The Dessert Table

Offer your guests a variety of treats, such as fruit tarts, mini crème brûlée or different fruits and cakes they can dip into a chocolate fountain. They'll love the bite-sized servings and all the choices. You can even personalize your table by working with your caterer to put together a selection that represents some of your favorite desserts.

	A Little Bit of Everything One bride, who wasn't a huge fan of frosting, chose to have this dessert buffet, which included peach and blueberry crostada, fallen chocolate soufflé, miniature ice cream cones, almond toffee with chocolates and dipped strawberries. To see more photos from this wedding, check out Real Wedding: Garden Magic.
	Just a Little Taste These delicious bites of cheesecake covered with chocolate make the perfect addition to any wedding's dessert table. Read Wedding Trends You'll Love for more fun dessert trends.

A Dessert Plate

Offer your wedding guests an amazing assortment of mouth-watering desserts right at their fingertips. Serve each table a platter of mini desserts or create a sampler plate of your three favorites for each guest.

	The Sampler This dessert plate offers a tasty selection of dulce de leche flan, a mini chocolate soufflé, ice cream and meringues. Looking for other ways to keep catering costs down? Check out Luxury Style Budget Wedding Food Tips.
	Too Sweet Instead of a pricey, elaborate cake, serve a selection of beautifully decorated petit fours. Take a look at Real Wedding: Home, Sweet Home for more photos from this wedding.

Mini Cakes

Make your wedding guests feel special by giving them their own personal cakes, but on a much smaller scale. They'll enjoy looking at these stunning mini creations just as much as they'll enjoy eating them.

	Little Treats These tiny marzipan-and-chocolate cakes echoed the design on a bride's dress. Looking for a great cake design? Get inspiration from our Wedding Cake Gallery.
	A Small Surprise A three-inch-tall cake on top of a sugar cookie was served for dessert at a wedding designed by Sasha Souza. Check out Color of Love for wedding advice and ideas from event planner Sasha Souza.

Cupcakes & More

Many brides are choosing to personalize their weddings by serving budget-friendly towers of their favorite sweets and pastries. These can include cupcakes, donuts, pies and even Ding Dongs and Twinkies. The possibilities are endless!

	Everyone Loves a Cupcake! A small cake with a double heart cake topper is surrounded by a sea of purple and white cupcakes. See another great cupcake tower in Real Wedding: Vintage Style.
	A Traditional Twist This traditionl croquembouche, a tower of caramel-covered cream puffs, was served at a wedding in a French village. For other creative cake ideas, read Snack Cakes as Wedding Cakes?

	Alexia & Blaine: Rustic Wedding in North Carolina Keeping in line with their rustic elegant theme, Alexia and Blaine chose a nature-inspired color palette of green, orange, brown and yellow. They worked with floral designer Carolyn Clement of Millefleurs to create floral arrangements with a natural, unstructured look to complement their wedding location. This centerpiece incorporates orange and yellow flowers with tea light candles suspended from wrought-iron branches. Photo by Emily Angle See more photos from their wedding >>
	Brenda & Chris: Nautical Wedding in Rhode Island Brenda and Chris chose a yellow and celadon green color theme to create a fresh summer vibe at their seaside wedding. The ceremony and reception were decorated with yellow roses in memory of Brenda's mother, who loved the golden blooms. The tall centerpieces added height and a traditional, elegant touch to the tables. These silver vases were filled with a mix of yellow and white flowers, which included roses, stock, snapdragons, peonies, bupleurum and oncidium orchids. Photo by Peter Silvia Studios See more photos from their wedding >>
	Jessica & Jason: Eco-Chic Wedding in California With the help of Eden Rodriguez of End Design, which specializes in sustainable events, Jessica and Jason were able to create an eco-friendly wedding. They decided to use a variety of local organic flowers, including tuberose, jasmine, cottage roses and fragrant herbs for their arrangements. They also added reclaimed antique décor elements and natural products to complete the look. The table numbers were made of reclaimed terra-cotta tiles and metal house numbers. Fruit and antique glassware also adorned the tables. All these pieces combined created a unique, eclectic table centerpiece that enhanced the wedding's theme. Photo by Gertrude & Mabel Photography See more photos from their wedding >>
	Jean & Michael: Garden Wedding in California To incorporate the natural beauty of their wedding site, Jean and Michael used a variety of bright pink, green, orange and yellow flowers and mixed them with different leaves to carry out their garden theme. The centerpieces varied from table to table and included tall bunches of calla lilies and low vases of roses to an eclectic mix of orchids, hydrangeas, roses and more. To add more visual interest, vases were lined with leaves, kumquats or cherry tomatoes. Photo by Carol Irvine Photography See more photos from their wedding >>

For more information about creating the perfect centerpieces and bouquets for your wedding, check out our video: Interview with Flower Expert Michael George.

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Bridal Showers

• Who throws the shower?
  The first party to be given in your honor will most likely be a shower, which can take place anywhere from two months to three weeks before the wedding. A shower is usually given by the maid of honor, the bridal party as a group, or some close friends. It is often a surprise.
  
  Traditionally, it is considered inappropriate for the bride's immediate family to host the shower, since it appears as if they are asking for gifts. In many parts of the country, however, this has become an acceptable practice. Another way for the mother of the bride to get involved is to help defray the costs by footing some of the catering bill or offering her home as the location.
• Who's invited?
  While any female (or male) who's on the wedding guest list can technically be invited to a shower, it's best to keep the event intimate, including only the bride's closest friends and relatives. The exception is a shower hosted by office workers, not all of whom may be attending the wedding but who wish to give you a celebratory send-off. It's also becoming increasingly common to host a coed shower for the couple's friends. These are generally held in addition to a traditional ladies-only event and are more casual.
  
  Most showers have 20 to 40 guests. If more than one shower is being given, it's best to avoid duplicating the guest lists, since buying several gifts can become a real financial burden. If as many as three showers are being planned, encourage the hostesses to combine them into one or two larger events.
• When should the bridal shower take place?
  The best time to hold a shower is one to two months before the wedding. As the actual event draws near, the bride herself will become busier. Invitations for the shower should be sent no later than three to four weeks before the date of the event. They should include the names of the hostesses; the name of the bride,; the date, time and location of the party; a mention that its a surprise (if thats the case); any special themes; and an R.S.V.P. name and phone number. If the bride has registered her gift preferences, it is acceptable to list the name and phone number of the store on the shower invitation (but never on the wedding invitation!).
• Is the bridal shower casual or formal?
  The shower itself can be as casual as a pool party or as formal as a sit-down luncheon. If several parties are being planned, it can be fun to differentiate them with themes, such as a lingerie shower or kitchen shower. This also helps to avoid duplicate gifts. Another popular idea is to include a 'wishing well,' for which each guest brings a small household item in addition to their other gift. These smaller items are thrown into the wishing well, which can be rented, borrowed or made.
• What do we do at the shower?
  While it used to be de rigueur to play games at showers, most brides today prefer something a little more low-key. Plan on the shower lasting about three to four hours. Guests generally arrive a half hour or so before the bride, so everyone is there to shout 'surprise!' Then the bride makes her round of greetings and the food is served. After everyone eats, the bride begins opening gifts. Bridesmaids should stand by to help with the unwrapping and someone should record whom each gift is from. Cards should be placed in each box to make doubly sure no gift giver goes unidentified. Afterward, cake and coffee is served and the party begins to break up. The host or hostesses will also want to make arrangements for the bride and groom to get all of the gifts home.

The Bridesmaids Luncheon

The Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties

The thought of a bachelor party sends shivers of fear down the spine of many a bride, but in most cases, the scenario of all-night drinking and exotic dancers popping out of cakes is nothing more than a myth.

The bachelor party originated because it was once believed that grooms needed one last chance to sow their oats before committing. Now, it's considered an opportunity to exorcise last-minute jitters. Either way, bachelor parties today take many forms. from a quiet dinner with buddies to a beer-and-pretzel poker game or a night at the casino. Bachelor parties generally include the male attendants, male siblings of the bride and groom, and the groom's closest friends. They are best held a week or two before the wedding. discourage your fiancé's groomsmen from scheduling one any later, or else a hangover might interfere with his wedding responsibilities.

Of course, there's no reason to stay at home by yourself that night. and bachelorette parties are the perfect solution. In fact, many bridal parties have adopted the idea and enjoy their own 'girls' night out' with the bridemaids and close girlfriends just before the wedding.

The Rehearsal Dinner

Every wedding needs a rehearsal, and a rehearsal dinner immediately following is the perfect time to see that everyone in the wedding gets acquainted. Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is hosted by the groom's parents. Not only does this take some of the party-planning pressure off the bride and her parents, but it also helps the groom's family feel more involved.

The rehearsal dinner should be intimate enough to serve as a relaxing icebreaker. You will want to invite all those who attend the rehearsal itself:

• the members of the wedding party and their spouses or dates
• parents of children in the wedding party
• the officiant and his or her spouse or date
• your immediate families and their spouses or dates and children
• close friends or relatives who are participating in the ceremony
• It's also nice. if budget and space permit. to invite out-of-town wedding guests.

You may send out invitations or telephone guests and invite them. Either way, make sure you give them at least three weeks' notice, and be sure to provide the date and address of the location and an R.S.V.P. name and number.

The rehearsal dinner should be fun and lively. but there's no need to upstage or even attempt to equal the wedding itself. The most popular options include:

• an at-home party with a home-cooked or catered meal
• a restaurant with a private room or table large enough to seat everyone
• a catering hall.

The meal may be a sit-down or buffet, but either way guests should have a chance to mingle and get to know each other at some point.

Unlike a wedding reception, which revolves around music and dancing, the rehearsal dinner focuses on reminiscing about the bride's and groom's past. Generally cocktails and hors d oeuvres are served first, and the couple and their immediate families should make a point of introducing guests to each other.

Following the main course, dessert is served and the toasts begin. It's customary for the best man to start off by toasting the couple, and the groom's father (as host) may follow. At that point, everyone else can join in the fun, including the bride and groom, who will probably want to toast their parents as well.

Afterward the couple may present their gifts to the wedding party, their parents and each other. And at some point during the evening, the groom should discreetly pass the officiant's fee to the best man to bring with him the next day.

At the end of the evening (which should conclude early enough for a good night's rest), the bride and groom traditionally separate, not to see each other again until they arrive at the altar.

1. Hosts with the Most

2. Perfect Timing

Showers typically take place on a Saturday or Sunday anywhere from two months to three weeks before the wedding. The exact time of day will be up to your hosts, but they'll likely plan a brunch, a luncheon or an afternoon tea that lasts three to four hours.

3. Who's Invited?

Important: Only people who will be invited to the wedding should be included in the shower; a group of 20 to 40 guests is standard. Invitations should be mailed out six weeks before the shower date or earlier, and must include the following: the names of the hostesses; the name of the bride (some shower hosts also include a 'fiancé of…' line, as a courtesy to his family); the date, time and location of the party; whether it's a surprise; special themes or instructions (see sidebar, right); a contact name and phone number for RSVPs; and gift registry information.

4. Places to Party

5. Girls Only?

6. Let's Celebrate!

You'll spend the first part of the shower eating, drinking and mingling with your guests. The main event. opening gifts. usually takes place during coffee and dessert. You'll take a seat in front of the crowd and your bridesmaids (or other trustworthy volunteers) will hand you gifts to open. One bridesmaid will sit alongside you and jot down each gift and its giver. a helpful list to have when you write your thank-you notes. Playing games is optional. check out The Bridesmaid Guide (Chronicle Books), by Kate Chynoweth, for ideas. (Hint: 'Wedding Night Preview' is a classic, and it's always a hoot.)

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They should consider the interests, tastes and personality of the honoree. Is their friend a traditional bride? Then a white linen shower might be appropriate. Also think about what she needs for her new home. or, if it's a coed affair, what the couple might want to begin their new lives together. The bridesmaids should then layer the theme into at least three areas, such as the décor, food and drinks and the day's activities.

Where should the shower be held?

Since showers are meant to be casual, intimate parties, someone's home usually offers the most convivial atmosphere. But a private room at a cooking school, flower shop, bakery and tea house are all great options that require minimal work. Special touches like setting out a few pictures of the bride will go a long way.

What are some helpful decorating tips?

Keeping it simple is key. Select no more than three colors and work those into the invites, flowers and other design elements. Drape fabric or inexpensive sheets in the colors of your theme over couches and chairs, serve cocktails in your chosen hues and look for coordinating throw pillows, candles and vases. Your overall design will dictate which shades to use. For example, if you're planning a chocolate lover's lingerie shower, sexy reds are an obvious choice.

Can you describe your favorite bridal shower ideas?

It's always fun to have a shower revolve around a specific experience. that is, something the bride or couple covets, such as tickets to a Broadway show, a paid membership to a favorite museum or a sporting event. You also can't go wrong with something that involves lots of pampering. Hire manicurists or someone from a local department store to give makeovers or provide makeup tips. And adorn a table with clear containers filled with inexpensive beauty products that guests can take home. For a multicultural vibe, book a fortune teller or have a mehndi artist paint henna tattoos on the ladies' hands. A third option is the workshop shower. Guests can decorate cupcakes, design centerpieces or perfect their present-wrapping skills. The best part: Finished projects become favors.

The Coed Bash

When you're including the groom, you'll want to lose some of the fluff. Decorate the space with simple, chic candles and floral arrangements. Instead of dainty finger sandwiches, serve spiced nuts or bacon-wrapped dates. And opt for activities that embrace the couple, like a “how well do you know your mate?” trivia game. One idea for a couple that likes to cook is to throw a gourmet kitchen party. Cutting boards can serve as platters, and mixing bowls or utensil caddies may be used as vases.

Party planner Karen Bussen is the author of Simple Stunning Wedding Showers (Stewart, Tabori & Chang).
Photography: William Geddes, as featured in Simple Stunning Wedding Showers by Karen Bussen.

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Roman Catholic Ceremony

• These wedding ceremonies. which must take place in a Catholic church. often occur during a nuptial mass, which lasts from 45 minutes to an hour.
• They may be held at any time as long as they don't conflict with the weekend mass schedule, with the exception of several holidays during Easter week. Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
• Introductory rites are followed by the Liturgy of the Word, in which the couple's selections are read.
• Afterwards, the priest gives a brief homily concerning marriage.
• The rings are blessed and exchanged after the Declaration of Consent, and the vows are taken.
• Afterwards, the mass continues with the Liturgy of the Eucharist and concluding rites.

Eastern Orthodox Ceremony

• Several rituals are preformed. each three times to represent the Holy Trinity. during an Eastern Orthodox ceremony.
• The priest blesses the rings and places crowns on the heads of the bride and groom, lit candles are held during the ceremony, and, after a Gospel reading, the couple shares a cup of wine.
• Then the congregation sings 'God Grant Them Many Years' while the couple circles the ceremonial table, hand in hand.
• The wedding ceremony, which takes place during a mass, is similar to the Roman Catholic wedding ceremony.

Protestant Ceremony

• Based on the Book of Common Prayer, the Protestant wedding ceremony is a fairly short service, beginning with the couple welcoming wedding guests and the Prayer of Blessing.
• Scripture passages are read before the Giving in Marriage, when the couple's parents give their affirmation.
• The congregation responds, vows and rings are exchanged, and the Lord's Supper is celebrated.
• Then the couple lights the Unity Candle, and the wedding ceremony concludes with the Benediction.

Jewish Ceremony

• Most Jewish wedding ceremonies are held in a synagogue, but this is not a requirement.
• The wedding ceremony cannot take place on the Sabbath, during Passover, or on other holy days.
• The Seven Benedictions are recited and the bride and groom drink blessed wine.
• Then, rings and wedding vows are exchanged, the ketubah (Jewish marriage contract) is read, and the groom smashes a ritual wineglass with his foot.

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BRIDE: Loree Lash
GROOM: Gabriel Valencia
WEDDING LOCATION: Montauk, New York
BRIDAL PARTY: 5 bridesmaids, 5 groomsmen
NUMBER OF GUESTS: 85
BIGGEST SPLURGE: The tent
BIGGEST SAVINGS: The bride was her own wedding planner

The romance between New York City couple Loree Lash and Gabriel Valencia began at the gym: She was a spin instructor and he was her student. When the couple became engaged, they had no doubt they wanted to exchange vows in Montauk: a town at the rugged, rocky tip of Long Island, presided over by a historic lighthouse. 'Montauk is my favorite place in the world,' says Loree. 'We both love the vibe there.'

The old lighthouse stands guard over the newlyweds.

They chose to hold their event at the Sole East, a recently renovated venue. 'It had just the look I envisioned, with a modern yet beachy feel,' says Loree. 'It was the perfect spot for a casual but elegant reception.'

About her color scheme of off-white, black, gold and red, Loree says, 'I wanted the look to be clean and graphic.' It was also important to the couple to have a chance to spend leisurely time with their guests. Fortunately, the inn's rooms and suites were available to accommodate everyone for the three-day event, which included a welcome party, a sit-down meal beneath a tent, an after-party and a 'recovery' brunch on the last day. On the big day itself, the couple planned to exchange vows in the garden, but the night before, Loree says, 'a storm came up. I woke at three a.m., crying my eyes out. All I'd wanted was to be married outdoors! But I kid you not, an hour before the ceremony, the sun came out and it was gorgeous.'

'For the ceremony, we wanted to bring the beach to us, so we filled a vase with shells and sand. I worked with the florist to design a simple, organic chuppah out of twisted birch, roses and stargazer lilies.'

The bride and groom honored their mothers with fresh red roses.

The bride and bridesmaids wore elegant Nicole Miller dresses and went happily barefoot in the sand.

