invitation format designs

Times certainly have changed when considering wedding invitations. Now the bride has quite a few colour choices and weights of papers,not to mention quite an array of ink colours. Custom colours are always available at modest cost. Formats as far as folders or die cuts are also in abundance.Printing methods have expanded as well. Checkerboard as an example,in their Blue Moon book show quite a few custom die cuts in a wide array of unusual shapes that lend themselves to a quite different invitation that is most attractive. Carlson Craft now has a folder book out that features many types of folders that are quite interesting. Now,the downside is-what you see is what you get. IF you want another paper colour as an example,you will not be able to get it. But,there is hope. Pick the format you love which is in the wrong colour,and get yourself off to a custom designer who will have,hopefully,just the type of paper that you want.
As an example,I own my own company but also work as a contractor/consultant for Papyrus Tucson-they carry over 30 books. There are many custom designers out there,most are quite good,just be sure to pick one who will actually design what YOU want,not what they have designed in general,or you will be right back where you started. Pick someone who as been in business for a long time as well. Those retailers will automatically know what to do and advise you against possible mistakes.