July 17, 2008

Artistic Impressions

Instead of using a traditional guestbook, ask guests to sign a platter with a ceramic pencil. Glaze and fire the piece and use it as a serving dish for years to come.

July 16, 2008

Sunny Days

Don't send your invitations out on a rainy day, especially if you plan to use a public mailbox. All that rain and dampness may damage the paper and cause the ink to run.

July 15, 2008

Something Old

Have a piece of your mother's wedding dress sewn into your gown in honor of the "something old" tradition.

July 14, 2008

Camcorder Confessions

Place one-time-use video recorders on each reception table so your guests can record their favorite party moments and special messages to you and your groom.

July 11, 2008

Camera Call

Not everyone will want to watch your feature-length wedding video, but most will love a quickie two to five minute edit. Ask your videographer to create a condensed version and make DVD copies for your close friends and families.

July 10, 2008

Brighter Bubbly

For a new twist on a classic wedding cocktail, ask your bartender to drop a gumball, such as strawberry or green apple, into each champagne glass.

July 9, 2008

Signature Song

What's more romantic than a song written just for you? Hire a composer to create your first dance music at weddingsongwriter.com.

July 8, 2008

Spread the News

While making reservations for your honeymoon, and during the trip itself, make sure anyone and everyone knows you're newlyweds. You never know who'll throw in an extra complementary champagne and strawberries.

July 7, 2008

Blushing Bride

For a glow that stays incandescent all day, try layering your blush. If you've already applied liquid or cream foundation, start with a cream blush, dusting it with translucent powder, then brush on a powder blush.

July 4, 2008

Meet the Multitaskers

Post-wedding, use your cake stand for a buffet platform or votive display, and your soup tureen can double as a flower vessel or punch bowl.

July 3, 2008

Nature-Inspired Decor

To bring the outdoors in, decorate your reception tables with leaves and branches in novel ways by building centerpieces to resemble trees—complete with bird nests and dangling moss—and sewing faux leaves into the linens and chair covers.

July 2, 2008

Personal Petals

“We love to put petite flower arrangements at each place setting,” says Niki Delacueva of R. Jack Balthazar Events in South Pasadena, Calif. (Try bright bud vases.) “The look is dramatic, and guests can take them home as a favor.”

July 1, 2008

Serve Tiny Treats

Continue the cocktail-hour vibe by having mini desserts (one-bite tarts, cotton candy) passed like hors d’oeuvres.

June 30, 2008

Playing Dress-Up

For antsy young guests, set up a “play” tent with trunks of masks, costumes and props—plus a full-length mirror.