The Menu

FIRST COURSE
White Bean Soup with Apple Smoked Bacon

SECOND COURSE
Field Green Salad

ENTReES
Choice of:
Seared Striped Bass
New York Strip Steak
Grilled Eggplant

DESSERT
Wedding Cake
Coffee & Tea

Escort cards for adult guests were heavy gold anchors, and for children, tiny boats adorned with their names.

The bride, who owns a design company, didn't want anything about her wedding to look 'typical.' She found the handmade lighthouses for her tables by researching online. 'I started the design for the whole wedding with those lighthouses,' she notes.

Family photos added an intimate touch to the decor.

Napkins were tied with gold nautical-style rope.

The bride and groom joyously share their first dance.

A small guest enjoys some grownup shoes.

The wedding cake had different fillings for each layer-raspberry, apricot and chocolate mousse-and a mix of sugarpaste and fresh white roses.

The bride gave striped towels as favors, so that guests would have 'something they could use during the weekend."

Our Favorite Moments

• 'As I walked down the grassy 'aisle,' someone took a cell phone photo of me that caught me in a ray of light. I felt that my mother, who died a few years ago, was with me after all.'
• 'Everyone who meant something to us was at the wedding. My dad was very ill at the time, but he managed to walk with me at the ceremony and dance with me later. He needed to use a cane. There wasn't a dry eye anywhere.'
• 'We insisted on having a relaxing brunch on Sunday that extended from nine a.m. to 2 p.m. It was so important to us to see to our guests' comfort. We didn't want to rush anyone, and in fact the brunch was a big hit.'

The Lighting of a Unity Candle:

• For seating in a nonreligious venue, instead of having two “sides,” arrange seats in a circle and recite your vows surrounded by friends and family. Or why not replace chairs with couches or benches? For outdoor ceremonies, seat guests on cloth-covered hay bales, picnic blankets or even on heaps of large Moroccan-style cushions.
• Who says your little ring bearer has to carry a pillow? Imagine your rings cradled in a blush-pink seashell or nestled on a bed of dahlias. A childhood music box, or other nostalgic item, can serve as a pillow.
• Traditionally, wedding programs include the couple's names, the wedding date and a brief outline of the ceremony, with the readings, music selections and the names of all the key players. But your program is also an opportunity to highlight your wedding style. n Consider binding the programs with satin ribbons in your wedding colors or printing them on paper with gilt edges. Ask your stationer to letterpress the programs with the image of your favorite symbol or flower. Or create your own unique look on your computer. And delight your parents with a surprise thank-you message, formally printed for all your guests to see.

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Photo by Kenzie Shores Photography

The Christian Ceremony

• The processional marks the beginning of the ceremony. The groomsmen enter first, followed by the bridesmaids, the maid of honor, the ring bearer, the flower girl and the bride on her father's arm. The groom waits at the altar with his best man and the celebrant.
• In the presentation, the bride's father escorts her to the groom.
• A blessing follows.
• The officiant asks the bride and groom that famous question, “Do you take…?”
• The couple exchanges vows, followed by a benediction recited by the officiant.
• The couple exchanges rings.
• The officiant announces to the community that the couple is wed and grants the groom permission to kiss his wife.
• During the recessional, the couple exits the church, followed by the wedding party.

The Jewish Ceremony

• The signing of the ketubah: This ornately decorated contract spells out the rights of the bride and starts the proceedings. In an Orthodox wedding, the signing is followed by the bedeken, in which the groom places a veil on his bride.
• The rabbi leads a procession of the cantor, the groomsmen, the best man, the groom and his parents, the bridesmaids, the maid of honor and the bride and her parents to the chuppah, a canopy symbolizing home and sacred space. The bride circles the groom seven times; in some synagogues, the groom may also circle the bride.
• The bride and groom drink wine from a cup as a blessing is given.
• The couple exchanges rings.
• The rabbi reads the ketubah.
• The rabbi recites the sheva berachot, or “seven blessings.”
• The groom crushes a wineglass beneath his foot, symbolizing the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the fragility of life and human relationships.
• The couple observes the yichud (which means “seclusion”), where they spend a short time alone, savoring their newlywed status.

The Civil Ceremony
(conducted by a judge, county or court clerk or justice of the peace)

• In the processional, the couple enters with their wedding party.
• The couple outlines the commitment they're making to each other and exchange rings.
• The celebrant pronounces the couple husband and wife.
• During the recessional, the couple and their attendants make their exit.

License Lowdown

Whether you marry in a church or a town hall, on a mountaintop or on a beach, you need a marriage license. License requirements vary from state to state and even from county to county (go to findlaw.com for state-by-state information). Some require couples to apply in person and pay a cash fee (anywhere from $25 to $100); you'll also be asked to bring along identification, like a passport or Social Security card. Once you have the license, it must be signed by the two of you, your officiant and possibly witnesses. Your officiant must mail the license to the proper state authorities (you'll receive a certified marriage certificate in the mail within weeks), but in the eyes of the government you are husband and wife from the moment everyone signs the license.

For more information, check out our Marriage License Guide.

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• In Christian ceremonies, the bride's guests sit on the left side of the aisle and the groom's guests sit to the right. In Jewish ceremonies, it's exactly the opposite, except if the wedding is Orthodox. In that instance, men sit on one side, women on the other. In all cases, if the number of guests coming for the couple isn't proportional, you can even up the sides.
• In Jewish ceremonies, the two sets of parents stand under the chuppah while grandparents and siblings sit in the first few pews. In Christian ceremonies, parents and grandparents sit in the front rows; siblings (and their spouses) sit in the second row.
• If you want to save certain seats for family members and important guests, rope off the first five rows. Also, be sure to insert pew cards into the invitations of guests who should get prime seats.
• Whether you plan to appoint ushers or to make no formal seating arrangements, you should always designate someone who will help older guests or guests with disabilities to find a place up front.
• If you're having a military wedding, you'll need to consider the ranking of your wedding guests and develop a seating plan. Consult with a representative from your or your fiance's branch of service for specific guidelines.

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Booking your officiant and your ceremony site is generally done about 11 months before the wedding. If you want a religious service but don't belong to a particular church, know that some churches will allow nonmembers to marry there.

Also, some clergypeople will agree to marry a couple at a nonreligious site. Since your officiant will be the “master of ceremonies,” it's important that you both feel comfortable with him or her. Ask these key questions:

1. Is he or she licensed by the state to perform marriages? Can you see the license?
2. What are the fees for the officiant's services and for the use of the site? (Expect a fee ranging anywhere from $100 to $600 for the ceremony.)
3. Is your officiant open to personalizing your ceremony? Will he or she spend time getting to know the two of you? Can he or she suggest music, readings and ways to incorporate family and friends into the service?
4. What documents must you present (e.g., marriage license, divorce decrees)?
5. For a religious ceremony: Does the officiant require you to take pre-marriage classes or counseling before the ceremony?
6. Is it permissible for the two of you to write your own vows?
7. Are there any music restrictions? (Some churches allow only religious pieces to be performed.)
8. Can the photographer and videographer work in the sanctuary?
9. Are there any décor restrictions at your ceremony site? Also, are decorations or props, like an aisle runner or pew ribbons, provided? How much time is available for setup and cleanup?
10. Is there another wedding planned right before or after your ceremony? (You don't want to feel pressed for time.)
11. When will the wedding rehearsal be held? (Book the time and confirm at a later date.)

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Stirrings all-natural Bitter Lemon sodas, $5 for four, stirrings.com.

Photography: Mike Essig.

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Walk into The Borgata hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on a Saturday night, and you'll see right away how big the traveling bachelorette party phenomenon has become. Everywhere you look, women are moving about in groups, led by one decked out in a veil and, often, a boa. They're primping in the spa, they're in line for the nightclub and they're trying their luck at the slots.

And it's not just casinos to which brides-to-be are flocking. cities, beaches and spas are popular, too. In fact, hotels everywhere are now catering to groups of women by creating packages, largely offered year-round, that include rooms with two double beds, so bridesmaids can double up and save money, and fun extras like drinks and movies. Have a dream spot in mind? Call a few hotels to look for package deals, or let these trips inspire you.

1. Urban Escape

Hot bars, great restaurants, fabulous shopping…you get the picture. Cities make great destinations because they offer so much to do. They're also easily accessible by air and car. a bonus if your pals are scattered across the country.

Check It Out: The Ritz-Carlton Chicago's “Girls Will Be Girls” package includes makeup applications at nearby Saks Fifth Avenue, Cosmopolitans at the hotel bar, and popcorn and a movie rental back in the room. Think of it as your last slumber party before you get married. and don't forget the Mad Libs! For more information visit ritzcarlton.com.

2. Spa Seduction

With all the yoga and fresh-fruit drinks, health-conscious women find spa vacations restful. Plus, aerobics classes and steam-room sessions provide great opportunities for bonding.

Check It Out: Tempted by the clear waters of The Bahamas? The Westin Our Lucaya's “Girls' Getaway” package includes three nights of accommodations, a daily spa treatment and unlimited fitness classes for each person. Best of all, everyone gets to take a swim with dolphins! For more information visit ourlucaya.com.

3. Fun in the Sun

From lounging on the beach by day to clinking frozen drinks at a waterfront bar under the stars, spending a warm, sunny holiday with your buddies is a fantastic way to celebrate. and get a healthy glow for the big day.

Check It Out: The Hotel Oceana Santa Monica's “Bachelorette Party” package includes a one-night stay in a double room. and each room comes with a convertible, for driving around L.A. in style. The package also includes VIP treatment at the nightclub of your choice, so you can dance until the sun comes up! For more information visit oceanahotelgroup.com.

4. Casino Glam

Play poker and make mischief in one of America's gaming towns (think Las Vegas, Atlantic City, New Orleans or Biloxi). Pack your sexiest outfits and your highest heels. and get ready for some round-the-clock fun.

Check It Out: At Las Vegas' swank Bellagio hotel, the “Bachelorette Party” package includes dinner at Fix, the resort's American restaurant (think smoked salmon “poppers” and sea bass in lobster sauce), drinks at the Caramel Bar and VIP access to Light, the hotel's trendy nightclub, where your names will be on the guest list. For more information visit bellagio.com.

Related Articles:
Your Guide to Prewedding Parties
4 Bachelorette Party Themes
Ladies' Night Essentials

1. The Great Outdoors

Affordable Alternative: Camping Trip. If all of you are looking for something outdoorsy that doesn't involve equipment rental and a hotel stay, investigate local campgrounds. For a small fee, you can pitch a tent, build a fire and roast hot dogs and s'mores while you gossip into the night. Plan other camp-themed activities or games you can do together, like a nature scavenger hunt. To keep costs low, have everyone bring something different: food, drinks, camping equipment and a stereo, for example.

2. Creative Outlet

High-Concept Idea: Craft Classes. Up for making your own purses or necklaces? Scout out small local crafts shops, bead stores or design studios. You might be able to reserve a shop for the evening, bring in a caterer and have an instructor walk you through the process. While the gals create the accessory of their choice, they can munch and sip on some special treats. and no one has to clean up! Cost: about $35 to $125 per person.

Affordable Alternative: At-Home Knit-Night. Time to get down to the real knitty-gritty! Have one person collect money and buy wool and needles, and make sure someone else can walk the beginners through the basic steps. 'Check books and magazines for fun projects,' says Laura Maffeo, author of Girls' Night In (Ryland Peters and Small). 'It's great for everyone to take home a memento.' One nifty idea: Have your pals work on squares they can piece together for a blanket for you.

3. Culinary Delights

High-Concept Idea: Wine Tour. Many regions of the country have gorgeous wineries: California, New York and Virginia, among others. Reserve nearby hotel rooms, and spend the day traveling from vineyard to vineyard in a shuttle bus. You'll always enjoy the memory of touring the grounds, learning about wine and tasting the varietals. Tours can range from $90 to $250 per person.

Affordable Alternative: A Tasting Party. Do your libation tasting right in the comfort of a friend's home. it could be wine, or, if you prefer, scotch, tequila or rum. Have each guest bring a different bottle. Cover each one with a paper lunch bag to disguise it, then write the name of each wine on a piece of paper. Divide the group into teams. As each bottle's name is pulled out of a hat, each team samples the wines and tries to figure out which bottle is which. The team with the most correct guesses wins! (It's really interesting to try to distinguish the pricey stuff from the $5 variety.) Just make sure you have plenty of munchies and safe rides home.

4. Day of Pampering

High-End Idea: Spa Outing. Book a nice comfy area in a local spa for the entire group. Then splurge on beauty treatments and massages. 'Women enjoy gathering with friends and being girlie,' says Maffeo. Individual treatments can cost from $40 to $300.

Affordable Alternative: DIY Beauty Party. Some supplies are in order, but who doesn't have nail polish, facial masks or scrubs at home? Maffeo suggests that each guest brings her own robe and flip-flops, so it really feels like a spa. Best food to serve? Wholesome snacks like fruit smoothies and sushi.

Just right for flirting: cinnamon-flavored plumping lip gloss, $14, by Booty Parlor, bootyparlor.com.

Photography: Mike Essig.

Related Articles:
Take Your Bachelorette Party on the Road
4 Bachelorette Party Themes
Your Guide to Prewedding Parties

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Photography: Alexandra Grablewski

1. Do Your Homework

To get the best wedding photos, you need to start before your big day and find the best photographer for YOU. For this, you need to do your research. Here's how:

• Narrow it down to about 3 choices and interview each one.
• Look at their portfolios. Ask to see samples of their work, albums and slideshows. Do they have a wide range of work? Do they have a website?
• Ask to see a whole wedding they've shot, not just a few pictures. You may come to find out later that they may not work well under certain conditions, and you don't want to find out the hard way.
• Find out what can they offer you. Is it a style that you prefer? Can they tailor their style to meet your needs? Find someone who is willing to work with you, not against you.

2. Schedule an Engagement Session

Yes, I'm a big proponent of e-sessions. Why? Three reasons:

• It gives you a chance to get to know your photographer before your big day. He or she is going to be with you for most of your day, so it's a good idea to get to know this person before the big event.
• You get a chance to see their style of shooting firsthand and ask questions. Are they a director or are they a 'just let it happen' kind of shooter? What kind of equipment are they using and how do they use it? Can they pose you to make you look your best?
• The biggest advantage? You get to see samples of their work with YOU in them, before you make that final deposit.

3. Make Sure Your Hair and Makeup Are Perfect

If you want to look your best, always do a trial run before your wedding day so you can make any necessary tweaks before the big day. Here are a few things, from a photographer's point of view, to keep in mind:

• Bring a camera to the hair and makeup trial. You want to make sure the makeup works well on camera. Some makeup foundations/powders are highly reflective and can appear very white on film.
• Your makeup should last throughout your wedding, so wear it for a day and see what happens. You don't want to find out on your big day that your makeup is gone after the first portion of your ceremony.
• Ask about wear-proof makeup, touch-ups or any other thing you might need to keep your makeup flawless.
• Stay away from glitter. Yes, shiny is pretty, but once that flash pops...you will get a lot of tiny bright white highlights in your pictures.
• For the groom, I recommend bringing some sort of blotting cloths or tissue to keep him from looking shiny, especially if it is hot. Shiny equals white on camera.

4. Create a Timeline

One of the best things you can do to eliminate stress for yourself on the big day is to create a timeline for your photographer. It's important to discuss when and where the shots will take place and to schedule plenty of time for your wedding photos. A less-stressed bride is a happy bride. And a happy bride makes for great photos.

5. Know What You Want

What kind of shots are you envisioning for your big day? With most weddings, photographers know there is a general list of images to capture (i.e. the kiss, the first dance). But are there any other images you would like? Work with a photographer who understands what you want. I always ask my brides to think about whether there are any other shots they want from their wedding. For example, is there a special locket you want photographed? Maybe a pose you saw online? Discuss this with your photographer so he or she is aware of any other special requests and can accommodate you.

Make sure your photographer doesn't leave without saying goodbye. Before I leave I always ask my brides if there is anything else they would like photographed. Sometimes you realize at the end of the night that you'd like a photo with 'Uncle Joe' who traveled all the way from another state or county. Maybe you even want one more of you dancing with your groom on the dance floor with some high school friends. So be sure your photographer is willing to work 'on the fly' and capture any extras that you may have missed throughout the night.

6. Start Early on Your Big Day

I can't stress this one enough. Things happen-traffic, delays, hair and makeup emergencies, etc.-so always plan at least one hour ahead of schedule. If you run over, you won't be stressed, and your photos can start on time. If you finish earlier, well that just means more photos of a happy bride!

7. Get Help

To keep you stress-free and looking great in your pictures, get help. Have someone else take care of things for you, whether it's a coordinator, friend or maid of honor. All questions should be directed to that person. You should be able to just sit back, relax and enjoy your day.

8. Be Yourself, Relax and Have Fun

Try to enjoy the moment! The best photos are one of a relaxed and happy bride. Sometimes people don't realize that they wear their emotions on their face, which shows in pictures. So just sit back and enjoy your special day.

Lucy Manalo is a photographer and owner of Manalo Empire Photography, located in Southern California.
Photos by Manalo Empire Photography, manaloempire.com.

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*Unless otherwise noted, prices include envelopes but not reply cards.

Photography: Alexandra Grablewski

When Juan and Kristen got engaged in April 2008, they imagined having a large wedding with about 200 guests in a beautiful Japanese garden overlooking a lake. “I pictured us exchanging vows at dusk with lights reflecting off the water,” Kristen says. “During the process of planning the wedding, though, Juan had to relocate for a new job. At the same time, my dad left his job, so he wasn't able to put as much toward the wedding as he originally wanted to. We realized we needed to be more cautious about our spending. We weren't going to sacrifice having a beautiful and memorable affair, but we did decide to alter things a bit to make our budget wedding work.'

