These centerpieces achieve maximum impact with just one type of bloom. The fleur du jour? Ruby-red ranunculus "planted" in sleek lacquer boxes (at the end of the night, give them to special guests or, later, use them to enliven your living room).
Fill each vessel with damp floral foam to form a base for the arrangements, stick in the stems, and then camouflage the foam with coleus leaves. As a finishing touch, tie a ribbon around each napkin and top with a bow.
Like the flash of crimson on a pair of Louboutins or a classic camel coat, these colors know how to make a lasting impression. Follow in their footsteps with a fete that's a la mode, right down to the favors. Here, parting gifts are dressed up in designer details, including a horn-shaped coat toggle, fishnet wrap, and a logo-inspired monogram.
In this sleek stationery suite, scarlet letters are a promise, not a punishment -- and they let loved ones know you're gearing up to paint the town red with a spirited soiree.
"Shower Suite" by Thornwillow Press sports a cute umbrella motif as an homage to the old wives' tale that rain on your wedding day is good luck. (For the record, we totally believe it.) Pretty envelope liners displaying a trio of patterns in the same hue tie it all together.
Talk about a lady in red. Your pals will fall for this ankle-grazing pleated gown that would turn heads on a beach or in a ballroom. Create a tiny waist with a skinny leather belt.
Donna Morgan "Sunburst" dress. Thomas Sires belt. Aquazzura "Sexy Thing" sandals (saks.com).
A killer cuff and kicks spice up this sophisticated pencil dress. Its at-the-knee length and wide straps make for a particularly flattering silhouette.
D&G dress (net-a-porter.com). Mistress Rocks cuff (celebboutique.com). Dolce Vita "Bella" pumps (piperlime.com).
A high neckline and fit that's more streamlined than skintight keeps this red-hot mini in the grandma-friendly zone. To raise the elegance factor, consider a camel clutch and demure heels.
BB Dakota "Richelle" dress (revolveclothing.com). Z Spoke Zac Posen "Shirley Bow" clutch (lordandtaylor.com). Jessica Simpson Collection "Heaton' pumps (lordandtaylor.com).
With its flirty skirt, faux-wrap bodice, and blouson sleeves, this number is an atypical and ah-mazing option for fashion-forward 'maids. Pair it with a vibrant bag and major pumps.
Lublu dress (310-858-1266). C. Wonder "Tab Lock" clutch. Schutz "Delta" pumps (madisonlosangeles.com).
Surprise guests with tiny parcels bearing sweet treats along with their table numbers. The raspberry variety from a pack of Jelly Belly's "Raspberry & Blackberry" drops are a bright revelation (candywarehouse.com). Tucked within every envelope is a seating assignment.
The coolest ideas often come from reimagining everyday objects. This Unique Display Cases unit is designed to hold collectible mini football helmets. To give it an old-hotel mailroom vibe, we painted it cream, added name tags, and filled it with 2-by-2-by-2-inch Paper Mart kraft boxes festooned with Marimaking Supplies envelopes.
Let's be real: Your flower girl's main job is to look adorable -- and maybe toss a petal or two if she feels like it. This sweetie-pie dress is just the ticket; the bloom in her hair is the cherry on top. Carry the same shades in your posy of red ranunculus, carnations, and roses, with a smattering of creamy garden roses, coleus leaves, and putumayo carnations.
Ines di Santo "Femme" wedding gown. Il Gufo dress (tuesdayschild.com). M&J Trimming ribbon (#45999001).
Set out a color-coordinated buffet and watch guests morph into giddy kids in a candy store. Or, pick one or two of these recipes and have servers deliver them with coffee:
