For something completely different, turn to the saturated colors and patterned silks of Asia for inspiration. We've designed a reception with the East in mind—the sunny chains of marigolds that mark every Indian festivity, the brilliant batiks of Indonesia, the vibrant tints of Japanese prints and origami.
Our celebration is permeated with red—worn by many Chinese brides as a symbol of luck and a bright future. Low arrangements of flowers explode in saturated colors of orange, tangerine, and hot-pink and are highlighted by chartreuse, deep-purple, and white. Composed of blooms mostly Asian in origin, the centerpieces burst with spiky, spongy, and languorous profiles of dahlias, pincushion protea, Chinese lanterns, song of India, Japanese andromeda, cockscomb, cathlea, Dutch chrysanthemums, and globe thistles. Flowers by Christopher Bassett, 646-285-7140.
A fiery silk runner embroidered with white spider mums and medallions anchors the displays.
Like the rising sun, canary oncidium orchids hover over the proceedings in narrow tubular vases, with sprays forming a tremulous canopy over the celebration.
Woodblock-print paper fans cinched with flowers greet guests at their seats.
Key your flowers to the season and infuse them with hidden blessings: in China, peonies represent the spring; lotus blooms are linked to the summer and to purity; chrysanthemums are plentiful in the fall; and Asian-themed winter weddings look best with plum blossoms, which feature five petals—one for each god of good luck.
Brilliant idea: In keeping with your modern Asian design, ask your DJ to cue up music inspired by Bollywood—the soundtracks from Monsoon Wedding and Bend It Like Beckham are sure to get everyone out of their seats and onto the dance floor.
Silk-dragon cushion covers, from Shanghai Tang, shanghaitang.com. Tableware, linens, and chairs, from TriServe Party Rentals, triservepartyrentals.com.
Savvy shopper tip: Scour party-supply stores, florists, and discount chains for jewel-hued accents: vases of every shape and shade, inexpensive embroidered pillows for the backs of chairs, and mismatched batik clothes in eye-catching patterns will round out your party's look.
Faux-bamboo seats look all the more festive in lacquer-red and draped with floral garlands that are reminiscent of those used in India.
A three-tiered tower surrounded by gossamer ribbons creates a stylish shrine to delicacy. Why chrysanthemums floating on the white fondant? The Chinese believe that bestowing the bloom on your love will guarantee his devotion to you for life. Chrysanthemums also signify longevity, another appropriate theme, in both China and Japan.
Lucky bamboo, bundled sweetly in ribbon, is the favor that keeps on giving: Tuck in a card with instructions to immerse the plant in water, and your guests will enjoy a thriving miniature grove for years to come.