To work within our new budget, we made two big changes: the size of our guest list and the wedding venue. We ended up with an intimate gathering of about 50 family members and close friends. Instead of having our wedding at the Japanese garden. which charged a $4,500 site fee, plus $130 and up per person for food and an open bar. we moved our ceremony and reception to The River House, on the New River in Fort Lauderdale. There, for a more reasonable $98 per person, we got a delicious meal (our guests raved about the food!) and an open bar. Our new location also offered the beautiful outdoor setting I'd wanted. With the water as our backdrop, we said our ‘I dos' on a romantic covered patio.”

SPLURGE-WORTHY

“Our biggest splurge was the photographer. I've known too many people who cut costs in that area and ended up with terrible pictures. Since you don't get those moments back, amazing photographs have a special importance.”

AFFORDABLE IDEAS

“With the help of a designer friend, Juan and I were able to create custom invitations and escort cards in a color palette of white, black and purple. We took the design to a local printer who had everything made for us in a week. For less money than we would have spent at a retailer, we got a unique, personalized look. In place of an escort-card table, which would require linens and floral arrangements, we clipped our escort cards to a five-foot-tall photo tree that our florist wrapped in lush greenery and accented with dendrobium orchids. It was simple and inexpensive, and it looked great!

“Originally, I envisioned jugs of red and white sangria for each guest table. In the end, though, we decided against it because we'd have to not only buy the sangria and the jugs, but also pay a corkage fee to serve it. I'd wanted mini fondant covered, but at $20 apiece, they just weren't worth it. Instead, we opted for the traditional cake that was included in our wedding package. With the funds freed up by those changes, we purchased sparklers and personalized matches with our names and wedding date. Our photographer captured a great shot of our guests surrounding us in a heart shape with their lit sparklers shining. It was a fantastic moment!”

FINAL TALLY

“Trimming our wedding budget was a blessing in disguise. Our smaller guest count made the day more personal, and it was nice knowing that we didn't go into debt. We paid for everything in cash, and every dollar felt like money well spent.”

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

Photography: Munoz Photography

The Herbergs originally planned to have their wedding at a romantic lodge on Lake Superior in Minnesota. “We even went as far as to book the date, though we hadn't yet put money down,” Abby says. “We imagined a big affair with 200 to 250 guests and everyone spending the night at the lodge. As the costs piled up, though, we realized that it didn't make sense to spend that much money. “Although Nick and I have been lucky that the recession hasn't resulted in job losses for us, we were concerned that if our parents lost their jobs our families might be stretched too tight to help. Plus, we want to be able to put money into our new house. So we decided to rethink our plans and have the perfect budget wedding.'

SPLURGE-WORTHY

“Our big splurge was the ceremony location. We spent $900 to rent the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota. We exchanged vows in a glass building with high ceilings, a reflecting pool and sculptures. Since we got married a week before Christmas, the venue was bursting with gorgeous flowers and we didn't have to spend any money on decor. For the reception, we rented the private room at a really good restaurant for our group of 30. They didn't charge us for room rental, plus they provided several menu options. The service was great, and the restaurant printed menus for us free of charge.”

AFFORDABLE IDEAS

“Nick and I did our own invites with a kit from Michael's and had them printed at Kinko's. My matron of honor and I made the programs and favors. We embellished the programs with green snowflake ornaments that I got super-cheap at Target. For the favors, we baked snowflake cookies, packaged them in plastic bags and added snowflake ornaments. We'd wanted a traditional wedding cake, but the ones we liked were pricey. So we had a bakery make cupcakes with jam and white-chocolate ganache filling, iced with whipped cream and covered with white chocolate shavings. which looked like snow, so it fit in with our winter wedding.”

FINAL TALLY

“Even though we changed our plans significantly, things worked out well. Best of all, we paid cash for almost everything. It's easy to get caught up in ‘needing' this and ‘wanting' that, but once you realize what the day is really about, you get over that. The hardest part was shrinking the guest list. To include the people we couldn't invite, we held a barbecue in the summer. I had my wedding dress dyed and altered to tea length, so I could wear it to the party!”

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

Photography: Laura Ivanova Photography

At first the Goodwins planned to have a tented affair in the bride's parents' backyard. “I imagined a really personal event with lots of fresh flowers,” says Cheryl. “To get started, I priced tents and then started to tally up all the ‘little' things, such as table and chair rentals, lighting and a cleaning crew. The costs added up very quickly! Plus, I was getting nervous that all the work required for an at-home wedding would mean I wouldn't be able to relax and enjoy the day. We decided to go a different route and booked the Pinnacle Golf & Boat Club on Cedar Creek Lake. It turned out to be much more affordable to purchase a budget wedding package than to line up catering, rentals and everything else we'd need for a backyard wedding. And with the way the economy is right now, we didn't want to regret spending too much.'

AFFORDABLE IDEAS

“I always imagined that I would have lots and lots of fresh flowers for my bouquet and decor, but when I saw the prices, I said, ‘Whoa!' Fortunately, with my sister's help, we were able to find and purchase less-expensive silk flowers online. We used them to create a pretty look. For example, Dudley and I planned to tie the knot outdoors at sunset under a romantic arbor with the lake behind us. The arbor was already draped in greenery, so my sister wove in ribbon and pink and white flowers to personalize it. My bouquet cost twelve dollars online, as opposed to the one hundred and fifty dollars that the florist would have charged.'

From left: A pretty-in-pink bridal bouquet. The three-tier cake was topped off with fresh roses.

At the reception, we had real flowers. pink roses. on the cake and the guest tables. For our centerpieces, we opted for a single pink rose in a clear bud vase on each table. Another change was that we decided to keep the menu simple and not go overboard with a ton of food that might end up going to waste. We offered a buffet that included sliced beef, rosemary potatoes, green salad and a variety of sauces and dressings. Instead of having both a bride's cake and a groom's cake, Dudley and I agreed on one three-tier square white butter rum-flavored wedding cake, topped with pink roses and baby's breath. For guest favors, a friend of my mother's made delicious chocolate-covered cherries for everyone.”

FINAL TALLY

“I loved my wedding! Because we carried it out on a budget, we could really enjoy ourselves on the day itself. Plus, we didn't have to be unhappy later at the amount of money we spent. (We paid by check for the big items, and only used a credit card for a few small things.) An unexpected bonus was that since the wedding was so simple, I stressed far less than I would have otherwise, and everything ended up going without a hitch. Plus, we were able to really enjoy our weeklong honeymoon in Jamaica. without worrying about paying for the wedding when we got home!”

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

Photography: Keepsake Photography, Dallas, Texas

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Floral Delight Wedding Cake This pretty flower-topped cake is perfect for a bright and airy spring or summer wedding. Color: White Shape: Square Theme: Classic Decorations: Flowers Cake by Michelle Marie's Patisserie Photo by Gertrude & Mabel Photography

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Garland of Flowers Wedding Cake The hard-edged tiers of this square wedding cake are softened with a garland of pretty sugarpaste blooms. Color: White Shape: Square Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by Sylvia Weinstock Cakes Photo by John Labbe

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Draped in Flowers Wedding Cake Draped in sugarpaste flowers, this wedding cake is perfect for a garden wedding. Color: White Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by Sylvia Weinstock Cakes Photo by John Labbe

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Something Blue Wedding Cake Posies of white and blue sugar blooms top the tiers of this wedding cake, which features a white-on-white design. Color: White Shape: Round Theme: Classic Decorations: Embroidery, Flowers Cake by Sylvia Weinstock Cakes Photo by John Labbe

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Medallions & Peonies Wedding Cake Sugar peonies top this wedding cake decorated with a medallion-inspired pattern. Color: White Shape: Round Theme: Modern Decorations: Diamonds, Flowers Cake by Cheryl Kleinman Cakes, 718-237-2271

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Flowers in Bloom Wedding Cake This three-tier cake is accented with both fresh and sugarpaste flowers. Color: White Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by Hallmark Cakes Photo by Emily Angle

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Wrapped with a Bow Wedding Cake This pattern-printed cake with sugarpaste bow is the perfect addition to a traditional wedding reception. Color: Blue Shape: Round Theme: Classic Decorations: Bow, Embroidery, Ribbon Cake by Ellen Baumwoll for Bijoux Doux

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Modern Twist Wedding Cake This fondant-covered cake with hand-painted swirl design will make a huge impact at your reception. Color: White Shape: Square Theme: Modern Decorations: Swirls Cake by Tony Wright for Cakes by Tony

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BRIDE: Kristen Sueoka
GROOM: Brad Hoover
WEDDING LOCATION: Holman Ranch, Carmel Valley, California
BRIDAL PARTY: 9 bridesmaids; 4 groomsmen
NUMBER OF GUESTS: 150
BIGGEST SPLURGE: The locations
BIGGEST SAVINGS: Buying the alcohol and stocking the bar

When Kristen Sueoka and Brad Hoover met in a San Francisco bar, they made an instant connection: They had both just returned from Spain, and she was wearing a red T-shirt she'd purchased there. It turned out that Brad had bought the same one. “We talked for hours, and after that night we began dating,” Kristen says.

Potted herbs lent a “green” feeling to the tables.

The bride wore an Elizabeth Fillmore dress and held a wildflower bouquet.

'Maids wore chic color-coordinated dresses in different styles.

For the tables, the couple's mothers planted fresh herbs in terra-cotta pots, which doubled as favors.

The couple, who both grew up in the Bay Area, chose the lush, rolling hills of historic Holman Ranch to hold their wedding. The ranch, a classic Spanish-style hacienda, offered them a beautiful backdrop of mountains and wildflowers. “We had relatives coming in from far away, and we wanted to show them one of the most beautiful parts of California,” Kristen says. “It was also important to us that both the food and decor be eco-friendly.”

Guests mingle in the garden.

Brad brewed five custom ales just for the wedding.

Brad's boutonniere included his favorite chiles.

Guests look at pictures from the couple's shared past.

'It was exhilarating walking down the aisle hand-in-hand after the ceremony. it was our first walk together as husband and wife,” says the bride.

To complement the hues of the environment, the couple chose wedding colors of green, ivory, violet and brown, and their menu was based on fresh vegetables and meats available at the local farmers market.

The Menu

FIRST COURSE
Mixed Greens with Yuzu vinaigrette
Crab Cakes with Meyer Lemon Aioli
Fresh Oysters on the Half-Shell

ENTRÉES
Halibut en Papillote
Niman Ranch tri-tip grilled steak with sea salt
Fingerling Potatoes

DESSERT
Vanilla Sponge Cake filled with vanilla custard
Chocolate Sponge Cake filled with chocolate mousse

The bride, who is of Japanese heritage, asked a friend to make a special quilt. The design included the Japanese characters that represent love, laughter and joy. all the things the friend wished for the marriage. The bride's father created a frame to display it at the wedding. Kristen and Brad included another Japanese tradition, in which the bride and groom, along with friends and family, folded 1,001 origami paper cranes prior to the wedding day. the tradition represents good luck and prosperity. “It was a huge group effort,” says the bride, “and it will always remind me of their love.” Kristen made corsages for both mothers and her grandmother, using each woman's special wedding flowers; white roses for her mother, gardenias for Brad's mother and lilacs for her grandmother.

'I was touched by my father's toast. He spoke about us very personally, and his special words really moved
both of us.”

Kristen and Brad chose an Otis Redding classic, ‘That's How Strong Our Love Is'. and everyone danced until the wee hours. “Our guests still talk about how amazing the day was,” says Kristen, “and how much fun they had!”

'A close family friend baked us a traditional Norwegian cake that featured many small tiers. We had to blindfold ourselves and cut it together. Supposedly, the number of tiers you slice through indicates the number of children you'll have. Our guests exploded with laughter when we were predicted to have eleven kids!”

Illustration: Cheryl A. Pamplin

Most brides don't look forward to negotiating prices with wedding vendors. If you're like them, you may be thinking that haggling over money seems so…crass. After all, this is your wedding we're talking about. the most romantic day of your life.

But think of it this way: Your goal is to develop a good working relationship with all wedding vendors. whether it's your venue representative, your florist, your caterer or your photographer. so that you can get what you really want at the best possible price. Now that's how to guarantee bliss!

1. Do your homework

Let's say you and your fi ancé are scouting around for a reception venue. You've found several, and there's one you especially like. Don't start negotiating until you're well armed with quotes from the venue's competitors. And well armed means knowing exactly what the competitors are offering for the same price. If a competitor offers a better deal, you can point that out to your fi rst choice and ask if he can either whittle down his prices or throw in some extras to make up the difference.

2. Spell it out

Be sure that you understand exactly what is included in a quoted price. The venue should itemize it for you; at that point you may fi nd that you're being charged for things you don't really need. expensive seafood appetizers, perhaps?. and you can negotiate them out.

3. Be nice

Using the right words and tone of voice is priceless when it comes to getting what you want. One way not to get a good deal is to say something like, “You gave my cousin a deal last year, and I think you should do the same for me”. this won't win you a popularity contest and it won't win you any special considerations either. Remember: You'll catch more fl ies with honey than with vinegar.

4. Don't be too nice

No, we're not really contradicting ourselves. Sharon Naylor, wedding expert and Bridal Guide contributor, speaks to all you nice, well-brought up girls out there. Why not ask if you can get free coffee thrown in during dessert? Or an extra hour for the reception? Why not fi nd out if your venue will provide a simple signature cocktail. free? One couple booked a private room in a restaurant for their party of 30. when politely asked, the restaurant happily dispensed with the room rental fee and even printed up a menu card for guests, free of charge.

5. Watch out for “nibbling”

Shirit Kronzon, author of The Bargaining Bride, warns brides to beware of extra charges that wedding vendors tacks on. usually just when you're about to sign a contract. A charge for cake cutting? Cake plating, for goodness' sake? You might be inclined to agree to it because you're so close to wrapping this thing up and you've got a million other things to do. but don't. Nicely say something like, “In light of the overall fee, I was hoping to avoid extra charges.” It's worth a try.

6. Be flexible

Is it fi ne with you to schedule your wedding on a Friday or even Thursday night? In autumn instead of spring or vice versa? What can your venue do for you if you're willing to compromise? Many couples have gotten deals simply by avoiding Saturday night or picking a date at a resort during the off season.

7. Consider your advantage

You can feel free to walk away from a vendor if you don't care for his attitude. (Or at least pretend to walk away. that might make your chosen hotel venue suddenly remember that nice set of candlesticks that they can let you use, gratis, instead of leaving you to rent them yourselves.) Naylor points out that the wedding industry depends so heavily on word-of-mouth referrals that any vendor is far likelier to treat you like a princess than give you a hard time. They know that if they do something nice for you, you'll spread the word to your friends, your relatives, your neighbors, your coworkers, and then there's your blog and your Facebook page…need we say more?

HINT: Keep your rehearsal dinner simple and festive; it should never be more formal than the wedding.

NOT-TO-MISS MOMENTS

TOASTS The groom's father, if he is the host, can welcome guests with a formal toast. Ditto the best man. At that point, other well wishers can take the fl oor (toasts can be a bit longer and more humorous on this night than at the wedding). Later, you and your fi ancé may also want to take a moment to toast each other and publicly thank your hosts.

GIFTS Distribute your thank-you presents to the bridesmaids and groomsmen, especially if it's something you would like them to wear at the wedding.

PERFORMANCES If secular readings (your friend has written a special poem) or popular songs (your cousin wants to serenade you with “In My Life,” by the Beatles) aren't appropriate for your wedding ceremony, the rehearsal dinner is a great time to include them.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Many rehearsal dinners feature slide shows or videos incorporating pictures and footage from the bride's and groom's pasts. Have a techsavvy pal set up and display your presentation. Otherwise, you might get stuck troubleshooting a problem and miss all the fun.

Many newlywed couples say that the rehearsal dinner, traditionally a way for the bride's and groom's families to get acquainted, was even more fun than the day itself. Why? The rehearsal dinner is a celebration that allows you to rejoice and mellow out with your loved ones before the major excitement starts. You get to spend quality time with your favorite people (you probably won't have time for long conversations at the reception), and everyone gets to know each other better. Many couples find it very cool to see their entire “lives” converging in one room. Excited? We hope so. Here's how to pull yours off perfectly.

When is it?

Even though most people have their rehearsal dinner the evening before the wedding, immediately following the ceremony run-through, you can have it whenever you want.

Who pays?

Traditionally, the groom's parents plan and pay for the rehearsal dinner. These days, however, many couples shell out for the shindig themselves or ask both sets of parents to share the cost.

Who's invited?

Your rehearsal dinner must, must, must include: all members of the wedding party (and their spouses or dates); parents of fl ower girls or ring bearers in the wedding, if the little ones are invited; all parents, stepparents and grandparents of the bride and groom, plus siblings who are not in the wedding party (and their spouses or signifi cant others); and often the officiate and his or her spouse. Out-of-town guests should also be invited, but if you prefer to keep the gathering more intimate, schedule an event for them at another location. You could have a welcome reception at a restaurant or at the hotel where they're staying, or informal cocktails at the home of a relative or close friend.

How formal should the dinner be?

The degree of formality is at the discretion of the hosts, but it should never exceed the formality (or lavishness) of the actual wedding. Whatever the rehearsal dinner's style, it's always courteous to send invitations after you've received wedding RSVPs. They needn't be fancy. you can find fill-in-the-blank ones at stationery stores or make them on your computer at home.

Where do we have it?

You might have the rehearsal dinner at a restaurant, preferably with an attractive private room; in someone's backyard (for a cookout!); or even at a clam shack or pizza parlor for a super casual affair. Be creative, because, really, anything goes as long as you and your guests are relaxed, comfortable and having a good time.

