day-of Stationery Templates: You’ve made your invites—use the sale to pick up matching templates for menus, place cards, signage, and thank-you cards. This keeps the entire stationery line cohesive and ready to DIY.

   • Why buy on sale: Bundled shop offerings often include multiple items at a reduced rate during holiday promos.

   • How to use: Ensure you select the same theme or design family as your invites to maintain a unified look.

5. Special Printing/Material Upgrades (if you’re doing part DIY + part print-shop): If you’re printing invites with a pro print shop but assembling yourself, use the sale to upgrade paper stock, add envelope addressing, or purchase materials like wax seals or ribbon in advance.

   • Why buy on sale: Print-material suppliers and stationery shops may offer discounts during holiday events—a great time to lock in premium touches.

   • How to use: Determine what you’d like to DIY vs. outsource, then invest in upgrades that provide visible value without doubling your budget.

Tips to Make the Most of Holiday Sales

1. Sign up for shop mailing lists in advance. This way you’ll receive alerts when sales drop and you’ll be ready to act.

2. Check turnaround times and embossing/foil deadlines. While sales are tempting, some specialty services may extend timelines.

3. Buy extras early. Once you grab your template, liner, illustration, and details pieces, set aside time for printing, assembly, and proofreading.

4. Ensure digital licenses are clear. If a template says “for personal use” or has limitations on copies, make sure it fits your printing needs.

5. Keep your design files organized. If you purchase a liner set, keep a folder with the digital artwork, specifying size, bleed, and instructions—so you can print confidently.

6. Plan assembly and mailing in advance. Even DIY invites need envelopes addressed, postage selected, and correct mailing quantities ordered ahead of time.

Why Choosing the Right Pieces Matters

Even if you’re DIYing, choosing high-quality design elements makes a big difference. As design publications note, bespoke invitations with custom illustrations and elevated materials are increasingly part of the wedding stationery trend. When you invest in liners, custom illustrations, and templates during a holiday sale, you’re not just saving money—you’re increasing the perceived value of your suite, making it feel polished and intentional.

Ready to Shop & Save at Letters & Dust?

At Letters & Dust, I’ll be running a special sale at the end of November just for engaged couples planning their stationery. Whether you’re preparing to DIY your own wedding invitations or need coordinating pieces for your day-of signage and details, my shop offers:

• Digital downloadable invitation templates you can edit and print

• Custom venue illustration services to elevate your suite

• Elegant envelope liners and coordinating add-ons

• Details card and day-of stationery sets you can DIY

If you’re planning ahead—now’s the moment. Mark your calendar, subscribe to my shop updates, and be ready to secure beautiful design pieces at a great value. Your guests will love the look, and you’ll love the savings.

✨ Visit my shop: Letters & Dust on Etsy, or on my Shop page! Let’s make your DIY wedding stationery elegant, personal, and stress-free.

Wedding Invitations 101: Fully Custom vs. Semi-Custom & How to Get the Best Value

At Letters & Dust, I believe your wedding stationery should do more than share information—it should tell your story. Your invitation suite is the very first glimpse guests get into your celebration, setting the tone for the style, mood, and meaning of your day. Whether you’re drawn to a fully custom wedding invitation design or one of my semi-custom wedding suites, this guide walks you through what to consider, what services to expect, and how to get the most out of your stationery investment.

If you’re beginning your search for wedding invitations in Oregon (or beyond), here’s everything you need to know before you order.

Choosing Between Fully Custom and Semi-Custom Invitations

When it comes to wedding stationery, most couples fall in love with one of two paths: fully custom invitations or semi-custom designs. Both options offer beautiful, professional results—it simply depends on how much personalization you’re looking for and how you’d like to invest your time and budget.

A fully custom invitation suite is designed entirely from the ground up, giving you complete creative freedom. It’s ideal for couples who want their paper goods to tell a deeply personal story through custom artwork, monograms, venue illustrations, or unique materials.

