Get the Party Started

Use Food
If you're not the flower type, why not use food? Making fresh fruit or candy the focal point not only looks great, but it also gives guests something to nosh on.

Display a Unique Centerpiece
Just about anything can serve as a vessel for flowers. Here, stacking brightly colored enamel boxes (some open, some closed) produces dimension without obscuring your guests' views.

Mix Up A Signature Cocktail
Offer a drink that will establish the tone for the rest of the reception. Cheers!

Set a Stylish Table
Gold-rimmed plates may seem sedate, but position them on a bright, bold-patterned tablecloth with knotted napkins and silver flatware, and you've got the perfect setting for a fashion-forward bride.

From InStyle Weddings!

4 Ways to Serve Small Bites

Scrumptious Forkfuls
Twist your favorite noodles (we love soba!) around a fork so your guests can sample hors d'oeuvres without getting their fingers dirty. Other ideas: homestyle spaghetti topped with a spicy meatball or macaroni and cheese with smoked bacon or toasted breadcrumbs.

Complementary Pairings
Pick up an appetizer along with a cocktail, like this lobster-and-corn beignet served with a diminutive Dark and Stormy.

Midnight Munchies
As guests dance into the wee hours, pass around breakfast classics like stacks of baby pancakes drizzled with maple syrup

Kicked-Up Bar Snacks
Offer elegant nibbles like Parmesan cheese straws, truffled rosemary popcorn, crispy artichoke chips with garlic aoli, and hand-rolled smoked paprika pretzels.

Somthing fun from InStyle Weddings!