Related Articles:
Prewedding Party Q&As
Rehearsal Dinner Ideas
Your Guide to Prewedding Parties

All in the Details

Set the tone of your wedding with invitations that reflect this special time of the year, then carry the theme throughout your wedding.

From left: Floral invitation with reply and outer envelopes by Kenzie Kate Invitations. Playbill wedding invitations from Paper Source. Guest book by Twisted Limb Paperworks; refillable antique silverware pen by Close the Loop; invitation with leaf-motif sticker and favor card with two heart tags made of flower seeds by Naturally Ever After. A new use for pomegranates: place card holders.

From left: Boxes of two bonbons, available with custom designs, by CocoaVino. Custom-packaged favors by Harvard Sweet Boutique, Inc. do double duty as a pretty centerpiece. A simple white cake decorated with fall flowers. Butterflies, berries and flowers in rich fall colors add a whimsical feel to this sweet creation.

Table Decor

Flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, green, purple and brown will add warmth to your wedding and give your tables a great pop of color. Don't forget to incorporate outdoor elements, such as leaves, fruits and vegetables, berries and branches to give your centerpieces and place settings a unique look.

Fashion

Every bride needs a fabulous dress. Gorgeous bridal gowns with jeweled accents, a hint of color and pretty boleros are perfect for this season's weddings.

Don't forget your bridesmaids! They'll turn heads down the aisle in these bold fall colors.

Bouquets

Use roses and calla lilies in shades of red, burgundy and orange for a classic fall bouquet, or create something unique by adding sprigs of berries and twigs.

1. Invitation with envelope, price upon request, by Ceci New York, cecinewyork.com.

2. East Indian-style invitation, $20 per set, by Mr. Boddington's Studio from Minted, minted.com.

3. Invitation on fuchsia cardstock, $209 for 100 (no reply card), by Jean M, myjeanm.com.

4. Invitation, price upon request, by Two Paperdolls, twopaperdolls.com.

5. Threepaneled invitation, $1,578 for 100, by Kenzie Kate, kenziekate.com.

6. Paisley invitation , $1.49 each (no reply card), by Wedding Paper Divas, weddingpaperdivas.com.

7. Invitation, $483 for 100 (no reply card), by Wiley Valentine, wileyvalentine.com.

*Unless otherwise noted, prices include envelopes and reply cards.

Photography: Alexandra Grablewski.

Q: What are some tips for keeping the cost of table arrangements down?

A: What's interesting is that wedding centerpieces are not just about flower arrangements anymore (where things can get costly); instead, it might be a combination of objects on the table. What we're seeing now in stores are these interesting organic bowl shapes with tiny openings at the top. Sometimes it's less expensive to buy 20 of those than trying to fill a big-mouthed container with fresh flowers. Instead, you find the right color and put a single blossom in there. You put it with a leaf on the bottom and add three or four interesting candles. It feels more personal with the use of different elements.

If you're working with a limited budget, keep it simple-very clean and not fussy. Pick one thing you like and do tons of it-masses of one kind of flower, in something like glass, that reflects light. Use lots of candles everywhere, perhaps in clear glass votives. Or perhaps votive candles covered with green leaves or the skeletons of leaves to cast a soft light.

Q: What flower trends can we expect to see for the fall?

A: In terms of flowers, we're heading toward shades of deep reds or burgundies. In the autumn, black magic roses-which are actually a deep, dark burgundy-work well with the wonderful browns. There's the gorgeous chocolate brown rose called Leonidas. And this is also the time of the year where we get fall and autumnal chrysanthemums and spidermums. You might also use those green orchids with the lovely aubergine with the red dots on the inside-the St. Bailey orchid. You can also incorporate fruits, vegetables and autumnal things for centerpieces.

In the fall, it's all about the harvest so try apples and pears. Big bowls of apples and pears are a fun and inexpensive way to create beautiful wedding centerpieces. I also love the idea of adding apples, pears, clementines, oranges and even grapes to the wedding centerpiece flower arrangements at this time of the year for a splash of rich color. If you want to make it more traditional, you can bring in elements of gold. Then you can really dress it up wonderfully.

Also for fall, the bouquets are getting looser and more organic with flowers that cascade naturally from the bouquet. The look is more Dutch still life, incorporating twigs and vines and dried elements, as a reference to the maturing season. To make a wedding bouquet more personal-and in keeping with the trend of adornment-you might add sparkling jewels or rhinestones or pieces of amber.

For more information, visit colincowie.com.

PRICE-ESCALATION CLAUSES
These permit a company to charge more for menu items if food prices rise, for example. If your vendor won't delete the clause, be sure he inserts an acceptable ceiling on costs.

THE HIGHER COST OF SOME MEATS AND SEAFOODS AT CERTAIN TIMES OF THE YEAR
Discuss this with your caterer; you may want to tell him that you would like to consider items that will be available at a reasonable price at the time of your wedding.

LAST-MINUTE FEES
Your contract may contain a clause that says you must nail down all the details a week before the big day. or else incur more fees. Find out if the company has liability insurance. Most larger companies do carry it; smaller ones may not. In that case, you might attach a rider to your homeowner's or renter's policy.

Photography: Luciana Pampalone.

1. Ask Questions

First, arm yourself with as much information as you can get about your venue's bar policies. Find out if you're required to order wine and spirits through them, or if you will be allowed to bring in your own libations. You may be able to save money by purchasing your liquor from another supplier, but if your venue charges a corkage fee, you could be required to pay an extra $10 to $35 per bottle.

Your site may charge a flat rate per guest or determine the fee by the number of drinks poured. If your venue allows you to choose your payment option, it can help you save if you have an idea about how much your crowd is apt to drink.

Also, find out how much your site marks up its wines, which can vary from bottle to bottle. 'You can save by choosing a brand with a smaller markup,' says Saurabh Abrol, owner of WineChateau.com. And you may even be able to afford a wine with a slightly higher base price if it has a smaller mark-up.

If your site's house wine and premium brands are costly, ask them to order nonbrands and less expensive wine. And inquire as to what happens to any bottles leftover from the reception that you've paid for. You may be able to return full ones to your supplier and you can use the partial ones to stock your own bar at home.

2. Make a Timeline

Consider limiting the amount of time that alcoholic beverages are available, which will cut down on bartending fees and the number of total drinks served. 'Don't serve alcohol before the ceremony,' says Harriette Rose Katz, a wedding planner in New York City. Instead offer warm apple cider or iced tea with mint, depending on the season.

Another option is to close the bar during dinner and have waiters pour wine at the tables. Also, consider closing the bar for good about an hour before the reception ends. Instruct bartenders to only open new bottles as needed and clear only empty glasses from tables so guests won't end up making needless repeat trips to the bar.

3. Choose Wisely

As nice as it is to have a bar with top-shelf liquor, it's not a must; lower-priced versions will do just fine. And you don't have to offer a fully stocked bar either. 'Have the main ingredients on hand to make basic drinks,' says Abrol. 'Include rum, tequila, vodka, red wine and white wine.' If, for example, you know you have a lot of spiced rum drinkers in your crowd, you may want to provide that; otherwise, you can stick to the staples.

If you're on a really tight budget, consider keeping to just wine, champagne and sparkling water. 'I think that's perfectly okay,' says Katz. Or, serve a signature cocktail and provide wine and beer.

4. Explore Alternatives

Champagne can be costly, and it's completely acceptable to cut it out completely. When toasting time comes, guests can raise a glass of whatever they're drinking. Can't do without the bubbly? Abrol recommends sparkling Italian wines at a lower price, like Prosecco-and his personal favorite, Franciacorta. 'It's an excellent value,' says Abrol, adding that it tastes like a $75 bottle of champagne while costing about $25.

Keep an open mind to wines from around the world. 'People are drawn to wines that are heavily marketed and at times overpriced,' says Abrol. 'You can have wine with the same complexity for half the price if you choose something from Spain, Chile or South Africa.' We'll drink to that!

1. Create a comparison chart to track what's included in the price for each venue you're considering. One company may not include linens and the cake, for example, while another company does.

2. Many public spaces, like parks or the local village green, may be available to rent at a low fee. However, if the space is not equipped to handle events, you'll have to rent everything from napkins to tables and chairs. Make sure you come out ahead!

3. Choose an unusual venue, such as an aquarium, a zoo, a gallery or an historical site. Site fees are not high and you'll save on decor because the venue already supplies ambience. But the same caveat goes as for public spaces: Figure in what you'll have to spend on rentals.

4. Hold your ceremony and your reception in the same place. You'll save yourselves multiple site fees as well as transportation from one location to the other.

5. If you belong to a community organization or to the military, you may have access, at low cost, to a venue belonging to them.

6. Don't forget your alma mater. these usually rent for a few hundred dollars.

7. Depending on your venue, you may not need to decorate extensively. If you marry outdoors at a winery, for example, there's not much you'll need to add to the gorgeous vineyard backdrop.

8. Rent a vacation home. Even if the owners charge you a week's worth of rent for the day, it may still be equal to or less than renting a traditional reception venue.

9. If a family member has a scenic property, find out if you can hold your wedding there. One couple held their wedding on the Wyoming ranch where the groom had grown up. Unique and cost-conscious!

10. If you're a city-dweller, leave town for your wedding. One Boston bride saved more than $50 per person by holding her wedding in Burlington, Vermont.

11. For a garden wedding, look into renting an historic mansion; many of these have gardens that are included in the deal. You may find, as did one couple, that the mansion they rented had no time limit, and the fee was less than half a hall rental.

12. Look for reception packages. Holding your event at a venue that provides catering and food-service items will save you quite a bit of money on rentals.

13. Save on your rehearsal dinner site by throwing a backyard barbecue or a picnic in a local park. both of which will cost you less than a dinner in a restaurant. (These may be more fun too!)

14. Accept a post-wedding brunch at a relative's home as a wedding gift. You may find that in lieu of a gift, a friend or relative will be thrilled to host this event in their home.

15. Trim the length of your reception. Even doing three hours instead of four or five will save you money. Trust us, everyone will enjoy themselves just as much.

16. Determine early on what you can spend and stick to it. One rule of thumb: Food, beverage and venue should come to half of your budget.

17. Most venues charge a premium for Saturday night. Hold your reception on a Thursday, Friday or Sunday night. An afternoon wedding will cost less than an evening one, as will a Sunday brunch.

18. Consider the season. you're likely to get a better price for a venue in January than you would for the same spot in June.

19. What about a destination wedding? Because the guest list will be smaller, a wedding away may cost less than a traditional event held in your hometown.

20. Think small. Check into bed and breakfast venues in your area and place firm limits on your guest list.

21. When you're deciding between an indoor or outdoor space, figure in the cost of a tent rental. if it rains, a tent is worth every penny.

Photography: Michael Essig, courtesy of Fairmont Mayakoba.

Drink Up!

22. Forget the full bar. Instead, serve beer and wine (both red and white) with one or two signature cocktails that you've personalized with a cute name and your wedding colors.

23. If you happen to be holding your event near a vineyard or microbrewery, buy your wines

and beers from them. Keeping to local products gives a special touch (and it's cheaper).

24. Don't forget to have some inexpensive (nonalcoholic) drinks on hand. Consider fresh lemonade in tall, sugar-rimmed glasses for a warm-weather wedding or sparkling water with colorful wedges of orange, lemon or lime.

25. Topshelf isn't a high priority. Choose midshelf liquors for significant savings (guests usually can't tell the difference). Another way to approach this: If the best brands are important to you, indulge guests with just a few choices of these but close the bar early and offer just wine and beer as the party winds down.

26. For an added festive touch, dress up your signature drinks with colorful, attractive garnishes, like curled lemon and lime peels, orange slices or mini fruit kebabs on toothpicks. Garnishes are usually provided free of charge by the venue or caterer, but give the appearance that you've spent more.

27. Eliminate shots or any drinks that make use of a number of liquors. these all raise your bar

tab and aren't necessary for guests to have fun.

28. If you're stocking your own bar, do your homework! Check winespectator.com for less-expensive wine vintages. Corkage fees (a charge for opening bottles of wine or liquor) may be up to $10 a bottle or even more. Try to negotiate these out of your contract.

29. Close the open bar an hour early and offer coffee. You'll save hundreds of dollars; even better, guests will have a chance to sober up before they head out to the road.

30. Make sure the wait staff knows not to pre-open bottles or clear glasses from tables that aren't empty. This is a sheer waste of money!

31. Speaking of coffee, forgo a coffee bar offering expensive liqueurs with java and treat guests to a rich brew with flavored syrups. Or serve espresso before sending them home.

Music Notes

32. Want a live band? Hire talented students from a local music school to perform at the

ceremony. Ask to hear them play. they may be just as good as professionals, and charge you less. Stay local: If a band has to travel for more than an hour, your costs will increase.

33. If you're deciding whether to go with a five-piece band or a DJ, you'll save at least half by choosing the DJ. Or, why not be your own DJ? Download your favorite music and create playlists for the ceremony and the reception on your iPod. Hook it up to rented speakers and enjoy!

34. Negotiate a deal that you like. The closer you are to the wedding date (six months or less), the likelier it is that the band leader will work on your terms. Find out if one or two musicians can perform for the ceremony or cocktail hour as well.

35. If your band offers a singer who also plays an instrument, you'll save money. And remember: You don't need more than one of each instrument. one saxophone will do as well as two or three.

Cakes & Desserts

36. The traditional wedding cake is usually covered with fondant, but keep in mind that it's expensive because it requires extra labor to make. You may want to go with buttercream instead. One caveat: For an outdoor wedding, go with fondant since buttercream or cream cheese will melt in the sun.

37. Consider cupcakes. These save money because they require less intricate decoration.

38. Have a small cake for the cake cutting ceremony and supplement it with a sheet cake, served from the kitchen.

39. Go with fresh flowers. The amount of labor that goes into creating flowers out of sugar ups the price of the cake.

40. Consider your humble local grocery store. One bride's supermarket bakery made her an elegant confection, based on a magazine photo, for less than $200.

41. If you like fruit fillings, think seasonal. Strawberries can cost three times as much when served out of season. If your baker charges more for multiple cake flavors, limit yourself to your favorite.

42. The baker may instead calculate the price by averaging the cost of different flavors, so plan carefully. If you have the most expensive flavor on the bottom layer (the biggest), it will cost more.

43. Traditionally, couples save the cake's top layer to share on their first anniversary. If you and your fiancé don't think you'll be ready to dig in, forgo the extra layer and save some dough.

44. Have a dessert buffet. Mini pastries and other tiny sweets are crowd-pleasers. Save money by having only a small cake for your cake cutting.

45. The cheesecake option can be a boon because it costs less. Arrange the cheesecakes on pedestals of varying heights. it will resemble tiers. and offer sauces, such as chocolate and kiwi.

Photography: (DRINK STILLS) Micahel Essig, Liz Banfield; (IPOD STILL) Alexandra Grablewski; (CAKE) Geoffrey Sokol.

Fabulous Food

46. At the cocktail hour save costs by hand passing pricier appetizers, like shrimp, scallops or other seafood items. When guests self serve, they usually consume 40 percent more.

47. Have a lunch or an afternoon tea reception instead of a sit-down dinner. Guests tend to drink less during the day, so you'll save on liquor costs.

48. If you prefer an evening reception, but still want to stick to a budget, consider a desserts-only reception. Specify on the invitation that you will be serving desserts, so that guests don't expect a full meal. Offer a delicious array of sweets: pastries, pies, mousses and a dramatic flaming treat like Bananas Foster. To accompany, serve champagne or prosecco and specialty coffees and teas.

49. Another increasingly popular choice is the cocktail party reception. Event planner Harriette Rose Katz notes that you'll save thousands on food and decorations; after all, you can forgo big floral arrangements for your tables and adorn small cocktail tables with candles and modest bunches of blooms. Hand pass hors d'oeuvres like mini hot dogs, grilled cheese
sandwiches and mini quiches. On a multi-tiered table offer finger foods like Italian breads, olives, artichoke hearts and cheeses (at room temperature), finger fruits and salads.

50. Consider a chic wine-tasting reception. Guests can sample from an array of small dishes at food stations, each matched with a special wine. Printed cards can explain the pairing.

51. Go for a rich look at a low cost: Caterers often suggest putting out lots of lush salads and grilled vegetables in unusual platters, like colorful bowls and big woks, for a great presentation. Also keep in mind that people eat with their eyes first, and if you display food beautifully. like small tapas-style plates. guests won't notice or care if the fare is quite simple.

52. Crudites don't actually have to be crude just because you're on a budget! Serve artichoke hearts, broccoli florets and radishes cut in shapes. instead of carrot sticks and celery.

53. Comparison shop for cocktail-party seafood. Calamari and mussels are usually half the price of shrimp cocktail. Your caterer should be able to offer guidance about other lower-cost selections.

54. Instead of traditional cocktail party fare, go for comfort food like macaroni and cheese in martini glasses, mini grilled cheese bites and tiny crab cakes. (Hint: These low-cost goodies are huge crowd-pleasers!)

55. Theme stations are always popular, and a fajita or Thai station are not budget-busters. You can have your caterer set out the food in big woks or take-out containers that echo your wedding colors or theme. Consider pyramids of basmati and jasmine rice, tons of egg noodles and an array of condiments. Other options: a mashed potato bar where guests can top martini glasses of spuds with bacon, sour cream, flavored butters or a panini bar that serves a choice of grilled sandwiches.

56. How about a pierogi bar? These potato-stuffed morsels of dough, served with cheddar cheese, goat cheese or spinach and a sauce, are a terrific variation on low-cost comfort food.

