Planning: Reception

Destination Decisions

Finding a spot to tie the knot isn’t as easy as it sounds

Color of the Year

For 2010, turquoise is the hue of choice for adding a splash of something blue to every wedding detail

A Little More Conversation, A Little Less Dancin’, Please

Couples looking to make the most of their time with guests may say yes to entertainment while keeping the event dance-free

Creative Tableware

Think outside the plain white china box with unconventional place settings

Tiers of Joy

Customizing the wedding cake isn't always for the faint of heart. Follow these expert guidelines to find the sweet of your dreams

Getting Organized

Suggestions for finding the best book to help you plan your ideal wedding

Hey, Mr. DJ

Questions to keep in mind when selecting your music man

Simple Tips for Stunning Events

From the day-of venue to the day-after brunch, experts share their secrets for chic, stress-free celebrations

Photo Booths, DIY-Style

If you're dead-set on the classic photo booth, with its boxy shape and four-picture strips, another option is to make one yourself.

Do Them a Favor

For the younger guests at your wedding, give them a takeaway that best fits them

The Anti-Bridal Show

A new event looks to cater to brides who don’t want the ballroom wedding

Twitter Down the Aisle

Which wedding pros are you following?

Keeping Out Allergies

How to tailor to dietary restrictions in a tasty way

Calling All Cookies

In some states, the sweetest thing ain’t the cake – it’s the cookie

Let Them Eat Cupcakes

Tasty and unique alternatives to the classic white wedding cake

Entertainment at its Best

Music-provider and entertainer are two separate things. Here’s what to consider to get the full effect

Turn Any Place into a Party

How to audit an out-of-the-ordinary venue to see if it would work for your wedding

Worthwhile – and Economical – Wedding Favors

Give your guests the gift of something they will really use

Weekend Wedding Coordination

If you’re not feeling a full-on commitment to a wedding planner, considering hiring a hand for just the big day

The ‘Truth’ Behind Traditions

The origin of numerous wedding traditions just might be a little less romantic than you think

Ask Carley: Guest-book options

Q: How do I personalize my guest book? I really don't want just white pages full of signatures!

Serving up treats for a no-cake wedding

The bride said she wanted cookies, not a cake.

Creating a Great Guest Experience

Wedding maestro Colin Cowie shares his secrets for crafting a welcoming wedding

Keeping Kids in the Picture

How to make your nuptials as friendly for the little ones as they are for the adults

Create your own wedding favors

Handmade wedding or shower favors are a thoughtful way to show how much you appreciate your attendees.

A Toast is in Order

Who should say what, when, during your wedding weekend

She’s Got Medallions

Brides choosing the appropriate meat selection – or vegetarian meal – still cling to the classics

Catering to Your Every Need

Selecting a food-service provider is one of the most costly, nerve-testing tasks facing a bride-to-be. Here's the protocol, from soups to nuts to nutty uncles

Figuring Out Food

Vegan? Gluten-free? Just picky? Here’s what to keep in mind adapting the menu to guests’ diets

Station to Station

Bypassing the sit-down dinner for smaller areas of haute cuisine. Here’s how to pull it off with pan

A Dance To Build a Dream On

For better or worse, the song you choose for your first dance together will echo through the years – make sure it’s a good one

Ask Carley: A wedding after-party is optional

Q. I keep hearing about wedding after-parties. What's the deal? Do we have to have one? Who do we invite?

Sabor Caribbean

Catering a different type of flavor for your party

What to Do When Your Venue is !%$&^#

If disaster strikes your location, what options do you have?

After the Party

The reception's over, but food, friends and music keep the party going on all night

High and Low of the Food Chain

You want exotic fare for your wedding, but your budget is more plain-jane. Here's how to get the effect you want for a fraction of the cost

How to Craft Your Own Cocktail

Don't dismiss drinks when mixing personal style into the celebration

Taking the Cake

From frosting to fondant, here are tips for choosing sweet-tasting dessert

In the Seat of the Night

Some smooth ways to get the guests seated

Can an outdoor wedding be formal?

My fiancé has his heart set on a formal reception, but I would really prefer to have an outdoor celebration. Can we have the best of both worlds?

How to Have a Garden Wedding

The wherewithals and wonders of being a botanical bride

Food & Drinks: Glossary

Terms to know before you meet with a caterer.

Food & Drinks: Planning the Reception

Creative cocktails and tasty dishes give guests something to rave about.

Glossary: Key buzzwords to know before you meet with a site manager.

What in the world is a Century Tent? Know what these buzzwords mean before you meet with the site manager at your reception venue.

Your Essential Guide to Receptions

How to select a site, cost cutting tips, and questions to ask.

DIY Catering

Michael Chiarello says preparing a wedding feast on your own is a cinch. Just save the gnocchi for the honeymoon.

A Dance To Build a Dream On

For better or worse, the song you choose for your first dance together will echo through the years -- make sure it's a good one.

How Many Guests Does It Take To Eat a Cake?

You've got your wedding all figured out... or do you? Take our pop quiz and see.

Fantastic Food

Cater to your stomach's - and budget's - desire

Post-Wedding Snack Attack

Never send a guest home on an empty stomach - not even on your big day

Take the Cake to the Next Level

Vanilla and chocolate now compete with banana, peanut butter and fruit-filled cakes for the couples first slice

Tricks of the Trends

In their quest for that special something, brides may find they have a lot of company

Cut Above The Rest

Great cakes satisfy more than a sweet tooth - they're eye candy, too

Hey There Cupcake

No cake? No bridal party? No problem. Brides are making own rules

Cake Etiquette and Issues

Q: Why is my reception site charging me a "cake-cutting fee"? Q: Do we need to serve a dessert besides the cake? and other questions about Cake...

Cake Tips and Trends

Ways To Save, Flavor It Up, and other tips for cakes...

Food & Drink Tips

Basic tips for Food and Drink.

Food and Drink Etiquette

Get those answers to interesting food and drink etiquette questions.

Reception Music Etiquette & lssues

Answers to some truely mind puzzling reception music etiquette.

Reception Music Tips & Trends

The 411 On Reception Music

Reception Site Tips

Tips to have the greatest Reception!

When the plain white cake won't do

Far beyond white-frosted tiers separated by columns, bakers are coming up with couture confections with innovative shapes, bold colors and exquisite details that are sure to dazzle even the most sophisticated couples. So how can you get the perfect cake? Let's break it down slice by slice.

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