Warm Welcome

Greet your guests with seasonal refreshments. In fall, hot apple and pear ciders served with cinnamon sticks and pumpkin doughnuts take the chill out of an autumn day.

Surprising Blooms

Make your blooms more eye-catching by adding unexpected elements such as rhinestones, pearls, feathers―even fruits and veggies to your bouquet.

Stir It Up

Print the recipe for your custom cocktails on drink napkins so guests can stir up their own batch of Mary and Joe mai tais at home.

Healthy Fare

The "chicken or steak" choice has a new organic twist: hormone-free poultry and grass-fed beef. For a list of delicious organic caterers in your area, visit organicweddings.com.

Dashing Desserts

Create a dessert bar of snowy-hued treats—coconut marshmallows, white chocolate-covered cherries, rock candy—as a stylish accompaniment to your wedding cake.

Wine Spectators

Master the art of pairing food and wine at the Wine School of Philadelphia, which offers one-hour lessons for couples or groups (winedegree.com).

Whimsical Desserts

Give even the chicest party a whimsical feel by serving liqueur-infused popsicles or tiny sorbet cones.

Serve Picnic Style

Encourage conversation among your crowd by having food served on large platters, to be passed family-style or arranged on a buffet. Vary the heights and types of containers you use (wicker baskets and tiered stands along with the more typical silver trays) to add visual appeal.

Sweet Gestures

Rent an old-fashioned ice-cream cart or snow-cone stand to scoop and serve to order. Or hire a vendor to whip up funnel cakes or other summery favorites on the spot.

Snack Time

If your wedding ceremony is on the same site as your reception, ask your site manager or caterer if it's possible to have some appetizers and champagne for the wedding party while they are getting ready.

Old-World Charm

Incorporate small touches that reflect old-fashioned elegance into your reception, like punch served from a vintage-style crystal bowl or candy displayed in antique vessels.

Meals on Wheels

Give a casual rehearsal dinner some spunk by renting a pushcart or two to dispense nachos, peanuts, hot dogs, beer, egg rolls...pushcartparties.com.

B.Y.O.W.

Pre-Ceremony Partying

Loosen up your guests by ushering them to a bar or cocktail table before starting the ceremony. It will result in a more laid-back crowd for both the ceremony and the reception.

Honor Your Heritage