So, you’ve decided to get married on the beach, surrounded by crashing waves, warm sand, and blue sky. Your wedding invitations should reflect this theme, and whether you go for funand informal or elegant and sophisticated, you can incorporate your wedding colors and style into your wedding stationery.

When you’re choosing beach wedding invitations, the style of the invites should match the tone of your ceremony and reception. If you’re having a casual brunch or afternoon cocktail party near the water, you may want to pick an informal card such as a sunglasses-shaped postcard or bright turquoise invitation. However, if your ceremony will be at sunset by candlelight, you will want to let your guests know that the setting is a little more formal. In this case, opt for a soft pastel color or small nautically-themed graphic instead. Make sure you give your guests an idea of what they should wear to the wedding, as people are often unsure about whether they should come in Bermuda shorts or a suit to your nuptials. Beach wedding invitations should include as much information as possible about the wedding location and proceedings. Research accommodation rates for your guests, and offer a low end and high end hotel choice to fit any budget. If the resort or hotel offers tours or activities, give guests that information as well. Some couples choose not to receive gifts for a beach wedding, as guests are often traveling a long way to attend the celebration. If you don’t want to have gifts at your wedding, let your guests know by word of mouth through family before the wedding takes place. Never include gift information on your invitations, as this is considered poor taste.

Wedding invitations are one of things couples begin to think about as they plan their wedding. Here are some creative wedding invitation ideas that can add some flair and creativity to your wedding invitations. Using technology for your wedding invitations is a good creative idea. For example, one creative wedding invitation idea using technology is to create CDs with files of pictures of you and loved one and enclose a title page in the CD case with the official invitation information and “save the date” cards. In the same fashion, another creative wedding invitation idea would be to include music on the CD or even create a slideshow of pictures set to music for your friends and family. Some couples totally get away from traditional invitations by emailing their invitations. With this method, you can also share pictures and music. As an added bonus, it will be easy for your guests to contact you.

If you prefer to stay more traditional but still want creative wedding invitations, you could consider incorporating dried and pressed flowers into the invitations themselves. With this idea, you could have flowers pressed that will be echoed in some of the later bouquets or arrangements at your wedding so your guests can have a preview of your style when they open the invitation. If you’re skilled with photoshop or know someone who is, you can alter and style your wedding invitations in a unique way. Also, consider including small items into your invitations. This can be an item from nature or a small chain that symbolizes the joining of two souls.