Planning a wedding fit for a princess? Then choose a Cinderella carriage-style card as your invitation. A Christmas engagement that deserves a holiday wedding? Take a look at the box-shaped card with its red flocked flourishes and bow. All it needs is the printed paper slipped inside that invites family and friends to share the gift of your love.

Want an elegant but modern look? There are laser-cut designs, tassels and beading enough to transform an invitation from ordinary to extraordinary.

Today's brides are looking for unique invitations that reflect the couple's personal style or wedding theme, says Deb Berstler, co-owner of SWAK, the stationery and gift shop on the Cedar Falls Parkade

The timeless tradition of white and ecru wedding invitations is a look that has served brides since Victorian times. But it doesn't suit every bride's taste or satisfy the desire for an attention-getting invitation, an out-of-the ordinary personal statement.

Color, too, is part of the story, from the most delicate pastels to jewel tones and bright, bold graphics. Couples are also monogramming, embossing and engraving invitations, accessorizing with add-ons like charms, ribbons, bows, even bits of tulle and lace. Some include photographs, prose or poetic verses.

Stationery stores, card shops and printers have numerous preprinted designs that can be easily adapted as wedding invitations, particularly for smaller, intimate weddings.

When ordering invitations, make sure to order a few extras. You'll want them as keepsakes in your wedding album. They're also handy in case you make a mistake in addressing an envelope or overlooked someone on the guest list, etiquette expert Luanne Alemao advises.

Beyond the actual invitation, Bertsler reminds brides that there are save-the-date cards, thank-you notes and personal stationery needs, as well. Whatever theme or motif you choose, make sure to carry it throughout for consistency.

Don't order invitations in piecemeal fashion. One large order will save more money than two smaller ones.

Whatever style you choose, make it personal. "Handwritten addresses - no printed labels, please. You're inviting people to the most important event in your life, and it should be personal. And no e-mail invitations. That's not unique, that's businesslike or seems like an afterthought," says Alemao.

You'll also want to stuff the reply card, reception card, if desired, and possibly a map into the envelope. Traditional invitations usually include an inner envelope that holds and protects the actual invitation Remember bulky envelopes may cost more than a 41-cent stamp to mail. When you go to the post office to purchase stamps, take a full invitation and have it weighed before affixing postage, Alemao suggests.

Include a stamped envelope for the reply card or, if it's a postcard, make sure it is self-addressed with postage attached. Even if it's just a few cents, it's tacky to make your guests pay to return the card.

Including registry information in the invitation is an etiquette faux pas, she says. "It lacks class … that's something that can be included on save-the-date card or the couple's Web site. Print the Web address on save-the-date cards, that's perfectly fine and makes good sense."

The last word

Piecework - An invitation will include the outer envelope, unsealed inner envelope, the invitation, a reception card if the reception is at a different location than the ceremony, a reply card with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. It's OK to include maps and accommodation information.

Traditional - 100-percent cotton or linen paper in white or ecru, heavy stock, engraved with black or dark ink, with a piece of opaque tissue to protect the type.

Contemporary -- Choice of colors, textures, motifs, graphics, size, commercially designed and/or printed or self-designed and printed on a home computer. the inner unsealed envelope is often left out of contemporary invitations.

When to order -- At least three or four months before the wedding date. Ask if you can receive the outer envelopes sooner so you can begin addressing. If a calligrapher has been hired to address the invitations, it may take an additional two to three weeks.

Proofread -- Triple-check the invitation for spelling errors. Make sure the date, time and location are correct.

In the mail -- Send out invitations eight to six weeks before the date. Send save-the-date cards as soon as possible so guests can arrange their schedules.

RSVP -- The reply card asks that guests respond to the invitation. Make sure there is a "return by" card.

Reception cards -- If the reception will take place at a different location, include a card that informs guests.

Wedding programs -- As much memento as the ceremony's agenda, the wedding program provides such information as the names of the officiant, bridal party and their relationship to the bride or groom, the soloists or musicians, the order of events, reading and song titles. It is also a chance for the couple to thank people, explain the ceremony, honor deceased loved ones, etc.

Menu cards -- It's OK to include menu options for a sit-down dinner so guests can choose their meal, in case of allergies or dietary concerns. Order these at least six weeks before the wedding day.

Place cards -- Tells guests were to sit. Usually additional these small cards are printed with each guest's name and placed at the top of the place setting. Modern brides are opting for different props that fit their wedding theme. Order with your invitations if printed. Start working on them at least a month in advance if you're doing something creative.

Tissue paper -- These see-through or opaque pieces of paper are a nice embellishment and protect the invitation.

Thank-you cards -- After the invitation, this is the single most important item in the wedding arsenal. These notecards should contain handwritten messages from the couple, thanking them for attending your wedding and/or for their gifts. Even a postcard with your wedding photo and a handwritten missive acknowledges their presence. Mail out no later than one month after your honeymoon for gifts received at your wedding. Gifts received at showers should be sent out before the wedding day.

The classic touch

-- Print the invitation on heavy white or ecru stock, 100 percent cotton or linen fiber

-- Choose a crisp, easy-to-read typeface -- in black or charcoal ink

-- Wedding scheme can be tied into the invitation through decorative borders or satin ribbons. A family crest is appropriate here.

-- Engraving is the most traditional printing method

-- Outside and inner envelopes are traditional touches.

A destination wedding?

-- Send out save-the-date cards to clue-in guests right away.

-- Send wedding invitations at least four or five months before the wedding date.

-- For guests who send in response cards saying, "Yes, we're coming!", mail out a packet of information on the destination, including accommodations, transportation, etc. Post this information on your Web site so guests can begin booking.