• Ask the reception facility if you can observe another reception there so you can see the flow of traffic and the set-up.

• Serve food appropriate for the time of the reception - no dinner food at a 4:00 o'clock reception and more than hors d'oeuvres at a 6:00 o'clock event.

• Give clear instructions regarding what music to play when and what announcements/introductions to make by the MC.

• Have the musicians play a variety of music so guests of all ages can enjoy dancing.

• DO not wait too long to cut the cake. Not all guests want to stay a long time after eating.

• A new trend is for the parents to join the couple for the first dance with a favorite song playing like "Always".

• Special monogrammed toasting goblets make a statement and can be used for recreating memories in years to come.

• Many brides opt to forego the garter toss and choose to present the bridal bouquet to a grandparent or the longest married couple present.

• Make arrangements for gifts brought to the reception to be placed in a secure room.

• Origami is the art of paper folding and cranes are an ancient symbol of happiness. Include origami cranes as favors if the Asian culture is included.

• A bonnie idea for those of Scottish heritage is favors of shortbread wrapped in cellophane and tied with plaid organza ribbons.

• Tribal patterns in colorful material can decorate tapers for an African wedding.

• Our native American Indian friends appreciate candles in heart-shaped terra-cotta crockery.

• Something in a Celtic color or design is appropriate for Irish heritage while chopsticks for our Chinese friends depict "two working together as one".