Special Delivery

Forget envelopes. Instead, mail your invitations in theme-revealing vessels, such as sand-filled glass bottles for beach affairs and Mylar bags for mod events.

Earthy Decor

To give your celebration earthy appeal, use secondhand, recyclable, and biodegradable items such as invitations embedded with plantable wildflower seeds (greenfieldpaper.com) and tables with cutlery made of wheat that you toss into the compost heap after use (earthwarebiodegradables.com).

Stylish Seals

Make your invitations stand out by sealing them with your monogram or a stamp that conveys your wedding-day theme.

Sparkle Away

Give your invitations glamorous sparkle with ruby, sapphire, or emerald embellishments.

Savvy Sender

Make a statement…with your envelope! Origami styles set a creative, offbeat tone, while custom-lined variations range from whimsical to sophisticated.

Proper Postage

Be sure to weigh your completed invitation before applying postage. You don't want your beautifully engraved envelopes returned to you.

Stylish Send-outs

Send an elegant message with couture invitations featuring French silk ribbons, handcrafted jeweled brooches, and heady essential oils (The Mea Collection by Clementine, clementineinvitations.com).

Island Escape

If you're having a Caribbean-themed affair, make postcards with vintage shots of the islands and send them as your save-the-date cards.

Virtual Response

Instead of asking guests to mail back RSVP cards, ask them to respond on your personal wedding Web site. You'll save money on stamps and give the environment a boost.

Mug Shot

Personalize your thank-you notes with PictureItPostage, which will print your digital photo on a U.S. postal stamp for a small fee (pictureitpostage.com).

Save Paper

Print programs on fans to keep guests cool during outdoor summer ceremonies, opt for tile or fabric for invitations or save-the-date cards, or write names of guests on place cards made of thin strips of paper tucked into silk Chinese fortune cookies.

Smart RSVPs

Cut the guesswork out of RSVP cards that guests forget to fill out by marking identity-revealing codes on the back.

Gift Files

File the name and address of each guest (or couple). When a guest sends a gift, jot down the date and a description of the present on their card. When it's time to write thank-you notes, you'll have all the information you need in one place.

Inviting Mementos

Give an invitation as a memento to both sets of parents, members of the wedding party, and the officiant.

Love Story

Set a romantic tone before your ceremony even begins by starting your programs with the story of how you and your soon-to-be husband met.