That’s where custom invitations come in, says Candice Benson, co-owner and senior event consultant at the Finishing Touch Wedding & Event Planning and its stationery and décor sister company, the Finishing Touch Event Design, both in West Orange (thefinishingtouchevents.com). “Every couple wants their wedding to be unique and a reflection of their own personal style,” she says. “We can create invitations that fit perfectly with the couple’s vision of their wedding.”

Couples can completely direct the design of the invitation or can provide some ideas and let experts at the Finishing Touch develop some design options. One unique invitation that the team recently designed was a bohemian peacock motif for a couple hosting a destination wedding in the Dominican Republic. “It showcased the bride’s love of peacocks, nature, and indigenous culture,” says Priscilla Leto, co-owner and senior designer. “The invitation panel itself was printed with peacock feather accents and a design of two peacocks kissing, which resembled the shape of a heart.”

When it comes to designing custom invites, it’s helpful to have your wedding planner involved. “We have already built a relationship with the client and are consistently thinking about helping them style the wedding,” says Benson. “Since we also do custom programs, seating cards, table numbers, menus, favors, candy buffets, and more, we can bring the whole look of the wedding together.” Which is music to a bride’s ears.