Hide It.
You're gliding around your reception, a mile-wide smile on your face. Suddenly your bright eyes alight on those ugly old table legs sticking out from beneath your tablecloths. There's nothing worse than linens that are too short, so make sure you get your venue manager to show you a fully set table a few days before the reception and verify that everything looks great.
Plant It
Everyone loves the gentle fragrance of spring wafting in the cool night air, so catch some of the magic with rented orange trees. Not only do potted trees bring a lovely scent to your reception, they're great for lending a dash of intimacy and graciousness to even the blandest room. If you decide to buy these trees rather than rent them, you can always plant them in your garden and watch your love grow!
Borrow It
Your grandmother's cut crystal punch bowl. Your great aunt's silver tea tray. All these lovely and personal items can be used to add old world elegance to your reception. And the side benefit is that your older relatives will be proud as peacocks when your guests "ooo" and "aaah" over their treasures.
Garnish It
We know your hors d'oeuvres are going to be tasty, but even the most delectable confection can be pepped up with a little garnish. From tiny tomatoes on wildly curling vines to glowing, jewel-toned flowers, garnishes make even the best treat better.
Light It
For those brides who can afford it, investing in a specialty lighting company is really worth the money. Not only can these wizards cast a warm amber glow over your reception, they can also highlight special areas, such as your centerpieces or cake tables. No less important, they'll devise the perfect way to hide that shabby carpet or uninspired staircase
HOT TIP:
Presentation is everything. Even if you can't afford caviar from gilt eggs, you can ask that your catering staff show you a few different examples of ways to present your menu choices.
See More: Receptions , Planning