Getting married this fall? Throwing a big housewarming party next month? Looking to build excitement about the big baby shower you're giving a close friend? It's all in the invitation. Promote your party with some of my favorite designs and retailers:

Make your custom dream invitation a reality at FineStationery.com. Take your time trying out different styles and messages — or choose the "Need it Quick" option to view ideas that you can get on the fly. You'll find everything from moving announcements to wedding invitations to personalized stationery and napkins. You'll even find an entire section of the site dedicated to etiquette advice from expert Letitia Baldridge, who has written more than a dozen books on the subject. Finally, shop FineStationery.com and you'll earn a 3% rebate from ConsumerClub.com.

Looking for exceptionally unique, modern card designs that can double as artwork? ElumDesigns.com offers beautiful, one-of-a-kind letterpress cards, notes, invitations and more. The price may be a bit higher than some other card and invitation resources, but you definitely get what you pay for. The limited edition prints are worthy of framing. And if you're looking to get ahead of the game, there are actually some beautiful winter-inspired cards on sale right now.

Finally, is any card shopping complete without a trip to Hallmark.com? The world's best-known card store just keeps getting better. (And keep in mind that you'll earn a full 5% rebate from ConsumerClub.com while as you shop here.) Browse through cards and invitations for just about every occasion imaginable, even find gifts and flowers for your guests. You can also send e-cards to your tech-savvier friends here.