Historically, crests symbolized noble families, their heritage, and values. During the Middle Ages, knights wore crests on their armor to signify their lineage and a romantic token, often incorporating symbols of their beloved. Today, it is a beautiful idea for couples to embrace this tradition by creating a symbol uniquely theirs, representing their journey, shared passions, and future aspirations. Additionally, monograms are a beautiful detail to carry forward beyond your wedding day, beginning a cherished legacy for future generations and adding a touch of timeless romance to your shared story. Renowned for her captivating designs, Arabella June has become a celebrated name in creating bespoke wedding crests and monograms. In this article, we’ll explore the art of creating them from the perspective of an experienced graphic designer.
MEET THE EXPERT
Arabella Abbott is a talented watercolor artist and graphic designer renowned for her exquisite illustrations and luxury wedding stationery. Her company, Arabella June, specializes in branding for special events and distinguished brands and brings a unique approach to each project. She takes immense pride in deeply understanding her clients’ ideas and visions, meticulously translating them into meaningful, one-of-a-kind designs. With a background in fine arts and a passion for storytelling through design, Arabella’s creations are nothing short of masterpieces.
Creating the Perfect Monogram for Your Wedding
Creating a wedding crest begins with understanding the couple's story. I will often conduct detailed interviews to uncover meaningful aspects of the couple's relationship: how they met, their shared interests, cultural backgrounds, and future dreams. These insights shape the crest's design, ensuring it resonates deeply with the couple and becomes a cherished part of their wedding legacy.
When considering a custom monogram or crest for your wedding, it’s essential to think about what symbols and elements are most meaningful to you as a couple. Here are some tips to guide you:
• Reflect on Your Story: Incorporating elements that reflect your journey together adds a deeply personal touch to your crest or monogram. Consider symbols that represent significant milestones or shared passions. For instance, if you both love traveling, include a compass or an airplane. If a particular place holds special meaning, such as where you first met or got engaged, include a landmark or geographical icon from that location. Even beloved pets can find a place in your design.
• Think About Colors: The colors you choose for your crest or monogram should harmonize with your wedding color palette. Colors carry emotional and cultural significance; for example, blue often symbolizes tranquility and loyalty, while gold conveys luxury and prosperity. Consider using shades that evoke the desired mood of your celebration, whether serene and intimate or vibrant and festive.
• Choose Your Style: The overall style of your crest or monogram sets the tone for your wedding stationery and decor. Deciding on a style—classic, whimsical, romantic, or regal. It will guide the design process and ensure the final product aligns with your wedding theme. A classic style might feature traditional heraldic elements and elegant script, while a whimsical style could include playful illustrations and vibrant colors. A romantic style might incorporate delicate florals and soft pastels, whereas ornate details and luxurious gold accents could characterize a regal style.
• Incorporate Initials: Combining your initials in a unique and artistic way is a traditional yet timeless choice for a wedding crest or monogram. The initials can be intertwined to symbolize unity or placed within a decorative frame to signify elegance and tradition. You might choose a modern, minimalist approach with clean lines and simple typography or a more elaborate design with intricate details and embellishments. Options include using a single initial of your shared surname, both of your first names or a combination of your first names and surname.
Charm of Arabella June's Creations
Arabella June’s creations showcase a variety of styles, each tailored to reflect different aspects of a couple’s story. The designs include sophisticated crests adorned with florals and greenery, encased in shield-like frames symbolizing protection and unity, perfect for spring or garden weddings. Playful designs with vibrant blossoms and adorable animal illustrations are ideal for couples seeking fun and personality in their stationery.
For a more regal look, ornate details and gold touches add regal opulence inspired by historical crests with cherubs, crowns, and intricate scrollwork, perfect for grand, luxurious weddings. Lastly, coastal inspirations draw from shore settings, incorporating seashells, marine flora, and nautical motifs, ideal for destination weddings by the sea, blending natural beauty with the couple’s unique story.
Incorporating Meaningful Symbols
Incorporating meaningful symbols is pivotal in crest design. Elements such as animals, botanical motifs, or geographical icons, nodding to places significant to the couple, infuse the crest with personal significance. Different flowers also carry distinct meanings:
• Lavender represents devotion.
• Daisies symbolize innocence.
• Roses signify love.
• Olive branches denote victory.
• Peonies convey prosperity and romance.
The Journey from Design to Wedding Day and Forever
Once created, the wedding crest is used across various wedding elements. It adorns invitations, programs, menus, and favors, creating a cohesive visual identity that ties together the celebration. Beyond the wedding day, the crest can be integrated into personal stationery, home décor, and family heirlooms as a timeless reminder of a joyous union.
Rooted in tradition, custom wedding crests evolve with contemporary tastes and preferences. Couples today seek designs that reflect their individuality while honoring the customs that resonate with them. This blend of tradition and personal expression ensures that each crest is as unique as the couple it represents, embodying their love story in a visually captivating manner.
For more inspiration, be sure to visit Arabella June on Instagram and her website.
