Meet Vera Wang Papers Designer Meghan Carey and Our Newest Wedding Invitation Designs

Meet Meghan Carey, designer of our Vera Wang Papers collections. Refreshed designs for the On Weddings album debuts next week, and so we talked to her about highlights of the new designs, the trend of combining regal beauty with modern minimalism and why she sadly won’t be attending a certain castle wedding.

How many years have you been working for William Arthur and have you always been in a design position?

I started working for William Arthur as the Marketing Designer in 2004 and absolutely loved it. I was initially resistant to the concept of developing product, but when presented the opportunity to art direct the Vera Wang line in 2006, I just couldn’t resist!

What are some of the trends you're seeing in wedding invitations today, and how did you apply them to the new Vera Wang invitations?

We’re seeing a remarkable nod to elevated timelessness and regal beauty. Fresh modernity is executed with more minimalism, and palettes are more refined. (I keep thinking about Jane Austen and Massimo Vignelli.) This dichotomy is a reflection of the Vera Wang Bridal and RTW collections, from gorgeous, impeccable laces and textures, to sleek and modern tailoring. The translation to stationery felt natural.

View the entire new collection

How do you come up with the names and wedding details that are printed on each invitation?

Oh, we have fun writing copy for each collection! For the names, we start with census data for each of our consumer demographics. We ensure that each layout works with a range of variables, from name lengths and compositions to formality and hosting information. Then, we always add a few personal touches (you can find quite a few of my friends’ names in the pages of my albums!). We research each venue and have a lot of fun planning these extravagant, invented affairs. (I am definitely planning to attend Courtney and Julian’s castle wedding in Thiviers. I mean—why not?!)

What is your favorite part of designing a wedding album?

I absolutely love the idea stage. It is just so gratifying to fill your creative well with inspiration across all categories of design and culture, and then take the time to experiment, execute, test and play. I love to consider if something can be done differently, done better and made more beautiful.

I know they are all your children, but can you pick a favorite or two from the new designs?

This is always so hard! I love the opening spread of our new collection, and I think the romance of that Extra Large Square is just palpable. I also find the Text Weight Note to be exquisite in its timeless simplicity.