elena's wedding

The decor of your wedding is what sets the mood for the entire evening, so pay special attention to pretty details and eye catching accents. The color and theme — already seen in the invitation — should be reflected in everything from the tabletop to the ceiling. Elena's wedding will be decorated with an orange, pink, and wood color palette.

Start by covering the table with textured orange tablecloths. Slide pink napkins into wooden rings and place on top of wood chargers. Use the tines of a fork to neatly hold the placecards. Serve everything from beer to water in sleek wine glasses. Hang pink and orange lanterns in various sizes at different lengths from the ceiling. Multiple bloom pink and orange floral arrangements are chic and festive. Romantic lighting is essential to enhance the atmosphere, so light hundreds of white candles.

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One of the biggest expenses at a wedding reception is the drinks. Hosting a full open bar is a costly option, and if you don't have an unlimited budget, I would not recommend doing it. Instead offer guests one signature cocktail and an assortment of beer and wine. Another option is to host a day reception, because people don't drink as much when the sun's out. Be sure to ask the wait staff not to pre-open wine bottles. If they do, you may be left with a bunch of open, full bottles.

Along with the signature cocktail at Elena and Sean's wedding, guests will have a choice of Champagne, red or white wine, or a selection of local beers. The cocktail is a refreshing, delish blend of rum, cointreau, and sparkling pomegranate. It has a glorious hue that matches the wedding's color scheme.

For more wonderful wedding ideas, check out IDoSugar. To take a look at the recipe, read more

Once you've decided which cake trend suits your wedding style, it's time to think about the flavor of the cake. Although many couples have differing tastes, you can compromise on a flavor that suits both of you. Each layer can be different, or you can offer a variety of smaller cakes.

Since Sean likes vanilla and Elena loves chocolate, they've decided to serve a marble cake at their reception. A marble cake is made with both chocolate and vanilla batters. The final cake is topped with with a swiss meringue buttercream.

For more wedding ideas, check out IDoSugar. To take a look at the recipe — it's a little complicated! — read more

When planning the menu for your wedding, it's important to remember what time of year the ceremony will take place in. It's tempting to want to incorporate Spring's asparagus and strawberries into the menu, but Elena's wedding will take place in October, a time when neither asparagus or strawberries are in season.

Thus this menu features seasonal twists on classic, yet sophisticated dishes that highlight some of Sean and Elena's favorite foods. A mixture of meat and vegetarian appetizers will start off the evening. Since the couple is originally from Buffalo, NY, spicy buffalo wing bites are a must. Double mushroom pizza is a nice vegetarian alternative.

Elena loves beets, so a roasted beet and goat cheese salad makes a lovely first course. For the entrée, guests have a choice of halibut with Fall vegetables or steak with blue cheese potatoes. Both main dishes are decadent and delicious.

For more wedding planning mania, check out IDoSugar. To look at these recipes, read more

A couple of weeks ago I planned an engagement party for my friend Elena, and this week, the saga continues with her wedding. During the process, I'll feature my tips and ideas on how to host a fabulous wedding, so interpret them to your own liking. Elena and her fiancé are hosting a destination wedding in Lake Tahoe. Both the ceremony and reception will take place at a friend's house that overlooks the lake. The wedding isn't until October '09, so we have plenty of time to make and send the invitations. Elena's colors are orange and fuchsia with wood and khaki accents. To see how I made these earthy, elegant invites, read more