Motifs & Meanings

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

MAPEL LEAF = emblem of lovers

PALM TREE = blessings

PEACOCK = love, desire

PEONY = love, good fortune, happiness

PINEAPPLE = fertility, hospitality

PINE CONE = good fortune

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