| ding invitation is the first impression that guests will | | | | If you're looking to fully embrace the wedding's season, |
| receive about your wedding. It's like the coming | | | | an invitation just might be the right way to allow guests |
| attraction to the big day, a preview of the theme and | | | | to preview the theme of the wedding. This option |
| a note that sets the tone for the event to come. | | | | works especially well for weddings that are held during |
| That's no short order for a few pieces of paper. | | | | non-traditional months. The "Let it Snow" theme |
| But today's wedding invitations are so much more than | | | | feature sparkling snowflakes across the face of the |
| just an invite and RSVP card. Rather, modern wedding | | | | invitation along with a soft and subtle cool blue/gray |
| invitations can feature elaborate ornamentation, folding, | | | | color theme that coordinates perfectly with snow |
| fabrics and unique graphics. And all these effects can | | | | white reception, response and thank you cards. "Fall |
| work together to present a unified look and theme. | | | | Leaves" also offers a seasonal feel, but this time with |
| Besides the decorations, there are many wedding | | | | dressed up leaves decked out in shining silver tones |
| invitation styles that are designed to stand out from | | | | that create a cool and casual feel to the non-folding |
| the crowd and make every guest save the date. | | | | invitation. |
| In fact, wedding invitations pose a great opportunity for | | | | For the wedding that promises a far off location or |
| creativity. Amid the rigors of budget planning and | | | | eclectic destination, there are specially designed |
| vendor negotiations, many brides and grooms view | | | | invitations that offer a preview to the adventure. "Sail |
| wedding invitations as a chance to express their | | | | to Love" invitations present an ocean theme complete |
| personalities. This brief overview provides some great | | | | with an embossed sailboat and a graphic trim of |
| ideas to help you get started. | | | | nautical flags along the bottom border. |
| Of course, color is everything on an invitation. It | | | | The matching response, reception, thank you and |
| provides the pop and attention grabbing element that | | | | multi-purpose cards all complete the theme. For those |
| makes a statement. But there are many more choices | | | | couples holding their wedding on a far off resort, there |
| beyond the traditional white, silver and gold. In fact, the | | | | are many options, like the fun and fancy "Resort |
| black and white motif is a classic look that is gaining | | | | Stripes," "Love By the Sea" and "Seashells" either in |
| popularity for its elegant style. | | | | pearl or turquoise accents. |
| The Butterfly Field invitation, for example, creates a | | | | For the DIY couple, the invitation possibilities are virtually |
| silhouette display that's set off by the punch of | | | | limitless. Generally available in packs, invitation kits give |
| watermelon colored ink. It's an extremely romantic look | | | | you all the supplies you'll need to create one-of-a-kind |
| from an unexpected and understated color scheme. | | | | invites. The papers come with subtle graphics and |
| Other luxe colors like crimson, platinum and gray can | | | | embossing and you supply the print-work, which can |
| also be incorporated into an invitation. Just think how | | | | either be done with the assistance of a computer or |
| refined a crisp cream invitation will look with a rich satin | | | | calligrapher. Add luxurious touches on a budget by |
| ribbon wrapped around it. | | | | purchasing spools of double-faced satin ribbon, |
| Like so many other things in our lives, weddings are | | | | monogram embossers and custom stamps that add |
| going green and for the Earth-friendly couple, there are | | | | that expensive touch to handmade invitations. |
| many eco-friendly invitations to choose from. These | | | | With so many wedding invitations to choose from, it |
| invites not only help the environment, but they also | | | | can be an overwhelming task deciding which one is |
| showcase a couple's commitment to the planet. The | | | | right for your wedding. However, by choosing a theme, |
| "Meant to Be" invitation can truly be considered | | | | message or style that you want as your overarching |
| "green," with Forest Stewardship Council certified | | | | statement, you can narrow down your choices |
| papers that are certified Processed Chlorine Free and | | | | significantly. |
| use recycled colors containing at least 30 percent post | | | | By taking into account the overall feel of the planned |
| consumer recycled fiber. | | | | wedding, a few obvious choices should begin to stand |
| Each invitation comes wrapped in a unique "belly band" | | | | out. After that, all that's left is to find your favorite. |
| that guests can plant to grow perennial wildflowers | | | | Remember, this will be the invitation that goes into your |
| (which will attract songbirds and other wildlife). But not | | | | wedding album and becomes a treasured memento to |
| all eco-friendly designs have a rustic feel; in fact, many | | | | your special day. It should speak to you personally and |
| invitations sport traditional looks but are still just as | | | | be the one that truly embodies the couple that you've |
| green. | | | | become. |