A whimsical greeting, geometric topiaries, and oversize initials will infuse a classic outdoor setting with contemporary charm. Spell out a warm welcome -- and give your guests a hint of what's to come. Hang signage made from boxwood leaves, which are available year-round, and frame the doorway with sculptural topiaries.

Make a larger-than-life statement with faux-boxwood letters. They can be shipped directly to your location (and, if you have room for them, back home afterward). Wrought-iron chairs and circular and conical potted trees complete the look. The Details: The Craft Place Styrofoam topiary forms, Earthflora triple-ball topiaries, and large faux-boxwood topiary letters. Pottery Barn Andros chair.

Black, white, and gray all over, custom-printed trompe l'oeil screens and Art Deco details will bring sophistication, drama, and optical illusions to a sleek urban setting. Transform a bare venue with custom-printed shades. We used a sketch of Versailles, but you can choose any image you like. Have it printed over multiple shades, and stagger them to create a 3-D effect. The Details: Today's Window Fashionscustom roller shades. Philippe Starck for Kartell Victoria Ghost chair rentals from Taylor Creative.

Roll out patterned wallpaper (shown here: Ferm Living Squares) for an unexpected pathway.

Don't let your eyes deceive you -- this is actually a 2-D image printed onto card stock and adorned with a ribbon for securing the bands. To create your own, download our clip art at MarthaStewartWeddings.com. The Details: Harry Winston platinum-and-diamond band and platinum band.

Breezy fabric, crisp flags and programs, and a sunny palette will keep a subtle nautical theme afloat near the ocean. Drape striped cloth (we used Silent D nautical bunting) over a rope, and secure it with fabric tape to turn whitewashed dowels into a billowing backdrop. Fold a flag over each chair, and hang matching banners along the aisle.

Cover miniature booklets with canvas flags, and tie them together with lover's knots. The Details: Bird & Banner program. Knot & Rope Supply rope.

Warm, intimate, and positively glowing, a fireplace full of birch logs and candles will set the tone for an enchanted event in a cool-weather locale. Set unscented white candles (in glass cylinders, as many venues don't allow open flames) on trimmed birch branches. Pave your way with white felt, and place candles on thick slices of birch to cap the ends of every row. The Details: Bell-A-Roma Candles small pillar candles. Crate & Barrel large pillar candles. Floral Supply Syndicate assorted glass cylinders.

Swap chairs or benches for birch logs cut into 18-inch stumps (have this done locally). For extra comfort, add a cushion of thick white felt. We used Southeastern Felt & Supply felt circles.

Greet guests coming in from the cold with a signature "mocktail" of white-chocolate hot cocoa customized with paper sleeves (ours are from Bird & Banner).