These dapper groomsmen sported bold J.Crew socks to brighten up their neutral ensembles.

White makes right in this elegant and undeniably feminine bouquet, in which butterfly-like sweet peas flutter between bright white Amazon lilies. Delicate hand-wired cattleya orchids flaunt their milky ruffled edges among flirty sprays of fragrant white lilac. Tied in a loose, languorous bow, a wide striped vintage ribbon of steel and slate blues decorates the slender stems wrapped in grosgrain.

Bouquet by Belle Fleur of New York City.

A small strip of felt with a button and slit buttonhole (no hemming needed) adds a bit of dash to 2-inch-round wooden boxes.

Boxes from Lenderink Technologies. Calligraphy by Deborah Delaney (212-877-8773).

The buttons and stripes adorning this adorable ring box fit a preppy outdoor-wedding theme.

The classic ensemble of a striped button-down shirt and French-knot cuff links inspired these favors in summery hues, which we filled with saltwater taffy.

For a letter-perfect token of appreciation, embroider initials on linen and attach to buttons.

A perfect bow on each plate is a fun way to spiff up a plain-Jane napkin. Spread a dinner napkin out, lying flat. Fold opposite sides in so they meet at the center, then fold again at the center to form a narrow, ribbonlike shape. Next, fold short ends in so they meet at the center. Cinch in the middle with a ribbon in a coordinating color, and glue at back.

Lines and dots are combined here; the striped place cards are held up by circular bases. The bases' patterns vary, but the colors are the same.

A guest book is made for personal notes -- why not personalize the outside, too? Buy a cloth-covered unlined journal, or have one made with your own fabric.

Michael Roger Press covered one book in striped cotton shirting and embossed another with a monogram. The light-blue book is from Flicka Boutique.

Recalling the winning air of an award rosette, this little adornment flourishes even in the depths of winter.

A robin's egg, transferware china, and other objects offer color cues. A beribboned cornflower bag (foil-stamped by ForYourParty.com using lettering by Nancy Sharon Collins) holds a favor.

Here's a seating directory that's a blue-ribbon winner. We chose envelopes in various hues, and then mixed and matched ink and ribbon colors. Inside are cards with calligraphed table numbers. To hang, knot ribbons underneath envelope flaps; suspend from white ball pins on a baby-blue linen-covered bulletin board, staggering colors.

Cards and envelopes by Les Papiers Jean Rouget. Calligraphy by Gail Brill Design.

Pale-blue boxes in different shades and preppy patterns create a beautiful favor-table arrangement.