Santa Monica’s chill, sunny vibe, with sandy beaches and that famous pier, makes a super cool theme for wedding stationery. You want invites and thank you cards that scream coastal fun but still feel fancy. This guide shows how to nail that Santa Monica look with colors, designs, and little details. Your wedding will feel like a breezy day by the ocean, leaving guests stoked from start to finish.
Pick Colors That Feel Like the Beach
Start with colors that remind you of Santa Monica’s shore. Go for soft blues like the ocean waves. Add warm beiges that match the sand. Throw in some coral or yellow for those epic sunsets. These shades bring the beachy, happy feel of the pier. Try patterns like watercolor waves or palm leaves. Maybe add shapes that look like the Ferris wheel. Skip super fancy designs. Use clean fonts with fun touches like seashells or simple surfboard sketches. It keeps things relaxed but classy, just like Santa Monica.
Go Green with Your Materials
Santa Monica loves the planet, so your stationery should too. Choose recycled paper for your invites. Or try seed paper that guests can plant. It’s a cool nod to the eco-friendly vibe of the area. Kraft paper feels like the sandy beach with its texture. Matte finishes in white or cream look like foggy mornings by the sea. For a fancy twist, use letterpress printing with plant-based inks. These picks show you care about the environment, and guests who love green living will totally get it.
Add Santa Monica Pictures
Pictures make your stationery pop with local flavor. Toss in small hints of Santa Monica’s famous spots, like the pier or Route 66 sign. A watercolor of the beach at sunset looks amazing on invites. Or sketch the Ferris wheel in a simple way. For wedding thank you cards with photo, pick a fun shot of you and your partner by the ocean. Maybe you’re walking the boardwalk or giggling near the waves. It makes the cards personal and ties them to the beach theme.
Write in a Fun, Fancy Way
Your words should mix Santa Monica’s laid-back charm with a touch of elegance. For invites, use friendly vibes, like you’re inviting folks to a beach party. Try something like: “Come celebrate love under the sun by the sea!” Don’t sound too stiff or formal. Keep it chill but polished. For thank you cards, say thanks with a beachy twist, like: “You made our day shine brighter than a Santa Monica sunset.” Use a simple, modern font to keep it fresh and breezy.
Where to Buy Wedding Invitations That Fit the Vibe
So, where to buy wedding invitations? Finding the right place to get your invites is key. Check out online spots like Minted or Etsy. They have tons of customizable designs from artists who love beachy styles. Look for templates with coastal vibes or ones where you can add Santa Monica art, like the pier. Local shops in Santa Monica, like Paper Source or Urbanic, give you personal service and top-notch quality. Their stuff feels legit for the area. Always ask for samples to make sure the paper and colors look perfect before you order.
Throw in Beachy Details
Make your stationery stand out with Santa Monica touches. Use wax seals shaped like seashells or starfish on envelopes. It adds a cool, touchable vibe. For fun, slip a tiny packet of sand or a pressed flower into the invites. It screams beach. For thank you cards, add a small Polaroid-style photo of you two with a handwritten note on the back. It’s like the photo booths at the pier. These little things tie everything together and make your stationery feel special.
Keep Everything Matching
Your invites and thank you cards should look like they belong together. Stick to the same colors, fonts, and designs for both. If your invites have a wave border, put it on the thank you cards too. Add RSVP cards that match, maybe with a fun line like: “Ready for a beachy bash with us?” Make sure envelopes fit the vibe with coastal-patterned liners or California-themed stamps. This makes the whole set feel like one big Santa Monica story.
Get the Timing and Look Right
Mail invites 6-8 weeks before the big day. It gives guests time, especially if they’re coming to soak up Santa Monica’s charm. Send thank you cards within 3 months after the wedding, ideally with a photo from your day. Make the presentation pop with coastal flair. Tie envelopes with twine or use kraft paper bands with a palm leaf. These details make guests feel like they’re opening a piece of Santa Monica when they get your mail.
Wrap It Up
Adding a Santa Monica vibe to your wedding invites and thank you cards mixes beachy cool with personal touches. Pick the right colors, eco-friendly materials, and local images. Write words that feel fun yet fancy. From pier-inspired art to photos by the waves, your stationery will capture the magic of this coastal town. Guests will love the vibe and keep your cards as a reminder of your awesome day.