Wedding invitations play a key role in every wedding. After all, they set the tone for the event and clue guests in on what to expect.

In the past, wedding invitations tended to be formal, with an elegant black script on white or ecru cardstock.While these traditional invites remain a mainstay in the wedding stationery market, many couples are opting for something more creative and, on occasion, casual.

Special/Gala Design (ENLARGE)
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"A lot of color is being used right now," said Suzanne Feeney, owner of Impressions by Suzanne in Roswell. "Vellum seems to be fading."

Feeney also said brides are using plenty of satin ribbon on invitations.

When deciding what papers and accent materials to use, keep in mind the type of event you have planned.

"Make sure the style and theme is conveyed through the colors, wording and type," said Tiffany Westbrook, owner and graphic designer for Gala Design in Dallas.

For example, use a soft green paper with embossed flowers to represent a garden wedding, or select a midnight blue paper with silver ink to represent a "Love in the Stars" wedding. If in doubt about your selection, rely on the knowledge and experience of a consultant.

Thanks to ever-increasing technological computer innovations, many brides are choosing to make their invitations at home.

While the selection may be limited when compared with what is available from an invitation store or supplier, there is still plenty to choose from. Also, some crafty brides are making their invitations using scrapbooking and stamping materials.

Although creating invitations is part of the wedding fun, some couples face dilemmas with regard to the invitation's wording. For example, what approach should they take if one's parents are divorced or deceased?

If divorced, Feeney suggests including the names of both parents (and respective spouses, if remarried), with the mother's name first. In the event a parent is deceased, Westbrook said to name only the living parent.

Another wording dilemma is how to tell guests that no children are invited to the reception.

"[Try] 'We regret that our reception site doesn't accommodate small children,' " Feeney said. However, she said, do not put this on the invitation. Instead, list it on the response, direction or save-the-date card.

To avoid unexpected guests other than children, make sure to address the invitation only to the person invited.

"Do not say, 'and guest,' " Westbrook said.

One last invitation no-no is sending registry information with the formal invitation. Westbrook suggests sending registry information with save-the-date cards or shower invitations. "It's also appropriate to list on [a couple's wedding] Web site," she said.

Once invitations are in hand and ready for mailing, they should be sent out between four and six weeks before the wedding. However, if there are many out-of-town guests, mail invitations at least six to eight weeks prior to the event.