57. A perfect (and inexpensive) appetizer option for a cool-weather wedding: Serve miniature cups of soup, like clam chowder or acorn squash. In warm weather, consider mini cups of cold soup like gazpacho.

58. Two kinds of stations to skip: first, the raw bar, which will be over-the-top expensive; second: a carving station. Prime rib, ham and pork loin are too heavy. and costly. for cocktail hour fare.

59. After nibbling on appetizers, your guests will not need a five-course dinner. Three will do. salad, an entrée and dessert.

60. Use a delicious sauce on a simple pasta or chicken dish to up the wow factor. Ask your caterer for low-cost recommendations.

61. A sophisticated salad course. like spring greens. can offset a less-costly entrée.

62. Forgo the filet. Your caterer can show you price options for different cuts of lamb and pork as well as beef. Braised boneless short ribs are a great choice.

63. For savings of up to 20 percent, consider family-style dishes: platters of pasta or sliced meat that guests can pass around.

64. Add interest to pasta. a good budget choice. by considering more unusual varieties, like mushroom ravioli or spinach and cheese tortellini.

65. Beware the buffet option. It won't necessarily cost less than a sit-down dinner because you have to supply more food than you would for a plated meal. Do a cost comparison before you make a decision.

66. Cut out the bubbly; guests can toast with whatever they're drinking.

67. Serve a duet plate for every guest. For example, you might serve a plate of beef medallions and grilled shrimp or crab cakes. You'll save on the amount of food you offer. and on costs.

68. Before deciding on a seafood entrée, find out from the caterer what will be in season at the time of your wedding. a seasonal choice will save you hundreds of dollars. Likewise for meat: Select one that will come at a reasonable cost when you're tying the knot.

69. Have your caterer patronize local farms for produce; it's fresher, better-tasting and cost-effective.

70. Consider a vegetarian entrée option. These are usually less expensive, and guests might appreciate it for the novelty!

71. For side dishes, consider risotto instead of potatoes for something inexpensive and a bit unusual.

72. Presentation is key. A simple meal will seem special when you consider the visuals. Brightly hued vegetables on low-cost chicken can make all the difference.

73. Consider a modified DIY approach: One groom's cousin baked enchiladas, and the couple ordered more food from local Mexican stores. Hint: Don't make the wedding meal yourselves. that's too DIY for your own sanity!

74. To feed your photographer and musicians, offer lower-cost food. this may cost 60 percent less per person.

75. If children will be attending, choose a caterer who offers free or half-priced meals for kids.

Photography: Festivities Events.

Transportation

company. Whether you decide to book a limo or a van or any other sort of transportation, do this at least six months in advance of the wedding in order to get the best deal.

77. Ask about any special wedding packages a car rental company may have. A typical one may offer three hours of service, a bottle of champagne and a tuxedo-bedecked driver for about $300 (depending on your location).

78. Remember that white limos will always cost you more than black or silver ones.

79. Don't have the car that brings you to the ceremony wait for you all day. hourly rates will add up quickly. Have a different car pick you up later, after the reception.

Invitations

80. If you, your fiancé or your friends are DIY-ers, consider creating your own invites by hand

or high-quality printer. Your crafts store will have invitation and program kits. you can really get some unique effects this way!

81. Don't pay extra to have your invitations assembled; just get the bridal party together and set up an assembly line. If you have a friend who happens to be a terrific calligrapher, have her address your invitations as her gift to you. rather than paying someone else to do so.

82. Calligraphic fonts that look like the real thing are readily available. Free font sources: searchfreefonts.com, highfonts.com, dafont.com.

83. Choose basic black ink for your invitations and other stationery. Prices go up if you choose colored inks or a deluxe foil-stamp process. Also, colored paper and unconventional shapes tend to be more expensive than white or ecru or the standard square or rectangle.

84. Order your thank-you notes when you order your invitations. Some stationers give bulk discounts.

Flowers & Decor

85. Have artistic friends pitch in on your wedding. A friend who's got a penchant for flowers can handle your table arrangements and floral details. Another way to go: Hire a florist to do just one arrangement and then have your friends and family copy it for all the tables.

86. Potted plants make attractive table decor. and cost should be able to considerably less than floral season blooms arrangements do. Make the most of greenery in other ways; put plenty of it in your centerpieces to save money on flowers. Potted flowers are also a less expensive choice; check at your local nursery. Another option: Incorporate local flowers and grasses into your arrangements.

87. Buy flowers wholesale in a local market or online, and pay a florist to do simple centerpieces. Want to keep things really easy? Do one look in abundance and make an impact. Place tons of branches, like curly willow or dogwood, in urns or tall glass vases from the dollar store; for a bit more flair, hang LED tealights from them with ribbons in your wedding colors.

88. Try groupings of the same flower in different hues for an affordably stylish look. Cluster vases of different sizes in interesting configurations on tables.

89. Use fruits and vegetables to fill out arrangements; this way, you can create a sense of colorful abundance without excessive cost. As Melissa Paul, a wedding planner with Evantine Design in Philadelphia, points out: “It's less expensive to buy an apple than an orchid!”

90. Sure, peonies may be your favorite flower, but if you're tying the knot in winter, these springtime beauties will cost you a pretty penny. A good florist should be able to suggest in-season blooms that get the look and feel of your out-of-season favorites. Be sure to do you research on flowers (go to bridalguide.com) to find out what will be in season at the time of your wedding.

91. If your wedding day happens to fall on Easter, Mother's Day or Valentine's Day, you may pay more for your blooms. On the other hand, scheduling a wedding around a holiday can work in your favor: Your reception spot may be decked out. saving you a fortune!

92. Less is more. The more elaborate the arrangements, the higher your bill. For simple elegance, consider a few roses, tulips or even orchids submerged in water. Rose petals floating in water in clear bowls are pleasing to look at, too.

93. Be sure to use all kinds of candles to good advantage: Place votives, pillar candles or tapers between floral arrangements and create a stylish look on a shoestring.

94. Keep ceremony flowers simple by only placing arrangements near the spot where you'll be exchanging vows, not on every aisle seat or pew.

95. Must you place flowers on tables? Of course not. Pick one focal point. perhaps the entrance or the front corners of the room. and place just one gorgeous arrangement there.

96. Adorn plain white tablecloths by layering organza or tulle on top (which costs just a few dollars a yard). Or you may want to forgo the linens entirely and cover your tables with mirrors or frosted glass, suggests Randie Pellegrini, an event designer in Beverly Hills, California. The look is glitzy, the cost modest. Rent colored or textured chargers (bamboo or rattan) to add a simple but distinctive detail to each place setting.

97. Forgo expensive silver vases in favor of clear glass. Or shop local flea markets for vintage containers of different but complementary designs for your table. you'll achieve a unique look at small cost.

Picture Perfect

98. If a photographer you love is out of range of your budget, find out if you can wait till after the wedding to order proofs or albums. That way, you can put some of your gift money to good use.

99. “Point and shoot” videography is the least expensive option (around $1,000). For this fee, you'll get nuts and-bolts footage of your wedding. Tell the videographer to avoid gimmicky graphics and not to ask guests “to say a few words to the camera (if you find this tacky). With plain point and shoot,” the best treatment is simple and classic.

100. The most surefire way of finding a photographer and videographer who are right for you is to get recommendations from friends and family. However, be sure to carefully consider the work of many pros before making a decision about whom to hire and always keep in mind that the most expensive choice is not necessarily the best.

101. Photography is no place to skimp. your photos are the tangible mementoes of your wedding day. but if you do know someone who is just getting started, you may get a more affordable deal. A caveat: Make sure the work is top quality. Ask for references from former brides and grooms who have used the pro's services.

Photography: (CAR) Dove Wedding Photography; (INVITATION) Geoffrey Sokol; (RECEPTION TABLES) Jenna Spector at Susan Blond PR.; (BOUQUET) Michael Essig.

A: I see the wedding cake as a beautiful celebration of life. In my new book, Sensational Cakes, I talk about how it's a way of sharing joy with your loved ones. It's the ultimate symbol of two families coming together to start a third.

Q: What should a bride keep in mind when she first envisions her wedding cake?

A: She should remember that a wedding cake is a wonderful, sensuous creation. When I first started out, wedding cakes were either pretty to look at but inedible, or they tasted all right but they were ugly! Nowadays you want the whole package. Of course, a bride has to realize that she may have to compromise on her original vision.

Q: What are some examples of compromises?

A: A bride can easily forget that it's a cake she's dealing with-it can't be suspended from the ceiling! It needs structure, and it's meant to be eaten. For instance, a lot of brides don't stop to think you can't have a buttercream-frosted cake in 100-degree temperatures on the beach. It'll melt-and so will the guests!

From left: Square tiers are softened with a garland of sugarpaste blooms. The flowers for this cake took 20 people 300 hours to make. A white-on-white design has posies of sugar blooms poised on its tiers.

Q: Have you some basic advice for choosing a wedding cake?

Q: Where should the wedding cake be placed, and when should it be served?

Q: I've heard you send cakes all over the world...Turkey, Ireland, Morocco...

A: My wedding cakes are made to travel. I just sent one off to Greece, and I'm going to be there myself to greet it when it arrives!

Photography: John Labbe

At first, Julie Miliam and Marc Terrier, from Houston, Texas, pictured a wedding on the Mediterranean. 'We would have loved to be married in the south of France or Italy,' says Julie. 'But we wanted all our friends and family to be there.' So the pair instead decided on B.R. Cohn Winery in Sonoma Valley, which lent a European feel with its French Picholine olive trees and cabernet grapevines.

Julie, a fashion buyer, and Marc, a hospitality manager, planned all the details. 'I knew I wanted vintage, rustic, chic and Mediterranean,' says Julie. She chose a color scheme of chocolate, ivory and green to emphasize the natural surroundings, and added Gallic touches such as sprigs of lavender and homemade macaroons as guest favors. 'Marc is half French, so I wanted to include them,' says Julie.

She found her dream gown, a strapless drop-waist lace number by Novia D'Art. For her bridesmaids, she chose chocolate-hued dresses by Butter by Nadia, while junior bridesmaids looked sweet in Us Angels.

On the afternoon of the August wedding day, guests were shuttled from the winery to a grassy area called Fox Hill. Beneath oak trees, they listened to a string quartet before taking their seats on wooden benches. The ceremony began with the bridal party filing down a rosepetal-strewn aisle. 'Marc and I wrote our own vows, which made them more meaningful and special to us,' says Julie. To enhance the personal feeling, the bride's oldest sister and the groom's mother both delivered readings.

Once the bride and groom said 'I do,'guests were taken back to a tent, where they enjoyed bellinis, local cheeses and passed appetizers of prosciutto-wrapped melon, Italian rice balls and mini pizzas. Some headed to the tasting room to sample various wines.

The long head table, set for a sumptuous dinner, featured mint julep cups filled with
elegant floral arangements.

From left: Lemonade and cucumber water were served preceremony to keep guests cool. The flower-topped cake by MIchelle Marie's Patisserie.

'It was a great feeling to walk into the reception area to smiles and applause,' says Julie. Guests took their seats at tables topped with ivory cloths, chocolate-brown napkins and floral centerpieces in silver mint julep cups. They were then treated to a Mediterranean-style meal.

The bride and groom kicked off the dancing to the tune of 'Forever' by Turin Brakes, and the DJ got everyone on the dance floor with a mix of pop, rock, hip-hop and oldies. Afterward, the couple and some friends drove to an after-party at a nearby hotel. Julie says, 'I was on cloud nine from the moment I walked down the aisle until I lay my head down to sleep that night.'

Our Favorite Memories:

• 'Marc and I took dance lessons, but we never really had time to practice our first dance. Fred and Ginger, we were not! But we laughed and had fun anyway.'
• 'The winery's dog, Moose, was on the property throughout the wedding. He decided to walk across the floor during our first dance!'
• When we got to the reception, I was so happy with the way everything looked. You put a lot of effort into planning the flowers and table settings, the cake and the escort-card table, but you don't really know how it all will work together until the wedding day. I loved it.'
• 'Marc is half Jewish. One of his friends surprised us by having the DJ play 'Hava Nagila,' and we did the hora. We were hoisted on chairs. I had a ball!'

From left: Even the littlest partygoers took shade beneath pretty cream-hued parasols. Resident pooch, Moose, eyes the goodies. The Bride and Groom share a kiss in a vintage Packard convertible.

“The ceremony is the most meaningful part of the wedding, and it should be set in a place that has meaning for the bride,” says Colin Cowie. “It used to be that ceremonies all looked the same, but now brides see them as a way to express themselves and their vision for their wedding.” Cowie “loves the idea of reinventing the aisle; with a serpentine shape the bride and groom can amble along naturally!”

From left: Gates adorned with spring time cherry blossoms open onto a serpentine aisle leading
to the wedding arbor. A sandy aisle, in the shape of a wave, sweeps toward the altar.
Photos by Colin Miller.

A Unique Look

“Choose colors or a particular motif, and draw it through your ceremony and your reception,” Cowie advises. “Think of it as if you're pulling a thread through your entire event. Make your wedding a seamless story. Be inspired byyour location, whether it's indoors or outdoors. Look for the beauty in the spot you've chosen.”

From left: Enchanted forest. white roses in an organic shape create a dreamy bridal party.
Naturally romantic--roses, vines, ivy and hydrangeas create a fairy-tale feel for a garden wedding.
Photos by Alison Duke; Colin Miller.

Aisle Advice

YOUR ENTRANCE: Cowie believes that every bride has a vision of herself standing at the end of the aisle, waiting to start her walk of a lifetime. What is your vision? A sandy pathway on a tropical beach? A serpentine red carpet? Whatever it is, it should be meaningful to you.

ALL EYES ON YOU: “The exchange of vows is your big moment. Be sure there is a focal point: an arbor, an arch, an altar, a chuppah, a backdrop. Think of it as framing the ceremony.”

LET THERE BE LIGHT: “Be sure you have enough natural light so that you can be seen by everyone. Having plenty of natural light is also crucial to getting thekind of photos you want.”

From left: A round window at the end of the aisle creates a focal point for the exchange of vows.
A simple white aisle runner has a softly pretty border of lavender rose petals.
Photos by Nathaniel Ward; Alison Duke.

Beautiful Blooms

TRUE COLORS: “Your ceremony flowersshould reflect the same color scheme as the rest of your flowers, from the bouquetsand boutonnieres to the centerpieces. You want to create a sense of uniformity.

MIX IT UP: Flowers can be expensive,so you might want to mix blooms with otherelements. Depending on your venue andyour vision, consider using shells, moss orvines. Hint: If you're marrying in Mexico,Gerbera daisies are the least expensiveflower in that country, so use them to borderyour aisle. Another idea for a pretty border:succulents. They don't need to be plantedto stay moist.”

RIGHT: Wedding Chic (Clarkson Potter) isevent designer ColinCowie's latest book on wedding style. You'll findmore ideas for aislesand for all other aspectsof your big day.

Related Articles:
Wedding Ceremony Site Selection
Making It Official: The Rules of Wedding Ceremonies
Wedding Songs for a Great Ceremony

Vase with long-stemmed flutes, $50, by Now & Forever, now-and-forever.com.

Fabric-covered guest book with satin ribbon and mother-of-pearl button, $18, by Home Essence by Cathy Miller, homessence.net.

The Great Outdoors

From Left: These outdoor essentials will make a a cool wedding gift for any adventurous family. Year-round two-person tent by Black Diamond. Rechargeable retro-style lantern by Coleman. Hiking backpack by L.L. Bean. Eureka's "mummy bags" for women, designed with extra room through the hip area and more insulation around the chest and feet. Women's hiking shoes by The North Face. Pocket-size binoculars by Vortex Optics. Cast-iron Sportsman Grill by Lodge. Blanket from Wrapables.

Home Work

These are what we like to call creative wedding gifts. For some help around the house, consider these useful items: A 24" level (top) with gripping pads and attached 9" level/stud sensor; flashlight and screwdriver/drill/saw (front); and interchangeable lithium battery with charger (right), all by Black & Decker. To measure space for a new couch, try Sears/Craftsman's laser measure (far left)-it's amazingly accurate. Freshen up any room's walls with Glidden paint. Artistic Tile's bulls-eye-patterned Brazilian slate tiles with metallic leafing dress up a backsplash or a guest bathroom. Nafco engineered-wood floorboards (used as surface and stacked).

Special Delivery

Sometimes it turns out the unusal wedding gift is the one we find ourselves unable to live without. Imagine getting some of your favorite treats delivered to your doorstep every month. From left: TheRoastedBean.com will customize and send you a selection of brews-anything from Kenya classic to just about any flavor you fancy. The California Wine Club features Handley Cellars and Gainey Vineyard, among many more, in their wine-of-the-month clubs. And don't forget to say cheese! Three wedges of artisanal varieties are yours to savor when you sign up for Artisanal Premium Cheese's monthly program. Cheeseboard from Crate & Barrel.

Spa Service

Every woman knows the truly special wedding gifts are the ones that soothe the soul. With these special wedding gifts your home can be your personal sanctuary. In basket, from left: Waffle-weave hotel wrap by Chris Madden for JCPenney. Gift certificate from Bliss Spa. Superplush white robe and blue throw (under basket), both by BareFoot Dreams. Luxe terry slippers for guys and girls by Frette. Silk eye mask from Wrapables. Three-wick candle and tropical floral-scented fragrance diffuser by India Hicks and sea sponge, all from Crabtree & Evelyn. Basket by Target.

