Invitations for a zoo/safari themed wedding
Are you getting married at a zoo or having a safari themed wedding? Looking for invitations that are zoo/safari or animal themed but don’t look like a kid’s birthday party invitation? Look no further! I’ve designed several different silhouetted animal invitations that are elegant, yet still a little playful. I’m going to share a few of the different styles, layouts and some tips to keep your zoo invitation looking like it’s for a wedding and not a kid’s birthday.
my first Zoo Animal invitation design
It was all the way back in 2015 when I met a bride, Ashley at a the Today’s Bride Bridal Show at the IX Center. She told me her and her fiancé were getting married at the Cleveland Zoo and wanted to incorporate animals elegantly into their wedding invitation. Animals on a wedding invitation? Yet, have it be elegant? Uhhhh… I’m pretty sure I said that out loud. Thought about it and then told her - “I’m definitely up for the challenge.” She set up a time to meet for a consultation to chat more about her vision.
I had this vision that we used animal silhouettes to keep it minimal, simple and clean. She was on board and I set to work!
We decided on a non-traditional shape - a long horizontal invitation - to showcase the animals gathering at the bottom of the invitation. Then, at the edge we have the African Baobab trees framed the outer edge. The invitation was mounted on a gold glitter backer and a gold linen pocket-fold. Inside the pocket was a custom map of Ashley & Elvis’s favorite spots around Cleveland along with some special spots like their first date location, home and where Elvis proposed! So fun!
Pocket-fold Zoo Invitation
The next couple I worked with - Stefanie & Jeff – were also getting married at the Cleveland Zoo. We kept with a horizontal invitation, but have the lovely animal silhouettes and African tree at the top of the invitation with a slightly different layout. This design become a favorite of so many and is now part of my Wedding Collection!
The invitation was printed on beautiful ivory card-stock and mounted with a gold glitter backer on a light-grey pocket-fold. A light blue response card envelope and belly-band brought in the blue color they used throughout their wedding.
They LOVED the map I created for Ashley & Elvis, but wanted something that highlighted the Zoo and also showed guests where to park. We created an illustrated/watercolor map of the Cleveland Zoo showcasing some of their favorite animals and the locations they are getting married!
Introducing…the zoo/safari Wedding Collection Invitation
Over the last few years, I worked with so many couples creating and customizing their invitation for their zoo wedding. It’s SO fun hearing the story of why, the excitement of feeding the giraffes (did you know you can feed the giraffes at the Cleveland Zoo if you get married there? How cool is that?!), and hear them get excited about having found an invitation that fits exactly what they were looking for. This is why I do what I do! I LOVE it when couples get excited for their invitations and this invitation is the perfect first look into a wedding at the zoo.
This past year, I made the invitation part of my Wedding Collection. The featured invitation features a vintage envelope liner of zoo animals, a satin ribbon and fun animal wax seal that perfectly matches the invitation.
How can I make this invitation my own?
With adding this invitation to my collection, you can easily purchase online (click here). You can select the quantity you are looking for and add any Bells & Whistles like the envelope liner, guest addressing or wax seals.
Not sure what you want or need help deciding? You are also welcome to send me a message (click here). I’m a one-woman shop (with hubby helping with assembly during the busy times too!) and will personally get back to you. We can set up a time to chat about what you are looking for and make your vision become reality!
Tips for your zoo wedding invitation
With every couple I’ve worked with having a zoo wedding - their main concern is having their wedding invitation look like a kid’s party invitation.
Here are some helpful tips I have to make sure your invitation looks like it is for a wedding and NOT a birthday party.
• Use muted or deep, rich colors.
These colors automatically create a sense of sophistication and elegance. Brighter colors tend to create more of a “fun and playful” mood - this may make your invitation seem a little more childish.
• Add bells & Whistles
By Bells & Whistles, I mean - add on a beautiful backer, luxurious satin ribbon and wax seal or envelope liner. Think about those oh-so-special elements you can ADD to your invitation to upscale it and make it even more beautiful and luxurious.
• Keep your colors minimal
My rule of thumb with invitations - stick with 2-3 colors and be intentional on where they are used. If you have a blush envelope, use the same color for your belly-band/ribbon or backer. Limiting the number of colors you use will make the invitation seem less cluttered and more elegant.
Interested in working together on your zoo wedding invitation? Contact me here - I would LOVE to chat!
Until next time! xoxo,
