If a cookie cutter wedding just won't cut it, then a custom wedding invitation is the perfect way to set the tone for a ceremony that is uniquely you. If you want to custom design wedding stationery, here are a few pointers.

Take control

To design wedding invitation stationery that's all about you, take control of the ordering process. It's true that some invitation designs are set in stone, but there are hundreds of designs that are easy to personalize with your special touches. Invitation printing websites might offer a single design in a dozen colors--spanning from trendy to timeless. Customization doesn't stop at paper choices. With many invite styles, brides can choose everything from the font color to the typeset.

Start from scratch

Have you searched dozens of websites and seen hundreds of invitations but none of them quite hit the mark? Then it's time to look into a custom wedding invitation crafted especially for you. If you've been bitten by the creativity bug, design your own invite from scratch.

A second option is to look to a graphic artist. Don't hire just any designer, though. Invest your money with a specialist with experience in how to design wedding invitation stationery. Marriage invite companies often have on-staff graphic designers who are happy to create that one-of-a-kind look you want.

Mix and match

One up-and-coming custom wedding invitation look is mix and match. For example, pair a pink invitation with a purple response card. Or, you might choose to mix scalloped-edged stationery with straight-edged paper. Online marriage invitation specialists offer mix and match services, or, if you're a hands-on gal (or guy), you can purchase DIY mix and match kits. And although it takes time to design wedding invitation stationery, the kits give you a boutique look for a hard to beat DIY price.

Go old-school

Another way to design stationery with a custom look is to use letterpress printing. In use for more than 500 years, this process has become the go-to style for brides seeking an elegant look. The printer inks a raised surface, then presses it into each individual piece of paper. The result is a textured print with slight variations, making each invitation truly unique. While letterpress printing can be more expensive than other methods, it's one of the best ways to tell your guests that they'll be sharing in a special and elegant event.

There's no need to spend your valuable time traveling to and from local print shops hunting for a printer who specializes in letterpress. With the click of a mouse, you can find letterpress specialists online who can create a bespoke invite.

Sample it

It can be intimidating to invest in made-to-order invites, after all, how can you be sure that your custom wedding invitation will turn out the way you envisioned it? That's why it's critical to request a sample of your marriage stationery. Most printers will charge a nominal fee for a sample, but the peace of mind you'll gain from knowing the image you're using looks like a rose instead of Rorschach blot will make it worth it.