Sporty Spice

For an appropriate wedding gift, head for the sports aisle, it's time for play. From left: Set of clubs stored in a pink bag, by Hippo. The handle on this women's racquet (center) is lighter than the men's racquet in back, which is designed to augment swing power, both by Head. Bag by Ame and Lulu. Golfing gloves: the men's is by FootJoy; the women's, by LadyClassic, allows your ring to peek out. Cleveland's wedge offers better ball contact; Odyssey's putter has a lightweight feel. Monogrammed balls by Smart Play.

Photography: Alexandra Grablewski.

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Striped Wedding Cake The square fondant-covered cake features a striped design with flower decorations. Color: White Shape: Square Theme: Modern Decorations: Flowers Cake by Classic Cakes Photo by Leah Powell

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Monogram Wedding Cake This tall square cake features eye popping color and a monogram. Color: White Shape: Square Theme: Modern Decorations: Monogram, Flowers Cake by Classic Cakes Photo by Leah Powell

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Swirls Wedding Cake This beautiful white cake has intricate swirl detail along with a sparkle initial on top. Color: White Shape: Round Theme: Classic Decorations: Swirls, Sparkle Initial Cake by Edgewood Bakery Photo by Graham Photography

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Royal Purple Wedding Cake Smooth butter cream is iced with a gradient bead border. Silk hydrangeas add color. Color: Purple, White Shape: Round Decorations: Flowers Theme: Garden, Classic Cake by Kathy Canby Cakes Photo by Ron Canby

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Bows & Squares Wedding Cake The butter cream iced cake had silver dots and black scrolls decorating each tier with fondant turquoise bows and silk flowers adding color. Colors: Blue, Black, White Shape: Square Theme: Classic Decorations: Bows and Flowers Cake by Kathy Canby Cakes Photo by Kathy Canby

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Monogram Wedding Cake This fudge marble cake was covered in buttercream icing and wrapped in marshmallow fondant. Buttercream dots, scrolls and monogram accent the cake. Color: Pink, Brown Shape: Round Theme: Modern Decorations: Hearts, Dots, Scrolls, Monogram Cake by Kathy Canby Cakes

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Fruit Wedding Cake Smooth ivory butter cream covered this October wedding cake. Gum paste leaves, berries, mushrooms and vines created the woodland ambiance the bride wanted. Color: Green Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Fruit Cake by Kathy Canby Cakes Photo by Elise Beall Photography

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Free-Form Scroll Wedding Cake This fondant covered cake with free-form scroll work was perfect for a backyard summer wedding. Color: Green, White Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Green Flowers Cake by Kathy Canby Cakes Photo by Elise Beall Photography

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Dots & Circles Wedding Cake This bride used a very vibrant palette of warm colors and wanted dots and circles to be repeated in various patterns. This cake reflects her fun and eclectic personal taste. Color: Pink, Orange, Yellow Shape: Round, Square Theme: Modern Decorations: Fruit Cake by Kathy Canby Cakes Photo by Kathy Canby

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For an intimate wedding weekend to share with 90 guests, Alexia Rouquette and Blaine Mays wanted to find an off-the-beaten-path spot. After deciding to search near the home of Alexia's mother in North Carolina, they came upon The Camp at the Eseeola Lodge, a large log cabin on a grassy hill overlooking a boathouse and a lake with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.

Since, as Alexia says, “It was just breathtaking,” the couple settled on a theme of rustic elegance to keep the spotlight on the locale, then chose a nature-inspired palette of green, orange, brown and yellow. Alexia worked with floral designer Carolyn Clement of Millefleurs, who created floral arrangements with a natural, unstructured look:

The September wedding day dawned sunny and comfortably warm. As a string duo played Canon in D on an acoustic guitar and dulcimer, Alexia. wearing an A-line Vera Wang gown with a customized sweetheart neckline. was escorted by her father down the hill from the cabin, to the ceremony site near the lake. “I loved that walk because the scenery is so beautiful,” says Alexia. “And it really built anticipation for my father and me.”

There, before a local minister, the couple exchanged vows. “While we were wed, I held Blaine's hands and looked into his eyes,” says Alexia. “Then I knew that our dreams were coming true.”

Afterward, everyone strolled back up the hill for the cocktail hour, which was held on the cabin's patio. As guests nibbled on a variety of passed hors d'oeuvres, they were served Mason jars filled with the couple's signature drink, a mix of vodka and Earl Grey tea, with a splash of ginger ale and a slice of lemon. “It's a concoction that Blaine and I enjoy,” says Alexia. “He created it. and calls it ‘Blaine's Royal Tea.'”

In the reception room, tables awaited, topped with burnt-orange linens and centerpieces of orange and yellow blooms with tea light candles suspended from wrought-iron branches. Guests tucked into a filet mignon dinner so delicious that “everyone raved about the meal,” says Alexia. For their first dance, she and Blaine chose “Better Together” by Jack Johnson, and the Coconut Groove Band got all the guests on the dance floor with Southern and classic rock from Steely Dan, Alabama and Steve Miller.

After hours of dancing, band members finally asked everyone to join the bride and groom for a toast on the terrace; from there they watched a dazzling fireworks display. “The fireworks lit up the lake and the sky,” says Alexia. “Standing on the hill, watching them with Blaine, I thought, ‘We did it!' ”

Then the bride sang while her brother accompanied her on guitar. As the couple and their attendants made their getaway in a party bus, one and all tossed birdseed instead of confetti. a final nod to the event's spectacular surroundings. “It's amazing the kind of buzzing energy that's created when your closest friends and family members surround you with their love and well wishes,” says Alexia. “It was a touching and emotional event from beginning to end.”

Agree to Agree

Before saying anything to Mom and Dad, sit down with your fiance and discuss your expectations. 'Make sure you get to a point where you both agree on your vision and how much it will cost,' says Krueger. 'This conversation will be the springboard for how you deal with money as a married couple.' Remember to really listen to your guy and to make compromises. Be honest with each other about both families' financial situations; you may find that you have to scale back on your original idea.

Say It Right

Whether you speak to Mom and Dad by phone or in person, you need to be very polite when asking for moeny, Krueger says. 'Ask, 'Do you feel comfortable making a contribution to the wedding?' Then let them suggest what's best for them.' For example, they might propose a dollar amount or offer to pay for an aspect of the wedding, like the liquor.

Be Specific

Once money is offered and accepted, other issues arise. Will your parents assume that they'll have more control than you'd like? You'll have to be clear that the buck stops with you and your fiance. At the same time, be aware that their contribution does mean that they're involved. Let's say that your mother wants to pay for food, but she insists that salmon be on the menu. Before agreeing, consider whether her agenda fits yours.

Also, make sure they know that you're asking for a gift, not a loan. 'Don't borrow money,' says Krueger. 'You don't want to start your marriage in debt. There are things-a car, a home-you'll want to buy together as a couple.'

Avoid Hurt Feelings

Remember that there are two sides of the family now: yours and his. If your own mom and dad offer to pay for half the wedding, you should run it by your future in-laws before you agree. Bruised feelings may result whenever people are put in a position to pay more or less than other people. This isn't always about wedding etiquette, make sure you're comfortable with who pays for what at the wedding. The same goes for divorced parents-discuss asking for money with both separately in order to see what each is comfortable with.

Budget Wisely

Once you've accepted family contributions, create your wedding budget. 'Your job as a couple is to stay on track,' says Krueger. 'It wouldn't be proper wedding etiquette asking for money from your parents and then go over budget.' If you're planning to save up money yourselves during your engagement, decide how much you can set aside each month and keep a running total as you go; for each couple this will be different. For extra motivation, keep your tally displayed on your fridge.

Krueger suggests using a debit card for wedding-related purchases, so that these costs are immediately deducted from your account, making it easier for you to stay on top of what you have left. If you spend a little extra on any one item, make sure to spend that much less somewhere else.

Guests: 100
The Planner: Andrea Correale, Elegant Affairs, New York City

Fine Feast: “Keep food simple, but get creative with the presentation. Skip the typical crudités platter, and arrange cut-up veggies in individual servings. Impress your guests with a robust buffet featuring frittatas, room-temperature salads, grilled chicken, spring vegetables, tea sandwiches and shrimp cocktail. Deviled eggs are the rage right now. Have two or three variations such as blue cheese with bacon and chives, Cajun with chipotle seasoning and
Boursin and beets.”

Three Cheers: “At brunch, you can get away with not having a fully stocked bar. Serve a champagne cocktail, a vodka cocktail and a variety of fresh organic juices such as watermelon, papaya and carrot. For a pretty presentation, arrange large glass jars of drinks on a table with ladles for serving. A specialty coffee bar is a nice touch that's easy to do. Offer herbal and green teas, regular coffee and chilled hazelnut coffee. Add fun extras like rock candy sugar sticks.”

Gotta Dance: “Instead of arranging for live music, put money into renting quality speakers. Download your favorite music onto your iPod. Have a small dance floor for the first dance.”

BUDGET BREAKDOWN
Rentals (tent, tables, chairs, linens): $2,000
Hired help: $1,000
Food/drinks: $1,000
Dance floor: $300
Flowers: $500
Speaker rental: $200
Total: $5,000

Photography: Courtesy of Elegant Affairs.

Sassy Beach Soirée

Guests: 50
The Planner: Jenny Orsini, Pampered Bride Weddings, Springfield, NJ

Casual Cuisine: “During the first hour of your party, offer passed hors d'oeuvres like shrimp cocktail and mini crab cakes. Later, serve a buffet or family-style dinner of crab legs, steamers with broth and butter, mini seafood quiches, fried calamari and cold seafood salads.”

Beachy Beverages: “Serve pitchers of beer, carafes of wine and mixed drinks that incorporate the cool blues of your color scheme. Try the Blue Bay (Blue Curaçao liqueur and bitter lemon soda) and the Blue Sapphire (Blue Curaçao and cranberry juice). Give them cute names!”

Seaside Sounds: “Nothing says romantic beach party like the sounds of calypso, so hire a steel drum band to play during your cocktail hour. Later, bring in a casually elegant three-piece band (guitar, drums and piano) to provide some lighthearted jazz during dinner. Post-dinner, crank up a dance playlist on your iPod to get everyone on their feet.”

Sugar High: “Serve slices of sheet cake for dessert. Also do a candy buffet with glass jars holding candies that include white and aqua M&Ms, rock candy sticks and chocolate-covered peanuts and raisins. Supply white paper bags that you've personalized with a Thank you! sticker.”

BUDGET BREAKDOWN
Location rental: $400 (for four hours)
Rentals (tables, chairs and linens): $225
Food/drinks: $2,300
Flowers: $50
Entertainment: $400
Cupcakes and stand: $150
Favors: $100
Total: $3,625

Photography: Thérèse Marie Wagner of Thérèse Marie Wagner.

Picnic in the Park

Guests: 50
The Planner: Tracy French, The French Connection, San Antonio, Texas

Tasty Treats: 'Hire a caterer to prepare a simple but tasty lunch. You could do specialty burgers like blue cheese burgers and serve them on wonderful bakery rolls, or you could serve mini burgeres and fries in paper cones. Or serve everything on a stick--from chicken and sausage to mini roasted corn with different seasonings like cayenne and lemon pepper. Grilled chicken, panini, fruit platters and cheese displays are other outdoor options.'

Daytime Drinks: 'Fill a clear or white container--choose one with a ladle or a spout--with fruity Southern Comfort punch. Also offer guests lemonade and bottled water.'

Delightful Desserts: 'Have a simple fondant wedding cake with two fresh sunflowers on top. Or do a cupcake display. You can use terra-cotta pots and saucers to create a tiered presentation that looks well thought-out and outdoorsy.'

Music Notes: 'Hire a student from a local college music department to play the acoustic guitar while your guests dine. After lunch, switch to a DJ to get your guests dancing. Just be sure to check out the electrical setup at your venue, since the DJ will need to plug in his equipment.'

Fun Favors: 'Flip-flops in your wedding colors make an adorable favor. (Purchase them online in bulk and in all different sizes.) Stack them in a colorful bucket or basket and make a cute sign instructing guests to help themselves. Some people will probably opt to wear them right away!'

BUDGET BREAKDOWN
Location rental: $400 (for four hours)
Rentals (tables, chairs and linens): $225
Food/drinks: $2,300
Flowers: $50
Entertainment: $400
Cupcakes and stand: $150
Favors: $100
Total: $3,625

Photography: Courtesy of Elegant Affairs.

Exotic Indian Dinner & Dancing

Guests: 50
The Planner: Leslie Weekes, Leslie Manning Events, Washington, DC

Indian Taste: “Invite guests to indulge in an unusual and bountiful buffet of authentic Indian dishes including yellow dal (puree of lentils or split peas), naan and roti breads, cucumber raita, butter chicken, white rice and palak paneer (a popular cottage cheese and spinach dish).”

Fresh & Fruity: “Complement the meal with a mango lassi, a popular Indian yogurt drink, and
fruity mangotinis.”

Decadent Desserts: “Skip the traditional wedding cake in favor of a dessert table of traditional Indian sweets. Some must-haves are rasmalai (sweet dumplings in cream sauce), kheer (rice pudding) and kulfi (homemade Indian ice cream).”

Exotic Rock: “Many ethnic restaurants have nightly or weekly entertainment with dancers or singers and musicians. Find out if you can arrange to have them perform on the night of your wedding. Also, purchase some South Asian music CDs online and have your DJ intersperse them with Top 40 tunes, or whatever your favorite genre of music happens to be. ”

BUDGET BREAKDOWN
Food/drinks (with dessert): $3,020
Linens: $635
Centerpieces & candles: $695
Entertainment: $650
Total: $5,000

Photography: Conrad Erb Photography, conraderb.com.

After-Hours Ballroom Blowout

Guests: 50
The Planner: Lea McIntosh, Lea McIntosh Fine Events, Santa Clara, California

Classy Nibbles: “A caviar tasting station is the perfect choice for this sophisticated soiree. Present American caviars with lemon slices, crème fraîche and toast points. Also offer passed hors d'oeuvres like mini Cobb salads, Dungeness crab and asparagus tartlets, Sambuca-marinated breast of chicken, medallions of beef tenderloin and portobello mushrooms on herbed asiago brioche bread pudding.”

Bubbles Galore: “Pass champagne or prosecco and sparkling water.”

A Fitting Finale: “A perfect end to an upscale evening: Handmade butter tuille, Florentine and meringue cigar-shaped cookies, elegantly displayed in cigar boxes. You can even wrap the cookies individually and finish them with custom cigar labels from mycigarlabels.com. The cookies can be purchased at a bakery, or you might find something suitable at a gourmet grocery store.”

Strictly Ballroom: “Dance studios typically have a sound system in place so you can load up your MP3 player with hours of dance music. Check out the ‘Dancing With the Stars' section of abc.com for a list of music played on the show. Hire two ballroom dance pros for an hour to demonstrate and teach some steps.”

Finely Tuned: “If the dance studio has a ballet bar, hang custom CDs with your favorite dance tunes. They'll reflect the light for a glittering effect and double as wedding favors.”

BUDGET BREAKDOWN
Venue rental fee: $400
Red carpet entrance: $200
Rose constellation: $425
Additional roses & décor: $535
Entertainment: $150
Champagne/beverages: $325
Caviar: $330
Catering: $2,300
Rentals: $185
Favors: $150
Total: $5,000

Photography: Michael Soo of SooPhotography.com.

Buttercream

Cornelli is a freehand piping technique for decorating cakes in a lacy pattern.

Dotted Swiss is another piping technique; it forms tiny dots that resemble patterned fabric.

Dragees are edible silver- or gold-coated balls used for decoration.

Fondant is a matte-smooth icing that gives your cake a flawless finish, creating a canvas for intricate embellishments. This sweet sugar dough is rolled out like a pancake and wrapped around each layer on the cake. It doesn't need to be refrigerated. But because elaborately decorated fondant-iced cakes are laborintensive, they tend to cost more.

Ganache is a sinfully rich dark-chocolate glaze poured over the entire cake.

Marzipan is a sweet, smooth paste made of ground almonds, sugar and egg whites. With its moist, chewy texture, it may be placed beneath other icings or used as the final icing itself. You'll also see it colored and molded into flowers or other shapes as an alternative to sugarpaste.

Pulled or spun sugar is a boiled-sugar syrup manipulated ('pulled') to create flowers and bows and other embellishments or spun into gossamer strands.

Royal icing, a combination of egg whites and sugar, is piped onto the cake and dries to a hard finish; it's traditionally used to make leaves, flowers, lace and other edible decorations-not to cover the entire cake.

Sugarpaste, or gumpaste, a substance made of sugar, cornstarch and gelatin, produces those amazingly authentic-looking flowers, fruits and leaves, among other whimsical shapes, that decorate many wedding cakes. Unlike fondant, sugarpaste hardens after it dries.

We sat down with Jen before her big day so we could find out what all her budget-saving secrets were:

Q: How many people are you having at your wedding?
A: I am having about 100 people at the wedding, so I guess I would call it a medium-sized wedding. We wanted it even smaller, but somehow these things take on a life of their own.

Q: I understand you were recently laid off. Like so many brides out there looking to cut costs on their weddings, what are some things you've done to keep your wedding budget in check?
A: First of all, I am planning the wedding myself. This was an easy one for me because I am in PR and event planning, but I would even say to brides out there-if they have any friends or family in PR or event planning, they could ask them for some help-maybe that could be their wedding gift to them. For me, I'd rather put the money I might spend on a wedding planner toward something else I care about more.

I'm also doing my wedding on a Friday night-a slight departure from the norm-but big savings there! That's another easy way to cut costs. Fewer people want to have their wedding on a Friday than on a Saturday.

