The wedding invitation is the first impression that guests will receive about your wedding. It's like the coming attraction to the big day, a preview of the theme and a note that sets the tone for the event to come. That's no short order for a few pieces of paper.

But today's wedding invitations are so much more than just an invite and RSVP card. Rather, modern wedding invitations can feature elaborate ornamentation, folding, fabrics and unique graphics. And all these effects can work together to present a unified look and theme. Besides the decorations, there are many wedding invitation styles that are designed to stand out from the crowd and make every guest save the date.

In fact, wedding invitations pose a great opportunity for creativity. Amid the rigors of budget planning and vendor negotiations, many brides and grooms view wedding invitations as a chance to express their personalities. This brief overview provides some great ideas to help you get started.

Of course, color is everything on an invitation. It provides the pop and attention grabbing element that makes a statement. But there are many more choices beyond the traditional white, silver and gold. In fact, the black and white motif is a classic look that is gaining popularity for its elegant style.

The Butterfly Field invitation, for example, creates a silhouette display that's set off by the punch of watermelon colored ink. It's an extremely romantic look from an unexpected and understated color scheme. Other luxe colors like crimson, platinum and gray can also be incorporated into an invitation. Just think how refined a crisp cream invitation will look with a rich satin ribbon wrapped around it.

Like so many other things in our lives, weddings are going green and for the Earth-friendly couple, there are many eco-friendly invitations to choose from. These invites not only help the environment, but they also showcase a couple's commitment to the planet. The "Meant to Be" invitation can truly be considered "green," with Forest Stewardship Council certified papers that are certified Processed Chlorine Free and use recycled colors containing at least 30 percent post consumer recycled fiber.

Each invitation comes wrapped in a unique "belly band" that guests can plant to grow perennial wildflowers (which will attract songbirds and other wildlife). But not all eco-friendly designs have a rustic feel; in fact, many invitations sport traditional looks but are still just as green.

If you're looking to fully embrace the wedding's season, an invitation just might be the right way to allow guests to preview the theme of the wedding. This option works especially well for weddings that are held during non-traditional months. The "Let it Snow" theme feature sparkling snowflakes across the face of the invitation along with a soft and subtle cool blue/gray color theme that coordinates perfectly with snow white reception, response and thank you cards. "Fall Leaves" also offers a seasonal feel, but this time with dressed up leaves decked out in shining silver tones that create a cool and casual feel to the non-folding invitation.

For the wedding that promises a far off location or eclectic destination, there are specially designed invitations that offer a preview to the adventure. "Sail to Love" invitations present an ocean theme complete with an embossed sailboat and a graphic trim of nautical flags along the bottom border.

The matching response, reception, thank you and multi-purpose cards all complete the theme. For those couples holding their wedding on a far off resort, there are many options, like the fun and fancy "Resort Stripes," "Love By the Sea" and "Seashells" either in pearl or turquoise accents.

For the DIY couple, the invitation possibilities are virtually limitless. Generally available in packs, invitation kits give you all the supplies you'll need to create one-of-a-kind invites. The papers come with subtle graphics and embossing and you supply the print-work, which can either be done with the assistance of a computer or calligrapher. Add luxurious touches on a budget by purchasing spools of double-faced satin ribbon, monogram embossers and custom stamps that add that expensive touch to handmade invitations.

With so many wedding invitations to choose from, it can be an overwhelming task deciding which one is right for your wedding. However, by choosing a theme, message or style that you want as your overarching statement, you can narrow down your choices significantly.

By taking into account the overall feel of the planned wedding, a few obvious choices should begin to stand out. After that, all that's left is to find your favorite. Remember, this will be the invitation that goes into your wedding album and becomes a treasured memento to your special day. It should speak to you personally and be the one that truly embodies the couple that you've become.