Strings of gauzy tulle pom-poms float above a whitewashed landscape, creating a dreamy, light-as-air effect. To ground the scene and add interest to a pure white palette, incorporate plenty of texture. Here, we chose a raw linen tablecloth, net fabric runner, lace-pattern porcelain vase, and a mix of sleek and gardeny blooms, including eucharis lilies and dinner-plate dahlias. "Opalescent" wine glass; highball glass; and "Lace" votive/bud vase, ABC Carpet & Home. "Chandra" vase, White Forest Pottery. Flowers, Saipua.

A pared-down centerpiece, like this whitewashed papier-mache fruit piled on a cake stand and trimmed with silver millinery leaves, is as chic as it is unexpected. Bonus: These faux wonders -- a great substitute for fresh blooms -- won't wilt, so you can display them at home for years to come, either as shown or in a footed glass urn. "Patrician" Champagne flute, designed by Josef Hoffmann, from Neue Galerie Design Shop. Hemstitched linen napkins, Takashimaya New York.

Pillowy pom-poms make the perfect adornment for favor boxes -- or anything, for that matter. Writ large, they're also a refreshing alternative to the ubiquitous paper lanterns in an outdoor reception tent, and they lend a whimsical, personal vibe to an otherwise stuffy, formal ballroom. Choose from tulle, organza, and net, perhaps with a lace or Swiss-dot pattern, then set aside just a few minutes to put them together (the breezy adornments are easy to make).

Try creating the pom-poms and adding them to headbands and barrettes and working them into your bridesmaids' ensembles.

White or ivory may be the traditional stationery choice, but that doesn't mean your set has to look the part. This suite, which includes a coaster with a sweet sentiment, incorporates cream-on-white letterpress type and informal abbreviations for a contemporary feel. Stationery suite, Alee & Press, aleeandpress.com. Envelopes: A7; 4 Bar; #1 Baby, Paper Source, paper-source.com.

A cluster of dahlias, white delphiniums, eucharis lilies, white orchids, and snowberry branches, tied with satin and lace, has an ethereal look. Bouquet, Saipua. 50mm embroidery lace (#62030); 80mm double-faced satin ribbon (#1100), Mokuba New York.

Frocks for the junior set come in a wide array of adorable styles, from cutting-edge to Spanish-inspired, ballerina to bohemian. To give the ensemble dimension, pair your flower girl's white dress with an ivory cardigan and shoes. Clockwise from left: "Ballerina" tulle-skirt dress,US Angels. Silk taffeta petals dress (#19831), J.Crew. "Spanish Princess" dress, Flora and Henri. "Hut Up" merino-wool and silk dress, Makie. Satin bow dress, Us Angels. "Vicky" flats, Elephantito. "Hillary" satin ballet flats, J.Crew. "Button Strap" leather slippers, Rachel Riley. Ruffle-front cardigan, Nellystella. "PePe" flats, Makie.

In addition to these savory snacks, consider serving hors d'oeuvres at your cocktail hour made with seafood, such as scallops, yellowtail, or crabmeat; veggies, like cauliflower and parsnips; and even pasta. Have waiters pass the treats on trays, or arrange them atop a mix of modern and rustic dishes on an enticing buffet table. Clockwise from top left:

• Potato cutouts piped with tangy horseradish creme fraiche
• Lemony whitefish puree and celery tea sandwiches
• Celery-root soup flavored with white wine and thyme
• Parmesan polenta with sauteed cremini mushrooms
• Vegetarian summer rolls with a citrus rice-wine vinegar dipping sauce

Mother-of-pearl picks, Takashimaya New York.

Clockwise from top: Buttercream This cake topping is beloved for its rich and, yes, buttery flavor. Keep it in an air-conditioned or refrigerated spot to prevent softening. If it's below 80 degrees, the frosting will hold up outside for about an hour. Meringue This wispy mix of egg whites and sugar, also known as "seven-minute frosting," can be smoothed on for a clean, glossy look or applied in peaks. For added flavor (and to help it adhere), spread on a thin layer of buttercream first. Fondant When draped over a lightly frosted cake, fondant offers a flawless finish. To decorate it with your monogram, just use a rubber stamp. Fondant holds up well in the heat, but don't refrigerate it -- water spots can form. Powdered Sugar What could be prettier for a winter wedding than a flurry of slices dusted with snowy sugar? With its homespun appeal, this topping would also complement a simple, backyard affair.

Give guests a sweet send-off by stacking cookies in cellophane bags with sturdy bases. Finish with a heart sticker made with a craft punch. Lattice Heart Large Craft Punch, by Martha Stewart Crafts, from Michaels, michaels.com. 3-by-11-inch hard round-bottom bag, Glerup Revere, rgroup.com. Macaroons, Kee's Chocolates.

A dessert bar stocked with eaux-de-vie -- clear fruit brandies, such as kirsch (cherry), framboise (raspberry), or grappa (grape) -- is an unexpected touch and a nice alternative to sweet wine. While these drinks are sometimes served with sugar cubes, we came up with a fun twist: rock candy. With sunshine or candlelight filtering through, the transparent display takes on a gorgeous glow. Crystal clusters, ABC Carpet & Home.