Lengths of paper and ribbon coiled into airy circles and raindrops dangle at different heights above a table decorated with similar shapes. Both springy and springlike, these suspended curlicues in yellow and white call to mind the season's mix of sun and showers. To create the striped strips, glue ribbon onto wider pieces of artist's paper.

Dress by Carolina Hererra.

A vintage striped linen-silk band makes a neat sash for the flower girl's simple white dress (from J. Crew). Wide satin ribbons tied around her feet at the arch dress up simple ballerina shoes (from Little Raggio), while a small fabric flower pinned to her hair continues the theme. Complete her outfit with a basic Nantucket basket that's spruced up with a ribbon fringe and handle -- perfect for holding her petals.

For the ring-bearer, consider this 6-inch square linen ring cushion, adorably decorated with yellow ribbon of doubled-faced satin that swerves and curves down its center. 

A natty nosegay of fabric blossoms that manages to look festive yet restrained can be pinned to a ring bearer or groomsman's lapel.

To create blooms in a variety of textures, sizes, and shapes, use ribbons and rickrack in different widths and weaves. The folds of each flower are clustered around artificial stamens; stems are individually wrapped in floral tape before all are bundled together and bound in wide white grosgrain.

Vivid yellow accents lend dazzling freshness to our table for 10. Paper loop-de-loop centerpieces and votive wrappers match the circles and drops that hang above the table; even the tulips, placed into similarly wrapped 5-inch-tall vases, echo the arrangements' bulbous shapes.

At each seat, a 3-inch paper teardrop bearing a guest's name and embellished with a tiny yellow strand of ribbon serves as both napkin ring and place card; a larger ribbon, tied in a single-loop slipknot, lashes each napkin to its salad plate. 

Before the meal, guide guests to their seats with the help of a beribboned bulletin board.

Do guests a favor and present them with tokens of affection that you've planted inside these petite flower-topped boxes. Wrap each small box with a belt of layered ribbons or a strip of woven fabric, and cap it off with a single fabric blossom. Then line the boxes up under an arrangement of branches wrapped in seam binding and bedecked with more blooms for a minimalist look that holds maximum appeal. Use branches from your own yard, or purchase them from a local nursery.

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.

Adorn your bouquet with this charming accent.

We used paper and ribbon in coordinating colors to decorate this vase, which is filled with sweet peas.

For the bow, we chose matching ribbon in two widths: 100 millimeters (about 4 inches) and 25 millimeters (about 1 inch). Wrap a 5-inch-tall glass cylinder vase with colored paper in the same shade as the ribbons, and secure with double-stick tape. Make the bow by folding the ends of a long piece of the wide ribbon in to meet in the middle. Cinch in the middle, and secure by wrapping the narrow ribbon around it so the ends meet at the back, gluing them in place. Attach the bow to the vase with double-stick tape.

To make this boutonniere, wrap ribbon around three fingers, seven times. Holding lightly at center, fan out loops into a circle. Pin to secure, and apply fabric glue between layers. Let dry, and remove pin.

To make these programs (one letter-size sheet yields two programs), arrange your text horizontally on the page in landscape mode over four columns. Cut the sheet in half, wrap a 10-by-7/8-inch band around the center, and tape in back. Bend the ends of each program toward the center and tuck them under the band, making sure they overlap slightly.

This cake, by Francois Payard, has shimmering gold-ribbon bands and a loopy bow that was pulled and formed from sugar, giving the fondant-covered layer cake a couture look.

For a twist on the fancy chandelier, hang these fluffy pom-poms instead. Each one is made up of several separately made rosettes; just combine two or three, sew or tie together at the center with white pipe cleaner, and fluff into pom-poms. Suspended almost invisibly from the ceiling by monofilament, these soft orbs recall clouds sailing across a blue sky; they also recall in color and shape the white peonies in the centerpieces.

The bow that encircles each napkin has a similar shape to the ribbon chandeliers.

We love each and every one of these ribbons.

1. Cupped sequins, M&J Trimming. Metallic thread, Tinsel Trading Company.

2. 4mm silk ribbons in colors 90, 132, and 10, YLI.

3. 20mm satin ribbon in color 56; 15mm satin ribbon in color 44; 25mm satin ribbon in color 44; 9mm satin ribbon in color 56, all from Mokuba New York, 212-869-8900.

4. 3/4" dupioni silk ribbon in Aegean, Midori.

5. 3" "Elegante" striped velvet ribbon, Hyman Hendler & Sons.

6. 1/2" chinois silk pearl-finish ribbons in sea mist, sea foam, and light blue, Raffit Ribbons.

7. 10mm floral ribbon in color 3, Mokuba New York, 212-869-8900. 3/4" grosgrain ribbon and 2" picot ribbon, both from Hyman Hendler & Sons.

8. Satin ribbon in aqua, Tinsel Trading Company.

9. 11mm organdy ribbon, Mokuba New York, 212-869-8900. Favor boxes (#22 in light green and light blue), U.S. Box Corp.

Shimmering platinum-blue bands of spun sugar transform a rectangular fondant-covered cake into the grandest of packages. The triple-loop bow was inspired by the lavish, draping fabrics of haute couture.

Blue silk-taffeta moire ribbon decorates elegant wedding stationery. The knot symbolizes commitment, and blue has long been associated with fidelity.

To make a neat knot that won't add bulk to the invitation, cut the ends of a ribbon on the diagonal, knot loosely, iron flat, and attach using self-adhesive dots. For the program and menu card, punch holes, thread ribbon through, and tie.

A dainty azure bow pinned discreetly to the underskirt of your wedding dress is a charming way to honor an age-old tradition. Choose any pretty blue ribbon you like (fabric and trimmings stores offer the widest selection), then tie a small length of it into a tidy bow. Fasten it to the inner layers of your gown or undergarments with a tiny safety pin, and it'll be your little secret: something blue that's hidden from view.

A curtain of sheer, iridescent organdy ribbons assembled on a tension rod lends drama wherever it hangs. Use it at the altar, as a backdrop for photos, or in the doorway at the reception.

Ribbon sugar candy is wrapped in cellophane, tied with ombre ribbon, and labeled with a monogrammed sticker.

Either grouped together or standing alone, sweetly tied ribbons look both festive and feminine. These charming examples are all about ease -- you can make them well in advance of your event. For a new take on traditional flowers, pin three neat knots to your bridesmaids' dress straps.

Attach tiny bows to pieces of floral wire and affix them to a white layer cake (remove them before slicing). Top off the cake with a larger version complete with flowing tails. 

Give cloth napkins an upgrade by tying a yard of thick satin ribbon around each one.