The best punch I ever tasted was a fresh strawberry punch at a June wedding. It was a refreshing mouthful of summer. I’ve attended many weddings in my lifetime, but have never come across a punch that came close to that tasty drink.

I say, if you’re going to serve punch at your wedding reception, come up with something creative that doesn’t include sherbet.

Now, don’t get me wrong, sherbet has its’ place. But if you go all out on a wedding reception, why not put a little research and creativity into finding a really great punch recipe. Search the internet, cookbooks, ask relatives and friends what they like and stay open to new ideas.

I was impressed recently when I tasted a coffee punch. It looked great in the bowl, the aroma was captivating, and the taste was like a frosty coffee milkshake—yum! A punch like that may not be the only one you serve. However, it will definitely pique your guests’ curiosity enough to try it.

If your wedding takes place in cooler weather, try a hot cider punch or a warm rum punch. Marrying in warm weather? A frosty mint julep punch or an Italian Limoncella punch would be a refreshing change. Try something out of the ordinary. Your guests will be refreshingly surprised and will appreciate your creativity.

This wedding reception planning idea was brought to you by weddingandpartynetwork.com, your number 1 source for wedding planning.

A special thanks to Catering Creations By CruLa Ro, an Athens Al caterer
who graciously let me use their strawberry punch photo.

I recently attended a family member’s wedding and reception whose theme colors were black, white and fuchsia. She decorated the reception tables using lovely black-and-white scroll patterned fabric with fuchsia accents dotted around the reception hall. She also used a variety of decorative pieces—candelabras, statues, and the like—as centerpieces. It had a very Parisian feel to it and I thought how creative it would be to have a Parisian themed wedding reception. Whether you’re having your wedding reception indoors or al fresco, I think it would be a romantic way to celebrate your wedding ceremony.

The wedding reception decorations could include wire Eiffel Tower decorative pieces for table centerpieces. You could even attach photos of the bride and groom to each tower for a personal touch. And since Paris is the City of Lights, you could tastefully string white mini lights across the ceiling covered by a sheer black or navy fabric for a starry night effect.

Whether serving a sit-down meal or a buffet, you could incorporate some classic French foods into your meal like filet mignon, chicken cordon bleu, baguettes and eclairs. In fact, you could create a tiered wedding cake out of classic French pastries for an alternative to a traditional wedding cake. These pastries would be perfect served with—what else?—champagne fountain for the wedding toast.

Try the Parisian theme for your wedding reception. I'm sure you'll love the classic elegance.