A Prelude to the Wedding

Think of the invitation as a behind-the-scenes peek. Choose a detail of the wedding and use it as an overriding theme: a metallic leaf on the envelope indicative of a Fall wedding, a pale blue, letter-pressed seashell setting the tone for a beach ceremony, or an antiqued scroll complementary to a ceremony on a manicured lawn, followed by a reception between the walls of a gilded mansion. 

Weave this concept throughout the course of the day. Mirror the design on the place cards, name the reception tables in a coordinating fashion, and appoint a harmonious item as the favor. Take this opportunity to add hand-illustrated maps for directions from the ceremony to the reception, a card of local attractions and accommodations for the out-of-town guests, and a schedule of events for a multi-day affair.