Garden weddings evoke images of dappled shade, beautiful blooms and that warm, perfect afternoon to spend in the sunshine. So how do you get that feeling onto paper? We put the question to Stacey Haynes, the designer behind Ever After Stationery, whose almost twenty years in graphic design shows in every leaf, petal and pressed detail.
This year I have worked with some lovely couples who have included minimal leafy line art, wildflower watercolours, boho blooms and layers of green botanicals. Previously I’ve incorporated tropical prints, roses, peonies, magnolias, and one of my first designs was a sunflower suite because we are near a beautiful farm venue with fields full of sunflowers.
The inspiration for my Wildflower collection came from a couple I worked with last spring, Cassandra and Travis. They had a long lunch wedding celebration at a local venue, Farm & Co, and the design brief was a cottage garden theme featuring pink, peach, white, green and blue. I worked with them on everything from their save the dates and invitations through to menus and signage.
- Consider the season, venue and colours you’ve already chosen
I would suggest considering the season, venue and whether you’ve decided on particular flowers or bridesmaid colours already, and building from there.
The options are endless when working with a garden colour palette, from soft pastels, to bold burgundy, olive and mulberry tones, to fresh greens and blues or classic blush and ivory. There are so many beautiful combinations to work with, the hardest part will be choosing a favourite! Yellow has also been popular this year, and it’s such a bright and joyful colour for your special day.
- Try something subtle
For a couple that loves the idea of botanical stationery but isn’t sure where to start, I would suggest trying something subtle. Rather than featuring bold floral illustrations, they could include simple line illustrations, like leaves or minimal florals, to hint at the botanical theme while letting the paper colours or textures be the main feature.
If a couple wants to incorporate a specific flower that’s meaningful to them, I can create a custom design. It may involve a floral illustration, a botanical pattern, a unique wax seal stamp, or even a garden photograph as a background element for their stationery or signage details.
Photo by Ivy Road Photography, Stylist: Harper & Arrow, Venue: Farm & Co
- Don’t think you’re limited to flowers or greenery
A common mistake couples make when trying to bring a garden theme into their invitations is thinking the options are limited to illustrations of traditional flowers or greenery. But depending on the time of year or location, there are so many beautiful ways to work within this theme. Consider colour palettes that reflect the season, fruit or vegetable elements (oranges and lemons are a popular choice!), a decorative Chinoiserie pattern, plantable seeded papers, or die-cut leaf or flower shapes. There’s also the opportunity to include elements such as birds, bees or butterflies!
Your stationery and signage designs could feature:
- Floral patterns
- Elegant flower monograms
- Garden venue illustrations
- Embossed details
Other ways to bring the garden into your paper goods include:
- Wax seals with dried florals
- Printed envelope liners with beautiful garden photographs or illustrations
- Die cut shapes featuring flowers, leaves, butterflies or trees
- Printing on seeded paper that guests can plant later. Wedding favours such as seed packets, succulents, honey, lavender etc with a heartfelt note are also a lovely idea
- Consider one or two neutral colours with a pop
It’s also fine to work with one or two neutral colours and have a pop of colour if you want a more refined palette.
My personal favourite garden-inspired stationery detail would be printed envelope liners with floral illustrations. It’s such a nice addition when guests open their envelopes, it really elevates the suite and makes it feel extra special!
I really love all botanical and floral elements in my designs, but I do find myself drawn to roses and peonies. Maybe because they were in my wedding invitations and bridal bouquet when I got married back in 2014! My dream is to have a cottage garden filled with them one day. I think they’re soft, elegant and romantic, bringing a timeless, refined detail to wedding stationery pieces.
My advice is simple: start with what’s already there, the season, the venue, the flowers you love, and let the paper follow.
About the author: With almost 20 years of experience as a graphic designer, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for design that is both beautiful and considered. Every detail is thoughtfully designed to reflect the personality, story and unique connection of each couple I work with. Blending refined aesthetics with whimsical touches, I create wedding stationery that feels timeless, heartfelt and entirely your own. Driven by a love of romance and the beauty of meaningful connection, I celebrate all love and would be honoured to play a small part in your very special day. Find Ever After Stationery here.
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