There are many ways to save money on your wedding-it all comes down to your priorities. I think you have to first figure out what's most important to you, budget for those things, then figure out where you can save money and skimp on those items. To me, invitations were not that important. I have a lot of friends who went all out on their invitations-using letter press and other fancy things. Ultimately the invitations simply need to tell your wedding guests where and when the wedding is, and give them a way to RSVP. So, I didn't go overboard with my invitations, because I felt that they would not affect my big day at all.

Flowers are important to me-but there are very simple ways to save on flowers. Go with what's in season-it's the cheapest option-and you're sure to find something nice that's in season. Ask your florist for creative ways to bring down the costs of your flowers without sacrificing the final product. For example, maybe you want to have more candles, and fewer flowers. Or, maybe you don't want to go with traditional flowers or use a florist-you can make beautiful centerpieces on your own, or with the help of friends and family. There are so many creative things you can do!

Check out our DIY blog chock full of awesome Do-it-yourself wedding ideas!

People are becoming more conscious of money-whether you have been laid off or not because nothing is certain anymore. Yes, it is one of the most special days of your life, but it's also just one day and there are so many ways to make it special without spending a lot of money. Ultimately it's about the marriage, and in the end, you'll be happy you're married to the right person and not in debt.

Q: Have you felt you've had to sacrifice certain things you wanted for your dream wedding to save money?
A: I don't think I've had to really compromise, maybe small little details here and there. For instance, instead of bringing different chairs to my venue because I don't like the ones they have, I am just using what's already there. Also-I am using basic linens, I'm not trying to match everything because that's just not important to me.

Not willing to compromise on your dream wedding? No need to.

Q: How is this time different from the last when you were engaged to Andrew Firestone in front of the whole country?
A: Andrew and I were engaged and it was definitely a very real relationship, but we never got to the planning stages of a wedding. We were engaged because of the show and we were both serious about being in a relationship, but we knew we had to get to know each other a lot better before we planned a wedding.

Q: What's your advice to all your fellow brides out there?
A: I would remind brides that the wedding is only one day, so to try not to get so caught up in the wedding that they forget the marriage is really what matters.

Photo by Kenzie Shores Photography

What you're not envisioning is those same guests overheated, dehydrated and slumping in their chairs from the humidity, sweat pouring down the back of your dress, and hundreds of mosquitoes stuck in the icing of your perefect summer wedding cake. Or the guests remarking that they've never been so uncomfortable in all their lives.

Don't let mother nature steal your summer wedding perfection! We have the top tips for preventing the dangers of the dog-day summertime heat and humidity for your guests' comfort, your cake's survival, and your wedding-day bliss. Here's how to plan ahead for cool comforts and a critter-free cake:

Keeping Guests Cool

1. Choose an Indoor-Outdoor location. If you haven't already booked your site. whether all-outdoors or all-indoors. look for a beautiful reception site that offers both outdoor and indoor party areas, such as one with a fabulous ballroom and a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking manicured gardens, a golf course, or the ocean. Guests can decide if they want to be in the outdoor elements, or comfortable inside in the air conditioned building. Especially if you have older or pregnant guests, it's essential to provide a cooler environment option for all.

2. Rent A/C units. If your wedding will be in a tent, or out in the open air, be sure to rent high-quality, portable fans that you test out in the rental store to judge their strength and relative silence. Great party fans now run at a lower volume level so that everyone can hear the toasts and the music. Invest well in plenty of these fans for everyone's comfort, and place them around the seating area, the bar, anywhere guests will gather.

3. Provide cooling gadgets. At hot outdoor weddings, and even on the tables of the terrace, set out vases or theme-appropriate containers of little hand-held, battery-run fans, or pretty paper fans for guests to cool themselves with.

4. Provide sunscreen. If guests will spend hours out in the sun, you're a terrific host to set a spray bottle of high-SPF sunscreen at each table as well.

5. Serve lots of ice water in stylish glasses with pretty slices of lemon, lime or orange. Who says your water can't coordinate with your wedding colors? Guests at outdoor weddings love having fresh, ice-cold water brought to them throughout the event, so be sure to order hand-passed ice water service on silver trays. If you're having a more informal wedding, consider stocking the bar or buffet with a few ice-filled coolers of water bottles.

6. Use natural shade. Scout out your location and ask the site manager to arrange seats and tables under the shade of trees, or with big, bright table umbrellas.

7. No burning their butts! If your site will set out metal chairs for the ceremony or outdoor seating, be aware that metal can heat up in the sun. Either arrange for chair cushions or invest in fabric slip covers for chairs that will be placed in peak sunlight.

Keeping Flowers Fresh

8. On a hot day, beware of your summer wedding flowers wilting quickly. Sometimes, they're droopy when they reach you, having suffered during shipment from the floral store to your location. So ask your floral designer to transport your flowers with extra attention paid to their water sources, such as setting all the bouquets upright in a container with a few inches of water for the stems to drink from [you would need to make sure that your bouquet handles are wrapped in such a way. such as just around the middle of the gathered stems. so that cut stems are exposed at the bottom to drink up water, not fully covered by satin ribbon. Or choose single-stem flowers as both a budget idea and as a more realistic plan to keep flowers fresh and cool.]

9. Choose your summer wedding flowers well for their water source ability. For instance, hydrangea is a lovely summer flower, but it wilts in minutes without a good water source, so floral designers advise you to keep the hydrangea out of your bouquet and off of your groom's lapel, instead placing sprigs in little, water-filled vases on each table.

10. Keep your summer wedding flowers ultra-cool before the ceremony, perhaps popping all of your bouquets into the refrigerator between the pre-wedding photos and when you depart for the ceremony. And don't spritz centerpiece flowers with water for outdoor settings, since direct sunlight will burn that water right off the bloom and turn your flowers brown. Ask for summertime-sturdy flowers and an efficient water source for all of your flowers, so that they keep their strength and look stunning throughout the event.

11. Store your tossing summer wedding bouquet in the site's refrigerator or in a cooler you bring with you, so that it's not sitting in the heat, losing its moisture and color.

12. Decide on a Plan B for later-in-the-day photos. Often, wedding photographers will bring you outside for additional couple photos while the dancing is going on, so look carefully at your summer wedding bouquet before you bring it into the frame with you. If all the flowers are droopy, dry and damaged from the heat, just leave it out of the frame and pose without it. Digital cameras capture every detail, and you don't want to wind up with the horrible surprise of ‘those flowers are dead' when you get your fabulous couple kiss-shot photos and see the damage in hi-resolution. So be sure to look closely and make the styling decision of whether or not to have the blooms in the shot with you.

Protecting Your Food

13. The heat can do terrible things to some of your menu items, including making guests sick. So be sure that all seafood, cheeses and meats are stored in super-cooled serving dishes, perhaps on platters made of ice, and that the caterer keeps replacing sun-warmed salad dressings with cooler, fresher supplies every so often. Specifically ask for this cool-food service, as a safety measure.

14. Choose lighter, non-creamy fare for your cocktail party stations and your meal, to reduce the risk of spoilage. Summer menu items of cold, refreshing veggies, cold seafood, mango skewers and gazpacho shots are far more palatable in hot weather than heavier, cream-sauce dishes…and they're often less expensive.

15. Cover those serving platters. Keep the flies and bees away by choosing chafing dishes and serving platters with lids on them, and don't decorate your buffet table or stations with bee-attracting flowers.

16. Prevent mosquito and gnat dive-bombers from attacking your cake [they love the sweet frosting!] and keep your cake from melting in the sun. and collapsing to the floor. by having the site staff keep the cake in the refrigerator for the majority of the reception. It can be wheeled out, fresh and cool, when it's time to cut the cake.

17. Add frozen drinks to your bar menu for your guests' comfort and enjoyment.

Protecting Your Look

18. Choose a summer wedding gown made of lighter fabric, appropriate for a hot-weather summer wedding, and talk to your gown stylist about fabrics that breathe, such as cotton organdy, chiffon, crepe, or voile over silk. You don't want horrible sweat stains under your breasts, at the base of your spine and at your armpits.

19. Choose a tuxedo fabric that also breathes for the men, and select open-backed vests for the men's comfort as well.

20. Choose the right shoes. Go for comfort as well as style with thicker heels that won't sink into soft summertime grass.

21. Skip the train. If your ceremony and reception will be outdoors, skip the long train that only gathers grass stains with every step you take.

22. Prepare for summer hair. Curls and sculpted up-do's don't often fare well in hot, humid weather, so go for a trial-run hair styling with a pro, explaining your summer wedding date and experimenting with sleeker hairstyles such as a pulled-back chignon or low ponytail. Hairstyles with height just aren't going to look good for long in hot summer weather.

23. Re-think the flowers in your hair. Individual fresh blooms tucked into your hair won't have a water source and may be the first to wilt, which is not the best effect on your wedding day.

24. Pack blotting papers and powder. Guard against shine on your nose and forehead by including plenty of blotting papers and powder in your purse or emergency kit, and ask a bridesmaid to let you know when you need to treat your skin shine so that you don't look oil-dipped in your important photos.

25. Skip the perfume. If you don't want swarms of bees around you, skip the scent until the evening hours when you can freshen with a gentle spritz. If you or your groom have outdoor allergies, check the day's pollen counts at nasal-allergies.com or weather.com, and use your regular allergy medication to prevent the sniffles, sneezing, red and watery eyes, and stuffed-up sinuses that can wreck your look and comfort.

Sharon Naylor is the author of The Bride's Survival Guide, as well as over 30 additional wedding books, sharonnaylor.net.

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Gift Box Wedding Cake This three-layered square cake is turquoise blue and decorated with pearls and bows to make it look like a perfectly wrapped present. Color: Blue Shape: Square Theme: Modern Decorations: Bows, pearls, diamonds Cake by Tea Time Cakes Photo by Jennifer Ortiz

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Ribbons & Dots Wedding Cake This playful cake is made up of three tiers with a gift box topper. The dots, ribbons and pastel colors are fresh and fun. Color: Green Shape: Square Theme: Modern Decorations: Bows Cake by Tea Time Cakes Photo by Jennifer Ortiz

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Pink Pearl Wedding Cake Stacked pink and cream layers make up this cake. The colors keep it romantic while the bow and pearl details keep it classic. Color: Pink Shape: Square Theme: Modern Decorations: Bow, pearls Cake by Tea Time Cakes Photo by Jennifer Ortiz

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Seashells Wedding Cake Perfect for a beach wedding, this blue and white cake takes its color inspirations from the ocean. The shells also keep with the fun, beachy theme. Color: Blue Shape: Round Theme: Beach Decorations: Seashells Cake by Tea Time Cakes Photo by Jennifer Ortiz

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Classic Orchids Wedding Cake In honor of the groom's cycling hobby, a tiny motorcycle was placed atop the cake and surrounded by orchids. Color: White Shape: Square Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers, topper Cake by Perfect Endings Photo by Carol Irvine Photography

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Under the Sea Wedding Cake Decorated with rolled fondant and sugarpaste coral and shells, this cake is the perfect addition to a seaside wedding. Color: Blue Shape: Round Theme: Beach Decorations: Seashells, coral, pearls Cake by Cheryl Kleinman Cakes Photo by David Kressler Photography

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Floral Romance Wedding Cake For a traditional romantic wedding, this cake with sugarpaste roses and floral bands makes the perfect addition. Color: White Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers, pearls Cake by Cheryl Kleinman Cakes Photo by Geoffrey Sokol Photography

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Orchid Wedding Cake Small piping details circle each layer while four purple orchids decorate the front of this simple, chic five-tiered cake. Color: White Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by City Sweets & Confections Photo by Mike Essig Photography

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Purple Passion Wedding Cake This brightly colored cake is finished with fondant, royal icing details and a hand- sculpted sugar rose. Color: Purple Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by City Sweets & Confections Photo by David Kressler Photography

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Swirls Wedding Cake The intricate pattern on this wedding cake was taken from the invitation design. Color: Peach Shape: Round Theme: Modern Decorations: Flowers Cake by Cakegirls Photo by Fender & Donisch

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Vision in Chocolate Wedding Cake This chocolate-frosted creation features a cake topper made of pipe cleaners, which crowned the brides' grandparents' wedding cake in the 30s. Gardenias finish the look. Color: Brown Shape: Square Theme: Classic Decorations: Flowers Cake by Perfect Endings Photo by Lisa Lefkowitz Photography

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Calla Lily Wedding Cake This modern three-tier cake is covered in fondant with sugar calla lilies. Color: Green Shape: Square Theme: Modern Decorations: Flowers Cake by Michelle Doll Cakes Photo by Geoffrey Sokol Photography

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Tied with a Ribbon Wedding Cake This all-white cake is topped with an oversized bow with 12 loops and four streamers cascading down its sides. Color: White Shape: Round Theme: Classic Decorations: Bow Cake by Patty Daniels Town & Country Studio Photo by Dasha Wright

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Butterfly Wedding Cake Delicate butterflies and flowers adorn this three-tiered cake while whimsical hand- painted butterflies also decorate each layer. Color: White Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Butterflies Cake by Pink Cake Box Photo by Mike Essig Photography

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Lovebirds Wedding Cake This fondant-covered cake is decorated with a fondant branch that wraps around it and is topped with sugarpaste lovebirds. Color: Blue Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Branch, flower Cake by Pink Cake Box Photo by Geoffrey Sokol Photography

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Elegant in White Wedding Cake Cakes in one muted color are a popular choice. The subtle tone-on-tone touches give it an elegant quality. Color: Silver Shape: Round Theme: Classic Decorations: Flowers Cake and Photo by Lisa Marie Kincaid of Fleur de Lisa

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Whimsical Garden Wedding Cake The dahlias and butterflies give this three- tier almond chocolate cake with marzipan a whimsical look. Color: White Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers, butterfiles Cake by Chocolate Cake Café Photo by Susan Dean Photography

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Citrus Tower Wedding Cake Small citrus fruits give this tall, slender cake a pop of eye-catching color. The gold trim and intricate design make this a work of art. Color: White Shape: Specialty Theme: Classic Decorations: Fruit, pearls Cake by Margaret Braun Photo by Quentin Bacon Photography

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Fun with Dots Wedding Cake Shaped like a storybook castle, this cake's bold color and sugar-pearl accents make it a fantastic one-of-a-kind creation. Color: Blue Shape: Round Theme: Modern Decorations: Pearls Cake by Margaret Braun Photo by Richard Cohen Photography

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Asian Accents Wedding Cake Festive red squares separate the tiers of this modern cake. The pale-green fondant icing is accented with sugarpaste bamboo and leaves. Color: Green Shape: Square Theme: Garden Decorations: Bamboo Cake by Cheryl Kleinman Cakes Photo by Alexandra Grablewski Photography

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Cowgirl's Dream Wedding Cake Dark-chocolate horseshoes and swirls of rope accent this mocha-fondant iced cake. Color: Brown Shape: Round Theme: Modern Decorations: Horseshoe Cake by Buddy Valastro for Carlo's Bakery Photo by Alexandra Grablewski Photography

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Lavender Garden Wedding Cake Hand-painted flowers and beaded royal icing trim make a sweet statement on this wedding cake. Color: Blue Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by JollyBe Bakery Photo by Alexandra Grablewski Photography

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Touch of Gold Wedding Cake This classic wedding cake features gold trimming and is topped with real flowers. Color: Brown Shape: Square Theme: Classic Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Square Flower Wedding Cake This square fondant-covered cake is draped with flowers and features gold trimming. Color: White Shape: Square Theme: Classic Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Red Hot Garden Wedding Cake Perfect for an outdoor or indoor wedding, this crimson cake features a floral pattern and is topped with flowers. Color: Pink Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Classic White Lace Wedding Cake This classic four-tier cake is covered in fondant and decorated with a floral design that mimics the look of lace. Color: White Shape: Round Theme: Classic Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Layers of Flowers Wedding Cake This cake adds a new twist to the classic four-tier cake by inserting a variety of white flowers between the layers. Color: White Shape: Round Theme: Classic Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Cascading Flowers Wedding Cake This cake is simple yet elegant with hand- drawn designs and cascading flowers. Color: White Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Secret Garden Wedding Cake This brown fondant-covered cake features colorful floral accents. Color: Brown Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Classic Summer Wedding Cake A beautiful lace pattern at the base of each tier and bright white flowers make this a simply elegant cake. Color: Yellow Shape: Round Theme: Classic Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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One-of-a-Kind Garden Wedding Cake This cake is perfect for the couple looking for something unique. It features tilted circle and square tiers with layers of flowers. Color: White Shape: Specialty Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Tower of Flowers Wedding Cake This five-tier cake features flowers between each layer and a monogram cake topper. Color: White Shape: Round Theme: Classic Decorations: Flowers, topper Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Spring is in the Air Wedding Cake This simple purple cake features a white band at the base of each of its four tiers and is topped with a variety of purple flowers. Color: Purple Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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A Formal Affair Wedding Cake This cake features a different layer of white flowers between each chocolate-colored tier. It's finished off with a monogram topper. Color: Brown Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers, topper Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Colors of Fall Wedding Cake Perfect for a fall wedding, this fondant- covered cake is decorated with fall flowers and a band of brown at the base of each tier. Color: Brown Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Golden Garden Wedding Cake This square cake is decorated with gold trim and draped in beautiful flowers. Color: Brown Shape: Square Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Layers of Tradition Wedding Cake This traditional white cake is decorated with flowers and a monogram topper. Color: White Shape: Round Theme: Classic Decorations: Flowers, topper Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Vision in White Wedding Cake This simple wedding cake is topped with white flowers and is an elegant addition to any wedding. Color: White Shape: Round Theme: Classic Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Burst of Color Wedding Cake This classic wedding cake is decorated with layers of colorful flowers between each tier and intricate lace designs. Color: White Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Walk in the Garden Wedding Cake The cascading flowers add color and vibrancy to the smooth fondant finish on this green tiered wedding cake. Color: Green Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Lines of Fun Wedding Cake This unique cake features alternating round and square tiers sitting atop mounds of yellow, orange and red flowers. Color: White Shape: Specialty Theme: Modern Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Classic Extravagance Wedding Cake White and blue flowers decorate this ornate cake. The silver piping details add a classic and elegant touch. Color: White Shape: Specialty Theme: Classic Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Winter Wonderland Wedding Cake For a winter wedding, this seasonal fondant-covered cake is decorated with silver and white snowflakes, flowers and delicate piping on each layer. Color: White Shape: Specialty Theme: Modern Decorations: Snowflakes Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Pretty Petals Wedding Cake White flowers top this three-tier cake while contrasting blue flowers and gold bands add a touch of color. Color: Blue Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Powder Pink Wedding Cake Silver bands border each layer of this pink fondant-covered wedding cake. The green and pink flowers are a romantic addition to the four tiers. Color: Pink Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Classic Elegance Wedding Cake This rustic elegant three-tier confection is topped off with beautiful white flowers. Color: Pink Shape: Round Theme: Classic Decorations: Flowers Cake by D'lish Photo by Annie X Photographie