On the other hand, semi-custom invitations start with an existing design framework that can be personalized with your colors, wording, and finishing touches. It’s a wonderful option for couples who want a refined, cohesive look but don’t need to start from scratch.

Both choices can be elevated through thoughtful details like envelope liners, specialty printing, and texture—so your final suite feels like an extension of your wedding’s aesthetic, no matter which route you choose.

Fully Custom Wedding Invitations

Pros:

• Designed entirely from scratch to reflect your story, style, and vision.

• Complete flexibility with paper types, print methods (like letterpress, foil, or embossing), and custom artwork.

• Opportunity to include meaningful personal details such as venue illustrations, monograms, or hand-painted elements.

Cons:

• Longer design timeline—typically 8–12 weeks.

• Higher investment due to custom design time, materials and assembly process.

Fully custom wedding invitations are ideal for couples who want something truly one-of-a-kind—a timeless keepsake that embodies the tone and artistry of their wedding day.

Semi-Custom Wedding Invitations

Pros:

• Built from an existing design that can be customized with your names, colors, and details.

• Faster turnaround time and lower investment.

• Professionally designed and cohesive without the need for a full custom process.

Cons:

• Limited flexibility for major design changes.

• Certain design elements, fonts, or motifs may be fixed.

At Letters & Dust, each semi-custom invitation order includes three rounds of revisions, allowing you to refine colors, wording, and layout. Additional revisions are available for $50 each, ensuring flexibility while keeping the process smooth and efficient.

How a Professional Stationer Makes the Process Easy

Hiring an experienced wedding stationery designer takes the stress out of the process so you can focus on your celebration. Beyond design, your stationer handles countless details to ensure every piece arrives beautifully printed, assembled, and delivered on time.

Here are some of the services you can expect when working with a professional designer:

• Design Consultation: Guidance on paper selection, printing techniques, and overall aesthetic direction.

• Proofing & Revisions: Digital proofs to review layout, wording, and color accuracy before printing.

• Printing Coordination: Management of specialty printing like letterpress invitations, foil stamping, or embossing with trusted vendors.

• Assembly & Mailing: Optional add-ons such as gluing envelope liners, tying ribbons, sealing envelopes, and coordinating with USPS for safe, hand-canceled mailing.

• Timeline & Etiquette Support: Help with ordering schedules, mailing timelines, addressing formats, and wording suggestions.

Your designer acts as your creative partner, quality control expert, and guide through the entire stationery experience.

Tips to Stretch Your Wedding Invitation Budget

Investing in beautiful stationery doesn’t have to mean overspending. Here are a few thoughtful ways to make your budget go further:

• Prioritize Printing: Invest in premium printing for your main invitation card, and use digital printing for inserts.

• Simplify the Suite: Combine information onto one details card or link guests to your wedding website.

• Choose Standard Sizes: Custom sizes and shapes increase paper and envelope costs.

• Select Quality Paper: A textured or heavyweight stock adds luxury without extra embellishments.

• Bundle Your Order: Ordering save-the-dates, invitations, and day-of stationery together ensures design consistency and can reduce setup costs.

• Skip Extras You Don’t Need: Think intentionally about which pieces add the most value—sometimes less is more.

The Value of Working with a Custom Stationer

Working with a professional wedding invitation designer means you’re getting more than paper—you’re getting expertise, organization, and artistry. From helping you choose postage that complements your suite to ensuring every color prints perfectly, your stationer oversees every detail so your invitations feel cohesive and intentional.

Your invitations are the first tangible piece of your wedding that guests will see and touch. A thoughtful, well-designed suite sets the stage for the experience to come and becomes a keepsake that lasts long after the day itself.

Ready to Begin Your Invitation Journey?

If you’re ready to create Oregon wedding invitations that feel deeply personal and artfully designed, I’d love to collaborate with you. Whether you’re dreaming of a fully custom stationery suite or want to personalize one of my semi-custom invitation designs, together we can craft pieces that beautifully reflect your story.

✨ Explore my designs or inquire about custom invitations at www.lettersanddust.com/shop