When planning your wedding, always keep in mind that it is the unexpected details that make your event more memorable. Wedding consultant Candice Benson, founder of The Finishing Touch Wedding & Event Planning says, "The weddings I remember most are not the weddings that were the most lavish or that necessarily had the biggest budgets, but the ones where the couple really made an effort to make the day reflect their personalities, and where the details were unique and thoughtful. My personal advice to brides is to take whatever you love and make it a prominent theme at your wedding. That's always a great place to start."

Incorporate colors of the coast
 
Whether or not the backdrop of your wedding is sun, sand and surf, you can always incorporate those natural elements and create a coastal vibe at any affair. Consider white and pale orchids, roses and hydrangeas. These blooms are casually elegant; ideal for the bride who wants to keep it simple yet unforgettable. For a beautiful table setting incorporate island elements that are pure and natural, such as white orchids in water and polished black river stones as their base. Also utilize seashells, coral and sand accents that are both modern and full of romantic charm. To add a romantic feel, use flowing drapery as well as special lighting and candles to create a glowing ambiance. Consider colors in orange, yellow, blue and green to add a special pop to your affair. Using white as your accent color will add a very clean effect.

Get inspired by fall

As a fitting nod to the season, incorporate the shades and symbols of autumn into your reception. Familiar and eternal, fall tones such as green, chocolate and shades of pumpkin are all wonderful choices to select. Yellow-greens like chartreuse have a modern air, and work well with medium cocoa brown. Try mint green with a deep chocolate brown for a vintage feel – or whites and ivories to enhance all shades of greens and browns. Looking to fiery hues in beautiful unique blooms, such as narcissus with orange centers, freckled Vanda orchids, red striped roses and deep-orange Gloriosa lilies will bring inspiration for a breath-taking one of a kind autumn bouquet. One unexpected way of fusing fall colors into your reception is with food. When considering salads, sides and starters, pumpkins are a great option, with their sweet, distinct flavor and vibrant color. Pumpkin can also make a welcomed addition to any number of savory preparations, including a Chilean stew, rich and creamy soups, and ravioli filling.

Serve up a swanky cocktail-style reception

To give your reception a unique and trendy feel where your guests will be put at ease, work with your planner to arrange a lounge style reception.  This event is sure to please as your guests mix and mingle, dine on finger foods and indulge in delicious signature cocktails. Work with the caterer to bring the types of food you enjoy, and have unique stations on display around the room. Guests will enjoy indulging in the different cuisines, and it will encourage conversation amongst your attendees. Hire a great band to get the crowd moving so guests can dance the night away and surrounded that hall with dramatic flowers and a breathtaking cake that goes with your wedding theme. To help set the ambiance, don't forget to add lots of candles and pillows.  
 
Get inspired by old Hollywood

When wanting to plan such an affair, think of old Hollywood glamour and the excitement of the red carpet. If there's any day you should be a star, it's on your wedding day. Incorporating this as your theme will help you feel just that way, while giving an elegant and unique twist and style to your wedding as well. To set the mood for your Hollywood affair, consider hiring unique entertainment such as a swing band. Consider having your reception at an old art deco movie theater, particularly if it has a large lobby, or an old-fashioned formal restaurant or supper club, like the 21 Club, or a grand ballroom at a hotel. For your flowers, try arrangements composed of just one flower, such as black magic roses for the bridesmaids' bouquets to give a dramatic feel, or an elegant bunch of calla lilies for the bride. To add the last "finishing touch" that all of your guests will remember, name all of your tables after classic Hollywood stars or romantic movies.

Courtesy of The Finishing Touch Wedding & Event Planning, a West Orange, N.J.-based full service wedding and special event planning company specializing in designing, planning and coordinating your most special events.