Photo Ryan and Rach Photography

Time for some 2018 wedding trend predictions! But first a flash back to a previous prediction llamas. Yes llamas and they really were a thing! Onto next year... White marble with metallic copper accents is being predicted a gorgeous looks for weddings in 2018.

Marble wedding save the date

Hanging flowers, floral chandeliers and suspended arrangements have slowly been gaining popularity the past couple of years. It’s a trend we think we’ll see more of in 2018, especially combined with the wedding wreath.

Photo by Naomi Goggin Photography

Hydrangea Invitation

The popularity of botanical illustrations has been growing steadily. It’s something we think you’ll see a lot more of especially in the stationery department like this hydrangea design.

Starry Night Save the Date

We hope you all had a fabulous Christmas, it's gearing up to be a fun new year. So while you lay back and relax after stuffing yourself silly with Christmas pudding - or pavlova in our case here in Aussie -  enjoy checking out the great new save the date designs we have for 2018!

Ombré Save the Date

Marble Save the Date

Swept Away Save the Date

Flower Garden Save the Date

Luxe Palm Save the Date

Bloom Save the Date

Tie the Knot Save the Date

Succulent Save the Date

Love Me Do Save the Date

Wanderlust Save the Date

Spots and Stripes Save the Date

Did you know this time of year is the most popular for engagements? So congratulations if your other half popped the question, now it's time for the fun stuff to begin - the planning. Save the date cards are a great way to announce your engagement and of course help guests to plan ahead and save that date!
Here are a few tips to help you get started with save the dates

Top tips for save the dates

1) When do I send out my save the dates?
It's a good idea to send them out about six months in advance of your wedding date. If you're planning a destination wedding or your big day falls on a public holiday, then at least eight months out is best.

2) What information should be on there?
Most save the date wording is short and sweet. Just a few key details are needed; the couple's names and the date. Often the general location is helpful, just the city and state for example. Sometimes people like to add "formal invitation to follow." Leave off any registry info as it is generally considered bad taste to add this to a save the date or invitation. You can provide a link to a website or included a separate insert with the invitation later.

3) Do I need to have my wedding 'theme' decided?
A save the date is a great opportunity to introduce your guests to the general feel of your wedding. So while it doesn't have to match exactly with everything you do later it should set the tone. For example you might be sure it's going to have a vintage vibe, certain you'll be having a beach wedding or just sure you'll use pink because it's your favourite colour! Have fun and get creative with something that will get guests excited for the occasion.

4) How should I address my save the dates?
On the envelope and formally. So if you are inviting your friend Sam and are happy for her to bring a guest then 'Ms. Samantha Smith and Guest'. If families with children are invited add the kids names on after the parents, if not leave them off. It's best to be up front about who is invited from the start to save confusion later. There is no need to put guests names on the save the date itself.

5 Do I need to send them to everyone?
Save the dates are a lovely keepsake and it's always nice to receive a pretty piece of mail. So even if you see someone every day and they know all about the planning, even your maid of honour and best man, your mum and dad, everyone should get a save the date - as long as they are invited to the wedding of course! Remember only send them to people you know you definitely want to be there, once they are sent that's pretty much it.

Hopefully that is enough info to get you started, now comes the fun bit of actually picking out a design! So check out our big collection of save the dates on the website.

If you're looking for free wedding downloads don't forget to check out our creative monsoon website www.creative-monsoon.com These beautiful wood effect designs - or tree heart tags - are available to download for free. With six tags, three green and three brown, each circle is 3inches across so they're easy to cut out with a circle punch. Here we have printed them out on a fairly thick card stock, punched a small hole and added some string so we can tie them to wedding favours. Click here to visit the website and visit our FREEBIES section for more free wedding gift tag templates.

Looking for some inspiration after a bad day

It's a tricky one but I'm going to share my top ten favourite illustrations from this year - in no particular order. It's been such a busy year for creative monsoon thank you to everyone who purchased a print and thank you for all the wonderful feedback and encouragement. Looking forward to making lots more art next year!

Continuing a bit of a cat craze from last year - Nefferkitty

Weeks were spent trying to prefect the pineapple! Finally I had a look I loved

Phases of the moon is the first work in a new range that's also aimed at grown ups

Rainbow lion based on an original collage

Our beautiful rustic mountain wedding stationery range is just the thing for an outdoor wedding. With woodgrain, faux bois, mountains and foreground all part of the file, no special paper needed. Beautiful fonts and a pretty little arrow monogram to finish off the design. Available from the i do it yourself shop.

Pantone has announced it's 2018 colour of the year - ultra violet. Purple is a favourite so I love it - are you a fan? Here are a few ultra violet wedding invitation ideas.

Into the woods invitation, Anchors away invitation, Paper crane insert card and Luxe palm invitation all in Indigo.