theming forms

I'm using Panels extensively and I'm trying to override the add/edit form of a content type. I themed the content types edit form by registering the template file in template.php and then creating the a template file called node-meeting-edit.tpl.php. When I used panels to override the add/edit form and added the general form pane, the form went back to its original display. If I disable the form, everything works fine. Is there a way to get panels to use the template file for the forms? I have a feeling i may have to go the route of using the Forms API.

So I used cck to add an imagefield to all of my "pages" on website - so each page now as a graphic header before the content. Perfect. Except the contact form. I thought I might be able to do something similar with CCK and Views? First question I guess, is what type of node is the contact form? I was thinking I would need to create a contact_form_node.tpl.php file. I never created any type of node.tpl.php file, so I'm not sure if I'm headed down the right path here. Suggestion would be appreciated.
Thanks
Donna

I am theming input form -

• used the hanbook to get to the point where created and invoked node_form.tpl.php.
• used css to theme form- widths and layout

problem: