The old adage: 'something old, something new' has come full circle. In the world of weddings, there has been a marked resurgence in weddings returning to more traditional, elegant styles as opposed to contemporary, modern styles. Traditional styles like Western-themed weddings are growing in popularity, and if you're planning on gettin' hitched, there are a few things you need to consider before you two-step down the aisle.

If you plan to take the proverbial plunge and want to have a Western-themed wedding, there are more than just decorations and attire to plan. To have a top-notch Western wedding, you will want your theme to be reflected in your location, food, transportation (horseback or carriage?) as well as your invitations.

For more formal weddings, ivory, cream, or neutral color invitations with white or cream overlays including Western motifs can be beautiful and elegant ways to invite your guests. Further, Western-themed wedding invitations don't have to employ cliche' images such as lassos, cowboy boots or bull horns--they can be sophisticated too. For a more modern look, choose a current style invitation with western touches, such as Naptime Productions "Western Initial" design is a clever mix of traditional icons and contemporary style. All you need is a vision to coincide with your theme to bring it to fruition. Consider the overall tone of your event -- is it going to be along the lines of the Wild, Wild West or is it more of a simple ranch-style look? Are you going to get married on a ranch or in a chapel in the country? How far do you want to go with the theme?

If you want a more traditional, simple, elegant take on the Western theme, here are some invitation ideas:

- Print your invitations on heavy Victorian card stock.

- Print your ceremony program on rustic paper with a scroll and a 19th century font.

- Use classic Western logos that are more nostalgic than kitschy.

- Word your invitation to reflect a bygone era.

- Make reference to your theme in the invitation.

- Use an old-fashioned photograph.

- Choose classical symbols on your invitations with like a stetson, wagon wheel or stage coaches.

- Use wildflowers like daisies or sunflowers.

Impress your guests with your creativity! Here are one wedding attendee's remarks: "I recently attended a Western wedding, and I was amazed at the beautiful spectacle. The bride and groom did a magnificent job choosing stylish Western designs and decor for the special occasion. I thought that the entire thing was going to be a complete mess and that it was going to be far too casual for a true bridal affair but I was terribly wrong.

The first indication that the couple was having a Western wedding was apparent in the invitations. The couple chose an invitation design that used a cowboy hat and a bouquet of flowers as the central focus. The lovely icons were set on top of a bale of hay that was delicately placed to the left of the attractive notes."

In addition to the level of formality of the wedding, the invitation style will also be determined by the any sub-theme of the wedding. For example, an invitation on a picture of a bride and groom riding on a horse would be perfect for a fairy-tale Western wedding theme. A "Lucky in Love" theme is easily built upon with a horseshoe invitation, accessories, and bridal shower gifts.

Whether you want an elegant wedding honoring the past or a wedding with touches of country flair, your Western invitations are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.