Start planning your mood boards now! Summer is shaking off the serious vibes and embracing playful energy, nostalgic comfort, and shapes that refuse to stay in line.

If you’re getting ready to DIY your invitations or plan a summer bash, these are the four defining visual trends you need to know.

1. The New Neutral: Butter Yellow

The butter yellow shade stands out as the new neutral for Summer. Creamy, optimistic, and bottled sunshine. It’s softer than a primary yellow, making it incredibly versatile and sophisticated.

How to use it

• It’s the ultimate choice for gender-neutral baby showers.
• It’s also the star of the trending “First Trip Around the Sun” first birthday theme, pairing beautifully with muted blues or soft terracottas.
• For grown-up gatherings, it’s the perfect shade for a chic, “Golden Hour” themed garden dinner or bridal brunch. It brings an instant vintage, sun-drenched feel—especially when mixed with rattan textures and crisp white linens.

2. The Coquette Aesthetic: Bows & Ribbons

The obsession with all things ultra-feminine isn’t going anywhere. The coquette aesthetic is still huge, bringing a sense of delicate charm and nostalgia to party stationery.

How to use it: Think dainty, hand-drawn ribbon illustrations in soft pastels. This is perfect for “tie the knot” wedding invitations, bridal showers, or a sweet first birthday theme featuring a single, perfect pink bow.

3. The Anti-Square: Squiggles & Wavy Border

Rigid, straight lines are officially out. Summer is all about movement and playfulness in invitation design.

How to use it: Look for templates that feature fun, squiggly frames or, better yet, physical invitations with a “die-cut” style wavy edge. This trend adds an instant dose of fun to any event, from a casual backyard BBQ to a kids’ art party.

This summer isn’t about perfection—it’s about personality!

Whether you’re planning a backyard bash, a sweet first birthday, or a golden-hour garden gathering, let color, movement, and a little whimsy lead the way. Trust your eye, follow the joy, and don’t be afraid to mix a little nostalgia with something unexpected—summer’s best moments always do.