Throw a party that truly reflects the two of you! We've found 50 creative ways to celebrate your unique sense of style.
By: Rachel GriffithsSay It with Flowers
14. The blooms you choose for the reception centerpieces and bouquets should have a symbolic meaning, says party planner Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event, in Chicago , who has organized events for Oprah Winfrey. "For example, for a wedding in San Antonio , we used lots of yellow roses to play on the ‘Yellow Rose of Texas ' song," she explains. Get inspired by the first flowers he ever sent you, your favorite blossoms, even the buds that grow in your own garden.
15. Carry a bouquet containing the same type of flowers your mother's did on her wedding day. As a wonderful surprise, include your mom's wedding portrait and an explanatory note in your ceremony program.
16. Do something special for your bridesmaids: Tie their bouquets with ribbons monogrammed with their initials, suggests Hotchkiss.
17. No one says boutonnieres must be made of flowers. Instead, consider choosing a small item that reflects your groom's personality, like a fir branch if he's an outdoorsman or a sprig of rosemary if he's a great cook. Did you meet in college? A twist of ribbons in your school's colors would be a great choice.
Bottoms Up
18. Rather than serving a popular cocktail like a Cosmopolitan or mojito as your "signature" alcoholic drink, create one of your own. Allen recently helped a bride named Toby to come up with a concoction they named the "Tobelini."
19. Or, serve the first drink your groom ever bought you or one that's representative of the place where you met, advises Hotchkiss, who once suggested lychee martinis for an American couple who'd begun dating in Hong Kong . Whatever drink you choose, be sure to list the ingredients and explain the libation's significance on a card posted at the bar.
20. If there's a wine you love—your favorite California merlot, for instance—serve it to your guests (your caterer can even design a menu that complements it). You could also give prettily wrapped bottles as favors.
21. Having an outdoor wedding in the summer? Keep guests cool by serving them glasses of your favorite nonalcoholic beverage, like raspberry iced tea or pink lemonade, while they wait for the ceremony to begin.
