Like a little black dress, an ecru or white wedding invitation is always in good taste, and, like the reliable frock, a tad predictable (boring?)

But if you're ready to break with tradition you'll find wonderful nuptial invitation options reflecting your personal style.

"This is definitely time to play," says Maria McBride-Mellinger, author of "The Perfect Wedding Details" (HarperResource, 2003).

"Graphic designers are creating all sorts of interesting invitations, and couples have access to technology to print their own fabulous invitations," McBride-Mellinger says.

For example, if you're making your own invitations, you can stitch kente cloth or a strip of Guatemalan woven fabric to heavy-stock paper. Or you can make your own rag stock paper using pressed flowers or experiment with different type fonts and colors.

And if you're not craft-oriented, or have a million other details to tend to, you can take advantage of trendy ideas offered by many stationery manufacturers. Here are some of the exciting new looks in wedding invitations.

"The traditional format is the French fold or a standard rectangular

panel," says Sean Tabb, with William Arthur, Kennebunkport, Maine, a designer, manufacturer and printer of personalized stationary (www.williamarthur.com).

"Squares are very current. Tea length, which is longer and thinner, is also popular. There are also different folds, such as the gate fold, an invitation that's dye-cut to open like French doors," Tabb says.

If you're planning a destination wedding consider a pocket-style invitation that resembles a booklet with inserts for the various activities. Let the invitation offer a clue about what to expect. A scene of redwoods suggests a ceremony in the wild.

Add anything from charms to feathers to personalize your invitation.

For ideas, browse your local craft store, McBride-Mellinger says. You'll find all sorts of decorative flourishes so you can do something stylish for not a lot of money.

"Use hole punches that cut out large initials for an instant monogram. Find floral medallions or letter charms that can be attach to the [response] card," McBride-Mellinger says.

You can also order invitations with your own touches.

"We're seeing handmade paper as a wraparound for an invitation. You take off the wrap before you see the invitation. It's like getting a present," Tabb says.

"It's a big trend," McBride-Mellinger says. "Paper stock like sage green printed with chestnut brown ink; sapphire blue with white ink or sunny yellow with fresh green ink Layered papers are available. You can get fabulous velum in a rainbow of colors with envelopes to match."

Choose colors that are appropriate to the season and your overall motif. Light blue paper with white printing is very popular this year, Tabb says.

However, if you're having a daytime or outdoor wedding he recommends light paper with dark ink. "It has a softer, prettier feel," he says.

As you go through the selection process take a look at wedding magazines, stationery stores and websites for inspiration. Although you may be tempted by custom-made invitations, you'll be paying anywhere from $14 to $74 per invitation.

Don't feel you have to be locked into a huge expense. Let your schedule, budget and preferences guide your choice.

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