As we head into the end of January (already!), we wanted to take a look at the latest trends and themes we are seeing for the new year. We’ve been designing and producing stationery since 2012, so while trends can be cyclical, we love seeing new ideas enter the scene. These ideas come from our research in what we are seeing in themes across fashion, design and commerce, as well as from our own clients and their events.
While we are usually hesitant to recommend that you dive headfirst into designing your event entirely around a trend, we find that trends are often a great starting point or building block for you to add contemporary touches to your otherwise timeless styling.
One of the key activities we love to do when working with our clients is asking them to share their inspiration, their Pinterest boards, and listen to their vision about what they’re looking to achieve. Adding those unique personal touches and flourishes to the stationery is what makes your stationery uniquely you. This process also gives us the expert insight and pulse check into what trends and styles are en vogue, and what could be on the way out.
Wedding ‘Merch’ and Branding
This trend is one that is informed by another macrotrend that we’re seeing across events; hosts want their guests to enjoy both a more personalised and unique experience, but also one that is high end and authentic to them. To that end, stationery is not ‘just’ a welcome sign or seating chart, or even menus or invitations. Stationery and design are now the most effective tool for conveying your ‘brand’ as a couple, and are paramount in reaching that deeper level of cohesion that we are seeing clients demand.
Think personalised hats, bags, towels, make-up bags and items that can be personalised in their creation. Be careful though; one common theme we see from our research is that couples will add their monogram or names to each piece and call it a day. This approach in the design industry is often referred to as ‘logo slap’, and represents the most basic way to roll out an identity, not taking into account the many attributes of a brand’s values and elements. A more effective and cohesive approach is to consider what other aspects of your stationery can be brought into the mix; adding illustrations, patterns and other supporting elements without just your monogram to create a more vibrant design system.
This trend will then be paired with a pop up style display, like a boutique pop up concept. This curated approach allows your guests to feel like they’re the VIP influencers invited to your event, where they will be pampered and treated to a luxurious night.
If you are looking for this approach, we recommend that you discuss this with your stationer early in your planning to ensure that there is seamless coordination between your vendors. Sourcing of products can be tricky and quality can be hit or miss; so get started early so you have time to receive samples or even reorder if the personalised items don’t hit the vibe you’re targeting. Try to think about what your guests would genuinely enjoy receiving as a gift as well - make sure your event is good vibes and not landfillcore.
Mixed Metals
Last year we saw the rise of mixing more different materials into an event, bringing the rise of options like fabric signage and bar signage, and even adding lace to card. In 2026, mixed materials are growing with a push towards metals like brushed stainless steel and silver and other metallic touches. Where metals won’t suffice, items with a chrome or metallic finish that adds another layer of dimension to your event styling.
To integrate this trend, think about the options your venue might already have on site, like metal signage, supplementing with other materials as needed. The trend of mirrors are a precursor of this trend, becoming the focal point for the seating chart with a vinyl sticker. We can assist with this, having access to various metallic cardstocks, metallic clips and wax beads that can be integrated into your day.
Strong Colour Vibes
Blues
Blues are always a popular colour, but we have been seeing two strong variations on the typical dusty blue you might be used to seeing. The first being bold splashes of shades like cobalt; adding vibrancy and adding vibrancy and energy to a typically cool and calming hue.
The second variation are pastel shades like our Azure Blue card, taking over dusty blue. While dusty blue like a duck egg shade is seen as traditional, the pastel blues add a calm energy while still feeling modern and fresh.
Browns
Stepping away from neutrals, bold browns are emerging as a chic alternative for modern couples seeking warmth and depth. Our Bitter Chocolate card is a particular standout that is a dark and rich brown, perfect for anchoring a sophisticated wedding palette. This shade pairs well with Azure Blue, creating a contrast that feels relaxing and sophisticated.
Burgundy
Burgundy is already a defining colour for 2026 weddings, bringing a sense of romance and bold drama to your stationery and is especially effective on large signage. This deep hue works beautifully across the wedding seasons, setting a luxury backdrop for the rest of your event. Our Merlot card is the perfect shade of burgundy that we have seen across the industry, and is surprisingly flexible across monochromatic and complementary palettes.
Shapes and Layering
This trend is one that we see almost as evergreen at this point, but there is an important note to talk about when it comes to shapes and layering. Once upon a time, you would be limited by feasibility to choosing shapes that your designer or printer had already paid to create (creating a custom knife is more pricey than setting up a new dieline in a cutter). The proliferation of digital cutting tools has reduced the cost of making custom dies and shapes (as well as making prototyping and short runs like for weddings possible).
Now that setting up custom shapes does not involve producing a knife block, we’re seeing shapes that push the boundaries of the machine's capabilities, as well as seeing a trend of clientele who are more willing to experiment with non-traditional shapes and styles to produce unique work.
Layering these shapes in fun ways has always been popular, but mixing materials (like metals mentioned before) and shapes is pushing stationery in new directions that we’re loving.
If you’re looking for help with this, we are a master at setting up custom shapes, and have the in house equipment to make this happen. Just let us know during the design process and we can set this up for you.
Have you seen anything different?
Let me know in the comments if you have seen any other trends or styles emerging from your research. We love experimenting with new ideas, help you make your stationery unique to suit your creative goals and vision for your event.
If you have any ideas (or even if you have no idea where to get started) we’d love to chat and get to know you. We’re a small team of designers who focus entirely on stationery, and with 14 years of expertise serving thousands of clients across the globe, we’re a reliable, fun and stress free partner for your event.
