Sweet Nothings

Tie your toss-away bouquet with ribbons bearing sweet messages such as "You will marry the man of your dreams" (Awesome Blossom, 770-438-7554.

Aquatic Affair

Give your wedding a beachy feel even if you're miles from the sea by incorporating aqua and teal into your decor. Add seashells and sand to your centerpieces for extra flair.

Barnyard Bash

A barn calls out for embellishments—a rustic wreath and muslin drapes at the doorway add the appropriate flourishes. For the country equivalent of a plush red carpet, lay down a generous path of straw.

Beauty on a Budget

Cost-effective flower fillers like star-of-Bethlehem and sweet william can be combined with more exotic varieties to stretch a budget.

Branch Out

Inexpensive blooms like carnations make sumptuous arrangements affordable, while one or two branches of orchids create dramatic yet cost-effective displays.

Capital Ideas

Customize your reception by putting your brand-new monogram on everything, from diminutive spoons to paper cartons to burger buns.

Chic and Sweet

For cocktail centerpieces, fill vases with brightly colored candy. Buy the sweet stuff in bulk from Candy Warehouse (candywarehouse.com).

Earthenware Delights

Raid flea markets for enamelware, Depression china, and diner-style creamware for the perfect farm-wedding decor.

Eco-Friendly Flowers

Order locally grown, in-season flowers to support area farmers and conserve fuel (no shipping). Visit your local farmers' market or check out organicbouquet.com for ideas.

Fashionable Foliage

Find the perfect greenery for your fete by logging on to foliagegarden.com, where you'll find tropical plants to rent or buy, including ten types of palms.

Floral Purses

For contemporary flair, find a florist who can create floral purses―square or round handbag-shaped Styrofoam with flowers pinned to it―instead of traditional bridesmaid bouquets.

Flowery Favors

Rent candelabras from a party supplier, then place one candelabra in the center of each table surrounded by one bud vase for every guest. Put a single flower in each vase and let guests take the vases home as favors.

Furry Fete

Go for the Doctor Zhivago (or Zsa Zsa) look by using snowy-hued faux fur to cover cushions, ottomans, and benches.

Garden Party

Hang silk flowers, or clustered arrangements, from the ceiling to give your reception a lush garden-party feel. Use the same blooms in your centerpieces to complement the look.

Glowing Decor

To cut your florist bill, use candles lavishly and flowers sparingly: a low vase or container with rose petals floating in water surrounded by lots of candles.