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25 Fun & Fabulous Wedding Ideas

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Get guests laughing, dancing and having a ball all night long with these delightful wedding reception ideas.

By: Rachel Griffiths

Musical Notes

17. Don't be afraid to mix up the music, says Valerie Romanoff, of Starlight Orchestras, in New York City, which provided the music for the wedding of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas. Try a different musical feeling for every stage of the night: Consider strolling violinists playing lighthearted classical pieces as guests arrive at the reception venue, then Brazilian samba for the cocktail hour, followed by a swing band in the ballroom for dinner and dancing.

18. Create a vibrant, on-vacation vibe with music from the Caribbean —think a steel drum, reggae or calypso band.

19. The secret to getting everyone up and on the dance floor is to target the older crowd with the first song of the set, says Romanoff. "Play something from the 1940s that your grandparents will like, then segue into a little Motown or disco, which will appeal to folks your parents' age," she says. "As long as you don't go to hip-hop too quickly, you'll get all your guests on their feet and keep them there."

Sweet Sensations

20. Delight your guests with uniquely presented desserts. Instead of a traditional wedding cake, for instance, place beautifully decorated individual cupcakes on tiered trays—people can help themselves. And Wallace has an idea that'll make them feel like they've stepped into the Garden of Eden: "Hang chocolate-covered strawberries from the branches of a potted ficus tree," she says. "Guests can pluck a sweet as they wander by."

21. Make dessert a group activity. Arrange to have pots of chocolate fondue delivered to each dinner table, along with pieces of pound cake, pineapple and strawberry for dipping. Or, serve s'mores, camp-style—guests can roast their own marshmallows over mini sterno-fueled grills placed at the center of each table.

Happy Endings

22. As the party winds down, have waiters pass trays filled with bite-sized grilled-cheese or peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches, suggests Dorman. (You can even serve the sandwiches at the end of the night as guests wait for valets to retrieve their cars.) Other options include freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies, accompanied by "shots" of milk, or bite-sized ice-cream cones.

23. Send guests off with a parting gift: Near the exit, Weiss often sets up a "candy shop" of glass bowls and jars holding treats in hues that complement the wedding colors. Provide bags and scoops so people can help themselves. The finishing touch: On the table, place a sign that says "Sweet of You to Join Us" or "Sweet Dreams."

24. Let's face it: Despite your best efforts (see box, below), some of your guests may have a bit too much to drink at your celebration. So, give them a little first aid: Make sure to place bottles of aspirin and packets of Alka-Seltzer (along with plastic cups for water) in the bathrooms.

25. For a fun, final drive-away farewell, rent a vintage convertible to whisk the two of you away from your reception. Your guests will love catching one last look at you as you zoom away in a snappy car.

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