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Autumn Leaves Wedding Cake This brown fondant-covered cake takes inspiration from the autumn season with its red, orange and yellow flowers and leaves. Color: Brown Shape: Square Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by Cake Alchemy

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Snowball Wedding Cake This icy blue cake is adorned with snowballs around each tier, pinstripes on every layer and a snowflake topper. Color: Blue Shape: Round Theme: Modern Decorations: Topper, snowballs Cake by Cakes by Tony

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Black & White Monogram Wedding Cake The unique shape of this fondant-covered cake with royal icing features a handpainted design and a sugarpaste mongram. Color: White Shape: Specialty Theme: Classic Decorations: Monogram Cake by Cakes by Tony Photo by David Kressler Photography

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Flower Garden Wedding Cake Perfect for an outdoor wedding, this three-tier cake is decorated with real flowers. Color: Purple Shape: Round Theme: Garden Decorations: Flowers Cake by Ron Ben-Israel Wedding Cakes

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Dreamy Decor

'To create a luxurious feel, I chose floor-length cream linens for the reception tables and topped them with formal beaded overlays. We seated guests at a mix of round and extra-long rectangular tables. On the round tables, the centerpieces were stunning, extra-tall crystal candelabras bursting with roses, calla lilies, sweet peas, flowering branches, gardenias, viburnum and hydrangeas. Votive and pillar candles arranged around the base of the candelabras illuminated the tabletops and emphasized the wonderful texture of the floral arrangements. On the long tables, a series of crystal bowls, filled with pink and white roses, viburnum and gardenias, stretched down the center. Tall, tapered candlesticks and white votives and pillar candles added a glow. Grand urns with matching pedestals were placed around the room to create a cozy feel in the large space. Like some of the centerpieces, the urns showcased lavish arrangements of roses, calla lilies, flowering branches, sweet peas, tulips, orchids, gardenias, viburnum, and hydrangeas. The flowers were wonderfully fragrant, filling the room with a fresh aroma and giving it a dreamy feel. For a final touch, we arranged the guest tables to form a series of x's and o's throughout the ballroom-a subtle hint of 'hugs and kisses.' It was a secret message between the bride and groom, expressing their love story.'

A Memorable Menu

'We wanted the food to be as decadent as the decor. To achieve that we offered passed hors d' oeuvres including green tea, smoked salmon, lobster medallions, caviar blini and truffle ravioli in champagne sauce. We also featured dishes such as chilled fresh vegetable gazpacho, ahi tuna with wasabi and mango, seared scallops with asparagus and roasted lamb with risotto. The overall menu was elegant yet light-the perfect complement to a romantic fantasy reception. When it came to drinks, no expense was spared and guests were treated to the finest champagne.'

A Captivating Cake

'The cake was a stunning, three-tier fondant confection adorned with dark chocolate swirls, sugar flowers and delicate butterflies that were handmade from baker's sugar. For an ultraromantic presentation, I dressed the cake table with a sheer overlay accented with hand-sewn silk-flower petals. Then I tucked fresh hydrangeas under the cake so it seemed to be floating atop a bed of flowers.'

That Special Twist

'As the guests left the reception, they were treated to a special favor: classic New York City pretzels from the bride and groom's hometown. It was an adorable, personal touch-and a big hit with guests!'

Photography: Maring Lifestyle Photography

Idyllic I do's

'The dramatic chuppah was elevated on an all-white platform and ringed with white rose petals,' says Rago. 'We chose to seat guests in the round to symbolize a continuous and unbreakable circle of love,' says Flam. 'To add to the romance, the bride and groom wrote their own vows. In homage to the groom's heritage, a guitarist played a romantic Latin song as the groom entered and walked to the chuppah.'

Heavenly Love

'To create the illusion that guests were enjoying a magical evening beneath the stars, there was a 'starlit' ceiling of hundreds and hundreds of hanging glass-enclosed candles. The result was breathtaking,' says Flam. 'On some tables, the centerpieces were a collection of glass cylinders of varying heights wrapped in beautiful textured papers,' says Rago. 'They were complemented by a collection of smaller vases holding phalaenopsis orchids. Some of the vases were adorned with feathers, others with crystals. Still others were wrapped in white angora yarn or trussed with white satin ribbon. Every place setting included a white organdy napkin and a mirrored charger-as well as mirrored mats in the center of the tables-which reflected the candlelight and the shimmer of the crystals. A final bit of elegance: The couple's monogram graced the all-white dance floor.'

Mood Food

'At each place setting there was a white menu card bordered by clear crystal drops. It announced the evening's fabulous offerings, including poached Maine lobster, arugula salad with aged balsamic vinaigrette, artichoke souffle- encrusted filet mignon and miso- glazed sea bass. A passion-fruit intermezzo was the perfect complement to the meal. To drink, the bride and groom selected signature cocktails, which we deemed Love Potions, and we had the wait staff pass them on elegant silver trays.'

Take Your Pix

'The romance of our youth was resurrected through an old-time photo booth where guests posed for four-picture strips of photos,' says Flam. 'We assisted each guest as they selected a photo to attach to a page in the sign-in book. They added a message to the bride and groom to create a keepsake the couple can enjoy for years. Another fun touch: When the evening heated up, we gave each of the women on the dance floor a white boa.' Adds Rago, 'We also created glamorous lounges in the corners of the ballroom by draping white fabric from the ceiling to create a teepee effect.'

Tiers of Joy

'The all-white wedding cake was topped by an oversize bow with twelve loops and four streamers cascading down its sides. Next to it, we placed a statue of a bride and groom embracing. Guests were also treated to hot fudge sundaes served in martini glasses.'

A Sentimental Send-Off

'Guests were given baskets containing wine, bath crystals, massage lotion and a CD of love songs,' says Flam. 'The couple enclosed notes thanking them for sharing in the enchantment and asking them to always celebrate the romance in their own lives.'

Photography: Dasha Wright Photography; (cake) Patty Daniels Town & Country Studio.

Fantasy Aisle-land

“For an ultraluxe start, the bride and groom as well as their 30 guests were chauffeured to the wedding in 1947 Packard limousines. At the ceremony guests were seated in a grove with a gorgeous view of the western hills. A custom-built structure dripping with flowers and greenery gave an intimate feel to the outdoor ceremony and contributed to the English country garden vibe. Each post was covered in ferns and ivy and accented with Ecuadorian roses, calla lilies, orchids and amaranth. The flowers and greenery cascaded down into the ceremony space, and there were tons of rose petals blanketing the ground. For an extra-special touch, we draped a moss purse overflowing with a deep-red rose and amaranth. which has a romantic tassel look. over the backs of the rustic wooden chairs. Additional moss purses hung gracefully from nearby trees.”

Table Drama

“At the reception, guests were seated around a U-shaped table to create an intimate environment that encouraged conversation. The dramatic table was topped with burgundy taffeta linens and centerpieces of tulips, orchids, ivy, coffee- berry and red roses in custom-made copper troughs. Candlelight is part of any romantic dinner and that was true here. We pour all of our own candles so we were able to create unique burgundy and gold ones. Guests danced to a DJ's selections on a wooden floor that was built around a grove. There were trees growing up through the dance floor for a pretty, natural look. At the base of each tree were candles and a scattering of rose petals. Italian party lights and hand-painted round Japanese lanterns of different sizes completed the look.”

Incredible Edibles

what could be sexier than that? For dinner, guests feasted on gorgonzola potato gnocchi; an appetizer trio of potato soup, crab cones and tomato soup; crab cakes and grilled filet and lobster with drawn butter; and mashed potatoes topped with crispy fried leeks. A selection of wines, champagne and martinis accompanied the meal.”

Petite Treats

“For dessert, each guest was presented with her own three-inch-tall baby cake that sat atop a sugar cookie. Another sweet treat was a strawberry pyramid. with tempting rows of strawberries layered with vibrant red flowers. with dipping sauces such as white chocolate, dark fudge and mango.”

Photography: Sherman Chu

Wedding flower arrangements have been an essential element of nuptials throughout history, thought to drive away evil spirits and to symbolize love and fertility. And of course, they've always been cherished for their lovely scent and fresh beauty. But today, the vast number of choices and the complexity and unpredictability of the bloom business may throw brides for a loop. Never fear! These no-stress steps will help you procure beautiful wedding flower arrangements

Step #1: When it comes to flowers for your wedding, be choosy.

Step #2: Communicate with your wedding florist.

Step #3: Stay on budget.

Step #4: Know what your wedding flower arrangements will look like.

2. The Wedding Flowers

3. The Wedding Reception Cocktail Hour

4. The Wedding Reception Dessert Table

5. The Drinks

6. The Five-Course Wedding Reception Meal

We know-you're worried about wedding guests going home either hungry or unhappy with your food choices. Those worries have caused many brides and grooms to go down the path of offering too much-up to seven courses-and paying too much for it. If you're looking to cut costs, 'eliminate one course in the meal, and just serve an appetizer and an entree,' says Walls. You can also stick to offering one or two choices for the entree. Or instead of offering chicken, steak or salmon entrees, assemble a plate that combines, say, a few grilled shrimp and medallions of beef, plus a creative array of vegetables. (You may save 40 percent or more on your wedding reception, because your chef will know exactly what to buy for your head count.) Once you find a caterer that you really trust, you can work with him to find the most economical options. Rest assured quality always trumps quantity, and that no one will end up stopping at McDonald's on the way home.

7. The Wedding Invitations

8. The Wedding Cake

9. The Transportation

10. Wedding Favors

11. The Wedding Reception Venue

12. The Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

13. The Linens

14. Wedding Shoes

15. The Impression

Are you worried about wowing your guests? Don't. Too many couples think it's their obligation to dazzle their friends at their wedding with every extra on the books. 'But all guests really want is to feel taken care of and special,' says Walls, 'which you can do in little ways.' For example, be sure your wedding has good 'flow,' without an uncomfortable time gap between ceremony and reception. Be sure your traveling guests have little amenities in their rooms, and that older guests don't have far to walk. Weiss likes to leave milk and homemade cookies for wedding guests at the end of the night. 'It makes everyone feel loved,' she says. 'And isn't that the way you want them to feel, when all is said and done?'

Photography: Kenzie Shores Photography

Create a garden look for your wedding with pastel hues and pretty butterflies, evocative of fresh hope and renewal.

Hand-painted butterflies as a decor element, $11 for 12, by Bliss! Weddings Market, 866-445-4405.
Wedding cake covered in fondant with hand-painted sugarpaste butterflies and blossoms, by Pink Cake Box, pinkcakebox.com.
Butterfly-accented bridal bouquet of calla lilies, cymbidium orchids, hydrangeas, ranunculus and vibernum, by Flowers of the World, 800-582-0428.
Wedding invitation on felt cardstock, $174 for 100, by Wedding Paper Divas, weddingpaperdivas.com.
Hand-iced sugar cookies, $6 each, by Eleni's New York, elenis.com. Plate, $7, by Fishs Eddy, fishseddy.com.
Stirrers made of handblown glass, $9 for four, at estiloweddings.com. Glasses, $4 each, at crateandbarrel.com.
Butterfly wedding ring pillow, $34, by Jean M, myjeanm.com.

Photography: Mike Essig

Summer Wedding Theme Inspirations

For beachy flair, use bold tropical blooms, like hibiscus and orchids, to heat up your wedding ceremony.

Photography: Mike Essig

Fall Wedding Theme Inspirations

Oak and maple leaves will charm guests into falling in love with your wedding decor.

Oak-leaf wedding reception place card, $110 for 150, by Papermints, papermints.com. Maple-leaf holder, $4 for set of four, by Kate Aspen, myweddingfavors.com.
Bridal bouquet of dahlias, ‘Sahara' roses, calla lilies, hydrangeas, kangaroo paws and oak leaves, by Stem by David Tutera, davidtuterastem.com.
Wedding program with ribbon, $235 for 100 (unassembled), by The Green Kangaroo, tgkdesigns.com. Square two-layer invitation, $389 for 100, by Checkerboard, checkernet.com.
Leaf-motif wedding favor boxes, $25 for 24, and copper-hued bottle stopper, $4.15, by weddingthings.com.
Chocolate fondant-covered wedding cake with sugarpaste red dahlia, oak and maple leaves, acorns and berries, by Cake Alchemy, cakealchemy.com.
Oak-leaf tealight holders, $3 each by littlethingsfavors.com.

Photography: Mike Essig

Winter Wedding Theme Inspirations

Glistening, pearly-white snowflakes make a cool statement at a frosty weather wedding.

Flat-printed wedding invitation, $870 for 100, by Laura K Design, laurakdesign.com.
Silver snowflake bookmark wedding favor with tassel, $1.50, by Kate Aspen, myweddingfavors.com.
Wedding cake with hand-painted blue fondant and sugar snow details, by Cakes by Tony, pastryprince.com.
Wedding reception table card, $15 for 36, and holder, $32 for 12, by Seasons of Love, seasonsbydawn.com.
Wedding reception centerpiece of calla lilies, thistle, orchids, hydrangeas and silver-painted wood roses, by Stem by David Tutera, davidtuterastem.com.
Frosted-glass tealight holder, $5 for two, at beau-coup.com.
Snowflake-topped box (front) filled with chocolates, $4, by weddingbellefavors.com. Square boxes (rear), $23 for 25, plus ribbon, tags and fasteners, at myjeanm.com.

Photography: Mike Essig

When Alex Cohen discovered that Rich Dean owned a tabletop game of Frogger and a collection of vintage radios, she knew he was the one. “I thought, ‘This is totally the guy for me,'” she says. “So it made sense that our wedding would be as quirky as we are as a couple.”

The pair didn't feel a bit shy about incorporating a vintage car theme, an inflatable “bouncy house” at the reception and roller skates. a nod to Alex's roller derby league.

The couple, who lived in different cities. Alex, a reporter and radio host in Los Angeles, and Rich, a digital media director in Austin, Texas. decided to hold their wedding at the Villagio Inn and Spa situated in the small town of Yountville in California's Napa Valley. Here their 90 guests could stay well entertained for the weekend. the area offers wineries, restaurants, shops and hot-air balloon rides.

Alex did most of the wedding planning herself, choosing a color scheme of teal, chocolate, mint and burgundy. Some friends helped with tasks like designing the invitation, and one pal even helped the bride add beading and a blue sash (to match Rich's vintage sharkskin suit) to her tea-length organza dress from the Galina Collection for David's Bridal. Alex decided on a pair of custom-dyed blue shoes to finish off the look.

On the August wedding day, guests gathered in the property's courtyard area. There they sipped a signature cocktail dubbed the “CoDean” and took self-portraits in a photo booth until friends on skates (from the bride's roller derby league) ushered them to their seats.

A close friend of the couple officiated the ceremony, which included an untraditional wedding party consisting of two “mavens” of honor, as well as a best man and best woman.

The couple's two nieces served as flower girls, and the three ring bearers were accompanied down the aisle by the couple's dogs, clad in canine tuxedos. Alex's mom read aloud “Variation on the Word Sleep,” a poem by Margaret Atwood, and Rich's mom recited a poem by e. e. cummings. Alex and Rich exchanged vows they wrote themselves. “They were beautiful vows. sentimental with some humor,” says Alex. “Rich wrote his first, then I tweaked mine in response.”

After the ceremony, guests sipped cocktails on the lawn and nibbled passed hors d'oeuvres of curried shrimp, risotto and mushroom croquettes and ahi tuna. Then they found their escort cards set on hubcaps; on the property's lawn, each table was named after a type of vintage car.

Guests enjoyed their choice of chicken, sturgeon or vegan-prepared eggplant, while the band, Project Pimento, kicked off the dancing with crowd-pleasing cover tunes that had what the bride calls “a 1960s lounge twist.” The newlyweds didn't share a traditional first dance, but instead took a bounce together in the bouncy house, an inflated castle-shaped structure that provided a trampoline-like experience.

For down time, guests could retreat to a lounge area furnished with ottomans and chaises, and help themselves at a bar piled high with old-fashioned candy treats. At the end of the festivities, friends and family members received tree-planting kits as favors, and then Alex and Rich shared a bottle of wine with friends in their hotel room. “Because we didn't follow the rules, we had a day that meant something special,” says Alex. “The happiest part was having everyone we love come together and seeing them thoroughly enjoy it.”

“I walked into the ceremony to the accompaniment of my nephew playing ‘Here Comes the Bride' on the violin,' says the bride. 'He'd been practicing for months for the big moment.”

“My husband had insisted on no outfits for the dogs. he thought they would be too silly. but once he saw them in their special attire, he loved it!' says Alex. 'They did look very handsome.”