The orchid represents love, luxury, beauty and strength
One of the easiest ways to decorate your invitation is with a motif; this signature symbol can become your logo and visually unite all of the pieces of your wedding stationery, including your save-the date cards, programs, reception stationery, favors and thank you cards.
For inspiration, think about something that represents the two of you as a couple or something that is unique to your wedding in particular. The season, location, or theme of your wedding may inspire your motif selection, as would any image that means something special to you (say a lamppost if you got engaged underneath one) or signifies an interest you share (such as a violin for a pair of classical musicians).
One variation is to choose a main motif for your invitation (such as a tree) and diffuse the imagery over the course of the enclosures (i.e. putting leaves from thee tree on the reception card, response card, etc.) Or, consider a simple nuptial emblem such as a dove or pair of interlocking rings. If your family has a crest or coat of arms, a formal invitation is the perfect place to display it.
You can’t get any more personal than a monogram– single first-name initials (A & B) or two sets of initials (J.C. & A.T.) are the best options, as a monogram with the main last name initial surrounded by your first name initials wouldn’t be technically correct on your invitation as you aren’t yet married and don’t yet share the same last name.
Motifs & Meanings
ACORN = life, beginnings
ANCHOR = hope, stability
ANKH = Egyptian symbol for life and immortality
APPLE = fertility, love
BAMBOO = lasting friendship, devotion
BEE
BIRD = the soul
BRIDGE = transition from one life to another
BUTTERFLY = the soul
CHRYSANTHEMUM = happiness, longevity
CLASPED HANDS = union, friendship
CORNUCOPIA = abundance
COWRIE SHELL = fertility
DAISY = innocence, purity
DICE = fate
DOG = fidelity
DOUBLE HAPPINESS = Chinese symbol for joy
DOVE = life spirit, soul
ELEPHANT = fidelity, conjugal felicity
EVERGREENS = eternity
FEATHER = truth
FERN = sincerity
FISH = a pair portrays the joys of union and marriage
FLEUR-DE-LYS = hope, affection
FROG = fertility, harmony between lovers
GATE = entrance into new life
HOLLY = good will, joy
HORSESHOE = good luck
IVY = constant affection, friendship, fidelity
KNOT = union
LADYBUG = luck
LOTUS = past, present, and future; love
LUTE = connubial bliss, friendship
PEACOCK = love, desire
PEONY = love, good fortune, happiness
PINEAPPLE = fertility, hospitality
POMENGRANTE = fertility, posterity
ROSE = passion, desire, joy
SHELL = life, love, marriage, good fortune
STARFISH = divine love
SUNFLOWER = infatuation, longevity
TREE = the life principle, diversity in unity
TULIP = perfect love
WREATH – a happy fate, good luck, fertility, marriage
YIN YANG – complementary opposites, balance of two forces
