Something Blue: Details

This fun, bright drink is as unexpected as the bird of its name at your wedding, but it can also serve a traditional role as your something blue.

A drink that can easily be dressed up or down, the Blueprint martini takes the crystal-clear, life-affirming qualities of vodka and adds what we choose to view as the antioxidant properties of the blueberry. The result: a late-night nectar that tastes good and at least sounds good for you -- whether it is or not.

Lanterns made of vintage Mason jars clad in ribbons of whatever color you choose exude homespun charm. Use them to illuminate walkways or arrange on a table with place cards or cocktails. (Beware: Jars get very hot.) To prevent sticking, fill vessels with 1/8 inch of water before setting votive candles inside.

A guest book is made for personal notes -- why not personalize the outside, too? Buy a cloth-covered unlined journal, or have one made with your own fabric.

Here's a seating directory that's a blue-ribbon winner. We chose envelopes in various hues, and then mixed and matched ink and ribbon colors. Inside are cards with calligraphed table numbers.

Paper birds keep watch over egg-shape chocolates with these blue favors.

Add sparkle to your reception tables by decorating each place setting with metallic nets filled with foil-wrapped chocolate dragees. The parcels are tied at either end with blue ribbon.

A robin's egg, transferware china, and other objects offer color cues. A beribboned cornflower bag holds a favor.

Give a vintage bride and groom a new base, add a little blue paper, and call it your own. The most familiar topper becomes uniquely yours when embellished. We gave this classic couple a molded clay dais that was inspired by the intricate sugar-spun fretwork adorning toppers of earlier eras. (Vintage figurines have a lot of character, and they're easy to find at flea markets and online auctions.)

The simplest touch of blue can ward off bad luck: Made of white chocolate by Christopher Norman Chocolates, these nibbles are displayed in miniature striped blue-and-white paper cups and set out on white china. As an alternative to a dessert buffet, the caterer could set a plate of the chocolates at each reception table.

Let guests fete the happy couple with a color-coordinated send-off. The supplies can be handed out before the ceremony or set out at the reception.

A wreath of blue hydrangeas framing one magnificent initial adorns a tree.